UAE GDP reaches AED961.9 billion in H1 2026, non-oil GDP up 1.8%

The UAE’s real gross domestic product (GDP) reached AED961.9 billion at constant prices in the first half of 2026, up 0.4 percent from a year earlier, WAM reported. The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) announced the figures on Friday. Non-oil GDP grew by 1.8 percent.

How much did the UAE economy grow in the first half of 2026?

The UAE economy grew 0.4 percent year on year in the first half of 2026. Non-oil activities rose 1.8 percent and now make up 79.2 percent of the economy, up from 78.1 percent. Oil activities account for the remaining 20.8 percent.

What happened to UAE GDP in the second quarter of 2026?

Real GDP in the second quarter of 2026 stood at AED476.9 billion. That is a drop of 2.1 percent from the same period in 2025.

Non-oil activities contracted by 1.1 percent. Tourism, transport and trade were among the sectors affected by regional developments and travel disruptions.

Which UAE sectors grew fastest in the first half of 2026?

Financial and insurance activities recorded the highest growth among major sectors in the first half, at 14.8 percent.

Other sectors followed:

• Information and communication: 7.3 percent
• Health and social work: 6 percent
• Construction: 5.1 percent
• Government activities: 3.6 percent
• Real estate: 2.3 percent

What are the biggest contributors to UAE non-oil GDP?

Trade ranked first in contributions to non-oil GDP in the first half, at 16.2 percent.

The next largest contributors were:

• Financial and insurance activities: 15.2 percent
• Construction: 13.1 percent
• Manufacturing: 11.8 percent
• Real estate: 7.9 percent

What does the GDP data say about UAE economic diversification?

The FCSC said the data show the continued role of non-oil activities and diversification across key sectors. These include trade, financial and insurance activities, construction, manufacturing and real estate.

The results reflect a broader economic base and a wider range of growth drivers. The FCSC said this supports balanced growth across sectors.

The first-half indicators also underline the importance of accurate statistics. They give a full picture of sector contributions and support evidence-based decision-making, planning and policymaking.

Are the UAE GDP figures final?

No. The first-half and second-quarter results are preliminary estimates. They are based on the statistical methodologies and time series currently in use.

The FCSC and its partners are carrying out the UAE Comprehensive GDP Revision Program. The updated national GDP time series will be released after the revision results are approved in the first quarter of 2027.