The United Arab Emirates is one of the most dynamic and diversified economies in the Middle
East, with a nominal GDP of approximately USD 509 billion (2023) and a population of nearly
10 million. The country enjoys a high GDP per capita exceeding USD 49,000, supported by
strong fiscal buffers, prudent monetary policy, and a stable political environment. The UAE
Dirham (AED) is pegged to the US dollar, providing exchange rate stability and investor
confidence.
Historically reliant on hydrocarbons, the UAE has successfully transformed into a post-oil
diversified economy, with the non-oil sector contributing over 70% of GDP. Key growth
drivers include logistics, aviation, international trade, tourism, real estate, financial
services, and technology-driven enterprises. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have emerged as global
hubs for re-exports, fintech, Islamic finance, venture capital, and digital trade, supported by
world-class infrastructure and business-friendly regulations.
The UAE is home to some of the world’s most advanced logistics ecosystems, including Jebel
Ali Port, one of the largest container ports globally, and Dubai International Airport, among
the busiest international airports. Free economic zones such as DMCC, JAFZA, ADGM, and
DIFC have attracted thousands of multinational corporations, startups, and financial institutions,
making the UAE a preferred base for regional and global operations.
In 2023, the UAE’s total trade surpassed USD 700 billion, encompassing oil exports, gold,
aluminum, machinery, electronics, and re-exports. Major trade partners include China,
India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and the European Union. The UAE is also
among the top destinations for foreign direct investment in West Asia, benefiting from
transparent regulations, tax reforms, and investor protection mechanisms.
Strategically, the UAE is positioning itself as a global leader in renewable energy, green
hydrogen, artificial intelligence, space exploration, and climate finance. Initiatives such as
UAE Vision 2031, Net Zero by 2050, and large-scale investments through Masdar underscore
its commitment to sustainable development. Within BRICS Plus, the UAE acts as a financial
gateway, capital mobilization hub, and logistics connector, enabling smoother trade,
investment, and financial flows between BRICS economies and global markets.
The United Arab Emirates is one of the most dynamic and diversified economies in the Middle
East, with a nominal GDP of approximately USD 509 billion (2023) and a population of nearly
10 million. The country enjoys a high GDP per capita exceeding USD 49,000, supported by
strong fiscal buffers, prudent monetary policy, and a stable political environment. The UAE
Dirham (AED) is pegged to the US dollar, providing exchange rate stability and investor
confidence.
Historically reliant on hydrocarbons, the UAE has successfully transformed into a post-oil
diversified economy, with the non-oil sector contributing over 70% of GDP. Key growth
drivers include logistics, aviation, international trade, tourism, real estate, financial
services, and technology-driven enterprises. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have emerged as global
hubs for re-exports, fintech, Islamic finance, venture capital, and digital trade, supported by
world-class infrastructure and business-friendly regulations.
The UAE is home to some of the world’s most advanced logistics ecosystems, including Jebel
Ali Port, one of the largest container ports globally, and Dubai International Airport, among
the busiest international airports. Free economic zones such as DMCC, JAFZA, ADGM, and
DIFC have attracted thousands of multinational corporations, startups, and financial institutions,
making the UAE a preferred base for regional and global operations.
In 2023, the UAE’s total trade surpassed USD 700 billion, encompassing oil exports, gold,
aluminum, machinery, electronics, and re-exports. Major trade partners include China,
India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and the European Union. The UAE is also
among the top destinations for foreign direct investment in West Asia, benefiting from
transparent regulations, tax reforms, and investor protection mechanisms.
Strategically, the UAE is positioning itself as a global leader in renewable energy, green
hydrogen, artificial intelligence, space exploration, and climate finance. Initiatives such as
UAE Vision 2031, Net Zero by 2050, and large-scale investments through Masdar underscore
its commitment to sustainable development. Within BRICS Plus, the UAE acts as a financial
gateway, capital mobilization hub, and logistics connector, enabling smoother trade,
investment, and financial flows between BRICS economies and global markets.
