What happened?
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved the National Programme for Developing the Statistics System in the UAE, introducing a modern framework for measuring the country’s economy.
Who is affected?
Government entities, businesses, investors, economists, policymakers and organisations that rely on official UAE economic data.
Why does it matter?
The programme will improve how the UAE measures GDP, better capture emerging sectors like AI and the digital economy, and strengthen investor confidence through more accurate economic statistics.
The UAE has approved a major upgrade to the way it measures its economy. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the National Programme for Developing the Statistics System in the UAE, a nationwide initiative that will modernise the country’s statistical framework. The programme aims to improve how the UAE calculates Gross Domestic Product (GDP), ensuring official figures better reflect the rapid growth of sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital services, tourism and investment. The move supports the UAE’s long-term economic vision while bringing national statistics in line with international standards.
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— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) July 23, 2026
Why is the UAE updating its economic statistics system?
The UAE economy has changed significantly over the past decade. While oil remains an important sector, industries such as technology, fintech, renewable energy, logistics, tourism and digital services have become increasingly important contributors to economic growth.
To ensure official figures accurately reflect these changes, the government has launched a comprehensive review of its statistical system.
According to the UAE Government Media Office and the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the updated framework will align with the United Nations System of National Accounts (SNA), the globally recognised standard used to measure national economies.
This will provide policymakers, businesses and international organisations with more reliable and comparable economic data.
How will the new programme improve GDP measurement?
One of the biggest changes is the way the UAE will calculate its Gross Domestic Product.
The government has announced that 2024 will become the new base year for the country’s national accounts, replacing the previous benchmark used to measure economic performance.
Authorities will also reconstruct GDP data covering 2010 to 2026, allowing historical figures to better reflect today’s economic structure and internationally accepted methodologies.
The revised framework is expected to:
- Better capture growth in non-oil industries
- Improve data quality and consistency
- Increase the accuracy of official statistics
- Reflect structural changes across the economy
- Enhance international comparisons of UAE economic performance
This means future GDP figures will provide a more comprehensive picture of how the UAE economy is evolving.
Digital economy and AI will receive greater attention
The updated statistical framework recognises that today’s economy is very different from what it was a decade ago.
Emerging industries now play a much larger role in economic growth, particularly:
- Artificial intelligence
- Digital economy
- Technology
- Innovation
- Financial services
- Investment
- Tourism
- Advanced manufacturing
The programme will incorporate new administrative and tax data from government entities to improve measurement across these sectors.
Officials say this approach will help ensure that official statistics keep pace with the country’s transformation into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.
Which government entities are involved?
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving several federal organisations.
According to official announcements, participating entities include:
- UAE Central Bank
- Ministry of Finance
- Federal Tax Authority
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Emirates Investment Authority
- Etihad Water and Electricity
By combining data from multiple government sources, the programme aims to improve both the accuracy and efficiency of national statistics.
Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said advanced economies regularly update their statistical systems to reflect changing economic activities and new data sources, making this an important step in the UAE’s continued economic development.
How will businesses and investors benefit?
Reliable economic data plays a vital role in business decision-making.
For investors, accurate statistics provide greater confidence when evaluating market opportunities.
For businesses, improved data helps identify economic trends, understand sector performance and support long-term planning.
Government policymakers also benefit from stronger evidence when developing future economic strategies, infrastructure projects and investment initiatives.
The updated framework is expected to improve transparency while strengthening the UAE’s reputation as a global business destination.
As the country continues implementing strategies such as We the UAE 2031, the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and national digital transformation initiatives, modern statistical systems will help measure progress more effectively.
Why It Matters?
For UAE residents and businesses, this programme may not change daily life immediately, but it strengthens the country’s long-term economic planning.
Here’s why it matters:
- Better economic data supports smarter government decisions.
- Investors gain greater confidence in UAE markets.
- Growing industries such as AI, technology and tourism receive more accurate recognition.
- Businesses benefit from improved market insights.
- The UAE strengthens its position as a leading global economic hub.
Over time, the improved statistical system will provide a clearer understanding of where the economy is growing and where future opportunities lie.
FAQs
What is the National Programme for Developing the Statistics System?
It is a UAE government initiative that modernises the country’s statistical framework to improve the accuracy of official economic data.
Why is the UAE changing how GDP is measured?
The update ensures GDP calculations reflect today’s diversified economy, including digital industries, AI, technology and other emerging sectors.
What is the new GDP base year?
The UAE will use 2024 as the new base year for its national accounts.
Will this affect businesses?
Yes. Businesses, investors and policymakers will benefit from more reliable and internationally comparable economic data.
Does this change the UAE’s economic policies?
No. The programme updates how economic activity is measured rather than changing existing economic policies.
The approval of the National Programme for Developing the Statistics System marks another important milestone in the UAE’s economic transformation. By modernising how GDP and other key indicators are measured, the country aims to provide more accurate, transparent and internationally recognised statistics that reflect today’s diversified economy. As sectors such as AI, digital services and innovation continue to grow, the updated framework will help ensure official data keeps pace with the UAE’s ambitions for sustainable economic development.
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