Macro EconomyMedium•9 October 2026•
1 min read
UAE Economy Grows in H1 2026 Despite Regional Conflict
Key Facts
1The UAE economy recorded growth during the first half of 2026 despite the economic fallout from the war in Iran.
The UAE economy recorded growth during the first half of 2026 despite the economic fallout from the war in Iran. The National reported that real gross domestic product grew 0.4% annually to 961.9 billion dirhams ($262 billion), driven primarily by non-oil business activity.
Data from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre showed the non-oil sector's contribution to GDP increased by 1.8% to reach 79.2% during the six-month period. However, in the second quarter of 2026, real GDP declined by 2.1% to 476.9 billion dirhams as tourism, transport, and trade sectors were impacted by regional disruptions.