United Arab Emirates Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1997–2027)
Data updated: July 7, 2026
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$27.8 billion
Percent of GDP
4.8%
Ranked #12 of 163 countries by % of GDP
Historical Peak Spending
$29.5 billion
Reached in 2013
United Arab Emirates Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, United Arab Emirates is estimated to have spent $27.8 billion on military and defense, representing 4.8% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 8.6% in 1998. The historical average military budget is 5.4% of GDP.
Data source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database. Values are in constant 2024 US dollars. Data for 2026 is an estimate based on government budget announcements.
Historical Military Spending
Military Spending (% of GDP)
Military Spending (USD Billions, 2024 prices)
Historical Data
| Year | Percent of GDP | USD (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2027(estimate) | 4.80% | — |
| 2026(estimate) | 4.80% | — |
| 2014 | 5.64% | $27,808M |
| 2013 | 6.03% | $29,468M |
| 2012 | 5.08% | $24,056M |
| 2011 | 5.47% | $24,416M |
| 2010 | 6.04% | $22,476M |
| 2009 | 5.46% | $17,922M |
| 2008 | 3.67% | $15,223M |
| 2007 | 3.28% | $12,497M |
| 2006 | 3.23% | $11,761M |
| 2005 | 3.66% | $11,846M |
| 2004 | 4.61% | $12,985M |
| 2003 | 4.69% | $11,674M |
| 2002 | 4.88% | $11,047M |
| 2001 | 5.61% | $12,312M |
| 2000 | 8.32% | $12,827M |
| 1999 | 7.67% | $9,365M |
| 1998 | 8.63% | $9,059M |
| 1997 | 6.76% | $7,682M |