The UAE economy expanded to AED 1.9 trillion in 2025, a real increase of 6.2 per cent on the previous year, according to figures released by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC). Activity outside the oil sector grew at an even quicker pace, rising 6.8 per cent year-on-year to reach AED 1.5 trillion.
The headline numbers rested on strong showings across several industries. Construction led the way with growth of 11.1 per cent, followed by the financial and insurance sector at 10.4 per cent, real estate at 7.9 per cent and transport and storage at 7.8 per cent.
When measured by contribution to non-oil GDP, trade held the largest share at 16.9 per cent. The financial and insurance sector accounted for 13.2 per cent, construction 12.9 per cent and manufacturing 12.8 per cent, a distribution the centre cited as evidence of a broad production base supporting the wider economy.
Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, described the results as further proof of an exceptional run for the national economy under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. He tied the figures to a strategy built around a diversified and sustainable model, pointing to both the strength of non-oil activity and the rising weight of new economy industries.
Bin Touq said the trajectory was moving the country closer to the goals laid out in the “We the UAE 2031” vision, a path he credited to flexible policies grounded in long-range planning and a readiness to respond quickly as global conditions change.
Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the FCSC, attributed the year’s performance to development and economic policies that have reinforced stability and sharpened the competitiveness of leading sectors, while steering the economy toward greater diversity and efficiency. She said the country was investing in the digital economy, technology and innovation, and building an integrated ecosystem intended to sustain long-term growth and strengthen its position as a hub for business and investment.
