UAE Non-Oil Economy Expands 4.8% in Q1 2026 Reaching 79.4% of GDP

The UAE's non-oil economy expanded by 4.8% in the first quarter of 2026, lifting its contribution to gross domestic product to 79.4%, Gulf News reported. Total real GDP grew by 3% year-on-year during the quarter to Dh485 billion.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, presented the data during a meeting of the Economic Integration Committee. The committee, which includes directors-general of local economic departments across the emirates, reviewed measures to strengthen business competitiveness, attract investment, and enhance coordination between federal and local authorities.

The committee examined progress on priority economic clusters under a national policy established in September 2025. The cluster initiative is designed to link businesses, government entities, universities, and research and development centres to boost productivity and sector competitiveness.

Committee members also reviewed efforts to enhance the UAE's anti-money laundering framework, emphasizing strict regulatory compliance, oversight, and governance standards to safeguard the business environment.