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The Ministry of Economy and Tourism said the UAE economy grew by 3 percent in the first quarter of 2026. The expansion came on the back of solid gains in non-oil activities that have become the mainstay of national output. Data from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre places non-oil growth at a higher rate than the headline figure, consistent with recent patterns.
According to the ministry’s figures, non-oil GDP accounted for more than three-quarters of total economic activity in the period. This marks a continuation of the diversification drive that has seen the non-oil share climb steadily over the past decade. The performance reflects strength in finance, tourism, construction and trade sectors that have benefited from government reforms and foreign investment inflows.
A Central Bank of the UAE assessment found that full-year growth for 2026 could reach 5 percent if current trends persist. The bank has highlighted non-oil sectors as the key driver, with projections for those areas to expand by around 5.3 percent. Such forecasts come after the first-quarter results that align with the broader economic resilience shown since the post-pandemic recovery.
Gulf News reported that Dubai’s economy, a major component of the national total, expanded 2.4 percent in the first quarter to AED 232 billion. Sectors such as construction and utilities posted growth rates exceeding 8 percent, the newspaper said. These local gains contributed to the overall national figure released by federal authorities.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism data from the previous year showed Q1 2025 GDP growth of 3.9 percent with non-oil activities up 5.3 percent to AED 352 billion. That period saw the non-oil contribution reach a record 77.3 percent of total GDP. The latest 3 percent growth in 2026 demonstrates sustained momentum despite global economic headwinds.
Trade figures released by Dubai Customs indicate that non-oil trade has continued to expand, supporting the GDP numbers. The authority cleared millions of transactions in the first half of the year. This activity underscores the role of logistics and commerce in the non-oil economy.
