UAE Economy Grows 6.2% in 2025 as Non-Oil GDP Expands, Says Minister Al Marri

The UAE's economy expanded by 6.2% in 2025, significantly bolstered by a 6.8% growth in the non-oil GDP, as announced by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. This growth underscores the nation's ongoing commitment to economic diversification and its success in attracting substantial foreign investment.

Non-oil activities were a major contributor, accounting for over 79% of the UAE's GDP during the first half of 2026. This highlights the increasing importance of sectors outside of traditional hydrocarbons in the national economy. Al Marri emphasised that the next phase of diversification should focus on enhancing the value generated by existing industries and integrating more technology into productive activities, rather than simply adding new sectors.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) reached a new high in 2025, with the UAE attracting $48.3 billion. This marks the fourth consecutive year of record FDI inflows, maintaining the UAE's global position as the second-largest destination for greenfield FDI projects by number. Notably, Sharjah experienced a 45% increase in FDI projects during the same period.

Speaking at the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum, Al Marri also referenced Sharjah's multifaceted economic approach, which combines industry, services, entrepreneurship, education, culture, and human capital. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, reiterated Sharjah's strategy of transforming existing resources into sustainable economic opportunities, stressing that resilience stems from diversification, effective management, and adaptability.