The Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment (DDSE), part of Digital Dubai, has invited economic establishments operating in the Emirate of Dubai, including those based in free zones, to actively participate in the Dubai Economic Survey 2026. The survey is conducted annually, with fieldwork for the current cycle continuing through December 31, 2026.

The survey is one of the key pillars supporting the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), strengthening the emirate’s economic data ecosystem, and informing policymaking to advance sustainable growth in Dubai. It provides the data required to produce official economic indicators and supports planning and decision-making across the emirate. Covering a wide range of vital economic sectors in Dubai, including industry, trade, services, financial and insurance activities, real estate, transport, construction, health, education, technology and information, hotels and restaurants, culture and the arts, and other economic activities, the survey provides a comprehensive and accurate picture of Dubai’s economy and its performance.

The survey targets more than 16,000 economic establishments, selected according to approved statistical methodologies that ensure representation across various economic activities and employment categories, contributing to the production of high-quality data that accurately and reliably reflects the emirate’s economic reality.

The data provided by participating establishments forms the basis for producing a broad range of official economic indicators, most notably Dubai’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as well as indicators on production, intermediate consumption, value added, compensation of employees, and the number of workers across various economic activities. This data also supports measuring the contribution of free zones, digital economy, and the cultural and creative industries, providing reliable information that supports the exploration of economic opportunities and the development of future strategies for the emirate.

Preliminary estimates based on this integrated data system reflect the growth of Dubai’s economy, with GDP at current market prices rising from AED 890 billion in 2024 to AED 972 billion in 2025. The labour market also recorded continued growth, with the number of employed persons rising from 4.48 million to 4.69 million over the same period, while compensation of employees increased from AED 397 billion to AED 409 billion, reflecting the expansion of economic activity and the emirate’s continued ability to create jobs and enhance its economic appeal.

In this context, H.E. Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, said: “In a world where data has become one of the most important strategic assets for countries and cities, the importance of having accurate and up-to-date economic databases that reflect the economic reality in all its dimensions and details continues to grow. The Dubai Economic Survey 2026 serves as a fundamental pillar in building this economic knowledge base, providing the data underpinning official indicators, supporting the understanding of economic transformations, measuring the impact of policies, and exploring future opportunities.”

H.E. added: “These efforts align with Dubai’s direction towards establishing a knowledge- and data-based economy, and strengthening its ability to make more accurate, effective, and proactive decisions. The participation of economic establishments in this survey goes beyond providing data; it represents a direct contribution to building a comprehensive understanding of the economy and enhancing the quality of official indicators that support sustainable development and advance the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”

The Establishment affirmed its full commitment to the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality, as the official entity authorized to collect and publish data and statistics in the emirate, noting that all collected data is subject to strict procedures ensuring its protection and use for statistical purposes only.

Participation Mechanism

The Establishment explained that participating establishments are selected according to approved statistical methodologies to ensure proper representation of various economic activities. A statistical researcher contacts each establishment to introduce the survey and answer any inquiries.

The participating establishment then receives its dedicated form and can complete the required data electronically, along with attaching financial reports. The collected data is subsequently used to calculate the official economic indicators that reflect the performance of Dubai’s economy and support planning and decision-making.

The Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment called on all establishments being contacted to cooperate and participate in completing the survey data, contributing to enhancing the quality of economic data, supporting sustainable development, and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global model for leveraging data to shape the future.