UAE Real GDP Grows 0.4% in H1 2026 Despite Q2 Contraction
What happened
UAE real GDP advanced 0.4% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, despite a 2.1% contraction in the second quarter.
The Context
- Diversification Success: Non-oil activities now account for 79.2% of the economy, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons.
- Sector Performance: Financial and insurance activities surged by 14.8%, indicating strong growth in key non-oil sectors.
- External Pressures: Regional geopolitical tensions and travel disruptions impacted tourism and trade, contributing to the quarterly decline.
The Number
— This figure represents the share of non-oil activities in real GDP for H1 2026, up from 78.1% in H1 2025, underscoring the UAE's successful economic diversification.
Takeaway
As the UAE navigates external challenges, continued growth in non-oil sectors suggests a stable environment for professionals seeking opportunities.
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UAE GDP advances 0.4% despite second-quarter contraction
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UAE economy reaches AED961.9b in H1 2026; non-oil GDP grows by 1.8%
The UAE's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached AED961.9 billion in the first half of 2026, reflecting a growth of 0.4% compared to the same period in 2025, with non-oil GDP increasing by 1.8%. This growth underscores the significant role of non-...
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اقتصاد الإمارات يصل إلى 961.9 مليار درهم خلال النصف الأول مع نمو غير نفطي بمعدل 1.8% اقتصاد الإمارات يصل إلى 961.9 مليار درهم خلال النصف الأول مع نمو غير نفطي بمعدل 1.8%
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center announced that the real GDP of the United Arab Emirates reached 961.9 billion dirhams in the first half of the year, with a non-oil growth rate of 1.8%. This growth reflects the resilience of the UAE'...