Dubai's economy continued its strong growth trajectory in 2025, with gross domestic product (GDP) at current market prices rising to an estimated AED972 billion ($264.67 billion) from AED890 billion in 2024, according to preliminary estimates released as the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment (DDSE) launched the Dubai Economic Survey 2026.
The annual survey, conducted by the DDSE, part of Digital Dubai, has invited more than 16,000 businesses across the emirate, including companies operating in free zones, to participate in this year's exercise. Fieldwork will continue until December 31.
The survey plays a central role in producing Dubai's official economic statistics and is a key pillar supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), strengthening the emirate's economic data ecosystem and providing policymakers with reliable information to guide sustainable economic growth.
The survey covers a broad range of sectors, including industry, trade, services, financial and insurance activities, real estate, transport, construction, healthcare, education, technology, hospitality, culture and the creative industries, offering a comprehensive picture of Dubai's economic performance.
Using internationally recognised statistical methodologies, the survey will collect data from a representative sample of more than 16,000 establishments across different sectors and employment categories to ensure the production of accurate, high-quality economic data.
The information gathered will be used to compile Dubai's official GDP figures, as well as key indicators covering production, value added, intermediate consumption, employment, compensation of employees and workforce numbers. It will also help measure the contribution of free zones, the digital economy and the cultural and creative sectors, supporting the identification of new economic opportunities and future development strategies.
Preliminary estimates from the integrated statistical system also showed continued strength in Dubai's labour market during 2025. The number of employed persons increased to 4.69 million from 4.48 million a year earlier, while employee compensation rose to AED409 billion from AED397 billion, reflecting expanding economic activity, sustained job creation and the emirate's growing attractiveness as a global business hub.
