The Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD) has released a statistical report revealing that Abu Dhabi’s economy grew by 4.5% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year, achieving its highest quarterly value of AED 301.8 billion. The non-oil economy demonstrated robust growth of 6.6% y/y, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s strong economic momentum and its success in surpassing global expectations.
Despite a challenging global environment, Abu Dhabi’s economy continues to excel. Preliminary estimates released by SCAD indicate that non-oil activities contributed 54% to the overall economy in Q3 2024, highlighting the Emirate’s commitment to economic diversification. 
Abu Dhabi’s GDP for the first three quarters of 2024 (January to September) grew by 3.9%, while its non-oil economy recorded a 5.9% increase in the same period of time, demonstrating sustained resilience.
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said: “The steady performance of Abu Dhabi’s economy over the past years reaffirms the effectiveness and efficiency of our multi-dimensional diversification strategy, proactive policies, progressive regulatory frameworks, and countercyclical measures to address mega shifts in the global economy and market fluctuations. The attributes of our soaring ‘Falcon Economy’ have established us as a rising economic powerhouse and a global magnet for talents, businesses, and investments”. 
H.E. Al Zaabi adds: “With our focus on strengthening public-private partnerships to develop high-growth sectors, significant government capital investments continue to supercharge Abu Dhabi’s development across key sectors. In 2024, 144 new projects were approved by Abu Dhabi government with a total budget of AED 66 billion, focusing on vital areas such as housing, education, tourism, and natural resources. Furthermore, strategic investments in transport infrastructure saw the launch of multiple traffic improvement initiatives with a budget exceeding AED 3 billion. Major agreements were also secured by Etihad rail with international leaders in rail and infrastructure, pave the way for enhanced connectivity and economic integration. As we move forward, we are doubling down our efforts to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s economic growth and transition to a smart, diversified, and sustainable economy, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for the coming generations”.
His Excellency Abdulla Gharib Alqemzi, Director General of SCAD, said: “Abu Dhabi’s economic performance reflects the Emirate’s focus on diversification and its ability to attract sustained investments. Foreign investment, which reached AED 904.5 billion in 2023, underscores Abu Dhabi’s proactive approach to fostering a dynamic business ecosystem. This success is underpinned by the Emirate’s excellence in services, supported by high-end infrastructure, a robust digitalisation strategy, and the prosperous visionary leadership, which continue to position Abu Dhabi as a global economic hub.
“In this context, SCAD remains committed to delivering accurate, timely, and transparent data that informs strategic decisions. By leveraging advanced technologies and innovative methodologies, SCAD empowers policymakers and stakeholders to drive growth and resilience across sectors, ensuring long-term sustainable development for the Emirate.”
Abu Dhabi’s transport and storage sector recorded notable growth in Q3 2024, with a growth rate of 18% and value added at AED 7.1 billion. This impressive performance can be attributed to significant investments in the sector, including increase in general cargo volumes and rise in container handling. The sector’s robust growth was further supported by oil logistics and services and increase in ports revenues in Abu Dhabi.
The financial and insurance sector also witnessed substantial expansion, achieved a growth rate of 11.6% y/y and contributing 6.4% to Abu Dhabi’s GDP with a value added of AED 19.5 billion. This growth highlights Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading financial hub, driven by increase in loans and the growth in deposits across major banks. These figures reflect the sector's robust performance and its integral role in supporting the Emirate’s economic ambitions.
The construction sector continued its upward trajectory, growing by 10% y/y in Q3 2024. This sector contributed 8.8% to Abu Dhabi’s economy, with a total value added of AED 26.7 billion. The sector’s growth was driven by a significant increase in investments in urban infrastructure projects, which in turn led to a notable rise in the number of jobs created within the sector during the same period.
In the real estate sector, growth was recorded at 6.1% y/y, and value added at AED 10.7 billion, contributing 3.5% to Abu Dhabi’s GDP. These figures underline the continued demand for high-quality real estate offerings in Abu Dhabi, as well as the sector’s role in contributing to the Emirate’s diversified economic base.
The manufacturing sector remained a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil economy, with a value added of AED 29.4 billion in Q3 2024. The sector grew by 2% year-on-year in the third quarter in 2024, contributing 9.7% to the Emirate’s GDP, confirming its position as the largest non-oil activity for the seventh quartet in row. This performance highlights the success of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to expand its industrial base, ensuring a sustainable and competitive economy.
The electricity, gas, and water supply sector also made notable contributions to the economy in Q3 2024, with a value added of AED 5.5 billion. This sector accounted for 1.8% of Abu Dhabi’s GDP and achieved a growth rate of 5% y/y, reflecting the Emirate’s commitment to sustainability and efficient resource management.