United Arab Emirates

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP, nominal):
  2023: USD 514.1 billion
  2024: USD 545.1 billion
  2025: USD 568.6 billion
• GDP per Capita (nominal, 2024): USD 49,550*
• GDP Growth (real): Steady growth
• Inflation Rate:
  2023: 1.6%
  2024: 2.3%*
• Public Debt (2024): 31.4% of GDP*
• Current Account Balance (2024): 8.8% of GDP*
• Total Investments (2024): 28.1% of GDP*
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI, net transactions, 2023): USD 30.7 billion
• Foreign Exchange Reserves (2023): USD 184.6 billion
   

The UAE has a high export ratio—amounting to 110.9% of GDP in 2023—making it one of the most globally integrated economies in the world.

(Source: GTAI – Wirtschaftsdaten kompakt, Dezember 2024)

The United Arab Emirates offers German companies a wide array of strategic opportunities in future-oriented sectors. Whether expanding sales, establishing local manufacturing, forming technology partnerships, or participating in sustainable mega-projects, the UAE provides access to an innovation-driven and investment-strong market with regional influence.

Renewable Energy & Hydrogen Technology
With the "Net-Zero 2050" initiative and projects like Masdar, the UAE is heavily investing in green energy. German companies have excellent entry points in areas such as photovoltaics, wind power, hydrogen production, and energy storage solutions.

Digitalization & Artificial Intelligence
The UAE is actively promoting the use of digital technologies across both business and government sectors. National strategies on Artificial Intelligence, Industry 4.0, and Smart Cities offer a highly innovation-friendly environment for German tech companies.

Healthcare & Medical Technology
A growing healthcare sector—combined with the ambition to become a regional hub for medical tourism—drives demand for advanced medical technology, digital health solutions, and high-quality clinical infrastructure.

Education & Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
The UAE is focusing on developing a highly skilled workforce, emphasizing dual education, technical training, and international educational partnerships. German education providers and suppliers of technical training equipment are particularly in demand.

Mechanical and Plant Engineering
As the UAE diversifies its industrial base, there is increasing demand for efficient manufacturing technology, automation, and process control. Industrial parks, special economic zones, and free trade areas present attractive entry opportunities.

Sustainable Construction & Building Technology
Urban development projects and new districts—such as Dubai Expo City or emerging areas in Abu Dhabi—are focusing on energy-efficient, smart building solutions. German smart building technologies enjoy a strong reputation.

Logistics & Mobility
As a global trade hub, the UAE is investing in transport infrastructure, smart mobility, and integrated logistics systems. Companies specializing in transport planning, traffic telematics, or port automation can benefit from long-term infrastructure projects.

Tourism & Leisure Industry
The UAE promotes year-round tourism in the fields of luxury, eco-tourism, sports, and culture. This creates opportunities for companies offering hotel technologies, interior design, event engineering, and hospitality training solutions.

Germany is one of the United Arab Emirates’ most important trading partners in Europe. More than 1,000 German companies are already active in the UAE. In 2023, German exports to the UAE reached approximately EUR 8.6 billion—an increase of 13.2% compared to the previous year. The main export goods include machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, chemical products, and medical technology.
 

The UAE also serves as a gateway to other GCC markets such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. Many German companies use the UAE as a regional hub for sales, procurement, project development, and talent acquisition.

Through their Emiratization policy, the UAE aims to increase the employment of local nationals in the private sector. Depending on the industry and company size, mandatory quotas apply. Compliance is monitored by the government, and violations can result in penalties.

At the same time, qualification programs, support measures, and job placement platforms are being significantly expanded. It is therefore crucial for companies to familiarize themselves early on with the legal framework and to develop appropriate HR strategies. Early investment in local talent is increasingly seen as a key success factor.

• German Embassy Abu Dhabi & Consulate General Dubai
• Career in the UAE