"Abu Dhabi Statistics" Announces the implementation of a comprehensive review of the GDP series and update of the base year
ABU DHABI, May 21 / WAM / The Statistics Center – Abu Dhabi, the official body responsible for statistics in the emirate, announced the implementation of a comprehensive review of the GDP series for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the update of the base year.
This review comes within the framework of the Centre’s commitment to enhancing the quality, consistency, transparency and international comparability of official economic statistics, keeping pace with the development of the emirate’s economic structure and the improvement in the availability of data, and in line with international statistical standards.
The review is based on a package of major statistical and economic initiatives implemented in recent years, including the development of supply and use tables, input and output tables, the latest population data according to the registered census, and the 2024 Household Income and Expenditure Survey, in addition to continuous updates to business records and statistical and administrative records.
The review is also based on the continuous development of administrative, regulatory and business data sources at the emirate level, including expanding institutional coverage and coverage of free zones through the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority, and improving the description of economic activities and the quality of the business registry.
This comes in addition to the gradual expansion of available administrative economic data sets related to the development of the tax environment in the country.
As part of this review, GDP estimates will be recalculated according to an updated base year, to more accurately reflect the current structure, size and changes of the Abu Dhabi economy.
This review comes in the context of statistical harmonization efforts at the national level, aimed at enhancing consistency, comparability and coherence within the statistical system in the UAE.
It also contributes to supporting preparations related to future developments in international statistical frameworks, including the 2025 System of National Accounts that is expected to be implemented.
These improvements are expected to contribute to increasing the accuracy of GDP estimates and their distribution by sectors, and enhancing consistency between relevant macroeconomic indicators and time series.
These efforts also support expanding the scope of measuring economic activities, such as wholesale and retail trade, financial services, real estate activities, and aspects of the invisible economy and the digital economy, in light of the continuous development of internationally recommended statistical methodologies in these areas.
His Excellency Abdullah Gharib Al Qamzi, Director General of the Statistics Center – Abu Dhabi, said that the comprehensive review of the GDP series for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi reflects the Center’s continued commitment to improving the quality, consistency and international comparison of official statistics, pointing out that this review is based on an advanced statistical structure, wider availability of data, and continuous methodological improvements that include the various components of the statistical system in Abu Dhabi.
He added that this review aims to ensure that the economic indicators of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi continue to provide reliable data to decision-makers, investors, researchers and international institutions, while providing an accurate picture that reflects the size and components of the emirate’s developed economy.
The Statistics Center – Abu Dhabi explained that the review will be carried out in accordance with the policy of amending and revising statistical data approved by it, and in accordance with internationally recognized statistical standards. Methodology documents will be published simultaneously with the release of updated estimates, and time series will be revised consistently if necessary, to maintain comparability across time. The Center will continue technical coordination with key partners and data providers throughout the implementation phases.
The Center stressed that the ongoing developments in data management, statistical integration, and analytical techniques, and the broader efforts of the Abu Dhabi government to transform towards a leading government in artificial intelligence, contribute to improving the timeliness and consistency of the production of economic statistics and ensuring their quality and sound methodology at the emirate level.
He also stressed that the currently published GDP time series remain the official statistical reference until updated estimates are officially issued.
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