UAE Economy Reaches AED 961.9 Billion in H1 2026 as Real Estate Sector Grows 2.3%
The UAE’s real GDP reached AED 961.9 billion in the first half of 2026, with non-oil industries accounting for 79.2% of economic output and real estate recording 2.3% growth.
The UAE economy recorded real GDP of AED 961.9 billion at constant prices during the first half of 2026, marking a 0.4% increase compared with the same period last year, according to preliminary figures released by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC).
Non-oil economic activities continued to play a significant role in the country's economic development, expanding by 1.8% during the six-month period. Their contribution to real GDP reached 79.2%, up from 78.1% in the first half of 2025, highlighting the country's continued efforts to diversify its economic base.
Real Estate Sector Records 2.3% Growth
Real estate activities recorded growth of 2.3% in the first half of 2026, reflecting their continued contribution to the UAE's broader economic activity.
The property sector accounted for 7.9% of non-oil GDP during the period. Trade remained the largest contributor, representing 16.2%, followed by financial and insurance activities at 15.2%, construction at 13.1%, and manufacturing at 11.8%.
The figures highlight the role of real estate and construction alongside other industries supporting the UAE's economic diversification. However, GDP growth alone does not indicate changes in property prices, transaction volumes or rental rates.
Financial Services and Technology-Related Activities Lead Growth
Financial and insurance activities registered the strongest growth among the major economic sectors, increasing by 14.8% during the first six months of 2026.
Information and communication activities grew by 7.3%, while health and social work expanded by 6%. Construction recorded 5.1% growth, followed by government activities at 3.6%.
These results demonstrate the contribution of a broad range of industries to the UAE's non-oil economy, including sectors that support investment, infrastructure development and business expansion.
Second-Quarter Figures Reflect Regional Challenges
In the second quarter of 2026, the UAE's real GDP stood at AED 476.9 billion, representing a 2.1% decline compared with the corresponding quarter of 2025. Non-oil activities contracted by 1.1% during the same period.
According to the FCSC, regional developments and travel disruptions affected several sectors, particularly tourism, transportation and trade.
Despite the second-quarter contraction, non-oil industries maintained a substantial share of overall economic output during the first half of the year. The figures underline the importance of monitoring performance across individual sectors when assessing the broader economic outlook.
UAE Continues to Advance Economic Diversification
The latest figures reinforce the importance of non-oil industries in supporting the UAE's long-term economic development. Real estate, construction, financial services, manufacturing and trade remain important components of this diversified economic structure.
The FCSC noted that the first-half and second-quarter GDP figures are preliminary estimates based on the statistical methodologies and time series currently in use.
The centre is also working with partners across the national statistical system on the UAE Comprehensive GDP Revision Programme. The revised national GDP time series is expected to be released following approval of the comprehensive revision results in the first quarter of 2027.
For the UAE property market, the real estate sector's 2.3% growth provides a useful indicator of its contribution to the wider economy, although further property-specific data will be needed to assess market demand, sales activity and price movements.
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