United Arab Emirates: economy and key statistics
United Arab Emirates is number 30 in the 311 Nations Index, with a GDP of $552.3 billion in 2024. GDP per person is $50,274. The economy grew by 4.0% in 2024. Unemployment is 2.2%. The economy is 55% services, 44% industry, 1% agriculture. In 311 Institute directories: 15 R&D labs, 5 startups, 22 investors, 4 Titans.
Part of the 311 Nations Index (311institute.com). Last updated .
National power
United Arab Emirates is number 62 in the 311 National Power Index, scoring 40.2 out of 100: economic 75, technology 28, military 0 and human capital 62.
Economy at a glance
| Indicator | Latest figure | Year |
|---|---|---|
| GDP | $552.3 billion | 2024 |
| GDP (purchasing power) | $871.7 billion | 2024 |
| GDP per person | $50,274 | 2024 |
| Economic growth | +4.0% | 2024 |
| Inflation | 1.3% | 2025 |
| Unemployment | 2.2% | 2025 |
| Population | 11.5 million | 2025 |
| Labour force | 7.6 million | 2025 |
| Services share of GDP | 55% | 2024 |
| Industry share of GDP | 44% | 2024 |
| Manufacturing share of GDP | 9% | 2024 |
| Agriculture share of GDP | 1% | 2024 |
| Exports share of GDP | 107% | 2023 |
| Foreign direct investment | 8.3% of GDP | 2024 |
| High-tech share of manufactured exports | 9% | 2023 |
| Internet users | 100% of people | 2024 |
R&D labs
Largest companies in United Arab Emirates
Startups in United Arab Emirates
Investors in United Arab Emirates
Main export industries
United Arab Emirates exported goods worth about $570.2bn in 2023. Its biggest export industries:
- Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation: $282.1bn (49.5% of goods exports)
- Natural, cultured pearls: $90.2bn (15.8% of goods exports)
- Electrical machinery and equipment: $42.3bn (7.4% of goods exports)
- Machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors: $24.4bn (4.3% of goods exports)
- Commodities not specified according to kind: $18.1bn (3.2% of goods exports)
Source: UN Comtrade, goods only (services exports are not included).
Other economies in Middle East
- Saudi Arabia (#19)
- Israel (#26)
- Egypt (#43)
- Iran (#44)
- Algeria (#51)
- Iraq (#54)
- Qatar (#56)
- Morocco (#58)
- Kuwait (#59)
- Oman (#71)
- Jordan (#90)
- Tunisia (#93)
- Bahrain (#99)
- Libya (#101)
- Malta (#118)
Questions and answers
How big is the economy of United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates had a GDP of $552.3 billion in 2024, ranking number 30 in the 311 Nations Index.
What is GDP per person in United Arab Emirates?
GDP per person in United Arab Emirates was $50,274 in 2024.
How fast is the economy of United Arab Emirates growing?
The economy of United Arab Emirates grew by 4.0% in 2024.
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0).
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