Dubai’s economy expands to nearly US$63.2 billion in Q1 2026 as transport, construction and trade drive growth

Dubai's economy maintained steady momentum in the first quarter of 2026, with gross domestic product (GDP) reaching approximately US$63.2 billion, reflecting 2.4 per cent year-on-year growth, according to newly released official data.

Authorities announced that GDP estimates have been revised using updated economic surveys and administrative records to improve statistical accuracy in line with international standards, as reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS.

Among all industries, human health and social work activities recorded the fastest growth, expanding 17.5 per cent year-on-year. The sector generated US$980 million in value added and accounted for 1.5 per cent of Dubai's GDP.

The electricity, gas, water supply and waste management sector grew by 8.4 per cent, reaching US$1.25 billion and contributing 2 per cent of total economic output.

Construction also delivered strong performance, with value added rising 8.2 per cent to US$5.09 billion, representing 8.1 per cent of GDP as infrastructure and development projects continued to support economic activity.

The real estate sector expanded by 3.1 per cent, generating US$7.08 billion and accounting for 11.2 per cent of Dubai's economy during the quarter.

Wholesale and retail trade remained the emirate's largest economic sector. It increased by 2.6 per cent year-on-year, with value added reaching US$13.86 billion compared with US$13.5 billion a year earlier. The sector represented nearly 22 per cent of total GDP and contributed almost one quarter of overall economic growth.

The information and communications sector also continued its expansion, growing 2.7 per cent to US$3.29 billion and accounting for 5.2 per cent of the economy.

One of the strongest contributors to overall GDP growth was the transport and storage sector, which expanded by 6.5 per cent. Value added increased to (US$8.82 billion, representing 14 per cent of Dubai's GDP and contributing 0.88 percentage points, or around 37 per cent of total economic growth recorded during the quarter.

Officials said the latest results reinforce Dubai's long-term economic strategy, which focuses on innovation, public-private cooperation, digital transformation and investment attraction. The sustained expansion across both traditional and knowledge-based industries is expected to support continued economic growth throughout the remainder of 2026 while advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.