Tracking Abu Dhabi Consumer Trends in 2025: Non-Oil Economy Hits USD83.4 Billion (AED174.1B)
In 2025, Abu Dhabi’s economic narrative is being reshaped by its consumers. As the emirate’s non-oil economy reached a record US$83.4 Billion (AED174.1 billion) in Q2, accounting for 56.8% of total GDP for the first time in a second quarter. Consumer behavior is emerging as a key indicator of diversification success. From retail and real estate to digital services and financial activity, Abu Dhabi consumer trends are offering a window into the emirate’s evolving economic identity.
Retail and Trade: AED16 Billion Signals Steady Consumer Demand
The Abu Dhabi wholesale and retail trade sector reached US$4.36 billion (AED16 billion) in Q2 2025, growing 1.6% year-on-year. While modest compared to other sectors, this growth reflects stable consumer demand amid broader economic expansion. Tourism recovery and rising household spending have helped sustain momentum, with non-oil trade surging 34.7% in H1 2025 and exports jumping 64% compared to the same period in 2024.
These figures suggest that Abu Dhabi consumer trends are increasingly influenced by global connectivity and local confidence. The emirate’s retail landscape is adapting to a more discerning, digitally engaged shopper base, supported by strong logistics and trade infrastructure.
Real Estate Uptick: AED11.7 Billion Driven by Foreign Buyers
Real estate activity climbed to US$3.19 billion (AED11.7 billion) in Q2, marking a 10.2% year-on-year increase and setting a new quarterly record. This sector now contributes 3.8% to GDP, buoyed by population growth, urban development, and rising foreign investor interest.
In H1 2025, real estate transactions rose 39%, while foreign direct investment in the sector increased by 3.3%, involving investors from 85 nationalities. These figures highlight a growing appetite for residential and commercial assets, reflecting how Abu Dhabi consumer trends are shaped by both domestic demand and international confidence.
Financial Services Surge: AED21.8 Billion Reflects Investor Appetite
Finance and insurance activities reached US$5.94 billion (AED21.8 billion) in Q2, growing 10.3% year-on-year and contributing 7.1% to GDP. Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) reported a 42% increase in assets under management and a 47% rise in new business licenses in H1 2025.
This financial dynamism is mirrored in consumer behavior. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) saw a 33.5% increase in total trading value and a 99.5% rise in foreign net investment. These shifts suggest that Abu Dhabi consumer trends are increasingly shaped by a financially literate population and a growing culture of investment.
Digital Consumption: ICT Sector Hits AED8.6 Billion
Information and communications technology (ICT) activities reached US$2.34 billion (AED8.6 billion) in Q2 2025, up 6% year-on-year. This is the sector’s highest quarterly value to date, driven by the emirate’s AED13 billion Digital Strategy 2025-2027.
As Abu Dhabi advances toward becoming the world’s first AI-native government, digital services are becoming central to daily life. From e-commerce to AI-powered public services, Abu Dhabi consumer trends are increasingly digital-first, reflecting a population that is both tech-savvy and innovation-driven.
Knowledge and Lifestyle Services: AED9 Billion in Professional Demand
Professional, scientific, and technical services including administrative support, grew 10% to US$2.45 billion (AED9 billion) in Q2, comprising 2.9% of GDP. This growth signals rising demand for specialized services, consultancy, and knowledge-based solutions.
Meanwhile, arts, recreation, and other services grew 12%, reflecting renewed cultural engagement and lifestyle spending. These shifts suggest that Abu Dhabi consumer trends are not only economic but also experiential, with residents and visitors alike seeking value in both services and experiences.
Summary: A Consumer-Driven Economic Shift
Abu Dhabi’s 2025 economic performance is more than a macroeconomic success. It’s a reflection of evolving consumer behavior. From real estate and retail to digital services and financial participation, Abu Dhabi consumer trends are shaping the emirate’s diversification journey. As non-oil sectors continue to break records, the consumer emerges not just as a beneficiary of growth, but as a driver of it.
Also Read: Abu Dhabi Financial Services: Powering Growth Through Innovation and Investment
