As the UAE celebrates Eid Al Etihad in December 2025 — marking its 54th union anniversary — the country reflects on a year of significant achievements across diplomacy, economy, technology, and global standing. According to official reports, 2025 has been a year in which the UAE not only strengthened internal development but also broadened its global influence.
🌍 Diplomacy and Global Mediation
The UAE played a crucial role in defusing regional tensions: it worked to ease friction between India and Pakistan, supported de-escalation between Israel and Iran, and helped build international opposition to the Israeli attack on Qatar.
It served as a platform for dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and remained actively involved in mediation between Russia and Ukraine — concluding 17 rounds of negotiations that enabled the exchange of 4,641 prisoners.
The nation also maintained a high-profile presence in global diplomacy, hosting visits from world leaders and participating in major international summits including G20 Summit, BRICS 2025, and COP30.
These developments underscore the UAE’s growing role as a mediator and convenor in global geopolitics — leveraging its stability, diplomatic networks, and strategic neutrality to influence regional and international outcomes.
📈 Economic Momentum & Trade Growth
The economy is among the fastest-growing globally, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting growth of 4.8 percent for 2025.
Non-oil foreign trade surged: in the first half of 2025, it totaled AED 1.7 trillion (about US$462.96 billion), up 24.5% from prior periods.
The federal government endorsed its largest budget ever: AED 92.4 billion for 2026 — and unveiled a long-term National Investment Strategy for 2031.
The financial sector also recorded growth: by end of September 2025, banking assets reached AED 5.199 trillion, and credit expanded to AED 2.478 trillion.
To further boost global trade and investment, the UAE launched the “UAE Global Centre of Trade” programme — aiming to attract 1,000 international companies.
In addition, tourism remains a pillar of economic diversification: tourism contributed AED 257.3 billion (about 13% of GDP), and more than 16.1 million hotel guests visited in the first half of 2025.
Major development projects were also announced — including new ventures like Al Tay Hills in Sharjah, Disney Abu Dhabi, and Therme Dubai — alongside cultural institutions such as teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and ARTE Museum Dubai.
All this suggests that the UAE’s economic diversification strategy — with less dependence on oil, and greater emphasis on trade, investment, tourism and services — is bearing fruit.