Mid-Year Economic Update highlights Dubai’s accelerated growth

Key report findings

• 8.5+ million – Dubai recorded more than 8.5 million international visitors during the first half of 2023^[1]
• The Region’s Wealthiest City – Dubai leads as the wealthiest city in the Middle East and North Africa, with regards to the number of billionaires currently residing in Dubai^[2]
• Best Performing Financial Market Regionally – The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) crossed the 3,986 level on July 13, the highest since August 2015, and is up nearly 20% so far this year, ahead of the MSCI World Index^[3]
• Busiest International Airport – Dubai International (DXB) retained its title as the busiest airport for international flights in July 2023^[4]
• $75 billion – The value of Sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai totalled $75 billion, making it one of the world’s leading hubs for Sukuk listings^[5]
• $178 billion – The market value of DFM-listed companies increased by $19 billion to reach $178 billion^[6]
• $12.5 billion – Trading volume in DFM exceeded $12.5 billion since the beginning of 2023^[7]
• 57% – Institutional investors accounted for 57% of trading value in DFM in the first half of the year, with net purchases of $172 million^[8]
• 48% – Foreign investors accounted for 48% of the trading value in DFM during the first half of the year, with net purchases amounting to $890.2 billion^[9]
• $77.5 – Total real estate transactions amounted to $77.5 billion during the first half of 2023^[10]
• 3.6 million – Dubai’s population increased by 50,000 in H1 in 2023, surpassing 3.6 million^[11]

Figures from the report demonstrate the significant strides Dubai has already made towards achieving the objectives of the D33 Economic Agenda. Launched early this year, the ‘D33’ economic transformation plan aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade and consolidate its position among the top three global cities.

The strategy is designed to augment Dubai’s economic competitiveness, implement growth plans, foster the diversification and sustainability of the economy, attract global talent and foreign investment in vital sectors, and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global destination for digital economy investments and entrepreneurial ventures. The initiative prioritizes advancing innovation, artificial intelligence, and technology projects while making the emirate a leading hub for green economy and tourism.