Abu Dhabi’s economy grows 3.8% in Q2 2025, non-oil sector hits record high

Dubai: Abu Dhabi’s real GDP reached Dh306.3 billion in the second quarter of 2025, marking a 3.8% year-on-year increase, according to the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD).

The emirate’s non-oil economy expanded by 6.6% compared to Q2 2024, reaching Dh174.1 billion — its highest-ever quarterly value. For the first time in a second quarter, non-oil activities accounted for 56.8% of total GDP, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s continued economic diversification.

In the first half of 2025, real GDP reached Dh597.4 billion, growing by 3.63% compared to the same period in 2024. Non-oil sectors grew by 6.37% year-on-year to Dh337.6 billion, reinforcing their increasing role in the emirate’s economic model.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said the emirate’s consistent growth reflects a long-term strategy focused on diversification, competitiveness, and innovation.

“Our non-oil sectors, which achieved 6.6% growth in Q2 2025, are led by manufacturing, construction, finance, real estate, and ICT,” he said. “Abu Dhabi’s ‘Falcon Economy’ is building a future-ready, globally competitive economy driven by innovation and inclusive growth.”

In Q2 2025, Abu Dhabi’s non-oil economy saw strong growth across key sectors. Manufacturing hit a record high, supported by the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy, while construction surged nearly 10% thanks to major projects and digital innovations like the Binaa platform.

Finance and insurance expanded by over 10%, with Abu Dhabi Global Market reporting significant gains in assets and business activity. Capital markets saw a sharp rise in trading and foreign investment, reflecting investor confidence.

Real estate grew 10%, supported by population growth and foreign interest, while ICT reached its highest value yet, driven by the emirate’s Dh13 billion Digital Strategy. Wholesale and retail trade rose modestly, boosted by tourism and non-oil trade, as exports jumped 64%. Professional services and transport also grew steadily, while utilities recorded the fastest growth, fueled by energy investments. Cultural and creative industries continued their recovery, with the arts and recreation sector up 12%.

Abdulla Gharib Alqemzi, Director-General of SCAD, emphasized that the strong performance across Q1 and Q2 2025 demonstrates both economic resilience and the success of data-informed policymaking.

“As the government advances its Dh13 billion digital strategy to become the world’s first AI-native government by 2027, SCAD is central to this transition by providing high-quality, integrated statistics that support inclusive and innovation-led development,” he said.

Abu Dhabi’s Q2 2025 results reaffirm a clear trend: non-oil sectors are now central to economic growth, supported by targeted policies, strategic investments, and digital transformation initiatives. With strong performances across manufacturing, construction, finance, real estate, and ICT, the emirate continues to move toward a diversified, resilient, and future-ready economy.