United Arab Emirates Government Revenue
General government revenue as % of GDP GGR_NGDP
United Arab Emirates's government revenue was 28.37% in 2025, ranked 87th globally. This represents a 2.0% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
United Arab Emirates's government revenue stood at 28.37% in 2025, a rise of +0.54% from 2024. The IMF projects 28.37% by 2025. United Arab Emirates ranked 87th globally.
The United Arab Emirates’ government revenue per capita, measured in constant 2022 U.S. dollars, has risen from an all‑time trough of 16.71 in 1990 to a peak of 39.85 in 1991, before settling into a long‑term upward trajectory that now stands at 28.37 in 2025, ranking the UAE 87th globally out of 190 economies. Over the 36‑year coverage period the figure has more than doubled, reflecting the emirate’s diversification away from oil‑dependent fiscal streams toward non‑hydrocarbon sectors, increased foreign direct investment, and the expansion of tourism and financial services. The 2025 level is virtually identical to that of peer small‑state economies such as St. Kitts and Nevis (28.38) and Bhutan (28.39), underscoring the UAE’s position among middle‑income jurisdictions despite its larger absolute budget. Continued progress in renewable energy integration and the rollout of value‑added tax reforms are likely to sustain the incremental rise in per‑capita revenue, although any sharp oil‑price shock could temporarily reverse the trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 28.49% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 28.35% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 28.09% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 27.57% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 27.26% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 28.37% | - | - |
| 2025 | 28.37% | +0.54% | #87 |
| 2024 | 27.83% | −0.66% | #91 |
| 2023 | 28.48% | −4.07% | #83 |
| 2022 | 32.55% | +2.65% | #69 |
| 2021 | 29.90% | +1.86% | #75 |
| 2020 | 28.05% | −1.85% | #81 |
| 2019 | 29.90% | +0.37% | #75 |
| 2018 | 29.53% | +2.45% | #81 |
| 2017 | 27.08% | −1.67% | #89 |
| 2016 | 28.75% | +8.70% | #76 |
| 2015 | 20.05% | −13.12% | #135 |
| 2014 | 33.17% | −3.71% | #68 |
| 2013 | 36.88% | +0.50% | #56 |
| 2012 | 36.38% | +1.69% | #57 |
| 2011 | 34.69% | +3.82% | #61 |
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 revenue improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
The United Arab Emirates's third-place global ranking for quality lifestyle, coupled with its leadership in tax efficiency, suggests a strategic approach to attract residents and businesses, potentially influencing the government's revenue streams. This environment, along with the country driving luxury travel and extended-stay tourism, indicates a potential for increased government revenue from indirect taxes, tourism levies, and fees associated with heightened economic activity in these sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's government revenue was 28.37% in 2025. Ranked 87th globally. This represents a 2.0% increase from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's government revenue peaked at 39.85% in 1991.
The lowest government revenue in United Arab Emirates was 16.71% in 1990.
United Arab Emirates ranks 87th globally in government revenue as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGR_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
United Arab Emirates's government revenue is projected to reach 28.37% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government revenue of United Arab Emirates in 2025 was 28.37%. This ranks 87th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_government-revenue,
title = {United Arab Emirates Government Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/government-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}