The UAE economy continued to post strong performance throughout 2025, after the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre announced that the country’s real GDP rose by 6.2% compared to 2024, reaching approximately AED 1.9 trillion ($517.2 billion).
The data showed that the UAE’s non-oil sectors were the main driver of growth, as non-oil GDP increased by 6.8% during the year, recording around AED 1.5 trillion ($408.4 billion), a clear indication of the success of the country’s strategy to diversify income sources and reduce reliance on oil.
UAE economic growth reflects the success of economic diversification plans
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri also affirmed, Minister of Economy and Tourism, that the positive results reflect the success of the UAE’s economic vision in building a more sustainable and competitive development model. He noted that flexible economic policies have contributed to strengthening economic diversification and accelerating the growth of vital sectors, in line with the targets of the “We the UAE 2031” vision.
The UAE continues to implement economic and investment programmes aimed at strengthening its position as a global hub for business and investment, with a focus on innovation, technology, and the digital economy.
Construction leads growth across economic sectors
According to data from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, the UAE construction sector topped the list of the fastest-growing sectors in 2025, with growth of 11.1%.
It was followed by the finance and insurance sector, which grew by 10.4%, while the real estate sector recorded growth of 7.9%, and the transport and storage sector by 7.8%.
These figures reflect the diversity of the country’s sources of economic growth, as strong performance was not limited to a single sector, but rather encompassed a wide range of economic activities linked to infrastructure, financial and real estate services, and logistics.
Trade leads non-oil sector contributions
In terms of sector contributions to non-oil GDP, the trade sector maintained first place, accounting for 16.9% of total non-oil output, underscoring its pivotal role in the UAE economy.
The finance and insurance sector came second at 13.2%, followed by the construction sector at 12.9%, then the manufacturing sector at 12.8%.
These indicators show that more than half of non-oil GDP depends on four main sectors, reflecting a diversified economic base that supports the sustainability of long-term growth.
The UAE continues to invest in the digital economy and innovation
For her part, Hanan Mansour Ahli affirmed, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, that the results achieved reflect the effectiveness of the economic and development policies pursued by the country to enhance economic stability and raise the competitiveness of various sectors.
She added that the UAE continues to strengthen its future readiness by investing in advanced technology, the digital economy, and innovation, supporting sustainable growth and reinforcing the country’s position among the world’s most competitive economies.