UAE earns strong credit ratings from three major global agencies

The United Arab Emirates has received favorable sovereign credit ratings from the world’s top three international credit rating agencies -- S&P Global, Moody’s Investors Service, and Fitch Ratings -- highlighting continued global confidence in the country’s economic stability and fiscal management, WAM reported.

According to the UAE Ministry of Finance, S&P assigned the UAE a sovereign credit rating of “AA” with a stable outlook on June 17, 2025. Moody’s reaffirmed its “Aa2” rating with a stable outlook in its annual 2025 review, while Fitch maintained its “AA-” rating, also with a stable outlook, on June 24, 2025.

The alignment of ratings from all three agencies places the UAE among a select group of countries recognized for sound fiscal governance and stable economic prospects.

Commenting on the development, Dubai’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the unified positive assessment reflects consistent trust in the country’s economic resilience and financial policies. He attributed the ratings to long-term economic planning, ongoing diversification efforts, and coordinated government performance.

He noted that the UAE’s economic strategies emphasize reducing dependence on oil revenues, maintaining transparency in public finance, and ensuring fiscal discipline -- factors that have helped build a sustainable growth model.

The finance minister also highlighted the Ministry’s work in expanding market infrastructure, particularly the development of the sovereign yield curve for the dirham, which has improved market transparency and provided a benchmark for pricing dirham-denominated debt instruments. These efforts aim to broaden the UAE’s investor base and strengthen its global economic positioning.

The ratings underscore the UAE’s ability to manage fiscal risks, sustain economic momentum, and maintain macroeconomic stability despite global and regional challenges.

In its report, S&P pointed to the UAE’s strong fiscal reserves and consolidated government assets as key strengths, while noting that geopolitical tensions in the region are unlikely to significantly affect the country's economic performance due to its internal stability and financial buffers.

Moody’s emphasized the country’s progress in expanding non-oil sectors and attracting foreign investment, crediting policy consistency for maintaining investor confidence amid regional uncertainty.

Fitch acknowledged elevated regional geopolitical risks but maintained that the UAE is well-positioned to weather short-term disruptions, supported by substantial fiscal reserves and strong external assets.

Together, the reports reaffirm the UAE’s standing as a stable, well-managed economy and a reliable destination for international business and investment.