Dubai’s GDP Reaches $32.6 Billion in Q1 2025, Rising 4% YoY

Dubai, UAE - August 16, 2025 – Dubai recorded a GDP of USD 32.6 billion (AED119.7 billion) in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 4 percent growth from the same period in 2024, in a testament to the continued resilience and vitality of the emirate's economy.

The growth recorded in Q1 2025 was driven by strong performances across a wide range of strategic sectors. Human health and social work activities registered the highest growth rate, rising 26 percent compared to the same period last year.

Real estate activities grew by 7.8 percent, while financial and insurance activities expanded by 5.9 percent. Accommodation and food service activities recorded a 3.4 percent increase, and transport and storage rose by 2 percent.

The GDP growth in the first quarter continues the strong performance achieved in 2024, when Dubai’s economy expanded by 5.8 percent at current prices to reach USD 147.3 billion (AED541 billion), and by 3.2 percent at constant prices, totaling USD 120.6 billion (AED443 billion). This growth was driven by standout performances in trade, real estate, financial services, transport, and industry, which collectively contributed nearly 78 percent of the total growth during the year.

Insights from Key Leaders

Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai, said: “In an era defined by data and AI, reliable statistics are indispensable for understanding current trends and anticipating future developments. The Q1 2025 results reflect Dubai’s economic progress, enabling policymakers, researchers, and businesses to make well-informed decisions.

As part of our mission at Dubai Data & Statistics Establishment, Digital Dubai, we remain focused on fostering integration with relevant entities to ensure that data serves stakeholders across all levels — supporting the overarching goals of the government and the forward-looking vision of our leadership.”

Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), added: “Guided by the city’s visionary leadership and powered by strong public-private collaboration, Dubai’s performance through 2024 and into the first quarter of 2025 reflects our continued momentum towards achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

As we look to accelerate further growth, our focus remains on implementing strategic initiatives and building both local and international partnerships, in turn unlocking new opportunities, enabling innovation, and turning ideas and plans into scalable, commercial successes.”

Key Sector Contributions

• Human Health and Social Work: Reached USD 517 million (AED1.9 billion) in Q1 2025, a 26 percent YoY increase. It accounted for 1.5 percent of Dubai’s GDP, contributing 0.3 percentage points to overall growth.
• Real Estate: Grew by 7.8 percent, contributing 7.5 percent to GDP, with a total value of USD 2.45 billion (AED9 billion) and adding 0.6 percentage points to economic growth.
• Finance and Insurance: Achieved real growth of 5.9 percent, reaching USD 4.36 billion (AED16 billion), up from USD 4.11 billion (AED15.12 billion) in Q1 2024. It accounted for 13.4 percent of GDP and contributed 0.8 percentage points to overall growth.
• Accommodation and Food Services: Grew by 3.4 percent, reaching USD 1.33 billion (AED4.9 billion), contributing 4.1 percent to GDP and 0.14 percentage points to growth.
• Information and Telecommunications: Expanded by 3.2 percent, valued at USD 1.44 billion (AED5.3 billion), contributing 4.4 percent to GDP and 0.14 percentage points to growth.
• Wholesale and Retail Trade: Contributed 23 percent to GDP, valued at USD 7.48 billion (AED27.5 billion), up from USD 7.16 billion (AED26.3 billion) in Q1 2024. This marked a 4.5 percent increase, adding 1.03 percentage points to growth.
• Manufacturing: Rose 3.3 percent to USD 2.37 billion (AED8.7 billion) compared to USD 2.29 billion (AED8.4 billion) in Q1 2024, contributing 7.3 percent to GDP and 0.24 percentage points to growth.
• Transport and Storage: Increased by 2 percent, reaching USD 4.27 billion (AED15.7 billion), up from USD 4.19 billion (AED15.4 billion) in Q1 2024. It contributed 13 percent to GDP and added 0.27 percentage points to growth. Air transport remained the largest contributor within this sector.
• Other Activities: Accounted for 26 percent of GDP in Q1 2025, recording a growth of 1.9 percent and contributing 0.5 percentage points to overall growth.

Strengthening Economic Data Infrastructure

The Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment is expanding its survey base and recalibrating the GDP time series, alongside other economic indicators. This initiative forms part of a broader transformation plan to adopt updated international classifications and global best practices, ensuring data outputs better serve stakeholders across sectors.