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Dubai’s economy surges 4.4% in first half of 2025, fueled by growth in health, construction, and real estate
Dubai’s 4.4% GDP rise in H1 2025 underscores the success of its D33 agenda, as health, construction, and real estate sectors lead expansion.
Dubai’s economy maintained its robust growth trajectory in the first half of 2025, expanding by 4.4% to AED 241 billion ($65.6 billion) and surpassing projections. The results reaffirm the emirate’s position as one of the world’s most competitive and diversified urban economies. In the second quarter alone, GDP rose 4.7% to $33.2 billion.
The strong performance was supported by exceptional results across key sectors—including healthcare, construction, real estate, and finance—that continue to drive Dubai’s sustainable growth and economic resilience, according to data from the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, as reported by Emirates News Agency.
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 results reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. “Dubai’s economic performance reflects a model of sustainable growth defined by innovation, excellence, and global competitiveness. Each percentage point of growth is the outcome of collaboration between stakeholders and disciplined execution of strategies,” he said.
Sheikh Hamdan added that the results reaffirm the progress of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which seeks to double the size of Dubai’s economy within the next decade. “We remain committed to advancing initiatives and partnerships that strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global economic hub,” he said.
The human health and social work sector experienced the fastest growth, expanding by 20% in the first half of the year to $898.5 million, contributing 1.4% to total GDP. The construction sector also maintained strong momentum, growing 8.5% and contributing 6.7% to GDP, supported by sustained government investment in development projects.
The real estate sector grew by 7% in the first half of 2025, contributing 8.2% to GDP, supported by a 40% surge in property sales. Financial and insurance activities rose 6.7%, contributing 12.5% to GDP with a total value of $8.22 billion, while the information and communication sector expanded 5.3%, contributing 4.5%. The accommodation and food services sector grew by 4.9%, driven by a 6% increase in international visitors, which reached 9.88 million in the first half of the year.
Trade — one of Dubai’s largest economic drivers — grew by 4.4% in the first half of 2025, accounting for 23.8% of total GDP and reaching a value of $15.62 billion.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), stated that the results highlight the city’s adaptability and the strength of its public-private partnerships. “Dubai’s economy continues to demonstrate competitiveness, resilience, and agility across its bellwether sectors and new and high-growth horizons, consistently attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and talent from around the world, while also developing homegrown capabilities,” he said.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, added that the results highlight the emirate’s ability to sustain growth amid shifting global dynamics. “Dubai has built a solid foundation for sustainable development, strengthening its position as a leading global hub for business and investment,” he said.
The Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment is currently recalibrating GDP time series and key economic indicators to align with international standards, improving data accuracy and transparency to better capture the emirate’s evolving economic landscape.
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