S&P Global Ratings has revealed its forecasts for the performance of the UAE economy and its individual emirates in 2026, projecting that the country's nominal gross domestic product will reach approximately $695.69 billion, equivalent to AED 2.55 trillion. According to the agency's data, GDP per capita in the UAE is expected to reach around $59,790 (approximately AED 220,000) in 2026, with real economic growth of 1.45% and real GDP per capita growth of 0.44%.
S&P data showed that Abu Dhabi will record a nominal GDP of approximately $330.97 billion in 2026, with a per capita GDP of $75,430. The agency forecast real economic growth in Abu Dhabi of 2.25% during the same year, despite a projected decline in real per capita output of 0.73%.
Abu Dhabi maintained a long-term foreign-currency credit rating of AA, among the highest sovereign ratings globally.
The agency also projected Ras Al Khaimah's GDP to reach $13.81 billion, with real growth of 1.80% and per capita GDP of $31,880. For Sharjah, S&P forecast a GDP of approximately $49.18 billion in 2026, with real economic growth of 1.80% and per capita GDP of $23,720.
S&P affirmed that the UAE's ability to withstand external shocks rests on the strength of its fiscal position, the diversity of its economy, its substantial reserves, and its continued role as a regional hub for trade, investment, and energy.