UAE among world's fastest-growing economies

The United Arab Emirates consolidated its position in 2025 as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, driven by strong non-oil sectors, robust foreign and domestic investment, pro-business regulation and a flexible regulatory environment.

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Non-oil foreign trade rose 24.5 per cent in the first half of 2025 to Dhs1.7 trillion, around 14 times the global growth rate.

The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2025 ranked the UAE IOth globally for inbound foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, at Dhs167.6 billion.

The International Monetary Fund raised its 2025 growth forecast for the UAE to 4.8 per cent, while Fitch, Moody's and S&P Global affirmed the country's sovereign ratings, citing strong economic performance and sound fiscal policy.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) data showed that gross banks' assets increased to Dhs5,199.9 billion at the end of September 2025, with gross credit increased to Dhs2,478.8 billion during the same period.

CBUAE also launched the UAE National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2026-2030 to expand access to financial services and strengthen financial stability.

Real GDP grew 4.2 per cent year-on-year to Dhs929 billion in H1 2025. Non-oil GDP rose 5.7 per cent to Dhs720 billion, accounting for 77.5 per cent of real GDP, while oil activity contributed 22.5 per cent.

The UAE approved the Federal Budget for 2026 at Dhs92.4 billion, the largest on record.