Eco
Recent official data indicates that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the United Arab Emirates recorded an increase of approximately 3% during the first quarter of 2026, reaching 485 billion dirhams (equivalent to 132.15 billion US dollars) at constant prices. Statistics issued by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre revealed that the contribution of non-oil activities to the GDP rose to 79.4% during the mentioned period, compared to 78.0% in the first quarter of the previous year. This increase reflects the significant effectiveness of developmental policies aimed at enhancing economic diversification and expanding the base of productive activities, embodying rapid progress towards building a national economy based on knowledge, innovation, and sustainability, in line with the objectives of the 'We The Emirates 2031' vision. Commenting on this, His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, affirmed that the economic performance of the UAE during this vital phase demonstrates the success of developmental policies aimed at strengthening the contribution of non-oil sectors to the national economy. He noted that the rise in the contribution of non-oil activities to 79.4% represents a pivotal qualitative step in achieving the goals outlined in Vision 2031. The first quarter of 2026 witnessed outstanding performance from several economic activities compared to the same period last year. Financial and insurance activities led the growth rates with an increase of 17.3%, followed by construction activity with 8.1% growth, then human health and social service activities at 7.7%. Information and communication activities grew by 5.9%, and professional, scientific, and technical activities, along with administrative and support service activities, saw a 4.9% increase, underscoring the continuous momentum in these high-value-added vital economic activities. Furthermore, the data showed remarkable growth in other sectors, with real estate activities achieving a 4.8% increase, and public administration, defense, and compulsory social security activities growing by 4.5%. Wholesale and retail trade activities recorded a growth rate of 2.6%, illustrating the diversification of growth sources and the expansion of productive activities within the national economy.
