Dubai's economy grows 2.4% to AED232 billion in Q1 2026

Dubai's economy expanded 2.4% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, with the emirate's gross domestic product (GDP) reaching AED232 billion, according to figures released by the Government of Dubai Media Office.

The latest performance reflects continued growth across several key industries, with healthcare, financial services, construction and wholesale trade contributing to economic activity. The government said the results demonstrate the resilience of Dubai's diversified economy and reinforce its ambition to strengthen its position as a global business and investment hub under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Healthcare, construction and utilities record strongest growth

Among all sectors, Human Health and Social Work Activities posted the fastest expansion during the quarter. According to the government:

• Human Health and Social Work Activities grew 17.5%, contributing 1.5% to GDP with a gross value added of AED3.6 billion.
• Electricity, Gas, Water Supply and Waste Management expanded 8.4%, generating AED4.6 billion and accounting for 2% of GDP.
• Construction recorded 8.2% growth, with gross value added reaching AED18.7 billion, contributing 8.1% to the economy.
• Financial and Insurance Activities grew 6.5% to AED32.4 billion, representing 14% of GDP.
• Administrative and Support Services increased 3.6%, contributing AED10.5 billion and 4.5% of GDP.
• Real Estate Activities expanded 3.1%, generating AED26 billion and contributing 11.2% to GDP.
• Information and Communication grew 2.7%, with output reaching AED12.1 billion.
• Wholesale and Retail Trade rose 2.6%, remaining Dubai's largest economic sector with AED50.9 billion in gross value added and a 22% share of GDP.

The wholesale and retail sector also contributed 0.57 percentage points to overall economic growth, accounting for around 24% of total growth during the quarter. Meanwhile, financial and insurance activities contributed 0.88 percentage points, representing approximately 37% of total realised growth.

Government updates GDP methodology

The Government of Dubai also announced revisions to its GDP series from the beginning of 2026.

According to the release, the revisions incorporate the latest economic surveys and administrative records while aligning with international statistical standards to improve data quality and accuracy.

Officials highlight resilience and long-term strategy

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said the first-quarter results reflect sustained economic resilience supported by long-term planning, policy continuity and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

He said the government expects continued momentum as Dubai advances the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position the emirate among the world's leading urban economies.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said the broad-based performance demonstrates the strength of Dubai's diversified economic model and ongoing investment in competitiveness, innovation and government efficiency.

Data remains central to economic planning

Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai, said the latest results highlight the value of investing in data infrastructure to support economic planning and policy development.

He said Dubai continues to strengthen its data ecosystem to improve decision-making, enhance competitiveness and identify future growth opportunities through reliable economic indicators.

Hadi Badri, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, said the city's recent economic performance reflects continued collaboration between the public and private sectors, alongside ongoing investment in innovation, entrepreneurship and strategic growth sectors.