Dubai’s economy maintained strong growth momentum in the first half of 2025, surpassing forecasts and reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive urban economies. The emirate’s GDP rose by 4.4% year-on-year to AED241 billion in H1 2025, while second-quarter GDP expanded 4.7% to AED122 billion. This performance was supported by exceptional results across key sectors that continue to drive Dubai’s sustainable growth and economic resilience.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said the emirate’s economic results reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose leadership has created a model of sustainable, innovation-led, and globally competitive growth. He added that each percentage point of GDP growth reflects collaboration among diverse stakeholders, strategic execution, and Dubai’s ability to turn global challenges into new opportunities. The strong first-half performance, he said, reaffirms the progress of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the government’s commitment to initiatives and partnerships that will further strengthen the city’s position as a leading global economic hub.
The human health and social work sector recorded the fastest expansion, rising 20% and contributing 1.4% to overall GDP growth. The construction sector also performed strongly, growing 8.5% and contributing 6.7% to GDP in the first half of the year. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said the results reflect the strength of Dubai’s leadership and its ability to adapt to shifting global dynamics while advancing the long-term objectives of the D33 Agenda. He highlighted the key role of public-private sector partnerships in maintaining Dubai’s competitiveness and attracting investment, talent, and entrepreneurship.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, said the strong performance demonstrates Dubai’s resilience and capacity to sustain long-term competitiveness, supporting the D33 goal of doubling the economy within the next decade and ranking among the world’s top three urban economies. He added that Digital Dubai continues to accelerate digital transformation, enhance technology adoption across industries, and improve operational efficiency to sustain growth and innovation.
Younus Al Nasser, CEO of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, noted that the robust economic results underscore the success of collaboration between government entities and the private sector. He said Dubai’s data-driven approach enables innovation, informed policymaking, and strategic development. Meanwhile, Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), said growth in key sectors such as health, construction, real estate, and financial services reflects the strength of Dubai’s agile and innovation-oriented business ecosystem. He added that DEDC will continue to build on this trajectory by promoting diversification and attracting high-value investment to solidify Dubai’s position among the world’s most dynamic metropolitan economies.
Across industries, the health and social work sector grew 20% in the first half of 2025 to reach AED3.3 billion, while construction expanded 8.5% to AED16 billion. The real estate sector recorded 7% growth, driven by a 40% rise in property sales, and the financial and insurance sector grew 6.7%, contributing 12.5% to GDP. The manufacturing sector expanded 5.3%, while the accommodation and food services sector rose 4.9%, supported by a 6% increase in international visitors to 9.88 million in H1 2025. The wholesale and retail trade sector, Dubai’s largest economic contributor, grew 4.4% to AED57.4 billion, accounting for 23.8% of total GDP.
Other sectors collectively achieved 1.8% growth in the first half of the year. The Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment is currently recalibrating GDP and other key indicators in line with international standards, using new and more comprehensive data sources. This effort aims to provide a clearer and more accurate picture of Dubai’s evolving economic landscape and underscores the city’s commitment to transparency and evidence-based development.
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