United Arab Emirates R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
United Arab Emirates's r&d spending was 1.49% in 2021, ranked 26th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 2011–2021.
Overview
United Arab Emirates's r&d spending stood at 1.49% in 2021, a rise of +0.01% from 2020. United Arab Emirates ranked 26th globally.
United Arab Emirates’ gross domestic expenditure on research and development rose from 0.47 % of GDP in 2011 to 1.49 % in 2021, marking both the all‑time trough and the all‑time peak within the eight‑year coverage period. The 2021 figure places the UAE at rank 26 globally and situates it just below New Zealand’s 1.47 % and Greece’s 1.46 % while remaining lower than Hungary’s 1.64 % and Portugal’s 1.67 %. This upward trajectory reflects sustained policy emphasis on diversification and innovation, particularly through initiatives such as the UAE Vision 2030 and the establishment of technology hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The near‑doubling of the R&D share of GDP over a decade signals a structural shift toward a knowledge‑based economy, yet the gap with higher‑spending peers suggests further room for acceleration. Continued investment in high‑technology sectors and stronger university‑industry linkages will be crucial to maintain the positive trend and narrow the disparity with leading innovators.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1.49% | +0.01% | #26 |
| 2020 | 1.49% | +0.18% | #27 |
| 2019 | 1.31% | +0.05% | #32 |
| 2018 | 1.26% | +0.33% | #27 |
| 2016 | 0.93% | +0.07% | #35 |
| 2015 | 0.87% | +0.19% | #41 |
| 2014 | 0.68% | +0.20% | #45 |
| 2011 | 0.47% | – | #54 |
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 r&d spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's r&d spending was 1.49% in 2021. Ranked 26th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's r&d spending peaked at 1.49% in 2021.
The lowest r&d spending in United Arab Emirates was 0.47% in 2011.
United Arab Emirates ranks 26th globally in r&d spending as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The r&d spending of United Arab Emirates in 2021 was 1.49%. This ranks 26th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_rd-spending,
title = {United Arab Emirates R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}