UAE reports slight growth of non-oil GDP

  • Date: 20-Apr-2022
  • Source: Al-Monitor
  • Sector:Economy
  • Country:UAE
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UAE reports slight growth of non-oil GDP

The United Arab Emirates announced Tuesday a small increase in the non-oil sector’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). 

The non-oil sector contribution to the GDP amounted to 72.3% in 2021. In 2020, the contribution was 71.3%. The biggest non-oil contributors to the GDP were hotels and restaurants at 21.3%, retail at 14.1%, and health and social services at 13.8%, the official Emirates News Agency reported Tuesday. 

Why it matters: The UAE is seeking to reduce its dependence on oil, so the GDP figures represent a somewhat positive sign. The Gulf state is diversifying in a number of ways. In 2023, the UAE will implement a tax on business profits for the first time ever. They are also cutting business fees in a bid to attract startups.