THE UAE’s economy grew 3.9 per cent in real terms during the first quarter of 2025, with gross domestic product valued at 455 billion dirhams ($124bn), according to preliminary figures released by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, reports the Gulf News.
Non-oil GDP rose 5.3pc year-on-year to 352bn dirhams, bringing its contribution to 77.3pc of total output, the highest level in the country’s history. Oil-related activities accounted for 22.7pc of GDP during the same period.
Manufacturing was the fastest-growing sector in the first quarter, expanding 7.7pc compared to the same period in 2024. Finance and insurance, along with construction, each recorded 7pc growth, while real estate activities rose 6.6pc. Trade advanced by 3pc.
In terms of contribution to non-oil GDP, trade led with 15.6pc, followed by finance and insurance at 14.6pc, manufacturing at 13.4pc, construction at 12pc, and real estate at 7.4pc.
This growth is a testament for both resilience and steady momentum across non-oil sectors, which now account for a record share of national output.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the first-quarter estimates reflects the strength and flexibility of the national economy and its ability to sustain exceptional growth.
Mr Al Marri added that the results highlight the success of the UAE’s comprehensive development model and reflect investor confidence in the business and investment environment, which he described as a global benchmark in adopting advanced policies and supportive regulatory frameworks.
“With the leadership’s support, the contribution of non-oil activities to real GDP has reached a historic peak,” Mr Al Marri said. He attributed the achievement to the government’s economic strategies aimed at building a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.
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