Real GDP Growth: United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates's real gdp growth is currently 5.0% as of 2026. # United Arab Emirates Real GDP Growth The UAE's real GDP growth stands at 5% in 2026, representing a moderate expansion within the country's volatile economic history.
Current (2026)
5.0%
+4.2% y/y
Peak (1990)
23.6%
Low (1986)
-19.3%
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
1980–2026 · 51 pts
Real GDP Growth — United Arab Emirates
1980 — 2026
Real GDP Growth — United Arab Emirates
Analysis# United Arab Emirates Real GDP Growth
The UAE's real GDP growth stands at 5% in 2026, representing a moderate expansion within the country's volatile economic history. Since 1980, the economy has expanded by 377.8% overall, though this trajectory masks significant swings. The nation experienced a peak of 23.6% growth in 1990 during the oil boom era, contrasted sharply by a severe contraction of -19.3% in 1986 as global oil prices collapsed.
The 2020 pandemic triggered an 8.7% contraction, the worst decline in recent decades, but the UAE recovered decisively with 7.5% growth in 2022. Current projections show stabilization around 4-5% annually through 2026, suggesting the economy has transitioned from oil-dependent volatility toward more sustainable, diversified growth. This steadier performance reflects the UAE's successful economic diversification into tourism, finance, and trade sectors.
Historical Data
51 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 | 3.9% | -9.30% |
| 2029 | 4.3% | -2.27% |
| 2028 | 4.4% | -6.38% |
| 2027 | 4.7% | -6.00% |
| 2026 | 5.0% | +4.17% |
| 2025 | 4.8% | +20.00% |
| 2024 | 4.0% | -6.98% |
| 2023 | 4.3% | -42.67% |
| 2022 | 7.5% | +63.04% |
| 2021 | 4.6% | +152.87% |
| 2020 | -8.7% | -769.23% |
| 2019 | 1.3% | -13.33% |
| 2018 | 1.5% | +236.36% |
| 2017 | -1.1% | -119.30% |
| 2016 | 5.7% | -19.72% |
| 2015 | 7.1% | +54.35% |
| 2014 | 4.6% | -6.12% |
| 2013 | 4.9% | +4.26% |
| 2012 | 4.7% | -29.85% |
| 2011 | 6.7% | -15.19% |
Show all 51 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 7.9% | +251.92% |
| 2009 | -5.2% | -262.50% |
| 2008 | 3.2% | +0.00% |
| 2007 | 3.2% | -67.35% |
| 2006 | 9.8% | +100.00% |
| 2005 | 4.9% | -48.96% |
| 2004 | 9.6% | +9.09% |
| 2003 | 8.8% | +266.67% |
| 2002 | 2.4% | +71.43% |
| 2001 | 1.4% | -88.62% |
| 2000 | 12.3% | +223.68% |
| 1999 | 3.8% | +322.22% |
| 1998 | 0.9% | -89.53% |
| 1997 | 8.6% | +59.26% |
| 1996 | 5.4% | -18.18% |
| 1995 | 6.6% | -10.81% |
| 1994 | 7.4% | +2366.67% |
| 1993 | 0.3% | -90.32% |
| 1992 | 3.1% | +40.91% |
| 1991 | 2.2% | -90.68% |
| 1990 | 23.6% | +50.32% |
| 1989 | 15.7% | +703.85% |
| 1988 | -2.6% | -149.06% |
| 1987 | 5.3% | +127.46% |
| 1986 | -19.3% | -672.00% |
| 1985 | -2.5% | -155.56% |
| 1984 | 4.5% | +186.54% |
| 1983 | -5.2% | +27.78% |
| 1982 | -7.2% | -190.00% |
| 1981 | 8.0% | +544.44% |
| 1980 | -1.8% | — |
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