Business
AD Ports Group Powers Economic Diversification in UAE, Contributing AED 150.6 Billion to Non-Oil GDP in 2022
AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leader in trade, logistics, and industrial development across the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea, has released an economic impact study highlighting its role as a significant driver of economic diversification in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The study, conducted by Oxford Economics and based on 2022 data, reveals that AD Ports Group contributed AED 150.6 billion to the UAE’s non-oil GDP, equating to 11.6% of the country’s total non-oil economy.
In Abu Dhabi alone, AD Ports Group’s activities across various sectors—including trade, logistics, and industry—added AED 132.7 billion, representing 22.9% of the Emirate's non-oil GDP in 2022. This marks an increase from 21% in 2020, indicating AD Ports Group’s critical role in the UAE’s post-pandemic economic recovery and diversification efforts.
As the UAE’s strategic gateway, AD Ports Group operates within an expansive ecosystem across more than 50 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. Through its Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster (EC&FZ), which comprises over 2,000 business tenants in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and ICT, the Group generated 95% of its non-oil economic impact in 2022. The EC&FZ Cluster has helped establish KEZAD Group as the largest economic zones ecosystem in the MENA region.
The Group’s operations also supported 398,400 jobs across the UAE, representing 14.1% of total non-oil employment, with 261,700 jobs based in Abu Dhabi. This includes 32.1% of the capital’s manufacturing sector employment, underscoring AD Ports Group's contribution to workforce development in the UAE.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, stated, "The findings confirm our role in shaping a sustainable, diversified economy for future generations. Our efforts, guided by the UAE's wise leadership, aim to open new economic horizons with modern infrastructure and job opportunities."
Ross Thompson, Group Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, added, "With our expanding footprint and leadership in transport, trade, and industrial development, AD Ports Group brings the best of Abu Dhabi to the world and supports Abu Dhabi’s economic ambitions."
AD Ports Group’s rapid global expansion in recent years has further accelerated its growth, fueling the economic diversification of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.