United Arab Emirates Current Account Balance
Current account balance as % of GDP BN.CAB.XOKA.GD.ZS
United Arab Emirates's current account balance was 13.18% in 2025, ranked 10th globally. This represents a 9.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
United Arab Emirates's current account balance stood at 13.18% in 2025, a decline of +1.30% from 2024. The IMF projects 13.18% by 2025. United Arab Emirates ranked 10th globally.
The United Arab Emirates posted a current‑account balance of 13.18 % of GDP in 2025, ranking tenth worldwide, a level that remains well below the all‑time peak of 24.18 % recorded in 1980 and far above the trough of 0.05 % reached in 1994. Over the 46‑year series the UAE’s surplus has fluctuated markedly, reflecting the expansion of non‑oil sectors, the gradual diversification of export markets and the impact of volatile oil prices. Compared with peers of similar rank, the UAE’s surplus is slightly lower than Liechtenstein’s 13.24 % and Hong Kong SAR’s 12.54 %, but higher than Denmark’s 12.23 %. The long‑term upward trajectory since the 1994 low suggests that continued investment in renewable energy, logistics and financial services could sustain a modestly rising surplus, while a sustained decline in global oil demand would likely temper future gains.
Data & projection
| Year | Current Account Balance | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 10.86% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 10.87% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 10.97% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 11.52% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 12.30% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 13.18% | - | - |
| 2025 | 13.18% | −1.30% | #10 |
| 2024 | 14.48% | +1.36% | #177 |
| 2023 | 13.13% | +0.13% | #182 |
| 2022 | 13.00% | +1.65% | #175 |
| 2021 | 11.35% | +5.44% | #176 |
| 2020 | 5.91% | −2.69% | #172 |
| 2019 | 8.60% | −0.76% | #179 |
| 2018 | 9.36% | +2.54% | #178 |
| 2017 | 6.82% | +3.36% | #178 |
| 2016 | 3.46% | −1.14% | #168 |
| 2015 | 4.60% | −8.23% | #166 |
| 2014 | 12.82% | −5.05% | #184 |
| 2013 | 17.87% | −0.74% | #186 |
| 2012 | 18.61% | +6.81% | #184 |
| 2011 | 11.80% | +7.83% | #177 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Arab Emirates matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw current account balance improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's current account balance was 13.18% in 2025. Ranked 10th globally. This represents a 9.0% decrease from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's current account balance peaked at 24.18% in 1980.
The lowest current account balance in United Arab Emirates was 0.05% in 1994.
United Arab Emirates ranks 10th globally in current account balance as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is BN.CAB.XOKA.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Arab Emirates's current account balance is projected to reach 13.18% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The current account balance of United Arab Emirates in 2025 was 13.18%. This ranks 10th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_current-account,
title = {United Arab Emirates Current Account Balance},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/current-account/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}