Dubai GDP Reaches $63.2 Billion in Q1 2026 as Economy Grows 2.4%

DUBAI, UAE – Dubai's economy maintained its growth momentum during the first quarter of 2026, with the emirate's gross domestic product (GDP) reaching $63.2 billion (AED232 billion), representing a 2.4% year-on-year increase, according to WAM.

The performance reflects the resilience and diversification of Dubai's economy, supported by a broad range of economic activities and government policies designed to strengthen competitiveness, attract investment and enhance the emirate's ability to respond to evolving global market conditions.

The latest figures also underscore Dubai's continued progress in delivering sustainable economic growth through innovation, openness and strong public-private sector collaboration, reinforcing its position as a leading global destination for business and investment.

According to WAM, Dubai also revised its GDP series from the beginning of 2026 to incorporate updated economic surveys and administrative records, aligning with international statistical standards and improving the accuracy of economic data.

Among all sectors, Human Health and Social Work Activities recorded the strongest growth, expanding 17.5% year-on-year to contribute 1.5% of GDP. The Electricity, Gas and Water Supply; Waste Management Activities sector grew 8.4%, while the Construction sector increased 8.2%, accounting for 8.1% of Dubai's economy during the quarter.

"Dubai’s economic growth continues to be anchored in visionary leadership, proactive strategic planning, and a deep-rooted resilience across our key sectors," said His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the close follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Q1 2026 GDP results reflect another successive quarter of robust performance, marking a consistent trajectory that has established a strong platform for stability and positioned Dubai to accelerate through the remainder of the year and beyond.

“Dubai’s growth narrative is defined by a commitment to long-term objectives, and successive quarters of strong performance are not coincidental; they are the product of deliberate policy, structural depth, and an economy built to perform regardless of external conditions. As we look ahead, the seamless synergy between our public and private sectors, combined with the sustained confidence of the global investment community, will fuel the next phase of our development, further cementing Dubai's position as a premier global economic hub in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.”

His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said the latest results highlight the strength of Dubai's diversified economic model.

“The results of Q1 2026 reflect the resilience of Dubai’s economy, which continues to achieve sustainable growth amid a rapidly evolving global economic landscape. The strong performance across key economic sectors highlights the success of the emirate’s diversified and agile economic model, built on competitiveness, innovation, and global connectivity, while advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to position Dubai among the world’s top three urban economies."

He added: "Dubai continues to strengthen its economic ecosystem and enhance its business environment by investing in key enablers that drive growth, foster productivity, and create new opportunities.

These include advancing government efficiency, strengthening institutional capabilities, and harnessing modern technologies to support informed decision-making. These efforts will contribute to achieving further economic milestones in the future and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for business and investment. and reinforce its status as a leading global hub for business, investment, and talent."

Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai, highlighted the role of data in driving economic development.

“In a world where data has become a primary engine of growth and a cornerstone of decision-making, Dubai’s Q1 2026 results underscore the tangible impact of sustained investment in advancing a data ecosystem that strengthens economic development and enhances our ability to anticipate future opportunities.

Data today is a strategic asset that informs investment direction, improves policy effectiveness, and enables more precise and agile decision-making across all levels.”

He added: “Dubai continues to advance an integrated data and statistics ecosystem grounded in quality, accuracy, and trust. This ecosystem delivers reliable economic indicators that enable forward-looking planning and evidence-based policymaking, while strengthening the emirate’s competitiveness and reinforcing its position as a global benchmark in harnessing data for development and future readiness.

This ongoing progress reflects the maturity of Dubai’s data ecosystem and its proven ability to convert data into measurable economic value. It is accelerating innovation, enhancing sector competitiveness, and strengthening Dubai’s capacity to anticipate emerging opportunities and drive more sustainable and inclusive growth.”

Hadi Badri, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, said the city's growth remains firmly supported by strategic investment and collaboration.

“Supported by swift, prudent action taken over recent months, Dubai has retained the robust foundations that will continue to support our long-term growth.

The city’s Q1 2026 results underline the momentum we continue to carry forward as we work towards the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. From strategic projects that support SME growth to global partnerships that give institutional credibility to Dubai’s proposition, recent months have seen no pause in our collective efforts. In collaboration with our partners across the public and private sectors, our focus remains on supporting investment in key sectors, catalysing innovation across the economy, and further growing the pipeline of homegrown and international talent and entrepreneurship.”

Key sector performance

The Wholesale and Retail Trade sector remained Dubai's largest economic contributor, accounting for approximately 22% of GDP. Gross value-added increased to $13.9 billion (AED50.9 billion), representing 2.6% growth compared with the first quarter of 2025.

The Financial and Insurance Activities sector recorded one of the strongest performances, expanding 6.5% to $8.8 billion (AED32.4 billion), accounting for 14% of Dubai's GDP and contributing approximately 37% of the emirate's total economic growth during the quarter.

Real Estate Activities continued its steady expansion, growing 3.1% year-on-year. The sector generated approximately $7.1 billion (AED26 billion) in gross value-added, contributing 11.2% to Dubai's GDP.

The Construction sector reached approximately $5.1 billion (AED18.7 billion) in gross value-added after recording 8.2% growth, reflecting continued activity across Dubai's development pipeline.

Meanwhile, the Information and Communication sector expanded 2.7%, generating $3.3 billion (AED12.1 billion) and accounting for 5.2% of the emirate's economy, while Administrative and Support Service Activities contributed 4.5% of GDP after growing 3.6% to $2.9 billion (AED10.5 billion).