The UAE’s real GDP reached AED485 billion in the first quarter of 2026, growing 3 percent at constant prices, according to data from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.
Non-oil GDP expanded faster, at 4.8 percent, lifting its share of the national economy to 79.4 percent, up from 78.0 percent for full-year 2025.
Financial and insurance activities were the strongest-performing sector, growing 17.3 percent year-on-year and contributing 2.44 percentage points to overall GDP growth.
Construction followed at 8.1 percent growth and a contribution of 1.04 percentage points. Human health and social work activities expanded 7.7 percent, information and communications 5.9 percent, and professional and scientific services alongside administrative support 4.9 percent. Real estate grew 4.8 percent, public administration 4.5 percent, and wholesale and retail trade 2.6 percent.
“The Q1 2026 results reflect the ability of the UAE’s government work system to translate the wise leadership’s strategic vision into tangible economic results that serve people and the future. The growth led by the non-oil economy – through sectors such as finance, trade, and information, technology and communications, which contributed significantly to non-oil GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026, raising its contribution to 79.4 percent – is not an isolated figure, but the outcome of integrated government policies and initiatives working as one system towards one goal: consolidating the UAE’s standing as a global leader in competitiveness, excellence and future readiness,” Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs said in a statement.
“The results of the first quarter of 2026 reflect the robustness of the national economy’s performance and its ability to sustain growth and enhance its competitiveness at both the regional and global levels, embodying the success of the vision and directives of the wise leadership, as well as the policies and legislation adopted by the country to advance economic diversification. Non-oil sectors continue to lead growth, raising their contribution to 79.4 percent of GDP, supporting the UAE’s sustainable economic growth and reinforcing its position as a global hub for business and investment,” Al Marri added.
Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi tied the performance to the country’s network of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements.
He said non-oil exports grew 23.9 percent in the first half of 2026 to AED452.8 billion, the fastest-growing component of UAE foreign trade, adding that the CEPAs had opened new markets and reinforced the competitiveness of industrial and services sectors.
The UAE is currently conducting a comprehensive revision of its GDP accounts, incorporating new data sources, free zones, and updated methodologies aligned with international standards. The current results are based on the existing statistical methodology, and historical series will be updated once the revision is complete.
