Dubai economy posts 5.3% growth in Q3 2025

Dubai’s economy continued its upward trajectory in 2025, recording robust growth and reaffirming its capacity for sustainable, diversified development, according to newly released official data, as reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS.

Economic output expanded by 4.7 per cent over the nine-month period and by a stronger 5.3 per cent year on year in the third quarter, highlighting the resilience of the emirate’s economic model amid global uncertainty.

Human health and social work activities emerged as the fastest-growing sector, expanding by 15.4 per cent in the first nine months of the year and contributing 1.5 per cent to total GDP. The sector also maintained solid momentum in the third quarter, underlining the growing role of healthcare as a pillar of future growth.

According to the source, the financial and insurance activities recorded growth of 8.5 per cent over the same period, accounting for 12 per cent of GDP, while the construction sector matched this pace with an identical growth rate and a contribution of 6.7 per cent. Both sectors showed further acceleration in the third quarter, supporting overall economic activity.

Real estate activities grew by 6.7 per cent during the first nine months of 2025, representing 8.2 per cent of GDP, while information and communications technology posted growth of 4.8 per cent, reflecting continued investment in digital infrastructure and advanced technologies.

Tourism-linked activities also contributed to the expansion. Accommodation and food services grew by 4.7 per cent over the nine-month period, supported by a 5 per cent increase in international visitors, with nearly 14 million arrivals recorded during the same timeframe.

Wholesale and retail trade remained the single largest contributor to the economy, accounting for more than a quarter of GDP. The sector grew by 4.6 per cent in the first nine months of the year and nearly 5 per cent in the third quarter, reinforcing its central role in domestic demand and regional trade.

Statistical authorities noted that ongoing updates to GDP time series and economic indicators are part of efforts to strengthen transparency and ensure high-quality, reliable data to support informed decision-making and long-term development planning.

Photo: alexeys / iStock