Rising to a series high
UAE Primary Energy Consumption moved from 4.42 Exajoules in 2015 to 5.13 Exajoules in 2023 (+16.1%), an average of +1.9% a year. The series high was 5.13 Exajoules in 2023 and the low 4.14 Exajoules in 2018.
What UAE Primary Energy Consumption shows
UAE Primary Energy Consumption was 5.13 Exajoules in 2023, up 5.1% on 2022. The Primary Energy Consumption dataset of UAE from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s energy consumption landscape, highlighting total energy demand, consumption patterns, and long-term changes in the overall energy system.
A 19.3% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2018) is 0.990 Exajoules. The sharpest single-year move was +8.7% in 2022.
Ranks 18 of 37 countries covered
Among the 37 countries in this dataset, UAE ranks 18 for 2023, behind China (170.7 Exajoules) and U.S. (94.28 Exajoules). It accounts for 0.8% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
UAE Primary Energy Consumption by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Exajoules.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Exajoules | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023Peak | 5.13 | +5.1% |
| 2022 | 4.88 | +8.7% |
| 2021 | 4.49 | +3.5% |
| 2020 | 4.34 | −1.1% |
| 2019 | 4.39 | +6% |
| 2018 Trough | 4.14 | −5.5% |
| 2017 | 4.38 | −4.6% |
| 2016 | 4.59 | +3.8% |
| 2015 | 4.42 | — |
Regional context
How UAE compares in Middle East
Primary Energy Consumption by country, 2023, Exajoules. UAE is highlighted.
1Saudi Arabia11.60
2UAE5.13
3Israel1.11
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Primary Energy Consumption — - Primary Energy Consumption refers to the total amount of energy consumed by a country before conversion into secondary energy forms such as electricity, heat, or refined fuels. It represents the consumption of energy from primary sources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources within a given year. The metric is generally measured in Exajoules (EJ) and provides an overview of a country’s overall energy demand, economic activity, industrial development, and energy system structure. Primary Energy Consumption is an important indicator for evaluating energy usage patterns, resource dependence, energy security, and long-term energy transition trends across countries.
The data includes consumption of primary energy from major energy sources such as coal, crude oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, hydroelectricity, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and other renewable energy sources. It covers energy used across different sectors, including industrial, residential, commercial, transportation, and power generation activities. The dataset accounts for energy input before transformation into secondary energy products, allowing measurement of total energy demand at the national level. It includes domestically consumed energy and follows standardized calculation methodologies based on energy statistics from national sources and international energy databases, enabling comparison of energy consumption trends among countries.
The data excludes secondary energy products after conversion, such as electricity and refined petroleum products, when measured separately from their original primary energy inputs. It does not represent only electricity consumption or final energy consumption by end users. The indicator does not directly measure energy efficiency, energy affordability, carbon emissions, or the quality and reliability of energy services. Energy losses occurring during energy transformation, distribution, and transmission are accounted for according to the methodology used but do not represent actual useful energy consumed by consumers. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national statistical reporting, estimation methods, and energy accounting practices.
About this indicator
Primary Energy Consumption — - Primary Energy Consumption refers to the total amount of energy consumed by a country before conversion into secondary energy forms such as electricity, heat, or refined fuels. It represents the consumption of energy from primary sources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources within a given year. The metric is generally measured in Exajoules (EJ) and provides an overview of a country’s overall energy demand, economic activity, industrial development, and energy system structure. Primary Energy Consumption is an important indicator for evaluating energy usage patterns, resource dependence, energy security, and long-term energy transition trends across countries.
Measured in Exajoules (EJ), the dataset represents the total primary energy consumed across the country and serves as an important indicator of energy utilization, economic activity, and infrastructure development.
The UAE recorded primary energy consumption of 4.42 EJ in 2015, increasing to 4.59 EJ in 2016 before declining to 4.38 EJ in 2017. Consumption decreased further to 4.14 EJ in 2018 and then increased to 4.39 EJ in 2019. In 2020, energy consumption slightly declined to 4.34 EJ due to changes in economic activity and energy demand patterns. Consumption recovered in 2021, reaching 4.49 EJ, and increased significantly to 4.88 EJ in 2022. In 2023, the UAE recorded primary energy consumption of 5.13 EJ, representing the highest value during the observed period.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a gradual upward trend in the UAE’s primary energy consumption from 2015 to 2023, despite short-term fluctuations. The growth in recent years reflects economic expansion, industrial development, infrastructure growth, and increasing energy requirements. The strong recovery after 2020 highlights renewed demand and continued development of the energy sector.
The dataset is useful for evaluating the UAE’s energy consumption trends, analyzing long-term demand growth, and comparing regional energy patterns. It supports research related to energy planning, sustainability initiatives, infrastructure management, and policy assessment. Furthermore, the data provides valuable insights for researchers, analysts, and policymakers studying energy consumption behavior, efficiency improvements, and the future direction of the UAE’s energy landscape.
- Indicator
- Primary Energy Consumption
- Country
- UAE
- Region
- Middle East
- Unit
- Exajoules
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Energy & Power
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- energyinst.org
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Frequently asked questions
What is UAE Primary Energy Consumption?
Definition- Primary Energy Consumption refers to the total amount of energy consumed by a country before conversion into secondary energy forms such as electricity, heat, or refined fuels. It represents the consumption of energy from primary sources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources within a given year. The metric is generally measured in Exajoules (EJ) and provides an overview of a country’s overall energy demand, economic activity, industrial development, and energy system structure. Primary Energy Consumption is an important indicator for evaluating energy usage patterns, resource dependence, energy security, and long-term energy transition trends across countries.
What was UAE Primary Energy Consumption in 2023?
UAE Primary Energy Consumption was 5.13 Exajoules in 2023, up 5.1% on 2022.
How has UAE Primary Energy Consumption changed between 2015 and 2023?
UAE Primary Energy Consumption moved from 4.42 Exajoules in 2015 to 5.13 Exajoules in 2023 (+16.1%), an average of +1.9% a year. The series high was 5.13 Exajoules in 2023 and the low 4.14 Exajoules in 2018.
Which year had the highest and lowest UAE Primary Energy Consumption?
The highest value was 5.13 Exajoules in 2023 and the lowest was 4.14 Exajoules in 2018.
What does the UAE Primary Energy Consumption data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes consumption of primary energy from major energy sources such as coal, crude oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, hydroelectricity, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and other renewable energy sources. It covers energy used across different sectors, including industrial, residential, commercial, transportation, and power generation activities. The dataset accounts for energy input before transformation into secondary energy products, allowing measurement of total energy demand at the national level. It includes domestically consumed energy and follows standardized calculation methodologies based on energy statistics from national sources and international energy databases, enabling comparison of energy consumption trends among countries. Excluded: The data excludes secondary energy products after conversion, such as electricity and refined petroleum products, when measured separately from their original primary energy inputs. It does not represent only electricity consumption or final energy consumption by end users. The indicator does not directly measure energy efficiency, energy affordability, carbon emissions, or the quality and reliability of energy services. Energy losses occurring during energy transformation, distribution, and transmission are accounted for according to the methodology used but do not represent actual useful energy consumed by consumers. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national statistical reporting, estimation methods, and energy accounting practices.
Where does the UAE Primary Energy Consumption data come from?
The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Exajoules.
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