Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been ranked as the world’s top two emerging data center markets, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s 2025 Global Data Center Market Comparison report, reflecting the UAE’s growing role in global digital infrastructure investment.

Among 97 markets surveyed, Abu Dhabi and Dubai placed first and second respectively, assessed across 20 key variables including power availability, fiber connectivity, development pipeline, and land pricing.

“There’s a clear link between long-term infrastructure planning and current market performance,” said Edward Macura, country head at Cushman & Wakefield Core. “Abu Dhabi and Dubai have created the conditions for scale, and global operators are responding.”

UAE’s data centre capacity to rise

The UAE currently hosts over 250MW of live data centre capacity, with an additional 500MW in active development. The Stargate UAE project in Abu Dhabi — backed by OpenAI, Oracle, and Nvidia — is expected to deliver 5GW at full capacity. In Dubai, telecom operator du and Microsoft are advancing a $540m hyperscale facility.

Read: Stargate UAE: G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, SoftBank, Cisco to build AI cluster

Cloud service providers increasing operations in the UAE

Cloud service providers including AWS, Alibaba, and Equinix are expanding operations in both emirates. Khazna Data Centers leads the UAE market with more than 59 per cent share, while enterprise players like Emirates Group are also expanding into solar-powered facilities such as the one at Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park.

The UAE data centre market was valued at $1.26bn in 2024 and is forecast to grow to $3.33bn by 2030. Backing this growth are major capital commitments: Abu Dhabi’s ADQ and Energy Capital Partners are investing $25 billion into power infrastructure, while MGX, Microsoft, and BlackRock are supporting a $30bn AI-driven initiative.

Macura noted that institutional capital is responding to the market’s track record. “Developers are meeting deadlines, occupiers are pre-leasing, and supporting infrastructure is being delivered in parallel,” he said.

The Stargate UAE campus is expected to deliver its first 1GW by 2026. Khazna’s 100MW AI facility in Ajman is also on track for phased delivery within 24 months.

As demand for AI and cloud infrastructure intensifies, the UAE is positioning itself as a resilient and scalable digital hub. “The level of interest we’re seeing isn’t temporary,” Macura added. “The UAE has reached the point where it offers both operational reliability and future capacity — those are the markets that will outperform over time.”

Registration is now open for the 19th edition of the Dubai Airshow, set to take place from 17 to 21 November 2025 at Dubai World Central. The landmark event returns with a focus on advancing innovation, enhancing connectivity, and shaping the future of the global aviation and defence sectors.

Read-Dubai’s aerial taxi services: RTA tests region’s first flight

Building on its reputation as one of the world’s most influential aerospace events, Dubai Airshow 2025 will serve as a critical platform for accelerating cutting-edge technologies and fostering cross-sector collaboration.

The show will reflect the UAE’s bold vision for aviation, aligning with the sector’s rapid growth trajectory, a WAM report said.

According to recent data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the aviation industry contributes approximately $92bn to the UAE’s GDP, accounting for 18.2 per cent of the total. The Middle East’s commercial aircraft fleet is projected to grow by 5.1 per cent annually over the next decade, underlining the region’s expanding role in global aviation.

Global platform for transformation

Dubai Airshow continues to attract key global players, government representatives, innovators, and thought leaders. The 2025 edition is expected to facilitate high-level dialogue and showcase pioneering technologies across civil aviation, aerospace, defence, and space sectors.

Major General Dr Mubarak Saeed bin Ghafan Al Jabri, Executive Director of the Military Committee organizing Dubai Airshow, emphasised the event’s importance in spotlighting the UAE’s leadership in both aviation and defence.

“As the industry evolves rapidly, the Ministry of Defence remains committed to building future-ready capabilities and fostering innovation,” he said. “Empowering the next generation of talent is central to this vision, ensuring the UAE stays at the forefront of global development.”

One of the highlights of this year’s show will be a first-of-its-kind networking event hosted directly on the runway. Held in partnership with SkyDive Dubai, this exclusive gathering will bring together top international aviation figures in a dynamic setting that blends entertainment with informal engagement. Attendees can expect drone light shows, skydiving performances, live DJ sets, and premium hospitality experiences.

First-ever night programming

In a first for the Dubai Airshow, the 2025 edition will introduce night-time programming. Scheduled for the second day of the show, this unique experience will extend activities until 9:00 PM, giving attendees extra time to explore the static aircraft displays, attend evening receptions, and enjoy immersive aerial displays under the stars.

The night programming is designed to deepen engagement while showcasing the sector’s innovation in an entirely new light.

Innovation, sustainability, and future talent

Dubai Airshow 2025 will once again spotlight industry innovation and sustainability. As aviation organizations worldwide prioritize the transition to greener, more efficient technologies, sustainability will be a key theme across exhibits, panels, and features.

The return of VISTA, the leading hub for aerospace start-ups, will highlight the role of emerging companies in transforming aviation and space. Alongside this, the NextGen Leaders Programme and the newly introduced Academy will provide professional development, mentorship, and hands-on training opportunities for aspiring industry professionals.

The Aerospace Executive Club will convene senior leaders to discuss current trends, economic strategies, and global cooperation efforts. Delegates will benefit from curated programming and access to one of the industry’s most comprehensive business matchmaking systems. Powered by AI through the official Dubai Airshow app, the system is designed to connect participants efficiently, fostering meaningful partnerships.

Co-hosted by the UAE Ministry of Defence, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and the Government of Dubai, the show’s extensive delegation programme will facilitate strategic engagement across civil, military, and commercial domains.

Engaging the public: Skyview returns

Skyview, the only event of its kind in the UAE open to the public, will also return for the 2025 edition. Expected to attract over 15,000 visitors across five days, Skyview will offer attendees exclusive access to live flying displays, interactive exhibits, and a variety of entertainment experiences.

Global leadership and future outlook

Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Informa Markets, which organizes the event, emphasized the Airshow’s pivotal role in shaping the aviation and defence sectors.

“Dubai Airshow has always focused on progress and connectivity,” said Hawes. “The 2025 edition will be our most future-forward to date—uniting global industry players through meaningful initiatives that support innovation, education, and regional growth strategies.”

He added that the show’s youth engagement efforts are expanding through educational programmes, networking opportunities, and tech showcases aimed at inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals.

With registration now open, stakeholders from across the global aerospace ecosystem are invited to secure their place at the Dubai Airshow 2025—an event poised to influence the next chapter of aviation, defence, and space innovation.

Imtiaz Developments, one of Dubai’s leading luxury real estate developers, has announced the successful handover of Westwood Grande II, a contemporary residential development offering fully furnished studio and one-bedroom apartments.

The handover was attended by senior officials from the Dubai Land Department and prominent figures from the real estate sector, marking another on-schedule delivery in line with the developer’s consistent track record.

Westwood Grande II, located in Jumeirah Village Circle, exemplifies Imtiaz’s design-first philosophy, with every residence offering spacious layouts, premium branded finishes, and integrated smart home systems. The project features a range of upscale amenities including a rooftop swimming pool with skyline views, a modern fitness centre, tranquil landscaped gardens, and an exclusive club room for residents.

“Westwood Grande II highlights our continued drive to deliver projects that go beyond construction—offering thoughtfully designed spaces that elevate everyday living. Every detail reflects our promise to create lasting value for our customers and for the city of Dubai,” Masih Imtiaz, CEO of Imtiaz Developments, stated.

With over 40 projects currently under development and more than Dhs10bn in sales, Imtiaz Developments is actively expanding across key districts including Dubailand, Dubai Islands, and Meydan. The company remains committed to building communities that combine architectural distinction with enduring lifestyle and investment value.

Autoworld International, a regional distributor for India’s Bajaj Auto, announced a Dhs45m investment to develop a new logistics and distribution facility in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), aiming to strengthen its automotive supply chain across the Middle East and Africa.

The 162,000-square-foot facility will include an assembly plant for Bajaj motorcycles and three-wheelers, alongside warehousing for spare parts, tyres, and lubricants. The project, expected to be completed by 2026, is positioned to meet rising demand in high-growth, cost-sensitive markets across the region.

“This facility marks a major step forward in our growth strategy. Jafza’s connectivity, infrastructure, and business-friendly environment have helped us serve high-growth markets across Africa and the GCC since 2008,” said Vishal Kumar Lakhani, director at Autoworld.

The facility will also support the introduction of new product lines via partnerships with global manufacturers, further entrenching the company’s regional footprint. The investment is projected to create over 100 direct and indirect jobs.

Read: Abdulla bin Damithan on how DP World’s Jafza has become a global trade powerhouse

Jafza plays a key role in emirate’s auto trade

Jafza continues to play a central role in Dubai’s automotive trade, accounting for nearly 48 per cent of the emirate’s total automotive trade by value in 2024.

The free zone facilitated automotive trade worth nearly Dhs102bn last year and hosts 940 automotive firms from 88 countries.

Autoworld partnership with Jafza

“Autoworld’s expansion underscores the strength of Jafza’s integrated trade and logistics ecosystem,” said Abdulla Al Hashmi, COO, Parks and Zones, DP World GCC. “We are proud to support long-term partners like Autoworld, who are helping connect world-class manufacturing with high-potential markets through Dubai.”

Autoworld, which has operated from Jafza for more than 16 years, currently distributes Bajaj vehicles to over 25 countries, using Dubai as its primary hub.

The investment aligns with DP World’s broader ambitions to boost the automotive sector, including plans to build the world’s largest car market in Dubai, projected to double the current annual sales of Dhs6.6bn.

Chinese car brands are rapidly gaining traction in the UAE’s used car segment, reflecting shifting consumer preferences and a broader realignment of market dynamics in the region, reveals Sebastian Fuchs, managing director of AutoData Middle East.

Fuchs, whose firm operates the Vehicle Report platform, a data-driven tool launched last year to boost transparency and trust in used vehicle transactions, says Chinese brands are accelerating in both sales and long-term value retention.

“Chinese brands have notably accelerated, with Jetour growing 150.4 per cent YoY, becoming the 4th most popular brand,” Fuchs told Gulf Business. “Among newer entrants, the Jetour X70S STD stands out with 88 per cent retention after one year and 82 per cent by year three, reflecting growing trust in competitively priced Chinese SUVs.”

In Q1 2025, used car buyer demand has centred around models from 2015–2020, priced between Dhs10,000 and Dhs90,000, with sedans like the Toyota Camry and SUVs like the Nissan Patrol remaining top search choices. However, there’s growing attention on newer electric and hybrid models, especially as more Chinese EVs enter the resale market backed by generous warranties.

Read: Key trends reshaping the global automotive landscape

“Electric vehicles have also surged, growing 62.2 per cent YoY in Q1 2025, with Tesla leading the segment at 43 per cent market share,” Fuchs noted. “Consumer confidence is backed by extended warranties, particularly from Chinese brands, offering up to 7-year or 200,000 km warranties.”

Auto lending rates in the UAE have become more attractive, aided by Q4 2024 rate cuts in the US. “Financing has become more attractive, with auto lending rates decreasing approximately 0.5 per cent. Banks have intensified promotions like limited-time 0 per cent financing offers with mandatory 20 per cent down payments,” said Fuchs.

This environment, combined with an influx of residents (Dubai added over 51,000 people in Q1 2025) is pushing demand for affordable mobility options. “The UAE used car market is expected to remain on a strong growth path, driven largely by population growth,” he said.

On pricing and consumer behaviour, the UAE diverges from other GCC markets. “In 2025, UAE GCC-spec vehicles averaged Dhs180,000 with a model year around 2019, compared to Saudi Arabia’s average of SAR130,000 (Dhs127,252) for 2020 models,” said Fuchs. “UAE buyers are more digitally driven, with 83 per cent starting their search online… while Saudi buyers still favour traditional dealerships.”

Looking ahead, Fuchs expects geopolitical trade policies to impact inventory flows. “Recent global developments, such as new US tariffs, could lower used car prices in the UAE by increasing availability and competition among European and Chinese automakers,” he said.

As trust in newer brands and digital platforms increases, AutoData’s Vehicle Report platform is tapping into a more discerning and digitally savvy buyer base. “This behaviour indicates a growing segment of consumers who favour independent sellers and online platforms that offer more transparency and variety rather than the traditional franchise route,” Fuchs added.