UAE GDP grew 6.2% in 2025. The Ministry of Finance's 2025 annual report, reviewed on Sunday, confirmed that the country's gross domestic product expanded by 6.2 percent year‑on‑year to reach Dh1.9 trillion (US$517.2 billion). Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, presented the figures after reviewing the report.
Non‑oil sector leads the surge. Data from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre show that the non‑oil segment was the main engine of growth. Non‑oil GDP rose 6.8 percent to Dh1.5 trillion, outpacing the overall economy. Sheikh Maktoum highlighted the sector’s role in diversifying revenue streams and strengthening the national financial ecosystem.
Foreign trade breaks the $1 trillion mark. Government data indicate that non‑oil foreign trade surged 26 percent last year, pushing total exports above $1 trillion for the first time. The jump reflects expanding markets for UAE‑made products and services. The trade uplift supports the country’s ambition to become a hub for high‑value goods and digital solutions.
Fiscal policy and budget boost. In October, the Ministry announced plans to raise the federal budget to Dh92.4 billion for the current year, a 29 percent increase from the previous Dh71.5 billion allocation. The larger budget aims to fund infrastructure, digital transformation and public‑private partnerships. Officials said the fiscal expansion aligns with long‑term goals of financial resilience and sustainable growth.
Sukuk market activity and Retail Sukuk launch. The UAE raised Dh9.9 billion from nine sukuk issuances under the Islamic Treasury Sukuk programme, reinforcing the nation’s presence in international capital markets. Also in 2025, the Retail Sukuk initiative opened, allowing citizens and residents to invest in fractional units starting from Dh4,000, a step toward broader financial inclusion.
Looking ahead to diversification. While the 2025 figures mark a strong performance, officials stress the need to deepen non‑oil contributions and expand investment opportunities. Ongoing reforms aim to attract high‑quality capital and nurture emerging sectors. Sheikh Maktoum noted that the Ministry’s strategic role will continue to shape policies that support rapid digital transformation and public‑private collaboration.
Frequently asked questions
- What is driving the growth of the UAE economy? The non‑oil sector is driving the growth, with non‑oil GDP rising 6.8% to Dh1.5 trillion, outpacing the overall economy.
- How much did the UAE's foreign trade surge in 2025? Non‑oil foreign trade surged 26% in 2025, pushing total exports above the $1 trillion mark for the first time.
- What is the UAE's plan to raise the federal budget? The UAE plans to raise the federal budget to Dh92.4 billion for the current year, a 29% increase from the previous Dh71.5 billion allocation.
- What is the purpose of the Retail Sukuk initiative? The Retail Sukuk initiative allows citizens and residents to invest in fractional units starting from Dh4,000, aiming to broaden financial inclusion.
- What is the significance of the non‑oil sector's role in diversifying revenue streams? The non‑oil sector diversifies revenue streams, strengthens the national financial ecosystem, and underpins the UAE's financial resilience and sustainable growth.
Source:indexbox.io
