Dubai’s economy maintained steady growth in the first quarter of 2026, with gross domestic product (GDP) rising 2.4% year-on-year to reach AED232 billion. The latest figures, released by the Government of Dubai Media Office, highlight the emirate’s continued economic resilience and the strength of its diversified growth strategy.
The expansion was driven by strong performances across healthcare, financial services, construction, wholesale and retail trade, and real estate. Together, these sectors reinforced Dubai’s position as one of the Middle East’s leading business and investment destinations.
Healthcare Leads Economic Growth
Healthcare emerged as the fastest-growing sector during the quarter. Human Health and Social Work Activities expanded 17.5%, generating AED3.6 billion in gross value added and contributing 1.5% to Dubai’s GDP.
Meanwhile, Electricity, Gas, Water Supply and Waste Management recorded 8.4% growth, producing AED4.6 billion and accounting for 2% of the economy.
Construction also delivered a strong performance. The sector grew 8.2%, reaching AED18.7 billion in gross value added and contributing 8.1% to overall GDP.
Financial Services and Trade Continue to Drive the Economy
Financial and Insurance Activities expanded 6.5% to AED32.4 billion, representing 14% of Dubai’s GDP. The sector contributed 0.88 percentage points, or approximately 37%, of the emirate’s total economic growth during the quarter.
Wholesale and Retail Trade remained Dubai’s largest economic sector. It generated AED50.9 billion in gross value added and accounted for 22% of GDP after posting 2.6% annual growth. The sector also contributed 0.57 percentage points, nearly 24%, of total economic expansion.
Additionally, Administrative and Support Services increased 3.6% to AED10.5 billion, while Real Estate Activities rose 3.1% to AED26 billion. Information and Communication also recorded 2.7% growth, reflecting continued digital expansion across the emirate.
Dubai Updates GDP Methodology
Alongside the quarterly results, the Government of Dubai announced revisions to its GDP series from the beginning of 2026.
The updated methodology incorporates the latest economic surveys and administrative records. It also aligns with international statistical standards to improve the quality, consistency and accuracy of economic data.
Leaders Highlight Strength of Dubai’s Growth Strategy
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said the first-quarter results demonstrate Dubai’s economic resilience, supported by long-term planning, policy continuity and strong collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“The first-quarter results reflect sustained economic resilience supported by long-term planning, policy continuity and collaboration between the public and private sectors.”
Almarri added that Dubai expects continued momentum as it 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 growth highlights the strength of Dubai’s diversified economy and its continued investment in innovation, competitiveness and efficient government services.
Meanwhile, Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai, emphasised that investment in data infrastructure remains essential for economic planning, stronger policymaking and identifying future growth opportunities.
Hadi Badri, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, added that Dubai’s performance reflects sustained collaboration between government and the private sector, supported by ongoing investment in innovation, entrepreneurship and strategic industries.
Outlook
Dubai’s first-quarter performance underscores the resilience of its diversified economy despite evolving global conditions. With healthcare, finance, construction and trade maintaining strong momentum, the emirate continues to advance the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, strengthening its position as a global centre for business, investment and sustainable economic growth.
