"A gradual recovery is expected in 2021, supported by the UAE's early and strong health response, continued supportive macroeconomic policies, and rebound in tourism and domestic activity related to the delayed Expo 2020, set to begin in October," IMF says
The economy has bounced back sharply from the pandemic in the city-state following a successful vaccination drive, and that has spilled into the real estate market
The coronavirus crisis hit the Gulf state hard last year, both via the shock of low oil prices and the huge toll it took on vital non-oil economic sectors such as tourism.
Non-oil GDP is likely to grow 3.6% this year, however, while oil GDP is likely to remain flat because of production cuts agreed by OPEC and its allies, the central bank said.
Banks' drawdown of a zero-cost liquidity facility under the TESS scheme stood at 22 billion dirhams ($5.99 billion) this month, down from a peak of 44 billion dirhams in the second quarter of last year, the central bank said.
The introduction of the stimulus package came at a critical juncture and ensured that banks were able to mitigate funding and liquidity pressures and maintain their lending capacity.
The coronavirus pandemic has increased pressure on Dubai's property market, which for years has seen supply outstrip demand for new houses and apartments.
Citing data from the Dubai Land Department, the central bank said rents in Dubai fell 6.9% year on year in the third quarter.