United Arab Emirates Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
United Arab Emirates's government debt to gdp was 33.95% in 2025, ranked 143rd globally. This represents a 2.8% decrease from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1999–2025.
Overview
United Arab Emirates's government debt to gdp stood at 33.95% in 2025, a decline of +0.99% from 2024. The IMF projects 33.95% by 2025. United Arab Emirates ranked 143rd globally.
The United Arab Emirates’ government debt-to‑GDP ratio has risen from a low of 2.69 % in 2001 to an all‑time peak of 35.67 % in 2021, before easing slightly to 33.95 % in 2025, placing the emirate at 143rd globally among 190 economies. Over the 27‑year series, the ratio averaged well below 10 % for much of the early 2000s, then accelerated as fiscal stimulus and sovereign‑backed projects expanded during the COVID‑19 pandemic, pushing the metric to its highest level. By 2025 the figure remains marginally lower than the peak, aligning closely with peers such as Sweden (34.16 %) and Ireland (33.00 %). The modest post‑peak decline reflects a combination of debt‑service management and gradual diversification away from oil‑linked expenditures. Continued fiscal consolidation and a sustained shift toward non‑hydrocarbon revenue streams will be crucial to further reduce the debt ratio and alter the current trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 26.63% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 27.16% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 28.74% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 30.09% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 31.93% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 33.95% | - | - |
| 2025 | 33.95% | −0.99% | #143 |
| 2024 | 34.94% | +3.04% | #42 |
| 2023 | 31.91% | +0.40% | #35 |
| 2022 | 31.51% | −4.15% | #34 |
| 2021 | 35.67% | +5.55% | #32 |
| 2020 | 30.12% | +4.30% | #26 |
| 2019 | 25.82% | +5.14% | #27 |
| 2018 | 20.68% | −0.49% | #21 |
| 2017 | 21.17% | +2.53% | #19 |
| 2016 | 18.64% | +3.03% | #16 |
| 2015 | 15.61% | +2.15% | #17 |
| 2014 | 13.47% | −1.79% | #19 |
| 2013 | 15.25% | −4.98% | #24 |
| 2012 | 20.23% | −0.18% | #38 |
| 2011 | 20.41% | +2.07% | #36 |
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 government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's government debt to gdp was 33.95% in 2025. Ranked 143rd globally. This represents a 2.8% decrease from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's government debt to gdp peaked at 35.67% in 2021.
The lowest government debt to gdp in United Arab Emirates was 2.69% in 2001.
United Arab Emirates ranks 143rd globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
United Arab Emirates's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 33.95% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of United Arab Emirates in 2025 was 33.95%. This ranks 143rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {United Arab Emirates Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}