Dubai’s economy continued to maintain its strong upward momentum in the first half of 2025, surpassing projections and consolidating its position as a one of the world’s most vibrant and competitive urban economies.
The emirate’s GDP grew 4.4 percent to reach AED241 billion ($65.62 billion) in the first half of the year. In the second quarter alone, Dubai’s GDP climbed 4.7 percent to AED122 billion ($33.22 billion).
This high performance was driven by exceptional results across key sectors that continue to underpin Dubai’s sustainable growth and economic resilience, said a WAM news agency report.
HH 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: “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, whose leadership has created a unique model of sustainable growth defined by innovation, excellence and global competitiveness. This vision continues to create new opportunities for investment, enterprise, and talent, underpinned by long-term planning and forward-looking policies.”
“Each percentage point of growth is also the outcome of strong collaboration between diverse stakeholders, disciplined execution of strategies, and the emirate’s ability to turn global challenges into new possibilities for progress. Further, the high GDP growth in the first half of the year reaffirms the progress of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which continues to translate our vision into measurable results. As we look ahead, we remain committed to advancing initiatives and forging partnerships that further strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global economic hub,” he added.
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), said: “Dubai’s first-half GDP performance reflects the strong vision and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It highlights our city’s ability to continually adapt to shifting global dynamics, while advancing the long-term objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. The results also highlight the strength of Dubai’s public-private sector partnerships, which continue to be characterised by shared ambition and strategic alignment.
“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 and becoming a launchpad for global expansion. As we look ahead, we remain focused on building a future-ready, knowledge-driven economy that sustains momentum and also yields further opportunities for investment and innovation.”
The construction sector maintained a remarkable growth, with a value addition of AED16 billion in H1 2025, contributing 6.7 percent to GDP and recording 8.5 percent growth year-on-year. In Q2, the sector grew by 14.9 percent, contributing 6.2 percent to GDP supported by increased government spending on development projects that boosted economic activity.
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