FX.co ★ UAE Revises Up GDP Forecasts to 4.9% in 2025

The UAE economy is anticipated to expand by 4.9% in 2025, an upward revision from earlier estimates of 4.4%, driven by increased oil production and significant growth in the non-hydrocarbon sector. According to the Central Bank's quarterly report, the hydrocarbon sector is expected to grow by 5.8% in 2025 and further accelerate to 6.5% in 2026, aligned with OPEC+ production quotas. In parallel, the non-hydrocarbon GDP is predicted to rise by 4.5% in 2025 and 4.8% in 2026. These figures indicate potential benefits from the spillover of strong hydrocarbon growth, encompassing heightened investment, increased government expenditure, and bolstered economic confidence. In the first quarter of the year, the UAE's GDP grew by 3.9% year-on-year, largely propelled by a 5.3% rise in non-hydrocarbon activities, with notable contributions from manufacturing, financial services, construction, and real estate sectors.