Dubai's economy recorded a real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Dh473 billion in the first half of 2026, reflecting a 2.3% decline from the previous year. Despite this, the emirate's GDP at current prices showed a slight increase of 0.2% to Dh505 billion, according to figures released by the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai.
Several sectors demonstrated robust growth, helping Dubai navigate global economic challenges. The healthcare and social work sector led the expansion, growing by 14.3% compared to the first half of 2025, with its economic contribution rising to Dh6.2 billion from Dh5.4 billion. Financial and insurance activities also saw significant growth, increasing by 8.8% to reach Dh65.9 billion, now accounting for 14% of Dubai's economy, up from 12.5% last year.
The construction sector grew by 2.4%, contributing Dh33.2 billion, while information and communication activities expanded by 2.7% to Dh24.7 billion. Additionally, electricity, water supply, and waste management activities recorded a 5.4% growth, with government services and education growing by 2.9% and 1.2%, respectively.
Wholesale and retail trade remained the largest economic activity, contributing 20.5% to Dubai's GDP. However, it experienced a 6% decline in real terms, despite a 2% increase at current prices. Other sectors like transportation and storage fell by 7.4%, and real estate activity declined by 2.5% in real terms, although its value at current prices increased by 5.4% to Dh65.1 billion. Manufacturing saw a marginal real decline of 0.9%.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, emphasized the resilience of Dubai's economic foundations amid global uncertainty. He noted that the growth in strategic sectors underscores the effectiveness of Dubai's focus on long-term economic development. The emirate continues to prioritize investment, innovation, and talent development as part of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, highlighted the importance of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in enhancing productivity and creating new economic opportunities. Meanwhile, Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, pointed to the continued growth in financial services and technology as a sign of investor confidence in Dubai's business environment.
Despite the slight decline in overall economic output, the diversification of Dubai's economy is evident, with sectors like healthcare, financial services, technology, and construction playing increasingly important roles. The emirate remains committed to its D33 economic agenda, focusing on investment, innovation, advanced technology, and business expansion to support future growth.
Dubai economy: Key figures
- Dh473 billion: Real GDP in the first half of 2026
- Dh505 billion: GDP at current prices, up 0.2%
- 14.3%: Growth in healthcare and social work
- 8.8%: Growth in financial and insurance services
- 2.7%: Growth in information and communication
- 2.4%: Growth in construction
- 20.5%: Wholesale and retail trade’s share of Dubai’s economy
