Dubai’s economy reached Dh473 billion in the first half of 2026, supported by growth in several key sectors including health care, financial services, technology, and construction, according to data released by the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment.
Measured at current prices, Dubai’s gross domestic product (GDP) stood at Dh505 billion, marking a marginal increase of 0.2 percent compared with the same period in 2025. However, when adjusted for inflation, real GDP was 2.3 percent lower than a year earlier, indicating some price-related distortions in the figures.
Wholesale and retail trade remained the largest sector, contributing 20.5 percent of GDP, or roughly one-fifth of total economic output. Financial and insurance services followed as the second-largest sector, accounting for 14 percent of the economy, with the sector’s value increasing to Dh65.9 billion—an 8.8 percent rise from the previous year. Real estate contributed 11.8 percent of GDP, while transportation and storage made up 10.7 percent. Together, these four sectors represented 57 percent of Dubai’s economic activity.
Health care and social work showed the fastest growth among major sectors, expanding by 14.3 percent to reach Dh6.2 billion, up from Dh5.4 billion in the corresponding period last year. The construction sector grew by 2.4 percent, while electricity, water supply, and waste management activities rose by 5.4 percent. Information and communication activities also saw expansion of 2.7 percent.
Officials emphasized that the growth in diverse sectors highlighted the emirate’s economic resilience and strategic focus on future-oriented industries. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, stated that consistent growth across strategic sectors reflected the strength of Dubai’s economic foundations. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to attracting investment, fostering innovation, and developing talent as outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, pointed to the increasing importance of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in boosting productivity and creating new economic opportunities. Meanwhile, Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, noted that continued expansion in financial services and technology sectors signaled strong investor confidence in Dubai’s business environment. He also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at improving market access and further attracting investment.
The data suggests Dubai’s economy maintains a diversified profile, with established sectors such as trade and real estate coexisting alongside rapidly evolving industries driven by technology and health care. This balanced growth is positioned to support the emirate’s long-term economic goals amid global uncertainties.