The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre reported preliminary national-accounts estimates on 9 October showing UAE real gross domestic product of AED961.9 billion in the first half of 2026, measured at constant prices. That represented growth of 0.4 percent compared with the first half of 2025. The centre said non-oil GDP increased 1.8 percent and accounted for 79.2 percent of the economy, compared with 78.1 percent in the same period a year earlier.

The quarterly picture was weaker. Real GDP in the second quarter was AED476.9 billion, down 2.1 percent from Q2 2025; non-oil activity contracted 1.1 percent year on year. The report links the decline in tourism, transport and trade to regional developments and travel disruptions. These figures do not contradict the positive first-half comparison: they measure a quarter against its year-earlier equivalent, while the half-year figure combines two quarters.

The centre reported variation among non-oil industries. Financial and insurance activities grew 14.8 percent in H1, information and communications 7.3 percent, health and social work 6 percent, construction 5.1 percent, government activities 3.6 percent and real estate 2.3 percent. Within non-oil GDP, trade had the largest contribution at 16.2 percent, followed by finance and insurance at 15.2 percent, construction at 13.1 percent, manufacturing at 11.8 percent and real estate at 7.9 percent.

The indicators are preliminary estimates using the statistical methods and time series currently in use. The FCSC said a comprehensive GDP revision programme is under way with national statistical partners, with a revised time series expected after approval in the first quarter of 2027. Revisions can change historical levels or growth comparisons, so the October release should be treated as the current estimate, not a final immutable result. The data are real, constant-price national accounts rather than nominal sales or cash receipts.

Economically, the figures show two simultaneous conditions: the first-half total remained slightly above the previous year, while Q2 and several travel-sensitive activities weakened. The rising non-oil share is a composition measure; it does not mean that oil output or revenue increased. Growth rates and sector shares answer different questions and should not be combined as if they were additive contributions. For businesses, the report offers a macroeconomic snapshot, while sector-specific orders, prices and company accounts are needed to assess individual market demand.

The release provides a national aggregate, not a complete account of household purchasing power, company margins or employment. Constant-price GDP tracks changes in the volume of production after price effects are removed; it cannot by itself describe inflation or nominal revenue. The distinction matters when businesses compare activity with sales receipts, which can move differently because of prices, exchange conditions or sector composition. The preliminary status and planned revision also argue for using the series with its stated vintage and period.