Economy of the United Arab Emirates Economy of the United Arab Emirates The economy of the United Arab Emirates is the second largest in the Middle East (after Saudi Arabia), with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $403.2 billion (AED 1.46 trillion) in 2014. The Emirates have been successfully diversifying its economy. Although the UAE has the most diversified economy in the GCC, its economy remains extremely reliant on petroleum (oil). With the exception of Dubai, most of the UAE is dependent on oil revenues. Petroleum and natural gas continue to play a central role in the economy, especially in Abu Dhabi. More than 85% of
Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates () is the state institution responsible for managing the currency, monetary policy and banking regulation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It was established on as the United Arab Emirates Currency Board. This followed the creation of the UAE as an independent state in 1971. The original purpose of the UAE Currency Board was to issue an independent currency for the new state to replace the existing currencies in use: the Qatari riyal and the Bahraini Dinar. The new UAE dirham entered circulation on the