Dubai, UAE – Fitch Ratings confirmed that the UAE’s long-term credit rating is stable at -AA with a stable outlook. Supported by declining government debt and strong sovereign external assets. And the per capita GDP is rising.
Fitch estimated that the UAE will continue to achieve a surplus in the unified budget during 2026 at about 4.5% of the gross domestic product. Although government spending rose by about 20% to contain regional tensions and fund subsequent recovery programs.
She stressed that UAE banks are flexible and capable of facing all difficult scenarios, benefiting from sound financial indicators and high levels of liquidity and capital reserves.
low risk
The UAE’s government debt is expected to stabilize at 27% of GDP in 2026, which is much lower than the average of 50.3% for AA countries. Based on available data, a large proportion of state-owned enterprises’ debt is held by sound, low-risk entities.
Fitch awarded the UAE an advanced score (+5) in the indicators of governance, political stability, rule of law and anti-corruption within the Environmental, Social and Institutional Governance (ESG) assessments. Based on the World Bank’s classification of global governance indicators.
She said that the UAE has a strong record of internal political stability, efficient institutions, effective regulatory frameworks, and low levels of corruption. These factors enhanced the stable future outlook for the country’s credit rating.
high oil revenues
The agency today expects Abu Dhabi’s oil export revenues to rise during 2026 compared to its estimates that preceded the war and related unrest. Benefiting from rising crude prices, in addition to continued exports via pipelines to Fujairah, which compensates for the decline in some shipments via the Strait of Hormuz.
She noted that Abu Dhabi’s oil infrastructure is less vulnerable to long-term damage than other energy facilities in the region.
