Abu Dhabi’s economy grew 7.7% year on year in the third quarter of 2025, reaching a record quarterly value of Dh325.7 billion ($88.68 billion), according to official figures.
The emirate’s non-oil sector expanded 7.6% compared with the same period last year, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Monday, citing data from the Statistics Centre in Abu Dhabi (Scad).
Early estimates show that non-oil activities made up 54% of total GDP in the quarter, contributing Dh175.6 billion in added value.
Data also revealed that in the first nine months of last year, Abu Dhabi’s overall GDP rose 5% year on year, while the non-oil sector grew 6.8%.
The expansion was fuelled by industries such as manufacturing, financial services, real estate, and construction.
“Recording growth for 18 consecutive quarters, driven by robust performance of non-oil sectors, demonstrates the depth of our diversification framework and the credibility of our policy and regulatory approach in responding to evolving market trends,” stated Ahmed Al Zaabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
“Backed by strong fundamentals and a globally competitive business environment, Abu Dhabi continues to attract capital, talent, and enterprises seeking scale and certainty.”
Abu Dhabi has steadily moved away from oil dependence, implementing measures to attract international investors, enhance competitiveness, and streamline business operations. In the first half of 2025, the emirate’s non-oil foreign trade surged 34.7% year on year, reaching Dh195.4 billion, The National reports.
“Abu Dhabi’s GDP performance reflects the emirate’s continued ability to attract sustained investment and support growth across key economic activities,” according to Abdulla Alqemzi, director general of Scad.
“The scale of foreign investment, which reached Dh1,075.8 billion, contributes to expanding productive capacity, strengthening non-oil activities and supporting overall economic output, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a competitive and resilient economy.”
By sector, construction was among the top performers in the third quarter, growing 13.9% year on year and accounting for 9.4% of Abu Dhabi’s GDP, with a value added of Dh30.5 billion, the media office reported.
“This performance reflects sustained momentum in infrastructure and development activity, supported by ongoing project delivery and increased private-sector participation across the emirate,” it added.
The real estate sector expanded 13.1% year on year in the third quarter, contributing Dh12.1 billion, or 3.7% of GDP, driven by ongoing urban development and large-scale projects across Abu Dhabi.
In addition, the financial and insurance sector grew 8.5%, adding Dh21.3 billion, or 6.5% of GDP, supported by rising banking activity and a stronger presence of international firms.
Meanwhile, both the transport and storage sector and the electricity, gas, and water supply sector posted double-digit growth, contributing Dh8.2 billion and Dh6.2 billion, respectively, to Abu Dhabi’s GDP.
Manufacturing “remained a cornerstone” of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil economy, contributing Dh30.5 billion, or 9.4% of GDP, in the third quarter, the media office reported.
The sector grew 2.4% year on year, supported by ongoing industrial expansion, enhanced logistics integration, and initiatives aimed at boosting local manufacturing capacity.
UAE industrial exports climbed 25% last year, reaching a record Dh262 billion, officials said on Monday. Exports from medium- and high-tech industries surged 42% year on year to Dh92 billion, surpassing the 2031 target of Dh90 billion, six years ahead of schedule.