Dubai’s real GDP reached about AED473 billion in the first half of 2026, down 2.3% from AED484 billion a year earlier, as growth in finance, health, technology and construction helped offset pressure in trade, transport and real estate.
The figures were released by the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai. GDP at current prices rose 0.2% to roughly AED505 billion.
Financial and insurance activities led the gains, expanding 8.8% in real terms to AED65.9 billion and lifting their share of GDP to 14% from 12.5%. Human health and social work grew 14.3%, while electricity, gas, water supply and waste management rose 5.4%. Information and communication added 2.7% and construction 2.4%.
Wholesale and retail trade remained the largest contributor at 20.5% of real GDP, followed by finance at 14%, real estate at 11.8% and transportation and storage at 10.7%. Trade fell 6% in constant prices as higher inflation weighed on real growth, even though foreign trade rose 4%. Transportation and storage declined 7.4%, and real estate slipped 2.5% in constant prices despite a 5.4% rise at current prices.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said the results reflect an economy built to handle global uncertainty. He said the focus now is on accelerating investment, innovation and talent under the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, pointed to the breadth of the emirate’s sectoral base as a key strength. He said digital transformation and AI are essential drivers of competitiveness.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
