Dubai GDP hits Dh232 billion: 8 things to know about record growth in Q1 2026
Healthcare leads while finance powers overall economic expansion
DUBAI – Dubai's economy maintained its upward trajectory in the first quarter of 2026, with the emirate's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reaching Dh232 billion, representing 2.4 percent growth compared with the same period last year.
The latest figures reflect the resilience of Dubai's diversified economy, supported by strong performances across several key sectors despite an evolving global economic environment. Officials said the results reinforce the emirate's long-term strategy of building a competitive, innovation-driven economy under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
The latest GDP series has also been revised from the beginning of 2026 using updated economic surveys and administrative records. According to officials, the revision follows international statistical best practices and improves the accuracy and reliability of Dubai's economic data.
Healthcare
The Human Health and Social Work Activities sector was Dubai's fastest-growing industry during the quarter. The sector expanded by 17.5 percent, outperforming every other economic activity. Its gross value added reached Dh3.6 billion, accounting for 1.5 percent of Dubai's total GDP.
Utilities
The Electricity, Gas and Water Supply; Waste Management Activities sector also delivered one of the strongest performances.
The industry recorded 8.4 percent growth, with gross value added increasing to Dh4.6 billion.
The sector contributed 2 percent of Dubai's GDP, up from 1.9 percent in the corresponding period of 2025, when its value stood at Dh4.3 billion.
Construction
Construction continued to benefit from sustained development activity across Dubai. The sector grew by 8.2 percent, with gross value added reaching approximately Dh18.7 billion.
Construction accounted for 8.1 percent of Dubai's GDP during the first quarter, making it one of the emirate's largest economic contributors.
Real estate
Dubai's real estate sector maintained its positive momentum.
The Real Estate Activities sector expanded by 3.1 percent, generating approximately Dh26 billion in gross value added.
The industry contributed 11.2 percent of the emirate's GDP, underlining its continued importance to Dubai's economy.
Wholesale & retail
Wholesale and retail trade remained the largest contributor to Dubai's economy.
The sector recorded 2.6 percent growth, with gross value added increasing from Dh49.6 billion in the first quarter of 2025 to Dh50.9 billion this year.
Accounting for approximately 22 percent of total GDP, the industry remained the backbone of Dubai's economy.
It also contributed around 0.57 percentage points to overall GDP growth, representing nearly 24 percent of the emirate's total economic expansion during the quarter.
Information
The Information and Communication sector maintained steady growth.
Gross value added rose to Dh12.1 billion, compared with Dh11.8 billion during the same period last year.
The sector expanded by 2.7 percent, accounted for 5.2 percent of Dubai's economy and contributed 0.14 percentage points to overall GDP growth.
Finance
The Financial and Insurance Activities sector delivered one of the strongest performances among Dubai's major industries.
Gross value added increased to Dh32.4 billion, up from Dh30.4 billion a year earlier, representing 6.5 percent growth.
The sector accounted for 14 percent of Dubai's GDP, compared with 13.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025.
Finance also made the largest contribution to Dubai's overall economic growth, adding 0.88 percentage points, equivalent to approximately 37 percent of the total GDP growth recorded during the quarter.
Support services
The Administrative and Support Service Activities sector also continued to expand.
Gross value added rose from Dh10.1 billion to Dh10.5 billion, representing 3.6 percent growth compared with the same period last year.
The sector maintained its 4.5 percent share of Dubai's GDP.
Official outlook
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said the latest GDP figures reflected another quarter of robust performance built on visionary leadership, proactive planning and economic resilience. He said Dubai's sustained growth was the result of deliberate policy decisions, structural strength and continued confidence from global investors, with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 providing the roadmap for future expansion.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said the strong results demonstrated the success of Dubai's diversified and agile economic model. He added that continued investment in government efficiency, institutional capability and digital technologies would strengthen productivity, competitiveness and future growth.
Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai, said Dubai's integrated data ecosystem continues to improve evidence-based policymaking by delivering reliable economic indicators that support planning, investment decisions and future readiness. He added that data has become a strategic asset that enhances innovation, competitiveness and sustainable economic development.
Hadi Badri, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, said Dubai had maintained strong economic foundations through swift and prudent action. He said continued investment in strategic sectors, support for SMEs, innovation, entrepreneurship and international partnerships would help sustain the emirate's growth momentum while advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.