Dubai’s GDP in H1 grew 4.4% to AED241 billion, powered by strong performances in health, construction, real estate, and tourism, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global economic leader
Dubai’s economy maintained robust momentum in the first half of 2025, surpassing expectations and reinforcing the emirate’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive urban economies. The emirate’s GDP rose 4.4% to AED241 billion, with the second quarter alone climbing 4.7% to AED122 billion, underpinned by exceptional performances across key sectors.
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, said: “Dubai’s economic performance reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose leadership has created a unique model of sustainable growth defined by innovation, excellence and global competitiveness. This vision continues to create new opportunities for investment, enterprise, and talent, underpinned by long-term planning and forward-looking policies.”
Highlighting the role of strategic collaboration and disciplined execution, His Highness added: “The high GDP growth in the first half of the year reaffirms the progress of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, translating vision into measurable results. As we look ahead, we remain committed to advancing initiatives and forging partnerships that further strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global economic hub.”
Sectoral Highlights
- Healthcare and Social Work: The fastest-growing sector, expanding 20% in H1 2025 and contributing 1.4% to overall GDP, with Q2 alone rising 12.8% to AED1.4 billion.
- Construction: Continued its strong momentum with 8.5% growth in H1, contributing 6.7% to GDP, driven by increased government spending; Q2 growth was 14.9%, contributing 6.2% to GDP.
- Real Estate: Expanded 7% in H1, underpinned by a 40% rise in property sales, contributing 8.2% to GDP.
- Trade and Retail: Achieved 6.7% growth in H1, contributing 12.5% to GDP, with Q2 growth of 7.7%.
- Transportation and Logistics: Grew 5.3% in H1, contributing 4.5% to GDP.
- Tourism and Hospitality: Expanded 4.9% in H1, in line with a 6% increase in international visitors, reaching 9.88 million.
- Financial and Business Services: Contributed 23.8% to GDP with 4.4% growth in H1.
- Other Sectors: Recorded a combined growth of 1.8%.
The Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment is currently recalibrating the GDP time series and other key economic indicators in line with international standards, leveraging more comprehensive data sources to provide an accurate picture of Dubai’s evolving economic landscape.