Dubai: Dubai's economy continued to maintain its strong upward momentum in the first half of 2025, surpassing projections and consolidating its position as one of the world's most vibrant and competitive urban economies. The emirate's GDP grew 4.4 percent to reach AED241 billion in the first half of the year. In the second quarter alone, Dubai's GDP climbed 4.7 percent to AED122 billion.
According to Emirates News Agency, this high performance was driven by exceptional results across key sectors that continue to underpin 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, emphasized that Dubai's economic performance reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He highlighted that the leadership's vision has created a unique model of sustainable growth defined by innovation, excellence, and global competitiveness, which continues to create new opportunities for investment, enterprise, and talent.
The human health and social work activities sector recorded the highest growth, expanding 20 percent and contributing 1.4 percent to overall GDP growth. The construction sector also maintained strong momentum, growing 8.5 percent and contributing 6.7 percent to Dubai's GDP in H1 2025. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), noted that Dubai's first-half GDP performance highlights the city's ability to adapt to shifting global dynamics while advancing the long-term objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
Commenting on the results, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, stated that Dubai's exceptional economic performance underscores the strength, resilience, and dynamism of its economy. This growth continues to advance the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), aiming to double the size of the economy within the next decade and position Dubai among the world's top three urban economies. Younus Al Nasser, CEO of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, remarked that the remarkable outcomes achieved by Dubai's economy reflect exceptional performance across key sectors and effective collaboration between government entities and the private sector.
Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of DET, mentioned that the robust expansion witnessed, particularly in health, construction, real estate, and financial services, results from the creation and development of a business ecosystem purpose-built for agility and scale. He emphasized that the growth reflects the effectiveness of Dubai's innovation-friendly policies that enhance competitiveness and attract high-value investment.
The Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment is currently undertaking a recalibration of the GDP time series and other key economic indicators, in line with international standards and the revision policy of the System of National Accounts. This process leverages newly available, more comprehensive data sources that provide a clearer picture of Dubai's evolving economic landscape, combining both administrative and field data. These ongoing efforts underscore the Establishment's dedication to transparency and improving the accuracy and reliability of statistical data in support of Dubai's developmental objectives.