Frequently asked questions
UAE CPI is published by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (fcsc.gov.ae). Long-term average is around 2-3%. It spiked above 5% in 2022 during global energy and food inflation, then moderated. Check fcsc.gov.ae for the latest month.
If inflation is 3% and your salary stays flat, you can buy 3% less stuff next year with the same paycheck. A 'salary increase' that only matches inflation is actually no real raise at all — it just keeps your buying power steady.
Money in a current account earning 0% loses purchasing power at the full inflation rate every year. To preserve buying power you need investments that earn at least the inflation rate after tax. The compound interest calculator can show the gap.
Nominal value is the cash number — AED 100,000 stays AED 100,000. Real value is what that cash actually buys. AED 100,000 today buys more than AED 100,000 will in 10 years' time. Investors think in real terms; banks quote in nominal terms.
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