Dubai continued its positive economic performance during the first quarter of 2026, as the emirate’s gross domestic product reached AED 232 billion, recording growth of 2.4% compared with the same period last year. This performance reflects the strength and resilience of Dubai’s economy, as well as its ability to adapt to global economic shifts, supported by the diversity and integration of economic activities and the success of development policies and strategies in enhancing the emirate’s competitiveness.

This growth also confirms Dubai’s continued progress in building a sustainable economic model based on innovation, openness, and effective partnership with the private sector. It further strengthens Dubai’s position as a global hub for business and investment, while supporting its long-term development goals, led by the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Since the beginning of 2026, the gross domestic product series has been updated compared with previously published estimates, based on the latest results of economic surveys and data derived from administrative records. This update follows international best practices and statistical standards, helping enhance the accuracy and reliability of economic data.

The human health and social work activities sector recorded the highest growth during the first quarter of the year, expanding by 17.5%, while contributing 1.5% to the emirate’s GDP. The electricity, gas, water, and waste management activities sector also posted strong growth of 8.4%, while the construction sector grew by 8.2%, contributing 8.1% to Dubai’s GDP.

H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “Dubai continues to consolidate its economic journey on solid foundations in line with the ambitious vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, and under the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, through well-studied strategic planning and the adoption of a flexible approach across all vital sectors. The GDP results for the first quarter of this year reflect strong performance that supports growth and establishes a foundation of stability, enabling Dubai to accelerate the pace of its growth during the remainder of this year and into next year.”

He added: “Dubai’s growth trajectory reflects a clear commitment to achieving long-term goals. The continued achievement of strong results on a quarterly basis reflects the success of a strategic approach based on well-considered policies, solid economic and structural foundations, and an economy that is resilient and ready to maintain its momentum under various external conditions and changes. As we look to the future, we are confident that the outstanding partnership between the public and private sectors, along with maintaining the confidence of global investors, will contribute to driving the next phase of development, strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global economic hub, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”

A Prosperous and Resilient Economy

Commenting on the results, H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said: “The results of the first quarter of 2026 reflect the strength of Dubai’s economy and its ability to continue achieving sustainable growth in a rapidly changing global economic environment. The positive performance of various economic sectors confirms the emirate’s success in establishing a diversified and resilient economic model based on innovation, competitiveness, and openness to global markets, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to strengthen Dubai’s position among the world’s top three economic cities.”

He added: “Dubai continues to develop its economic ecosystem and enhance the attractiveness of its business environment by investing in enablers that support growth and raise productivity, including the development of government services, improving institutional efficiency, and employing modern technologies to support decision-making and achieve further economic accomplishments during the coming phase, strengthening its position as a global hub for business and investment.”

An Economy Supported by Data

For his part, H.E. Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, affiliated with Digital Dubai, said: “In a world where the value of data as a driver of growth and decision-making continues to increase, the results of the first quarter of 2026 highlight the impact of ongoing investment in building an advanced data ecosystem that supports economic development and enhances the ability to anticipate future opportunities. Today, data represents one of the strategic assets that contributes to directing investments, improving policy efficiency, and enabling decision-making at various levels.

In this context, Dubai continues to develop an integrated data and statistics ecosystem based on quality, accuracy, and reliability, providing economic indicators that support effective planning and evidence-based policymaking. This contributes to enhancing the emirate’s competitiveness and strengthening its position as a global model in using data to serve development and shape the future. This continued performance reflects the maturity of Dubai’s data ecosystem and its success in transforming data into tangible economic value, helping accelerate innovation, raise the competitiveness of economic sectors, and strengthen the emirate’s ability to anticipate future opportunities and create more sustainable and inclusive growth.”

H.E. Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “Over the past months, Dubai has been able to take swift and effective measures that enabled it to preserve the solid foundations that support long-term growth. The results of the first quarter of 2026 also confirm the momentum we continue to build on as we work toward achieving the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. From strategic projects that support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises to global partnerships that enhance investor confidence and strengthen Dubai’s position on the world stage, our joint efforts have not slowed down over recent months. In cooperation with our partners in the public and private sectors, we will continue to focus on supporting investment in key sectors, stimulating innovation across all areas of the economy, developing talent, attracting the best capabilities, and strengthening the local and global entrepreneurship environment.”

Human Health and Social Work Activities

The human health and social work activities sector recorded the highest growth rate during the first quarter of 2026, expanding by 17.5%. The sector’s value added reached AED 3.6 billion, contributing 1.5% to Dubai’s GDP.

This performance reflects the growing role of the health and social work sector within the local economy, alongside continued development of services linked to quality of life and health care in the emirate.

Electricity, Gas, Water, and Waste Management Activities

The value of the electricity, gas, water, and waste management activities sector reached AED 4.6 billion during the first quarter of 2026, bringing its contribution to Dubai’s GDP to 2.0%. The sector achieved growth of 8.4% compared with the same period in 2025.

During the first quarter of 2025, the sector had contributed 1.9%, with a total value of AED 4.3 billion in GDP. This growth underlines the importance of essential service infrastructure in supporting economic activity and sustaining growth.

Construction

The construction sector grew by 8.2% compared with the same period in 2025, with its value added reaching approximately AED 18.7 billion during the first quarter of 2026. The sector contributed 8.1% to the emirate’s GDP.

The performance of the construction sector reflects continued momentum in urban development and infrastructure projects, as well as its role in supporting several related economic activities.

Real Estate

The real estate sector achieved growth of 3.1% during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year. The sector’s value added reached around AED 26.0 billion, contributing 11.2% to Dubai’s GDP.

This growth confirms the continued importance of the real estate sector within the local economy, supported by Dubai’s appeal to investors, residents, and companies.

Wholesale and Retail Trade

Wholesale and retail trade grew by 2.6% during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. The sector’s real value added reached AED 50.9 billion, compared with AED 49.6 billion in the same period of the previous year.

The sector maintained its leading position among economic activities in terms of contribution, accounting for nearly 22% of Dubai’s overall economy. It also supported growth by around 0.57 percentage points, representing 24% of the total growth achieved during the first quarter.

Information and Communications

Information and communications activity recorded growth of 2.7% compared with the same period in 2025, with its real value added reaching AED 12.1 billion, compared with AED 11.8 billion in the previous year.

The sector contributed around 5.2% to the emirate’s overall economy and supported growth by 0.14 percentage points. This performance reflects the growing role of modern technologies and digital transformation in enhancing Dubai’s competitiveness.

Financial and Insurance Activities

The value added of the financial and insurance activities sector reached AED 32.4 billion during the first quarter of 2026, bringing its contribution to Dubai’s GDP to 14%. The sector achieved growth of 6.5% compared with the same period in 2025.

During the first quarter of 2025, the sector had contributed 13.4%, with a total value of AED 30.4 billion. Financial and insurance activities contributed positively by 0.88 percentage points to the growth achieved, equivalent to 37% of total growth during the first quarter.

Administrative and Support Service Activities

Administrative and support service activities contributed 4.5% to Dubai’s GDP during the first quarter of 2026, with a value of AED 10.5 billion. The sector grew by 3.6% compared with the same period in 2025.

In the first quarter of 2025, the sector had recorded the same contribution of 4.5%, with a total value of AED 10.1 billion. This growth reflects the continued expansion of business support services in Dubai and their role in improving the efficiency of the corporate environment and enhancing productivity.