Abu Dhabi's Economy Surges 7.7% to Record AED 325.7 Billion

Abu Dhabi's gross domestic product expanded 7.7 percent in the third quarter of 2025, hitting a record AED 325.7 billion, according to data released by scad.gov.ae.

The quarterly increase arrives as global energy markets remain volatile and regional trade routes face disruption. Local firms are watching how continued expansion in non-oil activity could cushion the emirate against external shocks while supporting new hiring and project pipelines.

Officials at the Department of Economic Development have tracked a 21 percent rise in new economic licenses for 2025 compared with the previous year, with the total number of active licenses up 12 percent. These figures appear on gulfnews.com reporting drawn from government records.

Sector gains and non-oil share

Utilities posted 16.2 percent growth, construction advanced 13.9 percent, transport and storage rose 13.8 percent, and real estate increased 13.1 percent, the scad.gov.ae release shows. The non-oil economy grew 7.6 percent and contributed AED 175.6 billion, or 54 percent of total GDP, per the same source.

These percentages reflect activity measured across the emirate's core commercial zones and industrial areas, where construction cranes and logistics hubs have multiplied in recent quarters.

Credit rating and forward view

S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed Abu Dhabi's AA sovereign credit rating in May 2025 and forecast 6.23 percent GDP growth for 2026, according to statements carried on u.ae and linked posts from adstatistics. The rating agency cited steady fiscal buffers and diversified revenue streams.

Business owners reviewing the latest license data may consider applying for permits in the fastest-growing segments while monitoring utility and transport project tenders expected later this year.