The import of coal (excluding anthracite or bituminous) to the UAE has shown fluctuating, yet generally increasing trends over the years. In 2023, the volume stood at 2.8813 billion kilograms. An analysis of recent trends reveals that from 2021 to 2023, there was successive growth, with year-on-year variations showing an increase of 2.11% from 2021 to 2022 and 2.03% from 2022 to 2023. Over the past five years, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was 2.21%. The forecasted data from 2024 onwards suggests continuous growth, with an expected CAGR of 1.56% over the next five years, leading to an 8.03% overall growth by 2028.
Future trends to watch for include:
- The global shift towards renewable energy which could affect coal demand and imports.
- Changes in domestic energy policies in the UAE promoting cleaner energy alternatives.
- Potential economic factors affecting the overall import capacity and consumption patterns.
- The impact of international trade regulations and geopolitical developments on coal imports.
