UAE’s Non-Oil GDP Grows 6.1% in First Nine Months of 2025, Reinforcing Economic Diversification

Dubai | EcoPulse24

The UAE economy recorded a 5.1% growth in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching a total GDP of about AED 1.4 trillion, according to data from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre. Non-oil GDP grew by 6.1% during the same period, exceeding AED 1 trillion, underscoring the country's shift towards a diversified, knowledge- and innovation-driven economic model.

Overall GDP reached AED 1.4 trillion in the first nine months of 2025, with the non-oil component surpassing AED 1 trillion. Total GDP growth was 5.1% year-on-year, while non-oil activities grew by 6.1%, outpacing overall growth and signaling accelerated structural transformation.

By sector, financial and insurance activities led growth at 9%, followed by construction at 8.7%, real estate at 7.9%, and manufacturing at 6.9%. In terms of contribution to non-oil GDP, trade ranked first at 16.1%, followed by manufacturing (13.9%), finance and insurance (13.5%), construction (11.9%), and real estate activities (7.9%).

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, stated that these results reflect the effectiveness of the UAE's economic policies and reinforce its position as a leading economic power and attractive destination for business and investment. This aligns with the "We the UAE 2031" vision, which aims to double GDP to AED 3 trillion in the next decade.

Hanan Mansour Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, noted that the GDP indicators for the first nine months of 2025 reflect the advanced level of the national economy, resulting from integrated government policies and an efficient national data system. She added that the strong performance demonstrates the UAE’s success in establishing a flexible, competitive, and diversified economic model, investing in human capital, and leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance economic analysis and policy efficiency.

The data also indicate that GCC economies saw positive performance during the same period, with the UAE leading the region, supported by flexible economic policies, advanced infrastructure, and an enabling legislative environment.

EcoPulse24 Analysis:
The acceleration of non-oil GDP growth to 6.1%, compared to 5.1% overall, reflects a gradual shift in the UAE’s economic structure towards a more diversified production base. The strong growth in finance, construction, and manufacturing signals an expansion in new economy activities and non-traditional value chains. The leading contribution of trade and industry further enhances the UAE’s image as a regional hub for re-export and advanced manufacturing. Sustaining this trend will reinforce the shift away from traditional oil dependence and support the country’s GDP-doubling targets in the coming years.