DUBAI – Dubai’s real gross domestic product (GDP) fell 2.3 per cent to AED473 billion in the first half of 2026, down from AED484 billion in the same period last year, as declines in trade, transport and real estate weighed on economic performance.
Figures released by the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai showed that GDP at current prices edged up 0.2 per cent to approximately AED505 billion.
Financial and insurance activities recorded the strongest performance among major sectors, growing 8.8 per cent in real terms to AED65.9 billion. The sector’s contribution to GDP increased to 14 per cent from 12.5 per cent a year earlier.
Human health and social work activities expanded by 14.3 per cent, while electricity, gas, water supply and waste management grew 5.4 per cent. Information and communication increased by 2.7 per cent, and construction rose 2.4 per cent.
Wholesale and retail trade remained Dubai’s largest economic sector, accounting for 20.5 per cent of real GDP, followed by financial and insurance activities at 14 per cent, real estate at 11.8 per cent, and transportation and storage at 10.7 per cent.
However, wholesale and retail trade contracted 6 per cent in constant prices, despite a 4 per cent increase in foreign trade. Transportation and storage declined by 7.4 per cent, while real estate fell 2.5 per cent in real terms, even as its value at current prices increased 5.4 per cent.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said the results demonstrated the emirate’s ability to navigate global economic uncertainty.
He said Dubai would continue to accelerate investment, innovation and talent development under the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to strengthen the emirate’s position as a global economic hub.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said the diversity of Dubai’s economic sectors remained a key strength, highlighting digital transformation and artificial intelligence as important drivers of competitiveness.
The first-half figures highlight contrasting performances across Dubai’s economy, with financial services, healthcare and technology expanding while some of the emirate’s major traditional sectors faced pressure.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
