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Cost of Living and travel in Abu Dhabi – 2025 price guide
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TwoContinents
4 January 2026

In recent years, Dubai has experienced strong and continuous economic growth. This growth is driven by innovation, smart investments, and diversification of the city and emirate's economy. The UAE macroeconomic transformation report for the coming years, prepared by ResearchAndMarkets.com, will help us better determine how Dubai's economy will develop and what the economic forecasts for Dubai are for 2025–2030. We invite you to read on!
Dubai continues to amaze the world, consistently transforming itself from a regional player into a powerful global platform for business and innovation. Although oil was once the foundation of its wealth, today the emirate is focusing on a completely new opening, as clearly shown by Dubai's current macroeconomic data. According to forecasts, real economic growth is expected to remain high, averaging 4.7% per year until the end of the current decade. The main roadmap for these changes is the D33 agenda, which aims to double the size of the local economy. Already, the non-oil sector generates more than three-quarters of GDP, relying on logistics, tourism, and modern financial services.
Looking at Dubai's economic trends in the coming years, further expansion is expected, driven by rapid population growth to over 5 million people. The city is focusing on digitalization and green energy, which attracts a wealth of skilled talent and investors seeking stability. Thanks to long-term visas and no income tax for individuals, the emirate is strengthening its position as a leader in the region. This article will give you a detailed look at this great transformation that is happening before our eyes. Read also: Financial markets and the stock exchange in Dubai.
Dubai is confidently moving towards modernity, basing its future strength on innovation rather than oil extraction. Contrary to popular belief, Dubai's economic growth has not been driven primarily by fossil fuel extraction, but by the diversification of its economy into trade, modern technology, and tourism. Why is Dubai rich? This is an interesting question to read about, but now let's return to the city's economic forecasts.
How will Dubai's GDP develop in the coming years? Expert analyses suggest that the real result is expected to grow by an average of 4.7% per year until the end of the decade, which puts the emirate and the city among the world leaders. The development strategies for Dubai set out by the authorities, including the aforementioned high-profile D33 agenda, envisage a doubling of the size of the local economy in the coming decade. Dubai's current stable economic growth is primarily due to its dynamic technology sector, modern logistics, and record-breaking tourism. Such optimistic forecasts for Dubai's GDP growth go hand in hand with the predicted population surge, which, according to AI models (heavily invested in Dubai), may exceed 5 million inhabitants by 2030. Thanks to these changes, the Emirati metropolis is emerging as the undisputed leader among global business hubs, effectively attracting capital and the best talent from around the world.

Experts indicate that in the coming years, the fastest growing sectors of Dubai's economy will be fintech (innovative financial technologies and services), green technologies, trade, and tourism. The real driving force will be the digital economy, in which artificial intelligence is expected to generate billions of dirhams in additional profit annually. Dubai's modern economic planning also focuses on logistics and construction, forecasting a demand for half a million new homes for its growing population. With this strategy, the emirate is finally sidelining the traditional oil industry, building its future as a global center for modern services.
Optimistic news from the markets means that global capital is increasingly flowing towards the Persian Gulf, seeking security and high rates of return there. These specific financial forecasts for the Emirates, assuming an annual GDP growth of almost 5%, are creating a rare sense of stability among entrepreneurs. Investors particularly appreciate the effective shift away from oil towards technology and logistics, which opens up completely new and lucrative opportunities for them. Each successive analysis of Dubai's future economic situation emphasizes that the city is not only a tourist attraction, but above all a professional platform for the development of international corporations. In addition, the dynamic growth of the population and skilled workers indicates that it is worth investing in the local real estate market and modern innovations.

The UAE investment market continues to grow and offers potential clients many investment opportunities and secure capital investment thanks to its stable economy and political situation. One of the best segments to invest in is apartments and houses, and you can invest in Dubai real estate with the help of experts from our real estate agency Estate Two Continents. And if you are planning a trip to the UAE, check out our trips to Dubai or accommodation in Dubai in private apartments with city views, and read our Dubai Guide, where you will find lots of useful information about traveling to the United Arab Emirates.
Yes, based on the latest data and assumptions, Dubai should maintain its economic growth rate in 2025-2030 and even increase it. Only another international crisis resulting from unforeseen events, such as a pandemic, could halt Dubai's growth.
Dubai's future economy is likely to be influenced by factors such as further diversification into technology, financial services, tourism, and international trade, as well as attracting foreign investment and highly skilled workers. Economic and political stability is a fairly certain factor.
In the coming years, Dubai will be shaped by strong growth in the non-oil sector, driven by innovation, technology, and investment in sustainable development, including renewable energy. Key trends include further diversification of the economy, huge growth in the real estate market, an influx of highly skilled workers, and a transformation towards a “green city” and center of innovation, in line with plans for 2040 and 2050.
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