Abu Dhabi’s non-oil real GDP expands by 4.1% in 2021

Abu Dhabi’s non-oil real GDP registered a growth of 4.1% in 2021, according to the Statistics Centre of Abu Dhabi (SCAD) data.

The data reflects rapid growth in most of Abu Dhabi’s oil and non-oil activities at constant prices in 2021, underscoring the effectiveness of economic policies, the robustness of Abu Dhabi’s local economy and the recovery from Covid-19 crisis.

The results announced by SCAD at constant prices indicate that Abu Dhabi’s GDP at constant prices grew 1.9% in 2021 compared with 2020.

The non-oil GDP at constant prices grew by 4.1% and several non-oil economic activities showed positive growth rates at constant prices, most notably the agriculture, forestry, and fishing activity, which expanded by 23.1% while the manufacturing activity expanded by 21.7%, health and social service activities by 19.7%, arts, entertainment and recreation by 17.3%, wholesale and retail trade by 15.3%, accommodation and food service activities by 14.7%, transportation and storage by 7%, and utilities such as electricity, gas, water supply and waste management activities by 6.9%.

Prudent Policies

Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) Chairman Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa said Abu Dhabi has managed to overcome the consequences of this extraordinary global situation, thanks to the prudent economic and investment policies set by the nation’s wise leadership, including several stimulus initiatives for business and household sectors.

“The initiatives helped the coronavirus-hit sectors to recover and expand while laying the groundwork for a robust economy that can overcome various challenges as well as formulating policies and legislation which keep pace with global changes and support ease of doing business. These initiatives promoted a stimulating investment environment that can attract talent and innovative entrepreneurs, which is reflected in the 2021 GDP results released by SCAD,” he said.

According to the SCAD data, mining and quarrying activity (includes crude oil and natural gas) contributes approximately 50.3% of Abu Dhabi’s real GDP in 2021. The non-oil activities contributed 49.7% of the GDP at constant prices in 2021, despite the remarkable rise in global prices during the same period. The growth proves the remarkable progress Abu Dhabi has made to diversify its economic base and sources of income in line with its ambitious strategic plans.

COVID-19 Impact

Like other economies, Abu Dhabi’s economy too was hit by the repercussions of the pandemic and the accompanying lock downs in 2020. Coupled with significant decline in oil prices in world markets, the emirate’s real GDP declined by 7.7%, oil-GDP by 3.9%, and non-oil GDP by 11.5%. These declines are comparable to other global economies as a result of the challenges and conditions the world experienced during this unprecedented period. The estimates of Abu Dhabi’s GDP are counted among the key economic indicators issued by SCAD. It is an important input for sustainable development planning, which is intended to support decision-making and advance the best interests of Abu Dhabi’s economy.