Dubai’s GDP Strengthens to AED232 Billion in Q1 2026 with 2.4% Growth
Dubai’s economy demonstrated robust performance in the first quarter of 2026, with the emirate’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reaching AED232 billion. This figure marks a 2.4% increase compared to the same period last year, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of Dubai’s economic landscape.
The growth trajectory reflects the emirate’s diverse economic activities and the effectiveness of its development policies. These strategies have enhanced Dubai’s competitiveness and ability to adapt to changing global economic conditions. The results also highlight ongoing efforts to advance sustainable economic growth, driven by innovation and strategic partnerships with the private sector.
Since the start of 2026, the GDP series has been revised to incorporate the latest economic survey results and data from administrative records. This update aligns with international statistical best practices, improving the accuracy of economic data.
Sectoral Growth Highlights
The Human Health and Social Work Activities sector recorded the highest growth rate at 17.5%, contributing 1.5% to the emirate’s GDP. The Electricity, Gas, and Water Supply; Waste Management Activities sector also showed strong growth at 8.4%, while the Construction sector expanded by 8.2%, contributing 8.1% to Dubai’s GDP during the first quarter.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, emphasized that Dubai’s economic growth is anchored in visionary leadership and proactive strategic planning. He noted that the Q1 2026 GDP results reflect a consistent trajectory of robust performance, establishing a strong foundation for stability and positioning Dubai for further acceleration throughout the year.
Almarri stated that the emirate’s growth narrative is defined by a commitment to long-term objectives, driven by deliberate policies and structural depth. He highlighted the synergy between public and private sectors, which, along with global investment confidence, will fuel the next phase of development in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
A Resilient Economic Framework
His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, remarked that the Q1 2026 results reflect the resilience of Dubai’s economy amid a rapidly changing global landscape. The strong performance across key sectors underscores the success of Dubai’s diversified economic model, which is built on competitiveness, innovation, and global connectivity.
Al Mansoori added that Dubai continues to enhance its economic ecosystem by investing in key enablers that drive growth and productivity. These efforts include advancing government efficiency and harnessing modern technologies to support informed decision-making, all of which contribute to achieving future economic milestones.
Emphasis on Data-Driven Decision Making
His Excellency Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai, noted the importance of data as a primary engine of growth and decision-making. He highlighted that Dubai’s Q1 2026 results demonstrate the impact of sustained investment in a data ecosystem that strengthens economic development.
Al Nasser emphasized that data is now a strategic asset that informs investment direction and enhances policy effectiveness. He also pointed out that Dubai is advancing an integrated data ecosystem grounded in quality and accuracy, which provides reliable economic indicators for evidence-based policymaking.
This ongoing progress reflects the maturity of Dubai’s data ecosystem, which has proven capable of converting data into measurable economic value. It is fostering innovation and enhancing sector competitiveness while strengthening the emirate’s capacity to anticipate emerging opportunities.
Sector-Specific Performance
The Human Health and Social Work Activities sector led the growth in Q1 2026, expanding by 17.5%. This sector’s gross value-added reached AED3.6 billion, contributing 1.5% to Dubai’s GDP.
The Electricity, Gas, and Water Supply; Waste Management Activities sector’s gross value-added reached AED4.6 billion, accounting for 2% of Dubai’s GDP, with an 8.4% growth from the same period in 2025. In Q1 2025, this sector contributed 1.9% to the GDP, with a gross value-added of AED4.3 billion.
The Construction sector also showed significant growth, recording an 8.2% increase from the previous year. Its gross value-added reached approximately AED18.7 billion in Q1 2026, contributing 8.1% to the emirate’s GDP.
The Real Estate Activities sector continued its steady growth, expanding by 3.1% from the same period in 2025. It generated approximately AED26 billion in gross value-added in Q1 2026, contributing 11.2% to Dubai’s GDP.
The Wholesale and Retail Trade sector recorded a 2.6% growth, with its real gross value-added reaching AED50.9 billion, up from AED49.6 billion in the same period last year. This sector remains the largest contributor to Dubai’s economy, accounting for approximately 22% of GDP.
The Information and Communication sector also showed growth at 2.7%, with a real gross value-added of AED12.1 billion, compared to AED11.8 billion in the previous year. This sector accounted for about 5.2% of Dubai’s economy and contributed 0.14% to overall economic growth.
The Financial and Insurance Activities sector’s gross value-added reached AED32.4 billion in Q1 2026, recording a growth of 6.5% compared to the same period in 2025, accounting for 14% of total GDP. In Q1 2025, this sector contributed 13.4% to Dubai’s GDP, with a gross value added of AED30.4 billion.
The Administrative and Support Service Activities sector contributed 4.5% to Dubai’s GDP, with its value rising to AED10.5 billion in Q1 2026, representing a 3.6% growth from the same period in 2025.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-07-08 19:32:00 • By the Editorial Desk
