Central Bank of the UAE Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama projected that UAE GDP growth will accelerate from 1.6% in 2026 to approximately 10% in 2027. In a keynote address to a meeting of Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan central bank governors and finance ministers with the International Monetary Fund, Balama attributed the outlook to rapid growth in non-oil activity, infrastructure investment and increased oil production capacity following the UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC. Balama said economic diversification, sound policy frameworks and investment in human capital and technology have strengthened the UAE’s ability to withstand interconnected global shocks. Robust fiscal buffers, low public debt and substantial sovereign assets continue to support investor and market confidence, while elevated geopolitical risks require stronger international cooperation to protect global growth and contain inflationary pressures.
Central Bank of the UAE Governor projects GDP growth of about 10% in 2027 as diversification and oil capacity expand
Central Bank of the UAE Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama projected GDP growth of 1.6% in 2026 and approximately 10% in 2027. He attributed the acceleration to expanding non-oil activity, infrastructure investment and increased oil production capacity, supported by strong fiscal buffers and sovereign assets.