The UAE’s economy is poised for substantial growth, according to the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). Its latest Quarterly Economic Review forecasts a 4.7 percent GDP increase in 2025, with further acceleration to 5.7 percent in 2026.
The report highlighted that the UAE’s non-oil trade surpassed AED2 trillion in the first nine months of 2024, representing a 14.9 percent year-on-year rise, “reflecting the successful implementation of the UAE’s economic diversification plans and strengthening ties with its key trading partners.”
The non-hydrocarbon sector is anticipated to expand by 5.1 percent in 2025, as noted by the CBUAE. Similarly, the hydrocarbon sector is set for a 3.6 percent growth in 2025, followed by an impressive 8.5 percent increase in 2026. This growth is supported by gradual increases in oil production as OPEC+ lifts production cuts, alongside ongoing and planned upstream and midstream oil and gas projects.
The report also indicated that the UAE’s airports experienced a 10 percent increase in passenger traffic in 2024. “Abu Dhabi Airports reported significant growth, handling 29.4 million passengers in 2024, a 28.1 percent increase from 2023, driven by network expansion, strategic partnerships, and a focus on delivering a world-class passenger experience,” the report stated. “Abu Dhabi’s expanding role as a leisure and business travel hub significantly contributes to the UAE’s economic diversification efforts.”
