Indicators of economy in United Arab Emirates

ARE · Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan /

Location

GDP per capita: 50,274 USD (PPP: 79,229 intl$) · Total GDP: 552.3 billion USD (2024)

Income and purchasing power

The average monthly income in United Arab Emirates is 4,296 USD per month. This compares to prices and purchasing power compared to the United States.

Compare cost of living and purchasing power →

Cost of Living

Cost of living indices are relative to New York City (NYC = 100). Lower index means lower costs. Data as of November 2025.

Cost of Living Index
65.0
Est. monthly cost: $2,275
35.0% cheaper than NYC
Rent Index
48.0
1-bedroom, center: $1,344/month
52.0% cheaper than NYC
Groceries Index
58.0
Per person/month: $261
42.0% cheaper than NYC
Restaurant Price Index
62.0
Mid-range meal: $14
Purchasing Power Index
78.0
22.0% lower than NYC
(Higher is better)

How to read: All indices are relative to New York City (NYC = 100). An index of 70 means costs are 30% lower than NYC. Estimated prices are calculated based on NYC reference prices.

Compare with other countries →

Economic performance 2024

Indicator Value Per Capita
GDP 552.32 billion USD 50,274 USD
Gross National Product (GNI) 51,550 USD
GDP (PPP) 79,229 intl$

Development of gross domestic product in billions of USD 1970 - 2024

Year GDP (billions USD) GDP per capita (USD)
2024 552.32 50,274
2023 522.62 49,851
2022 511.40 50,760
2021 422.44 44,119
2020 357.16 37,992
2019 433.93 45,939
2018 440.56 47,135
2017 403.37 43,734
2016 381.72 42,721
2015 381.97 44,910
2014 424.94 52,725
2013 409.63 53,247
2012 392.79 53,142
2011 368.88 51,922
2010 307.74 44,795
2009 253.55 37,803
2008 315.47 50,054
2007 257.92 45,855
2006 222.12 44,343
2005 180.62 38,719
2004 147.82 33,377
2003 124.35 29,660
2002 109.82 27,754
2001 103.31 27,745
2000 104.34 29,866
1999 84.45 25,856
1998 75.67 24,889
1997 78.84 27,983
1996 73.57 28,323
1995 65.74 27,003
1994 59.31 25,473
1993 55.63 25,033
1992 54.24 25,648
1991 51.55 25,691
1990 50.70 26,710
1989 41.46 23,167
1988 36.28 21,570
1987 36.38 23,113
1986 33.94 23,132
1985 40.60 29,468
1984 41.81 32,012
1983 42.80 34,650
1982 46.62 39,972
1981 49.33 44,854
1980 43.60 42,925
1979 31.23 34,238
1978 23.78 29,379
1977 24.87 35,020
1976 19.21 31,197
1975 14.72 27,117
1974 11.65 23,823
1973 4.23 9,696
1972 1.42 3,675
1971 0.94 2,805
1970 0.69 2,394

Largest economic sectors

The main economic sectors in United Arab Emirates play a crucial role in the country's economic development and prosperity. These industries contribute significantly to GDP, employment, and overall economic stability.

Primary Sectors

  • Banking and financial services
  • Construction and real estate
  • Manufacturing (metals, steel)
  • Information technology

Supporting Sectors

  • Logistics and transportation
  • Tourism and hospitality
  • Agriculture and food processing
  • Energy and utilities

Note: Detailed sector breakdown data is being collected and will be updated soon.

Imports and Exports 2024

Indicator United Arab Emirates Per Capita
Imports 509.24 billion USD (92.2% of GDP)
Exports 590.14 billion USD (106.8% of GDP)

Household debt and deficits 2024

Indicator United Arab Emirates
Government debt 9.96 billion USD (1.8% of GDP)
Household debt 431.58 billion USD (78.1% of GDP)

Corruption in United Arab Emirates

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) measures the perceived levels of public sector corruption. The scale ranges from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

Corruption Perceptions Index
68.0
Year: 2024
Moderate
Scale: 0-100
Data source: Transparency International

Unemployment rates in percentages 1991 - 2025

The unemployment rate is calculated as the percentage of unemployed persons in the total labor force. Data source: ILOSTAT

Year Unemployment Rate (%)
2025 2.2%
2024 2.2%
2023 2.2%
2022 2.9%
2021 3.1%
2020 4.3%
2019 2.3%
2018 2.2%
2017 2.5%
2016 1.6%
2015 1.8%
2014 2.0%
2013 2.1%
2012 2.3%
2011 2.6%
2010 2.8%
2009 2.9%
2008 2.8%
2007 2.9%
2006 3.0%
2005 3.1%
2004 3.0%
2003 2.9%
2002 2.7%
2001 2.4%
2000 2.3%
1999 2.2%
1998 2.1%
1997 1.9%
1996 1.8%
1995 1.8%
1994 1.8%
1993 1.9%
1992 1.7%
1991 1.6%

Inflation rates in percentages 2008 - 2024

Year Inflation Rate (%)
2024 1.7%
2023 1.6%
2022 5.3%
2021 0.2%
2020 -2.1%
2019 -1.9%
2018 3.1%
2017 2.0%
2016 1.6%
2015 4.1%
2014 2.3%
2013 1.1%
2012 0.7%
2011 0.9%
2010 0.9%
2009 1.6%
2008 12.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GDP per capita of United Arab Emirates in 2024?

The GDP per capita of United Arab Emirates is 50,274 USD in 2024. When adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), the GDP per capita is 79,229 international dollars. This indicator measures the economic output per person and is a key metric for comparing economic prosperity across countries.

What are the main industries in United Arab Emirates?

The main economic sectors in United Arab Emirates include banking and financial services, construction and real estate, manufacturing (metals, steel), and information technology. Supporting sectors include logistics and transportation, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and food processing, and energy and utilities. These industries contribute significantly to GDP, employment, and overall economic stability.

What is the inflation rate in United Arab Emirates in 2024?

The inflation rate in United Arab Emirates is 1.7% in 2024. Inflation measures the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, eroding purchasing power. This data is updated regularly from reliable sources like the World Bank and IMF.

Explore key economic indicators of United Arab Emirates including GDP, inflation, unemployment, and trade data. This page provides up-to-date statistics and visual insights based on official international sources such as World Bank, IMF, and ILO.

Our comprehensive database allows you to compare United Arab Emirates's economic performance with other countries and understand global economic trends. Access current economic indicators, historical data, and comparative analysis to gain a deeper understanding of United Arab Emirates's economic landscape. For demographic data, visit our population statistics section.

Data Sources

All economic data presented on this page is sourced from reputable international organizations and updated regularly.

  • World Bank: GDP, inflation, unemployment, trade, and economic indicators
  • IMF (International Monetary Fund): Economic indicators and financial statistics
  • OECD: Economic and social statistics
  • Transparency International: Corruption perception index
  • Numbeo: Cost of living data

Data is updated monthly. Last update: June 2026