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Abu Dhabi's Record GDP Growth Creates Jobs Through Non-Oil Expansion
The emirate's latest economic figures show how non-oil expansion and new licenses create openings for residents through more work and commercial activity.
How we reported this
Abu Dhabi's real GDP reached AED 325.7 billion in Q3 2025, a 7.7 percent year-on-year increase driven by a 7.6 percent rise in the non-oil economy. This marks the highest quarterly total on record and extends a run of growth that has now lasted 18 consecutive quarters. The non-oil sector alone added AED 175.6 billion in value during the period.
The expansion arrives as the emirate's population stands at 4.14 million following a 7.5 percent increase in 2024. That larger resident base now shares in an economy where non-oil activity accounted for 54 percent of total GDP in the third quarter. S&P Global reaffirmed the AA/A-1+ sovereign credit rating in May 2025, a step that keeps borrowing costs low for government projects and private investment alike.
New licenses track rising local enterprise
New economic licenses rose 21 percent compared with the prior year, while active licenses increased 12 percent. These gains point to more shops, service firms and freelance operations opening across Abu Dhabi. Residents see the direct effect in additional retail outlets, transport services and construction work tied to the sectors posting double-digit gains, including utilities at 16.2 percent, construction at 13.9 percent and transport at 13.8 percent.
The Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi recorded the license growth in its latest release. The same data showed the non-oil economy reaching AED 174.1 billion in Q2 2025 and hitting 56.8 percent of total GDP for the first time in any second quarter. That shift reduces reliance on oil revenue and spreads activity into areas that employ local workers in utilities, real estate and logistics.
Credit rating and population trends shape daily stability
The reaffirmed rating from S&P Global reflects expectations of continued strength and supports steady funding for infrastructure that residents use every day. At the same time, the 7.5 percent population jump since 2023 increases demand for housing, schools and transport links already expanding under the non-oil construction and transport figures.
Over the first nine months of 2025 the overall economy grew 5 percent, with non-oil output up 6.8 percent. These numbers indicate that the diversification already visible in license data and sector growth will continue to shape job markets and commercial choices for Abu Dhabi households. Residents can track updates from the Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi and the Department of Economic Development for the next quarterly releases.