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9/12/25, 2:23 PM UAE GDP hits Dh455bn in first quarter as non-oil economy breaks another record | The National
followed with 7 per cent growth each, while real estate activities grew by 6.6 per cent and trade by 3
per cent.

In terms of contribution to non-oil GDP, trade led with 15.6 per cent, followed by finance and insurance

(14.6 per cent), manufacturing (13.4 per cent), construction (12.0 per cent), and real estate activities
(7.4 per cent).

The latest figures reinforce the UAE’s trajectory towards sustainable, diversified growth, supported by
policies that emphasise innovation, investment, and global competitiveness.

Trade agreements
The UAE has concluded 28 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (Cepas) to date with

10 already in effect and easing trade.

In the first quarter of 2025, the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade surged sharply with partners under these

agreements – including a 33 per cent increase with India, 41 per cent with Turkey, 29 per cent with the
US, and 15 per cent with China.

Trade with non-Cepa partners also grew, while exports rose from 18.4 per cent to 21.4 per cent of
non-oil trade, driven by strong demand for UAE-made goods and services.

In the first half of 2025, Abu Dhabi alone recorded a 34.7 per cent jump in non-oil foreign trade,
reaching Dh195.4 billion – a testament to its strategic role as a logistics and trade hub, supported by

its geographic advantage and modern infrastructure.

The UAE and EU have commenced free trade negotiations, aiming to enhance trade in goods,
services, investments, and strategic sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, and AI.

In April, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed
to initiate the free trade agreement negotiations, with the official talks beginning in May.

The EU remains the UAE's second-largest trading partner with 8.3 per cent of non-oil trade.

Strategic investments
The UAE’s progress has also been underpinned by major strategic investments across high-growth
industries. In first quarter of 2025, there was a strong wave of mergers and acquisitions, with 63 deals

worth more than $20 billion according to Wam in May, marking the highest in the Mena region.

Notably, Abu Dhabi’s Group 42 acquired a significant stake in Khazna Data Centres, underscoring the

nation’s commitment to expanding its digital economy and positioning itself as a regional technology

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