Dubai’s economy recorded mixed results in the first half of 2026, with financial services, healthcare, technology and construction among the sectors showing growth. The emirate’s real GDP reached AED473 billion, compared with AED484 billion in the same period last year, while GDP at current prices rose 0.2% to AED505 billion.
The figures, released by the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai, highlight the different trends across the emirate’s economy, with several strategic sectors continuing to expand despite slower performance in others.
Financial and insurance activities recorded real growth of 8.8%, contributing AED65.9 billion to Dubai’s economy. The sector’s share of real GDP increased to 14%, up from 12.5% a year earlier.
Healthcare also recorded strong growth, with human health and social work activities expanding 14.3% in real terms to AED6.2 billion. Electricity, water and waste management grew 5.4%, while information and communication activities increased by 2.7%.
Construction recorded real growth of 2.4%, reaching AED33.2 billion in value added. The sector also grew 8.6% at current prices, reflecting its continued role in Dubai’s wider economic activity.
Wholesale and retail trade remained Dubai’s largest economic activity, accounting for 20.5% of real GDP in the first half of 2026. However, the sector recorded a 6% decline at constant prices, partly due to the impact of higher inflation, despite a 4% increase in foreign trade compared with the same period last year.
Real estate accounted for 11.8% of Dubai’s real GDP. While the sector grew 5.4% at current prices to AED65.1 billion, its real value added declined 2.5% to AED55.8 billion.
Transportation and storage also recorded a decline, with value added falling 7.4% to AED50.6 billion. Manufacturing saw a smaller decline of 0.9% in real terms.
Bottom line
Dubai continues to invest in digital transformation and artificial intelligence to improve productivity, strengthen business competitiveness and support long-term growth.
These efforts form part of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to expand the economy, attract investment and strengthen the emirate’s position as a global business hub.
At One Investments, we see developments like this as a strong reminder of the value of forward planning. We prioritise understanding our investors objectives and identifying opportunities that match their vision, ensuring a careful balance between potential growth and security.
