UAE's GDP Grew by 3.6% in First Half of 2024

The value of the UAE's real GDP in the first half of 2024  recorded a notable increase of 3.6 percent
The value of the UAE's real GDP in the first half of 2024 recorded a notable increase of 3.6 percent
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UAE's GDP Grew by 3.6% in First Half of 2024

The value of the UAE's real GDP in the first half of 2024  recorded a notable increase of 3.6 percent
The value of the UAE's real GDP in the first half of 2024 recorded a notable increase of 3.6 percent

Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri has said that the preliminary estimates of the UAE's GDP in the first half of 2024, issued by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, reflect remarkable economic growth and competitiveness, solidifying the country's position as a leading economic power for business and investment.

He explained that the value of the UAE's real GDP (at constant prices) reached AED879.6 billion in the first half of 2024, recording a notable increase of 3.6 percent. Meanwhile, the value of the non-oil GDP during the same period was approximately AED660 billion, with a growth of 4.4 percent, compared to the same period last year. With this, the contribution of non-oil sectors to the country's GDP has reached 75 percent.

The estimates also indicated that the UAE's nominal GDP (at current prices) during the first half of 2024 reached approximately AED981 billion, registering a growth rate of 5.6 percent. Meanwhile, the value of non-oil GDP at current prices during the same period rose to about AED749 billion, with a growth rate reaching 6.8 percent, compared to the first half of 2023.

"The UAE has successfully laid the foundation for a sustainable, diversified economy driven by innovation and knowledge, aligning with global trends while maintaining its position as a premier economic hub regionally and internationally,” Bin Touq said.

"This progress paves the way for achieving the economic goals outlined in 'We the UAE 2031' vision, including raising the UAE's GDP to AED3 trillion within the next decade."



Saudi Arabia Calls for Global Water Cooperation to Advance Integrated Management

The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (11th World Water Forum 2027 | Riyadh 2027 on X)
The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (11th World Water Forum 2027 | Riyadh 2027 on X)
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Saudi Arabia Calls for Global Water Cooperation to Advance Integrated Management

The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (11th World Water Forum 2027 | Riyadh 2027 on X)
The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (11th World Water Forum 2027 | Riyadh 2027 on X)

The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday with the participation of top scientists, experts, decision-makers from around the world.

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley, with the participation of World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon, inaugurated the official logo of the World Water Forum 2027.

In his remarks, Alfadley emphasized Saudi Arabia’s call for strengthened international cooperation and joint efforts among countries and organizations to tackle global water challenges. He underscored the importance of ensuring universal access to water and sanitation services as a key pillar in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

“Saudi Arabia prioritizes the water sector through various measures, including the adoption of a national strategy encompassing water production, storage, transportation, distribution, treatment, and reuse, all within a comprehensive institutional framework,” Alfadley added.

He further stated that the Kingdom has implemented Integrated Water Resources Management and enhanced supply chain governance. This is supported by the release of a long-term supply and demand plan that extends to 2050, alongside a commitment to environmental, social, and economic considerations in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Highlighting the Kingdom's leading role in supporting regional and international water issues, Alfadley pointed to the launching of the Global Water Organization, aimed at fostering international collaboration, and the establishment of an International Water Research Center focused on water economics, water security, advanced technologies, and digital transformation.

Fauchon said the council, in collaboration with Saudi authorities, has developed a comprehensive framework outlining the thematic, regional, and political components that will shape the roadmap for the 11th edition of the forum that is being held in the Middle East for the first time.

He stressed the need to make water a top global priority, adding that this gathering will lay the foundation for future water policies. “The way ahead is still long, but we are confident we’re on the right path toward real solutions—solutions that can change lives,” he said.

Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Dr. Abdulaziz Alshaibani underscored the urgency of the current moment, describing the preparatory meeting as a call for serious and immediate action. Alshaibani emphasized the need to build upon existing progress in the water sector and to move decisively towards solidifying priorities.

He stressed the importance of greater coherence and integration across all sectors, along with the unification of all efforts, to achieve tangible solutions to global water challenges and to meet SDG 6. Alshaibani further noted that effective solutions must be anchored in several key pillars, including financing, innovation, diplomacy, and environmental considerations.

The World Water Forum 2027, organized by the World Water Council in Saudi Arabia, is a significant international platform for exchanging ideas and experiences in water management.