Global halal economy estimated to hit $3.2 trillion by 2024

The second edition of “Dubai – A Global Gateway for Halal Industry: A Step-by-Step Guide.” (File/AFP)
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Updated 09 September 2020
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Global halal economy estimated to hit $3.2 trillion by 2024

  • The report explores the prospects of different sectors within the global Islamic economy
  • It also outlined the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the halal industry

DUBAI: The global halal economy is estimated to be worth $3.2 trillion by 2024, according to a new Dubai-produced research about local, regional, and international Islamic economy.

The second edition of “Dubai – A Global Gateway for Halal Industry: A Step-by-Step Guide” – authored by Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) - explores the prospects of different sectors within the global Islamic economy.

It ranked the food and beverage industry first in terms of growth potential – $2 trillion by 2021. Modest fashion is the second most popular sector, valued at $283 billion.

Other key players in the industry identified by the report are Islamic-themed media, halal pharmaceuticals, and halal cosmetics.

The report also outlined the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the halal industry, explaining how travel, Islamic finance and modest fashion have been the most affected.

“The guide details the opportunities around core Halal economy sectors, outlines trends and provides strategic insights that will enrich the knowledge of entrepreneurs and companies keen to invest in the Islamic economy and capitalize on its promise of enduring growth and prosperity,” DAFZA’s Assistant Director General Amna Lootah said.

An earlier report, State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2019/20, pegged the value of the global Islamic industry at $2.2 trillion in 2018 – 12 percent of which is from the food, pharmaceutical and lifestyle sectors.


Dubai’s GDP hits $96.6bn in first 9 months of 2025 

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Dubai’s GDP hits $96.6bn in first 9 months of 2025 

Dubai’s economy expanded 4.7 percent in the first nine months of 2025, lifting gross domestic product to 355 billion dirhams ($96.6 billion) as growth accelerated across finance, construction and services, according to state data. 

GDP reached 113.8 billion dirhams in the third quarter alone, up 5.3 percent from a year earlier, the Emirates News Agency – WAM reported, citing official figures.  

Private-sector forecasts point to continued expansion, with a December research note from Emirates NBD projecting growth of about 4.5 percent in 2026, supported by tourism, investment and infrastructure momentum. 

In its latest analysis, WAM said the sustained growth in Dubai’s economy reflects the vitality of the local economy and the success of development policies driving the emirate’s prosperity. 

Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said: “The growth we are seeing today in Dubai’s economy is beyond what the numbers show, as it means more economic prosperity, family well-being, and growing confidence in the future of the Emirate.”   

He added: “Dubai does not rely on a single sector, but on an economic system in which all sectors are integrated, to grow together strongly and steadily, based on harmonious work teams united by the determination to achieve the highest goals of the Emirate.” 

Health and social work activities were the fastest-growing segment, expanding 15.4 percent year on year in the first nine months and contributing about 1.5 percent to GDP. Financial and insurance activities grew 8.5 percent and accounted for roughly 12 percent of output, highlighting the emirate’s role as a regional financial hub. 

In the first three quarters of 2025, the construction sector grew by 8.5 percent and contributed 6.7 percent to the emirate’s GDP. 

The real estate sector expanded by 6.7 percent during the first nine months of 2025, with its contribution to Dubai’s GDP reaching 8.2 percent. 

Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism, Helal Saeed Al Marri, said: “Dubai’s economic performance during the first nine months of 2025 reflects our ability to sustain and accelerate growth.”  

He added: “Collaboration with our partners in the public and private sectors will enable us to launch initiatives that enhance competitiveness and open new horizons of opportunity, ensuring that Dubai remains on track to achieve the ambitious goals of Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda.”