Dubai, UAE – Dubai continued its positive economic performance during the first quarter of 2026, with the emirate’s GDP reaching AED 232 billion. Recording a growth of 2.4% compared to the same period last year.
This performance reflects the strength and resilience of Dubai’s economy and its ability to adapt thanks to the diversity and integration of economic activities in Dubai. In addition to the success of development policies and strategies in enhancing the emirate’s competitiveness and its ability to keep pace with global economic changes.
It also confirms Dubai’s continued achievement of sustainable economic growth based on innovation, openness and partnership with the private sector. To enhance its position as a global business and investment hub and support its long-term development goals.
The human health and social work activities sector had the highest share of growth, achieving 17.5%. To contribute 1.5% to the emirate’s GDP.
The electricity, gas, water and waste management sectors recorded strong growth of 8.4%, in addition to the construction sector, which achieved growth of 8.2%. Contributing 8.1% to the emirate’s GDP during the first quarter of this year.
The added value of the human health and social work activities sector amounted to 3.6 billion dirhams. Contributing 1.5% of GDP.
construction and real estate
The construction sector recorded a growth rate of 8.2% compared to the same period in 2025, and the added value of the sector amounted to about 18.7 billion dirhams during the first quarter of 2026. Contributing 8.1% of GDP.
The real estate sector recorded a growth rate of 3.1% compared to the same period in 2025. The sector’s added value amounted to approximately AED 26.0 billion during the first quarter of 2026, contributing 11.2% of the GDP.
Wholesale and retail trade activity recorded a growth of 2.6% compared to the same period in 2025, with its real added value reaching AED 50.9 billion.
Information and Communications Technology
As for information and communications technology activity, it recorded a growth of 2.7% compared to the same period in 2025. Its real added value reached 12.1 billion dirhams, compared to 11.8 billion dirhams in the same period of the previous year. Contributing approximately 5.2% of the total economy, the economy was positively motivated by 0.14 percentage points.
The sector’s added value reached AED 32.4 billion during the first quarter of 2026, bringing its contribution to Dubai’s GDP to 14%. Achieving a growth rate of 6.5% compared to the same period in 2025.
During the first quarter of 2025, the sector recorded a contribution of 13.4% and a total of AED 30.4 billion to the GDP.
This sector contributed positively by 0.88 percentage points to the achievement. This is equivalent to 37% of the total growth achieved during the first quarter.
