Dubai’s economy continued to demonstrate its resilience in the first quarter of 2026, with GDP reaching AED232 billion, reflecting 2.4% year on year growth. The strong performance came despite regional tensions and temporary flight disruptions, highlighting the emirate’s ability to adapt to changing global and regional conditions.
Several industries recorded solid growth during the first quarter, contributing to Dubai’s overall economic performance.
The human health and social work sector recorded the strongest growth, expanding by 17.5% and contributing AED3.6 billion to the economy. This reflects continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and growing demand for medical services.
The construction sector grew by 8.2%, generating AED18.7 billion in gross value added and accounting for 8.1% of Dubai’s GDP. Ongoing residential, commercial and infrastructure developments continue to support this growth.
The electricity, gas, water supply and waste management sector also performed strongly, recording 8.4% growth, highlighting continued investment in essential infrastructure and public services.
Dubai’s real estate market maintained positive momentum during the quarter, with the sector growing by 3.1%. It generated around AED26 billion in gross value added, representing 11.2% of the emirate’s GDP.
Meanwhile, wholesale and retail trade remained the largest contributor to the economy, accounting for 22% of GDP. The sector expanded by 2.6%, with gross value added increasing to AED50.9 billion, reflecting strong consumer demand and continued business activity.
The financial and insurance sector recorded 6.5% growth, reaching AED32.4 billion in gross value added and contributing 14% of Dubai’s GDP. The sector remained one of the largest contributors to overall economic growth, underlining Dubai’s status as a leading regional financial hub.
The information and communication sector also continued its steady expansion, growing by 2.7% to reach AED12.1 billion, supported by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption across industries.
A strong foundation for future growth
As the emirate continues to evolve, these initiatives will play an important role in shaping the next chapter of Dubai’s development and reinforcing its reputation as a global centre for business, innovation, and opportunity.
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.
