Dubai’s economy continued its growth momentum in the first quarter of 2025, with GDP rising 4% year-on-year to reach AED 119.7 billion ($32.59 billion). The strong performance was led by key sectors such as trade, Dubai real estate, finance, transport, and manufacturing — together making up nearly 78% of the overall growth.
This steady performance follows a successful 2024, when Dubai’s GDP expanded by 5.8% at current prices to AED 541 billion.
Strongest Growth: Health & Social Work Services
The Human Health and Social Work sector recorded the highest growth rate, jumping 26% compared to Q1 2024. The sector generated AED 1.9 billion, making up 1.5% of Dubai’s GDP and contributing 0.3 percentage points to total growth.
Dubai Real Estate: A Cornerstone of Dubai’s Economy
Dubai’s real estate sector grew by 7.8% in Q1 2025, contributing AED 9 billion to the economy — 7.5% of total GDP. This sector alone added 0.6 percentage points to the emirate’s growth.
Finance, Tourism, and ICT Also On the Rise
Finance & Insurance: AED 16 billion (+5.9%), 13.4% of GDP, +0.8pp growth
Accommodation & Food Services: AED 4.9 billion (+3.4%), 4.1% of GDP, +0.14pp growth
Information & Communication Technology: AED 5.3 billion (+3.2%), 4.4% of GDP, +0.14pp growth
Trade: The Biggest Contributor
Wholesale & Retail Trade remained Dubai’s largest economic contributor, accounting for 23% of GDP in Q1 2025. The sector grew by 4.5% to AED 27.5 billion, adding 1.03 percentage points to total growth. Trade supports multiple industries by providing goods for consumption, production, and investment.
Manufacturing and Transport Steady
Manufacturing: AED 8.7 billion (+3.3%), 7.3% of GDP, +0.24pp growth
Transport & Storage: AED 15.7 billion (+2%), 13% of GDP, +0.27pp growth — with air transport remaining the biggest contributor.
Other Activities
Other sectors combined made up 26% of GDP, growing 1.9% and adding 0.5 percentage points to total economic growth.
Outlook
According to Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation, Dubai’s sustained and diversified growth reflects its strong global appeal, visionary leadership, and public-private collaboration — all supporting the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
With continued investments, diversified sectors, and robust trade activity, Dubai’s economy is on track for steady growth through 2025.
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