The top 10 products Imported to the United Arab Emirates are gold, broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, diamonds, cars, plastics, iron and steel, pharmaceutical products, copper and gas turbines. Most products are imported from China, India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia. In 2023, the United Arab Emirates was the world’s largest importer of tug boats ($453 million) and nutmeg, mace, and cardamom ($145 million).
In 2023, the United Arab Emirates imported $312 billion, ranking 21st among global trade destinations. During the last five reported years, United Arab Emirates imports increased by $65 billion, from $247 billion in 2017 to $312 billion in 2023. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 products imported to the United Arab Emirates.
List of Top 10 Products Imported to the United Arab Emirates
The list of the top 10 products imported to the United Arab Emirates is described as follows:
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Imported Products
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Imported value in USD in 2023
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Gold
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57.1
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Broadcasting Equipment
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20.3
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Refined Petroleum
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19.5
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Cars
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12.9
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Plastics
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9.57
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Iron and steel
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5.81
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Optical, photo, technical, medical apparatus
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4.18
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Pharmaceutical products
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3.71
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Copper
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0.148
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Tenth Largest Product Imported to the United Arab Emirates – Copper
In 2023, the United Arab Emirates imported $148 million in copper wire, making it the 44th greatest importer in the world. Copper wire was the tenth most imported product in the UAE that year. The United Arab Emirates mostly imports copper wire from Russia ($77 million), Turkey ($26 million), Kuwait ($13.1 million), Kazakhstan ($9.64 million), and South Africa ($5.98 million).
- Between 2022 and 2023, the United Arab Emirates’ fastest increasing import markets for copper wire were Russia ($64.5 million), Turkey ($26 million), and Kazakhstan ($9.64 million).
- The UAE’s booming economy and development projects fuel up demand for copper imports.
- copper’s conductivity and corrosion resistance make it crucial in the telecommunications and electrical industries.
- Copper imports play an important role in the UAE’s infrastructure growth and industrial diversification activities, which are centered on sustainable development and technological improvement.
Ninth Largest Product Imported to United Arab Emirates – Pharmaceutical Products
In 2023, the UAE imported $3.71 billion in pharmaceutical products, making it the world’s 33rd highest importer. In the same year, pharmaceutical products were the ninth most imported product in the UAE. The United Arab Emirates imports pharmaceutical products mostly from Germany ($516M), the United States ($490M), Switzerland ($279M), France ($265M), and the United Kingdom ($244 million).
- From 2022 to 2023, the United Arab Emirates’ fastest expanding import markets for pharmaceutical items were France ($35.7 million), Italy ($31.4 million), and Sweden ($24.5 million).
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) imports a substantial amount of pharmaceutical products to suit its citizens’ healthcare needs.
- These imports comprise a diverse range of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare supplies purchased from top pharmaceutical companies and suppliers around the world.
- Pharmaceutical imports into the UAE are critical to ensuring residents and visitors have access to important pharmaceuticals and innovative medical treatments.
Eighth Largest Product Imported to United Arab Emirates – Optical, Photo, and Film Equipment
In 2023, the United Arab Emirates imported $4.18 billion in optical, photo, and film equipment; medical instruments, ranking 31st in the world. In the same year, optical, photo, and film equipment; medical instruments were the eighth most imported goods in the UAE.
- The United Arab Emirates imports optical, photographic, and film equipment, as well as medical instruments, largely from the United States ($785 million), China ($601 million), Germany ($376 million), the United Kingdom ($285 million), and Italy ($184 million).
- Between 2022 and 2023, the fastest increasing import markets for optical, photo, and film equipment; medical instruments in the UAE were the United States ($159 million), France ($53.1 million), and Israel ($44 million).
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) imports a wide range of optical, photographic, technological, and medical equipment to assist industries such as healthcare, telecommunications, and manufacturing.
- These imports include innovative medical equipment such as MRI machines, X-ray devices, and surgical instruments, which suit the needs of the country’s hospitals and clinics.
Seventh Largest Product Imported to United Arab Emirates – Iron and Steel
In 2023, the UAE imported $5.81 billion in iron and steel, making it the world’s 26th highest importer. In the same year, iron and steel were the seventh most imported product in the UAE. The United Arab Emirates predominantly imports iron and steel from China ($1.85 billion), India ($1.36 billion), Oman ($473 million), Japan ($343 million), and Saudi Arabia ($213 million).
- Between 2022 and 2023, the United Arab Emirates’ fastest increasing import markets for iron and steel were China ($504 million), Japan ($261 million), and Australia ($113 million).
- In 2023, leading corporations such as were at the forefront of delivering iron and steel from the UAE to the United States.
- The UAE imports a substantial amount of iron and steel to assist its building, manufacturing, and infrastructure development industries.
- As a rapidly rising economy with ambitious urban development projects, the UAE relies on imported iron and steel to build skyscrapers, residential complexes, bridges, and other infrastructure.
Sixth Largest Product Imported to United Arab Emirates
In 2023, the UAE imported $9.57 billion in plastics and rubbers, making it the world’s 29th highest importer. Plastics and rubbers were the sixth most imported product in the UAE that year. The United Arab Emirates imports plastics and rubber largely from China ($2.89 billion), Saudi Arabia ($1.58 billion), India ($648 million), the United States ($497 million), and South Korea ($446 million).
- Between 2022 and 2023, the United Arab Emirates’ fastest increasing import markets for plastics and rubbers were China ($548 million), South Korea ($105 million), and the United States ($97.8 million).
- In 2023, top enterprises such as PIRELLI TIRE LLC (3.3k) and IKEA SUPPLY AG (74) were at the forefront of transporting plastics and rubbers from the UAE to the US.
- Plastic imports include both raw materials like polymers and resins and completed plastic products.
- These imports are crucial for a variety of industries, including construction, packaging, automotive, and consumer goods manufacturing.
Fifth Largest Product Imported to United Arab Emirates – Cars
In 2023, the UAE imported $12.9 billion in cars, making it the world’s 15th highest importer. In the same year, cars were the fifth most imported product in the UAE. The United Arab Emirates mostly imports cars from the United States ($2.9 billion), Japan ($2.44 billion), China ($1.9 billion), Germany ($992 million), and the United Kingdom ($784 million).
- Between 2022 and 2023, the fastest growing import markets for cars in the UAE were China ($1.54 billion), the United States ($1.04 billion), and the United Kingdom ($383 million).
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) imports a large number of cars due to increasing demand for personal and business transportation.
- With a growing economy and a propensity for luxury, the UAE imports a wide selection of vehicles from manufacturers throughout the world, including sedans, SUVs, sports cars, and luxury automobiles.
Fourth Largest Product Imported to United Arab Emirates – Diamonds
In 2023, the UAE imported $17.5 billion in diamonds, making it the world’s third-largest importer. In the same year, diamonds were the fourth most imported product in the UAE. The UAE imports diamonds largely from Angola ($3.4 billion), Belgium ($2.59 billion), India ($2.51 billion), Botswana ($2.31 billion), and Russia ($1.64 billion).
- Between 2022 and 2023, the United Arab Emirates’ fastest-increasing import markets for diamonds were Angola ($1.76 billion), South Africa ($509 million), and Botswana ($375 million).
- Direct flights to diamond hotspots in Africa and India have resulted in connected supply systems, with Dubai at the center.
- Dubai is strategically located near diamond mining regions in Africa and India, which produce 90% of the world’s polished diamonds.
- Due to the presence of two Kimberly Process (KP) offices, Dubai is the only place in the country where raw diamonds can be imported.
- According to reports, DMCC’s Dubai Diamond Exchange, the world’s largest diamond tender facility, houses over 1,100 diamond firms.
Third Largest Product Imported to United Arab Emirates – Refined Petroleum
In 2023, the UAE imported $19.5 billion in refined petroleum, making it the world’s 17th highest importer. In the same year, refined petroleum was the third most imported product in the UAE. The United Arab Emirates imports refined petroleum largely from India ($7.98 billion), Saudi Arabia ($2.76 billion), Iraq ($2.26 billion), Kuwait ($1.68 billion), and Pakistan ($1.07 billion).
- Between 2022 and 2023, the UAE’s fastest expanding import markets for refined petroleum were India ($3.52 billion), Iraq ($1.01 billion), and Pakistan ($872 million).
- The UAE imports refined petroleum products to complement its indigenous supply and meet the needs of its economy.
- Despite being a major supplier of crude oil, the UAE imports refined petroleum to meet specific needs including specialized fuels and lubricants.
Second Largest Product Imported to United Arab Emirates – Broadcasting Equipment
In 2023, the UAE bought $20.3 billion in broadcasting equipment, making it the world’s sixth largest importer. In the same year, Broadcasting Equipment was the second most imported product in the UAE. The UAE imports broadcasting equipment largely from China ($10.2 billion), Vietnam ($2.77 billion), India ($2.33 billion), the United States ($1.84 billion), and Singapore ($574 million).
- Between 2022 and 2023, the fastest expanding import markets for broadcasting equipment in the UAE were China ($1.51 billion), Singapore ($460 million), and Germany ($210 million).
- The UAE imports broadcasting equipment to assist its rapidly expanding media and entertainment industries.
- With the growth of digital media, satellite television, and online streaming platforms, there is a greater demand for cutting-edge broadcasting equipment.
Largest Product Imported to United Arab Emirates – Gold
In 2023, the United Arab Emirates imported $57.1 billion in gold, making it the world’s third largest importer. During the same year, gold was the top imported product in the UAE.
- The United Arab Emirates mostly buys gold from Mali ($5.57 billion), Russia ($5.36 billion), Ghana ($4.68 billion), the United Kingdom ($4.5 billion), and Zimbabwe ($4.46 billion).
- Between 2022 and 2023, the United Arab Emirates’ fastest increasing import markets for gold were Russia ($5.28 billion), Ghana ($2.98 billion), and the United Kingdom ($2.06 billion).
- The UAE’s gold imports have increased as gold prices have risen during the 2008 financial crisis, which led to illicit mining.
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) imports gold largely to meet domestic demand for jewellery, decorations, and investments, as well as to support its growing gold manufacturing and trading sectors.
- Dubai, in particular, is a key international hub for gold trade and re-exportation.
Summary
Due to a lack of domestic production, the UAE imports a variety of goods to supplement its economy, including machinery, transportation equipment, and food. Import challenges include dependency on global markets, fluctuating commodity costs, and geopolitical disputes that disrupt trade routes. Furthermore, guaranteeing food security in arid environment circumstances presents a substantial difficulty. Despite these hurdles, strategic planning and diversification activities aim to reduce risks and maintain economic stability in the UAE.
Read Also,
Top 10 products Imported to United Arab Emirates- FAQ
What is the UAE major imports?
UAE’s major imports are gold, broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, diamonds, cars, plastics, iron and steels, pharmaceutical products, copper and gas turbines.
What items does the UAE import?
UAE import gold, broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, diamonds, cars, plastics, iron and steels, pharmaceutical products, copper and gas turbines.
What are the imports of UAE from India?
UAE import refined petroleum, jewellery, diamonds from India.
What are the top imported products in the UAE?
The top imported products in the UAE are gold, broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum.
What are the top 3 imports of Dubai?
Top 3 imports of Dubai are gold, broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum.
Who is UAE biggest trading partner?
UAE’s biggest trading partner is China.
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