Sheikh Mohammed approves new national program

The United Arab Emirates is launching a government program aimed at a comprehensive overhaul of the country's economic statistics system.

The initiative was officially approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The new initiative is titled the "National Program for the Development of the UAE Statistical System." It involves revising current economic assessment methods and aligning the national statistical model with modern international standards.

Country to revise GDP calculation approach

One of the program's primary focus areas will be updating the methodology for calculating gross domestic product.

The current statistical system needs to more accurately reflect the changes that have occurred in the UAE's economic structure in recent years. Special attention will be paid to the development of non-oil sectors, whose role in the national economy continues to grow.

The updated approach will provide a more comprehensive reflection of the actual scale of economic activity and the contribution of individual sectors to the country's GDP.

New system to account for modern economic sectors

The UAE economy is actively diversifying, making traditional assessment methods insufficient for a full analysis of the changes taking place.

As part of the national program, there are plans to account for the contributions of the following areas in greater detail:

• the digital economy;
• the technology sector;
• artificial intelligence;
• investment activity.

These sectors are becoming increasingly significant sources of growth, employment, and business activity. Reflecting them more accurately in official statistics will help form an objective view of the UAE's economic structure.

Data to be aligned with international standards

Modernizing the statistical system is also aimed at improving the accuracy, quality, and reliability of official economic data.

The new calculation methods will comply with international requirements, including the United Nations System of National Accounts.

The updated model is expected to provide government agencies, businesses, and investors with more comprehensive and up-to-date information on the state of the economy, its individual sectors, and long-term trends.

Why data quality matters to investors

For international investors, reliable economic statistics are a primary tool for market assessment.

Accurate data helps analyze economic growth rates, assess the stability of specific industries, forecast consumer demand, and make informed capital allocation decisions.

Modernizing the GDP calculation system can increase the transparency of the UAE's economic environment and strengthen trust among private investors, international companies, and financial institutions.

New data will support more accurate decision-making

A modern statistical system is essential not only for assessing the current situation but also for government planning.

Higher-quality information will allow authorities to more precisely identify development priorities, evaluate the effectiveness of economic programs, and respond to structural changes in a timely manner.

Using updated analytical methods can also improve forecasting quality and assist in developing long-term national development strategies.

How the program could impact the UAE real estate market

The real estate market is closely linked to the overall state of the economy, population dynamics, investment levels, and business activity.

More accurate statistics will provide deeper insights into how non-oil industries, technology companies, the investment sector, and the digital economy influence demand for residential and commercial real estate.

For investors, this means access to higher-quality data when choosing an emirate, neighborhood, or property type. An updated statistical system will also help more accurately analyze the growth rates of business hubs, new residential communities, and infrastructure projects.

Economic transparency supports the country's investment appeal

The UAE is consistently developing an economy based on diversification, technology, and attracting international capital.

Updating the statistical system is another step toward increasing economic transparency and strengthening the country's position as a leading global hub for business and investment.

A more accurate reflection of modern industries will ensure that official indicators align with the real dynamics of the UAE economy, providing investors with a stronger foundation for informed decision-making.