Verified Facts

Official NameUnited Arab Emirates
CapitalAbu Dhabi
Population11.3 million
Area83,600 km² (32,278 sq mi)
LanguagesArabic
CurrencyUnited Arab Emirates dirham (د.إ)
TimezoneUTC+04:00
RegionAsia / Western Asia
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

The United Arab Emirates' economy is driven by a combination of oil and gas exports, a growing tourism sector, and a rapidly expanding service industry, with a strong focus on diversification and development of non-oil sectors.

Quick Facts

GDP (nominal)($498 billion estimate)
GDP Per Capita($43,620 estimate)
Income ClassificationHigh
Main IndustriesOil and Gas, Finance, Tourism
CurrencyAED
Unemployment Rate(approximately 2.4%)
Ease of Doing Business(ranked 16th globally)

Economic Overview

The UAE has a high-income economy, with a strong focus on economic development and diversification. The country has made significant progress in recent years in reducing its dependence on oil exports, with a growing emphasis on developing non-oil sectors such as tourism, finance, and manufacturing. The UAE's economy is characterized by a high level of government investment in infrastructure and a business-friendly environment, with a range of incentives and benefits for foreign investors. The country's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa also makes it an important hub for trade and commerce.

The UAE's economic development has been driven by a combination of government investment and private sector activity, with a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The country has established a range of free zones and business parks, which offer a range of benefits and incentives for foreign investors, including 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined regulatory procedures. The UAE has also made significant investments in education and training, with a range of world-class universities and research institutions.

The UAE's economy has experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven by a combination of government investment, private sector activity, and a growing tourism sector. The country has also made significant progress in developing its infrastructure, with a range of major projects including the development of new airports, seaports, and transportation networks. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE's economy has proven resilient, with a strong focus on diversification and development of non-oil sectors.

Key Industries

IndustryContributionDetails
Oil and Gas30% of GDPThe UAE is the world's seventh-largest oil producer, with significant reserves of crude oil and natural gas.
Finance20% of GDPThe UAE is a major financial hub, with a range of world-class banks, investment firms, and financial institutions.
Tourism10% of GDPThe UAE's tourism sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven by a range of world-class attractions and infrastructure.
Manufacturing8% of GDPThe UAE has a growing manufacturing sector, with a range of industries including textiles, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
Technology5% of GDPThe UAE has a rapidly growing tech sector, with a range of start-ups and innovation hubs.

Trade Profile

Top Exports:

  • Petroleum products, including crude oil and refined petroleum products
  • Natural gas, with significant exports to countries in Europe and Asia
  • Gold, with the UAE being a major hub for gold trade and investment
  • Machinery, including electronics and mechanical equipment
  • Vehicles, including cars, trucks, and other vehicles

Top Imports:

  • Machinery, including electronics and mechanical equipment
  • Vehicles, including cars, trucks, and other vehicles
  • Foodstuffs, including grains, sugar, and other essential commodities
  • Chemicals, including petrochemicals and other industrial chemicals
  • Textiles, including clothing, fabrics, and other textile products

Key Trading Partners:

  • China
  • India
  • United States
  • Germany
  • Japan

Infrastructure

  • The UAE has a well-developed transportation network, including a range of world-class airports, seaports, and road networks.
  • The country has a high level of internet and mobile penetration, with a range of world-class telecommunications providers.
  • The UAE has a range of major ports, including Jebel Ali Port and Port Rashid, which are among the busiest in the world.
  • The country has a well-developed energy sector, with a range of power plants and desalination facilities.
  • The UAE has a range of major airports, including Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport, which are among the busiest in the world.

Economic Outlook

The UAE's economy is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by a combination of government investment, private sector activity, and a growing tourism sector. The country has a range of major projects and initiatives underway, including the development of new infrastructure, the expansion of existing industries, and the creation of new economic zones and free zones. The UAE has also made significant progress in developing its non-oil sectors, with a range of initiatives aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and foreign investment.

The UAE's economic outlook is positive, with a range of opportunities for growth and development in the coming years. The country has a strong focus on diversification and development of non-oil sectors, with a range of initiatives aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and foreign investment. The UAE has also made significant progress in developing its infrastructure, with a range of major projects underway, including the development of new airports, seaports, and transportation networks. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE's economy has proven resilient, with a strong focus on diversification and development of non-oil sectors. [CALLOUT] The UAE's economic growth is expected to be driven by a combination of government investment, private sector activity, and a growing tourism sector. [RATING] 4/5

Related: Monthly Budget Guide