Prime Highlights 

• Dubai’s GDP rose 2.4% year-on-year to AED232 billion in the first quarter of 2026.  

• Human Health and Social Work Activities led sector growth at 17.5%.  

Key Facts 

• Construction grew 8.2%, contributing 8.1% to Dubai’s overall GDP.  

• Dubai’s GDP series was revised this year to align with international statistical standards.  

Background 

The economy of Dubai kept on flourishing in the first quarter of 2026, with the gross domestic product of Dubai amounting to AED 232 billion, which is an increase of 2.4 percent from the same period in 2025. 

According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the growth of the emirate’s GDP reflects the strength, resilience, and adaptability of its economy due to various and integrated economic activities as well as proper development policies, while the officials also noted that Dubai’s achievements were due to continuous sustainable growth through innovation, openness, and strategic partnership with the private sector. 

From the beginning of 2026, the GDP series of Dubai has been revised to update its estimates with new results obtained from economic surveys and administrative data sources, in accordance with international statistical standards. 

Human Health and Social Work Activities experienced the highest increase in GDP – 17.5 percent, making up 1.5 percent of the total GDP. Electricity, Gas and Water Supply along with Waste Management Activities grew by 8.4%, while the Construction sector expanded by 8.2%, contributing 8.1% to Dubai’s GDP for the quarter. 

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said Dubai’s growth remains anchored in visionary leadership, proactive strategic planning and resilience across key sectors.