The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), through its Export Assistance Programme, has signed a series of strategic agreements with major financial and logistics companies during Make it in the Emirates 2026, aimed at strengthening support for Dubai-based manufacturers and exporters expanding into global markets.

The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) focus on improving exporters’ access to financing, export credit protection, and logistics services, supporting Dubai’s wider ambition to strengthen its manufacturing and trade ecosystem under the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.

Financial partnerships were signed with Emirates Development Bank and Etihad Credit Insurance to provide manufacturers with preferential trade finance solutions, including working capital, export finance, guarantees, and export credit insurance.

The measures are designed to improve liquidity, reduce financial risk, and help businesses expand into new international markets with greater confidence.

On the logistics side, agreements were signed with DHL, Aramex, and Al-Futtaim Logistics to enhance shipping efficiency and supply chain capabilities for Dubai exporters. The partnerships will offer preferential shipping rates, customised logistics services, and end-to-end supply chain support, including road transport solutions.

The move comes as manufacturers continue to navigate global logistics disruptions and fluctuating shipping costs.

Mohamad Sharaf, chief operating officer (COO) Investment Attraction at Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of DET, said: “Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for manufacturing, trade, and exports by creating practical, business-focused solutions that help companies expand internationally.

“These strategic partnerships under the Export Assistance Programme reflect our commitment to translating Dubai’s industrial ambition to tangible outcomes for businesses, from access to finance and export protection to efficient logistics and supply chain solutions.”

He added that the partnerships would help businesses “reduce risk, improve competitiveness, and unlock new opportunities in international markets” in line with the goals of D33.

The agreements also underscore Dubai’s broader strategy of using industrial platforms such as Make it in the Emirates to deepen collaboration between government entities, financial institutions, logistics operators, and private sector companies.

Through the Export Assistance Programme, DET said it aims to help manufacturers overcome export-related barriers, improve operational resilience, and strengthen competitiveness across regional and international markets.

The UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office has launched a new guide aimed at accelerating the adoption of generative artificial intelligence tools across government entities, businesses and individuals, as the country pushes ahead with its broader digital transformation agenda.

The guide, titled Leading Generative AI Applications, is designed to help government institutions, private companies, developers, entrepreneurs and students better understand and deploy generative AI tools across a range of sectors.

The initiative forms part of its wider efforts to strengthen digital innovation and help organisations keep pace with rapid technological change by integrating AI into operations and creative processes.

Nineteen major use cases for generative AI in the guide

The publication highlights 19 major use cases for generative AI, including image and video generation, language translation and music composition, while outlining practical ways the tools can be applied in workplace settings.

It also includes recommendations on selecting appropriate tools for content creation, innovation and operational workflows, alongside guidance on using generative AI applications responsibly.

In a report by state news agency, WAM, Dr Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud, director at the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office, said empowering institutions and individuals to adopt emerging technologies was critical to improving government efficiency and boosting the competitiveness of the national economy.

He stressed the importance of keeping up with global developments in government AI to ensure the responsible and effective adoption of AI solutions that drive innovation, productivity, and knowledge creation.

The guide was intended to raise awareness of generative AI technologies and demonstrate how they could reshape workflows, improve productivity and drive innovation across industries.

The UAE has positioned artificial intelligence as a key pillar of its economic diversification strategy, with government entities increasingly rolling out initiatives aimed at embedding AI across public services and private sector industries.

The guide is available through the UAE government’s AI platform.

Read: Dubai approves these new AI initiatives to accelerate digital transformation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged a spate of measures including fuel conservation, work-from-home practices and limits on travel and imports, as a surge in global energy prices puts pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

People should prioritise a return to work-from-home and online meetings, widely adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying it would help India use less fuel, Modi said.

“In the current situation, we must place great emphasis on saving foreign exchange,” he said.

Modi also asked people to use public transport such as the metro and to carpool where possible to conserve fuel.

India, the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer, late last month said there was no proposal to raise pump prices for diesel and gasoline, leaving it among the countries yet to raise prices despite the global surge.

Modi urged people to avoid buying gold — which India spends on heavily during weddings — and to cut non-essential overseas travel for at least a year to save foreign exchange.

He called on families to reduce cooking oil consumption, describing that move as both healthy and patriotic.

Modi also asked farmers to cut fertilizer use by as much as half.

Dubai’s real estate market has delivered a significant start to 2026, underscoring its resilience and sustained global appeal even amid shifting regional dynamics. According to the Dubai Land Department (DLD), property transactions surged 31 per cent year-on-year in Q1 2026, reaching an unprecedented Dhs252bn in total value.

The performance marks solid quarterly openings on record, providing a base for the market to absorb recent geopolitical developments. Far from disrupting sentiment, the data suggests a maturing ecosystem increasingly driven by data-led decision-making and long-term investor conviction.

Latest analytics from Bayut and dubizzle indicate that international investor confidence has remained largely unchanged, with no significant shift in the balance between local and overseas property seekers.

Read more-Why Dubai’s property market is bruised — but not broken

This stability reinforces Dubai’s position as a global safe-haven for real estate capital. The platforms also report that overall market activity rebounded swiftly, with total active users returning to 99 per cent of baseline levels within just 51 days following recent regional disruptions.

The global appetite for Dubai property remains anchored by a diversified mix of international investors. According to recent traffic and inquiry data, the UK, Germany, and India continue to lead overseas interest in the emirate’s real estate market.

While all major international markets saw moderate declines during early 2026 volatility, India and Germany stood out for their resilience, posting comparatively smaller drops in activity. This sustained engagement, combined with a sharp recovery in local UAE demand, has brought the ecosystem back close to full operational normalcy in under two months.

Quality over quantity: A more mature market emerges

Beyond record transaction volumes, the defining theme of Q1 2026 has been a notable improvement in engagement quality. Buyer sentiment has shifted toward more informed, research-driven decision-making, with 82 per cent of property seekers rating service quality as “Strong” during the recovery period.

“Dubai’s property market is increasingly driven by informed participants who prioritise data over impulse,” said Fibha Ahmed, VP of Property Sales at Bayut and dubizzle. “What we are seeing is a rational market that has just come off its most successful quarter in history. The fact that the local-to-international demand split remained unchanged proves that global investors now use digital transparency to navigate short-term noise. They are taking meaningful next steps, supported by a professionalised workforce and real-time transaction data.”

Community-level performance signals broad-based growth

Demand trends across Dubai’s communities reveal a clear preference for both established ready properties and emerging master-planned developments.

● Ready-sale apartments: Prime communities such as Dubai Hills Estate saw view activity rise to 123 per cent of baseline levels, reflecting sustained end-user and investor appetite.

● Future growth corridors: Emerging hubs including Mohammed Bin Rashid City and Dubai South recorded strong recoveries, with views reaching 92 per cent and 63 per cent of baseline levels respectively.

● Villa segment surge: End-user villa communities have emerged as a key growth driver, with DAMAC Lagoons recording a striking 186 per cent surge in views, highlighting strong demand for lifestyle-led suburban developments.

As the market stabilises at near-full activity levels, the combination of record Q1 performance and rapid post-disruption recovery is increasingly seen as a validation of Dubai’s institutional-grade real estate resilience.

Emaar Properties reports strong Q1 as demand and backlog surge

In parallel with the broader market expansion, Emaar Properties also reported a strong start to 2026, driven by sustained demand across its core development, retail, and recurring-income businesses.

The group’s diversified model, disciplined execution, and strong backlog conversion have reinforced earnings visibility and operational strength across segments.

Revenue rose 23 per cent year-on-year to Dhs12.4bn, while EBITDA increased 34 per cent to Dhs7.2bn, reflecting operating leverage and cost discipline across the portfolio.

Strong sales momentum and expanding backlog

Emaar’s property sales reached approximately Dhs22.4bn in Q1 2026, up 16 per cent year-on-year, supported by strong demand across established communities and new launches.

As of 31 March 2026, the company’s revenue backlog expanded significantly to Dhs163.4bn, up 29 per cent year-on-year, ensuring long-term revenue visibility.

Profitability also strengthened, with net profit before tax rising 33 per cent year-on-year to Dhs7.2bn.

The Group maintained a strong capital return profile, recently distributing a dividend equivalent to 100 per cent of share capital, amounting to Dhs8.9bn for the second consecutive year.

Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar, said: “Our performance in the first quarter of 2026 reflects the strength and resilience of the UAE economy, which continues to provide a stable foundation despite broader regional volatility. Recent geopolitical developments in the region have reinforced the importance of operating in markets defined by safety, institutional continuity, and long-term vision. The UAE’s stability is the result of decades of wise leadership, sustained investment in world-class infrastructure, and a clear, business-friendly policy environment. The sustained trust of our customers and investors enables us to maintain momentum, and we remain focused on delivering high-quality developments, operational discipline, and long-term value through a diversified and resilient business model.”

Segment performance: Diversified strength across businesses

UAE Property Development

Emaar Development continued to lead growth in the UAE build-to-sell segment.

• Property sales: Dhs20.1bn (up 22 per cent year-on-year)
• Revenue: Dhs6.9bn (up 36 per cent)
• Net profit before tax: Dhs4.0bn (up 46 per cent)
• UAE development backlog: Dhs143.3bn

During the quarter, Emaar launched 10 new projects, including The Heights Country Club & Wellness, a wellness-focused master development centred on green living and lifestyle integration.

International operations

International development remained a steady contributor, led primarily by Egypt.

• Property sales: Dhs2.3bn
• Revenue: Dhs0.7bn (up 5 per cent)
• Share of group revenue: 5.3 per cent

Malls, retail, and commercial leasing

The retail and leasing portfolio delivered strong performance supported by high occupancy and rental growth.

• Revenue: Dhs1.8bn (up 15 per cent)
• EBITDA: Dhs1.5bn (up 16 per cent)
• Occupancy: 98 per cent

Hospitality and leisure

The hospitality segment remained stable, though March performance was affected by regional conditions.

• Revenue: Dhs1.0bn
• UAE hotel occupancy: 69 per cent

Recurring income strength

Recurring revenue assets continued to provide stability and cash flow visibility.

• Revenue: Dhs2.8bn (up 7 per cent)
• EBITDA: Dhs2.2bn (up 7 per cent)
• Contribution: 30 per cent of total EBITDA

Despite ongoing global uncertainty, Emaar remains well-positioned for sustained expansion, supported by strong market fundamentals, a record backlog, and a resilient recurring income base.

The Group continues to prioritise disciplined execution, capital efficiency, and long-term value creation while advancing its sustainability and ESG commitments, including progress toward its Net Zero 2050 strategy.

Crypto.com has become the first Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in the UAE to receive a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) licence from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), marking a significant milestone for the country’s regulated digital assets ecosystem.

The licence, granted to Crypto.com’s UAE entity Foris DAX Middle East FZE, enables the platform to roll out regulated virtual asset payment services across the Emirates, including a previously announced partnership with the Dubai Department of Finance.

Under the arrangement, UAE residents will be able to pay government fees using virtual assets, with all settlements conducted in UAE dirhams or CBUAE-approved dirham-backed stablecoins through the SVF framework. The move supports the emirate’s broader Dubai Cashless Strategy and expands the role of regulated digital payments within public services.

As the only VASP currently holding an SVF licence in the UAE, Crypto.com will exclusively provide these payment services through its VARA-licensed platform.

The approval also paves the way for future crypto payment integrations with Emirates Airlines and Dubai Duty Free, subject to additional approvals from the CBUAE.

“To be the first VASP to receive this license is an incredible achievement and proves our strong commitment to compliance and to advancing the regulated digital assets ecosystem in the UAE,” said Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com. “We are always developing our presence in this forward-thinking, digital-savvy market and continue to lead the way when it comes to offering innovative products and services that are genuinely convenient and seamless for those who own digital assets.”

Mohammed Al Hakim, President and General Manager for UAE & Bahrain at Crypto.com, added: “We are now able to offer what no other digital asset platform can, by providing exclusive digital asset payment services for Dubai Government fees to residents in the UAE.

“It is such an honour to be able to now launch our Dubai Finance partnership and play our role in not only enabling the cashless strategy, but also advancing the future of digital payments in the UAE.”

The development further strengthens the UAE’s positioning as a global hub for regulated digital assets and financial innovation, as authorities continue to advance frameworks balancing innovation with compliance and consumer protection.