The UAE’s real gross domestic product grew by 3 percent in the first quarter of 2026 to reach AED485 billion ($132.06 billion) at constant prices, while non-oil GDP grew by 4.8 percent, raising its contribution to 79.4 percent of the national economy.

The figures reflect the continued strength of non-oil economic activities and the resilience of the national economy despite the regional challenges witnessed during the first quarter, whose impact was confined to a limited number of activities and did not affect the overall trajectory of economic growth, said a WAM news agency report.

Data from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre showed that the contribution of non-oil activities to GDP increased to 79.4 percent in Q1 2026, compared with 78.0 percent in 2025, underscoring the effectiveness of the UAE’s economic diversification policies and progress towards the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” Vision.

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the results reflected the success of development policies aimed at increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors to the national economy.

He said: “The Q1 2026 results reflect the ability of the UAE’s government work system to translate the wise leadership’s strategic vision into tangible economic results that serve people and the future.

“The growth led by the non-oil economy — through sectors such as finance, trade, and information, technology and communications, which contributed significantly to non-oil GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026, raising its contribution to 79.4 percent — is not an isolated figure, but the outcome of integrated government policies and initiatives working as one system towards one goal: consolidating the UAE’s standing as a global leader in competitiveness, excellence and future readiness.”

“We continue to work with our partners in the government and private sectors to ensure that economic performance remains a true reflection of the quality of life and the opportunities the UAE provides for its citizens, residents and investors from around the world,” he added.

Financial and insurance activities led economic growth, expanding 17.3 percent year-on-year, followed by construction at 8.1 percent, human health and social work activities at 7.7 percent, information and communication at 5.9 percent, and professional, scientific and technical activities together with administrative and support services at 4.9 percent, reflecting continued momentum across vital, high-value-added economic activities.

Real estate activities grew 4.8 percent, public administration, defence and compulsory social security rose 4.5 percent, while wholesale and retail trade expanded 2.6 percent, reflecting the broad-based nature of economic growth.

Non-oil exports grew by 23.9 percent during the first half of 2026 to reach AED452.8 billion, recording the highest growth rate among the components of the UAE’s foreign trade, which confirms the pivotal role of trade openness in stimulating domestic production and enhancing the competitiveness of the industrial and services sectors as among the country’s most important drivers of economic diversification.