The sectors driving growth: The electricity, gas, and water sector jumped 16.2% — the highest among all sectors — boosted by the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant’s first full year of operations. Construction followed suit, growing 13.9%, supported by an accelerated project pipeline and increased private sector participation. Meanwhile, real estate activities expanded by 13.1%, and transport grew 13.8%, benefiting from logistics expansions at Khalifa Port and long-term freight agreements. Financial and ins. activities also rose 8.5% on the back of strong banking activity and the growing presence of international institutions.

Manufacturing remains a bedrock: The manufacturing sector grew 2.4%, contributing AED 30.5 bn (or 9.4% of total GDP) in 3Q 2025. This was driven by “industrial expansion, logistics integration, and initiatives to strengthen local manufacturing capacity and in-country value chains,” the statement read.

The big picture: Overall GDP grew 5% in the first nine months of 2025, while the non-oil economy expanded by 6.8%.

Tags: