Dubai’s GDP grows by over 4% in first half of 2025

Dubai’s economy saw a growth of 4.4% in the first half of 2025 to reach AED 241 billion, fuelled by development in healthcare, construction, and financial services, according to a news announcement from the Government of Dubai Media Office on November 9th.

In the second quarter of 2025, Dubai’s GDP increased by 4.7% to AED 122 billion. What’s more, it was reported last month, that the World Bank revised its growth forecast for the Middle East region.  

The health and social work sector saw the sharpest growth, growing by 20% to reach AED3.3 billion and contributing 1.4% to GDP. 

Wholesale and retail trade, grew by 4.4%, contributing almost a quarter of total GDP at AED 57.4 billion. Construction also contributed significantly, growing by 8.5%, adding AED 16 billion. 

Real estate surged by 7%, adding AED 19.8 billion to GDP as property sales increased by 40% in the first half of this year.

Financial and insurance services saw an increase of 6.7%, adding AED 30.2 billion, accounting for 12.5% of total GDP. 

Information and communications grew by 5.3%, and accommodation and food services shot up by nearly 5%, facilitated by a 6% rise in international visitors to 9.88 million, all during the first half of 2025. 

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), highlighted “the strength of Dubai’s public-private partnerships” to achieve this progress.

The growth reflects stable development under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, “which aims to double the size of the economy within the next decade and position Dubai among the world’s top three urban economies, in line with the emirate’s long-term strategic vision,” according to Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, the Director General of Digital Dubai.

Meanwhile, it was reported on November 3rd, that the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Emaar Properties revealed a new project for the urban development, Expo City Dubai.

Government of Dubai Media Office, Maghrebi.org