UAE non-oil GDP growth took center stage as the country marked its 54th Eid Al Etihad with a strong set of economic and tourism indicators. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the occasion reflects the long-term vision of the UAE’s leadership and reinforces the strength of the Union.
“The 54th Eid Al Etihad reminds us of the pivotal moment when the seven Emirates united under one nation — a nation whose solid foundations, progress, and leadership were established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow founding fathers. Their vision transformed the Emirates into a leading model of growth, development, and prosperity, achieving exceptional accomplishments across diverse fields that have earned global recognition and strengthened the country’s prominent regional and international standing,” he said.
He added: “Today, we celebrate this cherished national occasion under the theme ‘United,’ reaffirming our pride in the Emirati national identity and strengthening the spirit of loyalty to our wise leadership. This occasion stands as a milestone that reflects the cohesion and solidarity of the nation’s people, and underscores our commitment to supporting the comprehensive development of our beloved country under the leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; the guidance of his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai; and with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; along with Their Highnesses, the Rulers of the Emirates.”
The minister noted that the year’s performance has been marked by remarkable gains in key sectors, reflecting the ongoing momentum of the UAE’s growth model. “The 54th Eid Al Etihad carries special significance, as the country has witnessed exceptional and unprecedented economic and tourism achievements over the past year, reflecting its continued development and its ambitious vision for building a more advanced and prosperous future for current and future generations. On the economic front, the UAE led the GCC in economic growth. The UAE’s real GDP grew by 4.2 percent during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, while non-oil GDP recorded a growth rate of 5.7 percent. The contribution of non-oil activities to real GDP reached 77.5 percent, reaffirming the progress of the UAE’s economic diversification and the strength of its economic foundations.”
UAE Non-Oil GDP Growth Driven By Business Expansion
The local business landscape continued to expand at a pace, supported by investor confidence and pro-business reforms. Between January and November 2025, more than 220,186 new companies entered the UAE market. Over the same period, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism registered more than 36,000 national and international trademarks, a 48.2 percent jump from the previous year. The uptick highlights the competitiveness of the UAE’s regulatory environment and the appeal of its strategic location for global firms.
Tourism Sector Records Global Milestones
The UAE non-oil GDP growth story has been reinforced by strong gains in tourism. The appointment of Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais as Secretary-General of the UN Tourism marked a major international endorsement. Masfout Village earning the World’s Best Tourism Village 2025 title further strengthened the nation’s global tourism appeal.
The UAE also ranked among the top 7 worldwide destinations for international tourist spending. Hotels received 23.27 million guests in the first nine months of the year, up 4.9 percent from 2024, booking more than 79.3 million room nights. Hotel revenues rose 7.2 percent to over AED 35.9 billion. Available rooms increased to 216,248 across 1,246 properties, with occupancy climbing to 79.2 percent.
The average stay length rose slightly from 3.38 to 3.41 nights. Occupied rooms increased 3.5 percent to 46.17 million, and the Average Daily Rate grew by 4.2 percent from AED 534 to AED 557, pointing to stronger yield management and sustained demand from international and domestic travelers.
Legislative Framework Supporting Economic Diversification
Bin Touq said the ministry continued strengthening the UAE’s economic regulatory environment. Between January and November 2025, 11 laws and policies were issued across key areas, including consumer protection, ecotourism, food security, air transport, and sustainability. Another eight regulatory policies were released covering rules of origin, measures against harmful practices, company regulations, and competition rules.
The updates reflect the government’s sustained push to build a future-ready business environment aligned with the wider objectives of the national economy.
In closing, the minister said the national occasion reinforces a shared sense of purpose and commitment. “Eid Al Etihad inspires sentiments of dedication, hard work, and a renewed commitment to continue progressing with strong resolve under our wise leadership. This unwavering determination supports the continuation of the nation’s distinguished journey and the achievement of its strategic objectives across all fields, foremost among them the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which aims to double the national economy to AED3 trillion and position the country as a global hub for the new economy by the next decade.”
–Input WAM
