Dubai’s GDP Reaches AED119.7 Billion In Q1 2025 With 4% Year-on-Year Growth

Dubai’s economy continues to show resilience and strong growth, recording a GDP of AED119.7 billion in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 4% increase compared to Q1 2024.

Key Sectors Driving Growth

The robust performance was supported by multiple strategic sectors. Human Health and Social Work activities led the growth with a 26% increase year-on-year. Real Estate grew by 7.8%, Financial and Insurance activities expanded by 5.9%, Accommodation and Food Services rose 3.4%, and Transport and Storage increased by 2%.

Dubai’s Q1 2025 GDP growth builds on the strong performance in 2024, when the emirate’s economy expanded by 5.8% at current prices to reach AED541 billion and by 3.2% at constant prices to total AED443 billion. Key contributors included trade, real estate, financial services, transport, and industry, collectively responsible for nearly 78% of overall growth last year.

Data as a Growth Catalyst

His Excellency Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of the Dubai Data & Statistics Establishment, Digital Dubai, said: “Reliable statistics are indispensable for understanding current trends and anticipating future developments. The Q1 2025 results reflect Dubai’s economic progress, enabling policymakers, researchers, and businesses to make well-informed decisions. We remain focused on fostering integration across relevant entities to ensure data serves stakeholders at all levels and supports the government’s forward-looking vision.”

His Excellency Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), added: “Dubai’s sustained and diversified economic growth continues to underscore its global appeal. Guided by visionary leadership and strong public-private collaboration, Dubai’s performance through 2024 and into Q1 2025 reflects continued momentum towards achieving the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Our focus remains on implementing strategic initiatives, building local and international partnerships, unlocking opportunities, and turning ideas into scalable successes.”

Sector Highlights

Human Health and Social Work: Reached AED1.9 billion in Q1 2025, up 26% from last year, accounting for 1.5% of GDP and contributing 0.3 percentage points to overall growth.
Real Estate: Grew by 7.8% to AED9 billion, contributing 7.5% to GDP and 0.6 percentage points to growth.
Finance and Insurance: Expanded 5.9% to AED16 billion, representing 13.4% of GDP and contributing 0.8 percentage points.
Accommodation and Food Services: Increased 3.4% to AED4.9 billion, contributing 4.1% to GDP.
Information and Communications: Grew 3.2% to AED5.3 billion, adding 0.14 percentage points to growth.
Wholesale and Retail Trade: Reached AED27.5 billion, up 4.5%, contributing 23% to GDP and boosting growth by 1.03 percentage points.
Manufacturing: Expanded 3.3% to AED8.7 billion, contributing 7.3% to GDP.
Transport and Storage: Grew 2% to AED15.7 billion, accounting for 13% of GDP and contributing 0.27 percentage points. Air transport remained the largest contributor within the sector.
Other Activities: Represented 26% of GDP, growing 1.9% and contributing 0.5 percentage points.

The Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment is expanding its survey base and recalibrating GDP time series alongside other economic indicators. This initiative aligns with international standards and global best practices, ensuring data outputs better serve the needs of users.