Dubai, UAE – The UAE’s real GDP grew by 3% during the first quarter of 2026 to reach AED 485 billion at constant prices. Non-oil GDP grew by 4.8%, increasing its contribution to the national economy to 79.4%. Reflecting the continued strength of non-oil economic activities, the results also reflect the resilience of the national economy. It was achieved despite the regional challenges witnessed in the first quarter of the year. Its impact was limited to a limited number of activities, without affecting the general path of economic growth.
Data from the Federal Center for Competitiveness and Statistics showed that the contribution of non-oil activities to GDP rose to 79.4% during the first quarter of 2026. Compared to 78.0% in the same period of the previous year. Reflecting the effectiveness of development policies in promoting economic diversification and expanding the base of productive activities. The rapid progress towards building a national economy based on knowledge, innovation and sustainability embodies the achievement of the goals of the “We Are the Emirates 2031” vision.
Outstanding performance
Several economic activities recorded outstanding performance during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period of the previous year. Financial and insurance activities topped the growth rates, reaching 17.3%. It was followed by construction activity at 8.1%, then human health and social service activities at 7.7%. Information and communications activities grew by 5.9%, while professional, scientific and technical activities, administrative services and support services grew by 4.9%. Reflecting the continuing momentum in vital, high-value-added economic activities.
The data showed remarkable growth in a number of other activities. Real estate activities grew by 4.8%, and public administration, defense and compulsory social security by 4.5%. While wholesale and retail trade activities recorded a growth rate of 2.6%. Reflecting the diversity of growth sources and the broad base of productive activities in the national economy.
In terms of actual contribution to growth, financial and insurance activities topped the list of contributors, contributing 2.44 percentage points to non-oil GDP growth. This was followed by construction activity with a contribution of 1.04 percentage points. Then wholesale and retail trade with 0.42 percentage points, and real estate activities with 0.36 percentage points. Professional, scientific, technical and administrative services activities at 0.29 percentage points. This confirms that growth engines have become broader in scope and more linked to the state’s investment priorities.
Strong performance of UAE foreign trade
These results are consistent with the UAE’s strong foreign trade performance. In which the network of comprehensive economic partnership agreements contributed to opening new markets for non-oil national exports. This has enhanced the performance of manufacturing, trade and logistics activities, and established the UAE’s location as a pivotal center for trade and investment at the regional and global levels.
As part of the comprehensive transformation of the national statistical system, the UAE is currently conducting a comprehensive review of its GDP accounts. These include integrating new data sources, including free zones within statistical coverage, and harmonizing and standardizing methodologies. In line with international best practices and standards, with the aim of enhancing the accuracy and comprehensiveness of economic measurement and providing a more integrated picture of the size and performance of the national economy. In a way that supports decision-making and future policy-making and enhances readiness for the future.
The announced results are based on the current statistical methodology, and the time series will be updated according to the outputs of the comprehensive GDP review program after its completion.
The comprehensive review programme is implemented in partnership and technical coordination with a number of specialised international institutions and organisations. To ensure that methodologies are aligned with international best standards and practices. It enhances the reliability and comparability of results, and establishes confidence in them among institutions and users at the local and international levels.
The Federal Center for Competitiveness and Statistics continues to issue official economic data for the UAE in accordance with the latest approved international methodologies. In a way that consolidates confidence in national indicators and supports the sustainable economic development process.
