UAE economy hits $517 billion as non-oil sectors power ahead

The United Arab Emirates posted robust economic growth of 6.2% in 2025, with real GDP reaching 1.9 trillion AED ($517 billion), according to data released Sunday by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.

Non-oil GDP,  the key indicator of economic diversification,  outpaced overall growth, rising 6.8% to 1.5 trillion AED ($408 billion), underscoring the success of Abu Dhabi and Dubai's long-running push to reduce dependence on hydrocarbon revenues.

Construction led all sectors with growth of 11.1%, reflecting a sustained infrastructure and real estate boom across the Emirates. Finance and insurance followed closely at 10.4%, with real estate at 7.9% and transport and storage at 7.8%.

In terms of contribution to non-oil GDP, trade remained the dominant sector at 16.9%, followed by finance and insurance at 13.2%, construction at 12.9% and manufacturing at 12.8% — a breakdown that points to a genuinely diversified economic base.

Government Response

Economy Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri hailed the results as evidence that the UAE's strategic vision is delivering. 

"The national economy continues to deliver exceptional performance," he said, pointing to an increasingly diversified, sustainable and competitive development model driven by accelerating non-oil activity.

With growth comfortably above global averages and non-oil sectors firing on all cylinders, the UAE is cementing its position as one of the world's most dynamic emerging economies.