The UAE strengthened its position in 2025 as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, fueled by a surge in non-oil activity, record levels of foreign and domestic investment, and a pro-business, flexible regulatory environment.

According to official data, non-oil foreign trade climbed 24.5% in the first half of 2025 to reach $462.8 billion, growing nearly 14 times faster than the global average. The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) ranked the UAE 10th globally for foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in 2024, totaling $45.6 billion, underscoring the country’s attractiveness to international investors.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its 2025 growth forecast for the UAE to 4.8%, while Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P Global all affirmed the nation’s sovereign credit ratings, citing strong fiscal policy, diversified growth, and economic resilience.

Data from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) revealed that gross banking assets increased to $1.4 trillion by the end of September 2025, while total credit rose to $675.2 billion. The CBUAE also launched the UAE National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2026–2030, aimed at expanding access to financial services and reinforcing financial stability.

Real GDP grew 4.2% year-on-year to $252.9 billion in the first half of 2025, while non-oil GDP surged 5.7% to $196 billion, representing 77.5% of total GDP. Oil-related activity accounted for the remaining 22.5%, reflecting the UAE’s continued success in diversifying its economy.

The government approved the 2026 Federal Budget at $25.1 billion, marking the largest in the country’s history. In parallel, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology signed five MoUs with national banks to provide over $10.89 billion in financing, while the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates attracted industrial projects worth $2.99 billion and over 122,000 visitors.

Further reinforcing its investment outlook, the UAE Cabinet approved the National Investment Strategy 2031, featuring 12 programs and 30 initiatives to raise annual FDI inflows from $30.4 billion in 2023 to $65.3 billion by 2031. The plan also targets growing total foreign investment stock from $217.8 billion to $599 billion.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Investment Fund, with $9.99 billion in initial capital, and the UAE Strategy for Islamic Finance and Halal Industry, aimed at solidifying the nation’s role as a global financial and halal hub.

In 2025, the government launched the UAE Future 50 initiative across 15 sectors, alongside a national campaign positioning the country as a global capital for entrepreneurship, with a goal to train and incubate 10,000 entrepreneurs.

The year also saw the registration of over 220,000 new companies and 36,000 new trademarks, up 48.2% year-on-year. By September 2025, the UAE had 402,311 registered national and international trademarks, including nearly 20,000 new trademarks in the first half of the year — a 129% increase compared to 2024.

Through expanded Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) and the launch of the UAE Global Centre of Trade, the nation continued to position itself as a leading global trade gateway, connecting thousands of exporters to international markets and attracting the world’s top trading companies.