Dubai’s real gross domestic product fell 2.3% year-on-year to approximately Dh473 billion in the first half of 2026, despite significant growth in sectors including financial services, insurance and healthcare.

According to the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, the emirate’s real GDP stood at around Dh484 billion in the first half of 2025. However, GDP at current prices rose 0.2% to approximately Dh505 billion in the first six months of 2026.

Financial and insurance activities recorded real growth of 8.8%, generating Dh65.9 billion in value added at constant prices. The sector’s share of Dubai’s real GDP increased from 12.5% in 2025 to 14%.

The healthcare and social work sector posted one of the highest growth rates, expanding by 14.3%. Information and communications grew by 2.7%, construction by 2.4% and government services by 2.9% in real terms.

Wholesale and retail trade remained the largest sector of Dubai’s economy, accounting for 20.5% of real GDP. It was followed by financial and insurance activities at 14%, real estate at 11.8%, and transportation and storage at 10.7%.

However, several key economic sectors contracted. At constant prices, wholesale and retail trade declined by 6%, transportation and storage by 7.4%, and real estate by 2.5%. At current prices, however, the real estate sector grew by 5.4%.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said the emirate’s economic performance demonstrated its ability to adapt to uncertain global economic conditions. He added that, under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the emirate remains focused on attracting investment, innovation and talent while strengthening competitiveness.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, said digital transformation and artificial intelligence were key drivers of higher productivity, stronger competitiveness and sustainable growth in Dubai’s economy.