UAE economy to grow about 3.1% this year, minister says
UAE economy expected to expand by roughly 3.1% this year, says Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, citing IMF estimates and government plans to boost growth.
The UAE economy is forecast to grow by about 3.1% this year, the Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, told local media, citing recent International Monetary Fund estimates. He said the government is working to lift that projection by intensifying efforts to develop key economic sectors and increase national output.
Minister cites IMF estimate for GDP expansion
The minister pointed to the IMF’s assessment when outlining the baseline growth outlook for the UAE economy. He emphasized that authorities are pursuing continuous policy and sectoral reforms to translate that estimate into stronger actual growth.
Bin Touq framed the IMF figure as a starting point and said the ministry’s priorities include measures to raise productivity across multiple sectors. He stressed the importance of proactive economic management to convert forecasts into tangible gains for employment and investment.
Government strategy to raise output across sectors
The ministry is focusing on targeted interventions and regulatory adjustments aimed at accelerating sectoral performance. Officials said work is under way to identify practical steps that can lift private-sector activity and support sustainable, diversified growth.
Efforts include refining incentives for investment, streamlining business processes, and supporting innovation in priority industries. The goal is to expand the contribution of non-oil sectors to overall GDP while maintaining fiscal and monetary stability.
Tourism and hospitality singled out for rapid rebound
Bin Touq identified tourism and hospitality as core sectors for near-term expansion and recovery. He acknowledged that globally these industries are usually the first to suffer in crises and the last to recover, but said the UAE is preparing for a faster return to normalcy.
The minister highlighted the country’s modern airports, robust airline connectivity and advanced hospitality infrastructure as assets that position the UAE for a swift rebound. He said increasing global confidence and the readiness of tourism institutions should help the sector recover more quickly than in past downturns.
Infrastructure and policy resilience highlighted amid regional shifts
Addressing regional developments, the minister said recent changes in the neighbourhood would not undermine the strength of the UAE economy. He cited the country’s developed infrastructure, flexible policy framework and diversified economic base as buffers against external shocks.
Authorities argue that resilience stems from a combination of modern logistics, broad-based trade relationships and adaptive regulatory approaches. These elements, the ministry says, allow the UAE to absorb disruptions while continuing to attract investment and talent.
Ministry assessing measures to support sectors and manage risks
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism is conducting a review of the necessary measures to support sectoral resilience and promote growth. This review includes contingency planning, regulatory fine-tuning and targeted support mechanisms to address potential headwinds.
Officials indicated that the assessment covers both immediate responses to emerging challenges and longer-term initiatives to enhance competitiveness. The approach aims to preserve momentum across sectors while positioning the economy for stable expansion beyond the short term.
Outlook for growth and policy next steps
Looking ahead, the minister said policymakers will keep exploring ways to raise growth projections through continuous reforms and sectoral development. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enabling conditions that attract private investment and create jobs.
Investors and market participants will be watching for announced measures and implementation timelines, as these will signal how quickly authorities expect to convert the IMF estimate into higher realised growth. The ministry’s next communications are likely to include specific initiatives aimed at the tourism, trade and services sectors.
The minister’s remarks reflect a broader government strategy that blends infrastructure strength, regulatory flexibility and targeted sectoral support to steer the UAE economy through global uncertainty. The stated intention to push growth above current forecasts rests on a combination of technical planning and the leveraging of the country’s travel and hospitality assets for a faster recovery.
