The Federal Center for Competitiveness and Statistics has reported that the real GDP of the United Arab Emirates experienced a growth rate of 4.2%, amounting to 929 billion dirhams during the first half of 2025. This growth is in comparison to the same period in 2024. The non-oil GDP saw an increase of 5.7%, totaling 720 billion dirhams, with non-oil activities contributing 77.5% to the overall real GDP, while oil-related activities accounted for 22.5% during this timeframe.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasized that the UAE, guided by wise leadership, has adopted a proactive approach that aligns with local, regional, and global economic trends. This strategy is evident through the development of competitive economic strategies and legislation, an open economic environment to the world, and the encouragement of private sector engagement in the growth of non-oil sectors. Moreover, the focus on technology localization and digital transformation in key and advanced economic sectors has positioned the UAE as a leading example of economic diversification, aimed at transitioning into a global hub for the new economy by the next decade.
He stated, “The positive economic results from the first half of 2025, particularly the 5.7% growth in non-oil GDP, reflect the strength and competitiveness of the country’s economic performance, as well as the effectiveness of the economic policies pursued by the UAE government. These results reaffirm our commitment to reducing dependence on oil, enhancing non-oil national industries, and achieving the economic objectives of the ‘We Are the UAE 2031’ vision.”
Additionally, Hanan Mansour Ahli, Director of the Federal Center for Competitiveness and Statistics, highlighted that the strong performance of the GDP during this period, reaching 929 billion dirhams, showcases the robustness of the UAE’s economy and the ongoing momentum driven by non-oil activities such as trade, manufacturing, and construction. She noted that “the increase in the contribution of non-oil sectors to 77.5% underscores the success of the country’s economic diversification policies and its ability to create a flexible and sustainable productive environment based on knowledge and innovation, aligning with national objectives for building the economy of the future.”
Fastest Growing Economic Activities
During the first half of the current year, the financial and insurance sectors led the economic activities in terms of growth rate, achieving an increase of 8.3% compared to the same period last year. This was followed by the construction sector, which recorded a growth of 7.9%, while manufacturing industries grew by 7%, and real estate activities by 6.5%.
In terms of contributions to the non-oil GDP during the first half of 2025, the trade sector held the top position with a contribution of 16.1%, followed by the financial and insurance sector at 14%. The manufacturing sector contributed 13.8%, while construction and real estate activities accounted for 11.8% and 7.8%, respectively.
It is noteworthy that the GCC economies experienced positive growth during the first half of 2025, with the UAE leading in growth rates supported by non-oil sectors. This reflects the effectiveness of strategic initiatives and policies aimed at enhancing economic diversification in the UAE and contributing to the collective economic progress of the Gulf region, showcasing balanced advancement that reinforces economic stability throughout the area.