The UAE’s real GDP reached AED961.9 billion in the first half of 2026, up 0.4 percent from the same period last year, according to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC).
Non-oil activities drove the gain, growing 1.8 percent.
Non-oil sectors now account for 79.2 percent of the national economy, up from 78.1 percent a year earlier. Oil activities made up the remaining 20.8 percent. Trade, financial and insurance services, construction, manufacturing and real estate were the main contributors.
Financial and insurance activities posted the strongest growth among major sectors at 14.8 percent. Information and communication followed at 7.3 percent, health and social work at 6 percent, construction at 5.1 percent, government activities at 3.6 percent and real estate at 2.3 percent.
On contributions to non-oil GDP, trade ranked first at 16.2 percent. Financial and insurance activities accounted for 15.2 percent, construction 13.1 percent, manufacturing 11.8 percent and real estate 7.9 percent.
The second quarter told a different story. Real GDP stood at AED476.9 billion, a 2.1 percent decline from the same quarter in 2025. Non-oil activities contracted 1.1 percent, with tourism, transport and trade affected by regional developments and travel disruptions.
The FCSC said the figures reflect the continued diversification of the economy and underline the value of accurate statistical data for planning and policymaking. The results for both periods are preliminary estimates.
The FCSC is also working with national partners on the UAE Comprehensive GDP Revision Programme. An updated GDP time series will be released once the revision results are approved in the first quarter of 2027.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
