National Debt (% of GDP): United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates's national debt (% of gdp) is currently 31.9% as of 2026. # United Arab Emirates National Debt (% of GDP) The UAE's national debt stands at 31.
Current (2026)
31.9%
-6.2% y/y
Peak (2021)
35.7%
Low (2001)
2.7%
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
1999–2026 · 32 pts
National Debt (% of GDP) — United Arab Emirates
1999 — 2026
National Debt (% of GDP) — United Arab Emirates
Analysis# United Arab Emirates National Debt (% of GDP)
The UAE's national debt stands at 31.9% of GDP in 2026, reflecting a substantial increase from the minimal 2.7% recorded in 2001. Since 1999, the nation's debt ratio has surged 578.7%, though current levels remain below the all-time peak of 35.7% in 2021. This upward trajectory accelerated sharply during the 2020-2021 period, coinciding with global economic disruptions and elevated government spending.
A marked turning point occurred in 2020-2021, when debt jumped from 25.8% to 35.7%—the sharpest two-year increase in the dataset. Since then, the ratio has stabilized in the 31-35% range, with modest fluctuations suggesting relative equilibrium. Projections indicate the debt-to-GDP ratio will remain stable through 2026, suggesting the UAE's fiscal position has consolidated after years of elevated borrowing.
Historical Data
32 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 | 26.6% | -2.21% |
| 2029 | 27.2% | -5.23% |
| 2028 | 28.7% | -4.65% |
| 2027 | 30.1% | -5.64% |
| 2026 | 31.9% | -6.18% |
| 2025 | 34.0% | -2.58% |
| 2024 | 34.9% | +9.40% |
| 2023 | 31.9% | +1.27% |
| 2022 | 31.5% | -11.76% |
| 2021 | 35.7% | +18.60% |
| 2020 | 30.1% | +16.67% |
| 2019 | 25.8% | +24.64% |
| 2018 | 20.7% | -2.36% |
| 2017 | 21.2% | +13.98% |
| 2016 | 18.6% | +19.23% |
| 2015 | 15.6% | +15.56% |
| 2014 | 13.5% | -11.76% |
| 2013 | 15.3% | -24.26% |
| 2012 | 20.2% | -0.98% |
| 2011 | 20.4% | +11.48% |
Show all 32 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 18.3% | -13.27% |
| 2009 | 21.1% | +137.08% |
| 2008 | 8.9% | +0.00% |
| 2007 | 8.9% | +74.51% |
| 2006 | 5.1% | +13.33% |
| 2005 | 4.5% | +9.76% |
| 2004 | 4.1% | +24.24% |
| 2003 | 3.3% | -2.94% |
| 2002 | 3.4% | +25.93% |
| 2001 | 2.7% | -12.90% |
| 2000 | 3.1% | -34.04% |
| 1999 | 4.7% | — |
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