2024 Industrial Milestone: 9.5% GDP from Manufacturing
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2024 Industrial Milestone: 9.5% GDP from Manufacturing

Published on: Jun 14, 2025 | Author: Marketing & Communications

Manufacturing Surge: AED 111.6B (US$30.1B) Fuels Industrial Growth

Abu Dhabi’s economic narrative is being rewritten through remarkable transformations in non-oil sectors. In 2024, the emirate’s real GDP increased by 3.8% to a record AED 1.2 trillion (US$324B), with non-oil activities reaching their highest-ever contribution of 54.7%. This milestone marks a decisive shift from traditional oil revenues to a more diversified, sustainable economic model. Such impressive figures reflect forward-thinking strategies that have continually propelled Abu Dhabi Industrial Growth in the region.

At the heart of this momentum is the manufacturing sector, which achieved an unprecedented AED 111.6 billion (US$30.1B) in added value. Representing 9.5% of the overall GDP, the sector grew at an annual rate of 2.7% in 2024. This surge is a testament to the transformative policies that underpin Abu Dhabi Industrial Growth. With manufacturing evolving through smart, digital-driven practices, the sector not only strengthens domestic production but also attracts a multitude of international investments, ensuring that Abu Dhabi Industrial Growth remains robust and dynamic.

Construction & Finance: 11.3% and 10.7% Gains Push Industrial Growth

The construction sector, contributing 9.1% to total GDP, recorded an impressive 11.3% increase, reaching AED 107.4 billion (US$29B). Similarly, the financial and insurance sector grew by 10.7% to AED 77.8 billion (US$21B), reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a dynamic and resilient economic hub. These sectors are vital cogs in the machinery of Abu Dhabi Industrial Growth, driving infrastructural development and financial innovation. Their sustained progress is critical in shaping a diversified economy and fortifying the emirate's industrial landscape.

ADIS Impact: A 23% Boost Accelerates Abu Dhabi Industrial Growth

A pivotal element in this transformation is the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS). Since its launch in 2022, ADIS has spurred a 23% surge in industrial GDP—from AED 90.8 billion (US$24.5B) to AED 111.6 billion (US$30.1B). Additionally, the number of industrial enterprises increased by 19.4%, underscoring the strategy’s success in nurturing a competitive business environment. This targeted approach has elevated Abu Dhabi Industrial Growth to new heights, emphasizing advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, and sustainable practices that position the emirate as a leading industrial hub.

Future Prospects: Non-Oil Expansion Fuels Abu Dhabi Industrial Growth

Looking ahead, the economic outlook for Abu Dhabi Industrial Growth remains promising. With key sectors like transportation and storage, real estate, education, and health steadily contributing to the overall GDP, the pathway to further diversification is clear. For instance, the transportation and storage sector achieved a record AED 27.8 billion (US$7.5B) with the highest growth rate of 16.9%, while real estate reached AED 41.7 billion (US$11.3B) despite a modest 4.2% growth. 

Continuous investments in these areas and emerging clusters—such as smart vehicles and agri-food technology—are set to fuel Abu Dhabi Industrial Growth further. This balanced blend of sectoral contributions not only safeguards economic resilience but also paves the way for future innovations and global competitiveness.

In summary, from a record-breaking AED 1.2 trillion (US$324B) GDP to targeted initiatives driving sector-specific expansions, every data point strengthens the story of Abu Dhabi Industrial Growth. Policymakers and industry leaders alike are capitalizing on these achievements, ensuring that the emirate remains a beacon of sustainable and diversified economic progress.

Also Read: Disney UAE Market Entry: A Strategic Inflection for Tourism, Entertainment, and Economic Diversification

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