Annual survey of 16,000 businesses will strengthen economic data and support Dubai’s D33 growth agenda
Dubai has launched the Economic Survey 2026, inviting more than 16,000 businesses across the emirate to participate in one of its largest statistical exercises. The initiative comes as preliminary estimates show Dubai’s economy continued to expand in 2025, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rising to AED972 billion and total employment reaching 4.69 million.
The survey is led by the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment (DDSE), part of Digital Dubai, and covers businesses operating across mainland Dubai and its free zones. Fieldwork will continue until December 31, 2026.
Dubai records higher GDP and employment in 2025
Preliminary estimates from DDSE show that Dubai’s GDP at current market prices increased from AED890 billion in 2024 to AED972 billion in 2025. At the same time, employment grew from 4.48 million to 4.69 million, highlighting continued business expansion and job creation across the emirate.
Employee compensation also increased during the period. Total compensation rose from AED397 billion in 2024 to AED409 billion in 2025, reflecting higher workforce participation and sustained economic activity.
The latest figures reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the region’s fastest-growing economies while supporting the long-term ambitions outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
Survey to provide official economic and workforce indicators
The Dubai Economic Survey 2026 aims to strengthen the emirate’s economic data ecosystem by collecting detailed information from businesses across multiple sectors.
The survey covers industries including:
- Manufacturing
- Trade
- Financial and insurance services
- Real estate
- Transport and logistics
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Education
- Technology and information
- Hospitality
- Arts and culture
- Other service industries
Authorities selected more than 16,000 establishments using approved statistical methodologies to ensure representation across different industries and employment categories.
The data collected will help produce official indicators covering GDP, production, value added, intermediate consumption, employee compensation and workforce statistics. In addition, the survey will measure the contribution of free zones, the digital economy and the cultural and creative sectors.
Survey supports data-driven policymaking
According to DDSE, the survey forms a key pillar of Dubai’s strategy to build a knowledge-driven economy and improve evidence-based decision-making.
Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of the Data and Statistics Establishment, said:
“The Dubai Economic Survey 2026 serves as a fundamental pillar in building this economic knowledge base, providing the data underpinning official indicators, supporting the understanding of economic transformations, measuring the impact of policies, and exploring future opportunities.”
He added that accurate economic data enables Dubai to make more proactive decisions while supporting sustainable development and advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Al Nasser also called on selected businesses to participate, noting that their contribution would improve the quality of official statistics and strengthen Dubai’s long-term economic planning.
How businesses can participate
DDSE said statistical researchers will contact selected establishments before providing access to a dedicated electronic survey form. Businesses can submit their information online and upload financial reports where required.
The authority emphasised that all information collected will remain confidential and will be used solely for statistical purposes under strict data protection procedures.
By gathering detailed economic information from thousands of businesses, Dubai aims to improve the accuracy of its official statistics while supporting future policy decisions, investment planning and sustainable economic growth.
