United Arab Emirates Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by Year (1970–2023)

The UAE experienced significant economic transformation between 1970 and 2023. In the early 1970s, GDP grew exponentially, from $0.69 billion in 1970 to $4.23 billion in 1973, reflecting the rapid development of its oil industry following the discovery of vast reserves. This boom was further amplified by the global oil crisis in 1973, which spiked oil prices, propelling GDP to $11.65 billion by 1974.

However, the 1980s witnessed volatility due to fluctuating oil prices, with GDP peaking at $49.33 billion in 1981 before declining to $33.94 billion by 1986. The economic diversification efforts, including investments in tourism and finance, supported gradual stabilization in the 1990s, with GDP climbing to $84.45 billion by 1999. Post-2000, GDP soared, fueled by high oil prices, infrastructure projects like Burj Khalifa, and Expo 2020 preparations, reaching $507.06 billion in 2022. A dip in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic was short-lived as recovery initiatives drove a rebound.

For a broader context, visit other statistics on Demographic totals in the UAE, UAE’s net lending/borrowing as a percentage of GDP, UAE’s industry sector share in GDP.