The contribution of the non-oil sector to the overall GDP increased to 79.2 percent during the first six months of the year, marking a 1.8 percent rise. This trend highlights the ongoing diversification of the UAE's economic base and the increasing significance of non-oil sectors.
Trade was the largest contributor to non-oil GDP, accounting for 16.2 percent, followed by financial and insurance services at 15.2 percent. Other key sectors included construction (13.1 percent), manufacturing (11.8 percent), and real estate (7.9 percent).
Within the non-oil economy, the financial and insurance sector experienced the most significant growth rate, expanding by 14.8 percent in the first half of 2026. Information and communication services followed with a 7.3 percent increase, while construction and real estate also showed positive growth.
Despite a slight annual contraction in real GDP and non-oil activities in the second quarter, attributed to disruptions affecting tourism, transport, and trade, the non-oil sector has shown signs of recovery. Purchasing Managers' Index data for September indicated a stable and growing non-oil economy, suggesting it has moved beyond the midyear slowdown.