UAE real GDP rises 6.2% in 2025, reaching AED 1.9 trillion

UAE’s economy expanded by 6.2% in 2025 compared with the previous year, taking real gross domestic product to AED 1.9 trillion, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) reported [1]. The growth was driven largely by non‑oil sectors, which posted a 6.8% increase to AED 1.5 trillion [3].

Key takeaways

• Real GDP grew 6.2% year‑on‑year, reaching AED 1.9 trillion [1]
• Non‑oil GDP rose 6.8% to AED 1.5 trillion, underscoring diversification [3]
• Construction led sectoral growth with an 11.1% increase, followed by finance (10.4%) and real estate (7.9%) [2]
• Wholesale and retail trade remained the largest non‑oil contributor at 16.9% of GDP [2]
• Officials attribute the performance to strategic policies and the “We the UAE 2031” vision [2][3]

Sectoral drivers of growth

The construction sector posted the strongest expansion, climbing 11.1% in 2025, while financial and insurance activities grew 10.4% and real estate added 7.9% [2]. Transport and storage services also contributed, expanding by 7.8%. These high‑performing sectors helped push the overall economy beyond the AED 1.9 trillion mark.

Wholesale and retail trade continued to dominate the non‑oil landscape, accounting for 16.9% of total non‑oil GDP, with finance, construction and manufacturing each providing roughly 13% or more of the non‑oil output [2]. The data suggest that the UAE’s push toward a diversified, technology‑focused model is bearing fruit, as indicated by the substantial gains in sectors beyond oil.

Why it matters

The sustained 6.2% real‑GDP growth signals that the UAE’s diversification strategy is succeeding, reducing reliance on oil revenues and bolstering resilience against global energy market fluctuations. Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri linked the results to the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, framing the performance as validation of the “We the UAE 2031” vision [2][3].

Looking ahead, the continued emphasis on technology, innovation and the digital economy is expected to drive further non‑oil expansion, with policymakers likely to monitor sectoral performance closely to maintain momentum and achieve long‑term competitiveness.