Economy
The UAE economy at a glance
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre puts real GDP at AED 1.9 trillion in 2025, up 6.2%, with the non-oil economy growing 6.8%. UNCTAD reports US$48.2 billion of foreign direct investment into the UAE in 2025.
Largest non-oil sectors
| Sector | Share of non-oil GDP, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Trade | 16.9% |
| Financial and insurance | 13.2% |
| Construction | 12.9% |
| Manufacturing | 12.8% |
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM): UAE GDP reaches AED 1.9 trillion, grows 6.2% in 2025, FCSC figures (30 May 2026)1
Fastest growth in 2025
| Sector | Real growth |
|---|---|
| Construction | 11.1% |
| Financial and insurance | 10.4% |
| Real estate | 7.9% |
| Transport and storage | 7.8% |
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM): UAE GDP reaches AED 1.9 trillion, grows 6.2% in 2025, FCSC figures (30 May 2026)1
Foreign direct investment
| Year | Inflows, US$ billion |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 20.7 |
| 2022 | 22.7 |
| 2023 | 30.7 |
| 2024 | 45.6 |
| 2025 | 48.2 |
Source: UNCTAD: World Investment Report 2026, country fact sheet United Arab Emirates2
The inward FDI stock reached US$318.9 billion in 2025, and announced greenfield projects were worth US$34.0 billion.2
Trade agreements
- 38 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) signed since September 2021; 18 were in force by July 2026.
- Non-oil foreign trade reached AED 3.8 trillion in 2025.
- Agreements in force include India (May 2022), Azerbaijan (April 2026), the Republic of Korea (May 2026) and Ukraine (July 2026).
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM): UAE expands its presence on global trade map (15 August 2026); Emirates News Agency (WAM): UAE concludes 37 CEPAs (20 July 2026)3,4
Foreign ownership
- Since 2021, foreign investors can own up to 100% of most mainland companies; the 51% Emirati shareholder rule was abolished.
- Activities of strategic impact, such as defence, telecommunications, banking and insurance, keep ownership limits.
- The 40+ free zones have always allowed 100% foreign ownership.
Source: UAE Government Portal: Full foreign ownership of commercial companies; UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism: Free zones for company incorporation5,6
Sources
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): UAE GDP reaches AED 1.9 trillion, grows 6.2% in 2025, FCSC figures (30 May 2026)
- UNCTAD: World Investment Report 2026, country fact sheet United Arab Emirates (PDF)
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): UAE expands its presence on global trade map (15 August 2026)
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): UAE concludes 37 CEPAs (20 July 2026)
- UAE Government Portal: Full foreign ownership of commercial companies
- UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism: Free zones for company incorporation
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.