UAE's GDP grows by 3% to AED485 billion in first quarter of 2026

The UAE's real gross domestic product grew by 3 per cent in the first quarter of 2026 to reach AED485 billion, reflecting the resilience of the national economy despite the regional challenges.

Data from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre showed that non-oil GDP grew by 4.8 per cent, raising its contribution to 79.4 per cent of the national economy, and showcasing its continued growth. 

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the results reflected the success of development policies aimed at increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors namely finance, trade, and information, technology and communications to the national economy.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the results reflect the robustness of national economic performance and its ability to sustain growth.

The UAE's real gross domestic product grew by 3% in the first quarter of 2026 to reach AED 485 billion at constant prices, while non-oil GDP grew by 4.8%, raising its contribution to 79.4% of the national economy, reflecting the continued strength of non-oil economic activities… pic.twitter.com/f8hNYpGw1M

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) August 4, 2026

Financial and insurance activities led economic growth, expanding 17.3 per cent year-on-year, followed by construction at 8.1 per cent, human health and social work activities at 7.7 per cent, information and communication at 5.9 per cent, and professional, scientific and technical activities together with administrative and support services at 4.9 per cent.

Real estate activities grew 4.8 per cent, public administration, defence and compulsory social security rose 4.5 per cent, while wholesale and retail trade expanded 2.6 per cent, reflecting the broad-based nature of economic growth.

In terms of their actual contribution to growth, financial and insurance activities made the largest contribution, accounting for 2.44 percentage points, followed by construction with 1.04 percentage points, wholesale and retail trade with 0.42 percentage points, real estate with 0.36 percentage points, and professional, scientific and technical activities together with administrative services with 0.29 percentage points.