Dubai’s economy recorded steady growth in the first quarter of 2026, with the emirate’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reaching Dhs232 billion, up 2.4% compared with the same period last year.
The latest figures show continued growth across key sectors, including healthcare, construction, utilities, real estate, trade and financial services.
Key growth sectors
The Human Health and Social Work Activities sector recorded the highest growth rate during the quarter, expanding by 17.5% and contributing 1.5% to Dubai’s GDP, with a gross value-added of Dhs3.6 billion.
The Electricity, Gas and Water Supply, Waste Management Activities sector grew by 8.4%, reaching Dhs4.6 billion and accounting for 2% of GDP. The Construction sector also recorded strong growth of 8.2%, with its value reaching about Dhs18.7 billion and contributing 8.1% to the economy.
Trade leads economy
Wholesale and Retail Trade remained Dubai’s largest economic contributor, accounting for around 22% of GDP. The sector grew by 2.6%, with its real gross value-added reaching Dhs50.9 billion, compared with Dhs49.6 billion in the first quarter of 2025.
Financial and Insurance Activities recorded 6.5% growth, reaching Dhs32.4 billion and contributing 14% to Dubai’s GDP. Real Estate Activities grew by 3.1%, generating around Dhs26 billion in value.
The Information and Communication sector increased by 2.7%, reaching Dhs12.1 billion, while Administrative and Support Service Activities grew by 3.6% to Dhs10.5 billion.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “Dubai’s economic growth continues to be anchored in visionary leadership, proactive strategic planning, and a deep-rooted resilience across our key sectors.
Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the close follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Q1 2026 GDP results reflect another successive quarter of robust performance, marking a consistent trajectory that has established a strong platform for stability and positioned Dubai to accelerate through the remainder of the year and beyond.
“Dubai’s growth narrative is defined by a commitment to long-term objectives, and successive quarters of strong performance are not coincidental; they are the product of deliberate policy, structural depth, and an economy built to perform regardless of external conditions. As we look ahead, the seamless synergy between our public and private sectors, combined with the sustained confidence of the global investment community, will fuel the next phase of our development, further cementing Dubai’s position as a premier global economic hub in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.”
Data update
Dubai’s GDP figures for 2026 were revised based on updated economic surveys and administrative records, following international statistical standards to improve data accuracy.
Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai, said: “In a world where data has become a primary engine of growth and a cornerstone of decision-making, Dubai’s Q1 2026 results underscore the tangible impact of sustained investment in advancing a data ecosystem that strengthens economic development and enhances our ability to anticipate future opportunities.
Data today is a strategic asset that informs investment direction, improves policy effectiveness, and enables more precise and agile decision-making across all levels.”
The Q1 2026 performance supports Dubai’s ongoing economic plans under the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to strengthen the emirate’s position as a global business and investment hub.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
