The UAE’s economy recorded strong growth in the first quarter of 2025, with real GDP rising 3.9% to AED455 billion ($124 billion) compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary figures from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.
Non-oil sectors expanded by 5.3% to AED352 billion ($95.9 billion), contributing a record 77.3% of total GDP, while oil-related activities accounted for 22.7%.
Key Drivers of Growth
- Manufacturing: +7.7%
- Finance & Insurance: +7%
- Construction: +7%
- Real Estate: +6.6%
- Trade: +3%
Contribution to Non-Oil GDP
- Trade: 15.6%
- Finance & Insurance: 14.6%
- Manufacturing: 13.4%
- Construction: 12%
- Real Estate: 7.4%
Leadership Remarks
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the figures reaffirm the strength and resilience of the UAE economy, reflecting investor confidence and the success of diversification strategies aligned with the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which targets GDP of AED3 trillion ($816 billion) by the next decade.
Hanan Mansoor Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, emphasized that the performance highlights the efficiency of the UAE’s economic model, its technology-driven diversification, and sustainable foundations for long-term growth.
Outlook
The results underscore the UAE’s transition into a knowledge and innovation-led economy, with diversification momentum fueling resilience and positioning the country as a global benchmark for progressive policies and sustainable development.
