UAE Non-Oil GDP Rises to 79.4 Percent of Economy

The United Arab Emirates reported that its real gross domestic product grew by 3 percent in the first quarter of 2026, totaling AED 485 billion at constant prices. Non-oil GDP grew by 4.8 percent, increasing its total contribution to the national economy to 79.4 percent, up from 78.0 percent in 2025. This expansion was primarily led by financial and insurance activities, which grew 17.3 percent year-on-year, followed by gains in construction and human health activities.

Government officials attribute the growth to economic diversification policies and the 'We the UAE 2031' Vision, which seeks to double the national economy to AED 3 trillion by 2031. Complementing this growth, non-oil exports rose by 23.9 percent in the first half of 2026, reaching AED 452.8 billion. This increase was supported by the nation's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements.

To maintain accuracy and alignment with international standards, the government is currently conducting a comprehensive revision of its GDP accounts. The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre provided the data confirming the shifting weight of non-oil activities within the broader economy.