Dubai's GDP reaches AED232 billion in Q1 2026, recording 2.4% growth

Dubai: Dubai maintained its strong economic performance in the first quarter of 2026, with the emirate's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reaching AED232 billion, representing a 2.4% increase from the same period last year. The performance reflects the strength, resilience, and adaptability of Dubai's economy, driven by the diversity and integration of its economic activities, as well as the effectiveness of its development policies and strategies in enhancing its competitiveness and ability to respond to evolving global economic conditions. It also reaffirms Dubai’s continued progress in advancing sustainable economic growth, driven by innovation, openness, and strategic partnerships with the private sector, reinforcing its position as a leading global hub for business and investment and supporting the emirate’s long-term ambitions. Since the beginning of 2026, the GDP series has been revised from previously published estimates, to reflect the latest results of economic surveys and data derived from administrative records. This update aligns with international statistical best practices and standards, enhancing the accuracy of the data. The Human Health and Social Work Activities sector recorded the highest growth rate at 17.5%, contributing 1.5% to the emirate’s GDP. The Electricity, Gas, and Water Supply; Waste Management Activities sector also registered strong growth of 8.4%, while the Construction sector grew by 8.2%, contributing 8.1% to Dubai’s GDP during the first quarter of the current year. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “Dubai’s economic growth continues to be anchored in visionary leadership, proactive strategic planning, and a deep-rooted resilience across our key sectors. 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 His Highness 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.” A prosperous and resilient economy His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said: “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." Data-driven economy His Excellency Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai, said: “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-lookin