Dubai approves new reforms: How they impact education, eco standards

Dubai approves new reforms: How they impact education, eco standards

The new Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects introduces a tiered system for project evaluation and financial planning

What Sharjah’s new HR Decree-Law means for government employees

The goal of the law is to align with evolving HR practices and enhance the overall work environment, ultimately benefiting society

Sheikh Mohammed’s Executive Office turns 25: What you need to know

Sheikh Mohammed’s Executive Office turns 25: What you need to know

Sheikh Mohammed praised the work of The Executive Office in setting a benchmark for leadership and innovation over the past quarter century

UAE ranks 10th globally for FDI in 2024, attracts record Dhs167.6bn

UAE ranks 10th globally for FDI in 2024, attracts record Dhs167.6bn

Since 2015, annual FDI inflows into the UAE have grown from Dhs31.6bn ($8.6bn) to Dhs167.6bn, representing a compound annual growth rate of 10.5 per cent

Google contributed Dhs21.8bn to the UAE economy in 2024, according to a new report by UK-based research consultancy, Public First. The findings reflect the growing role of Google’s products — powered by artificial intelligence — in supporting digital transformation, business growth, and individual productivity across the country. The Google Economic Impact Report, launched today, outlines the contribution of tools such as Google Search, Ads, Play, Maps, YouTube, and the Gemini AI assistant to people, businesses, and communities in the UAE. According to the report, Google’s Search and Ads products alone were responsible for Dhs20.2bn in economic activity in 2024, helping thousands of local businesses reach customers and grow their operations. “We're incredibly proud to be a partner in the UAE’s boundless ambitions,” said Anthony Nakache, MD for Google in the Middle East and North Africa. “The report reflects our investment in accelerating the country’s ambitious journey towards a diversified, AI-powered economy. Through strategic investments, local partnerships, and our AI-powered tools, we're bringing substantial economic value and empowering individuals, businesses, and communities in the UAE.” Training and skills development The report notes that more than 430,000 people in the UAE have received training in digital and AI skills since 2018 through Google’s Maharat Min Google initiative. These efforts support the UAE’s broader vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy. The Android and Google Play ecosystem also contributed significantly to the UAE’s digital economy in 2024, supporting around 30,000 jobs and generating Dhs455m in revenue for local developers. Impact on daily life and consumer productivity Public First estimates that Google services deliver an average monthly consumer benefit of Dhs683 per user. In the UAE, 63 per cent of adults said they had used Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, and 90 per cent of those users agreed it improved their productivity. Additionally, 71 per cent said Gemini was easier to use in Arabic than other AI chatbots. Other widely adopted tools include Google Maps and Waze, with 89 per cent of adults saying they found them useful for navigation. Meanwhile, 90 per cent of users noted that mobile payment platforms such as GPay and GWallet improved everyday convenience. Half of all adults surveyed said that Google Search was essential to their daily routines. Business productivity and AI adoption AI usage among UAE businesses is on the rise, with 91 per cent of companies reporting that they use at least one AI tool in their workflows. Nearly all public sector respondents (97 per cent) agreed that Google’s AI-powered tools helped them be more productive. Consumer behaviour also reflected strong digital engagement: 94 per cent use Google Search monthly to compare prices 86 per cent consult Google reviews before visiting businesses 80 per cent use Google Maps or Waze to locate local venues 73 per cent of 18–24-year-olds browse or shop online via Search weekly Creative and developer ecosystem The UAE's creative economy is also benefitting from Google's platforms. More than 600 UAE-based YouTube channels now have over one million subscribers — a 15 per cent increase year-on-year. In addition, more than 20,000 journalists and journalism students across the MENA region, including the UAE, have been trained by the Google News Initiative. Methodology The report is based on surveys conducted in March 2025 with 1,110 UAE-based online adults and 389 business leaders, carried out in English and Arabic. Results were weighted to ensure national representation. Google contributed Dhs21.8bn to the UAE economy in 2024, according to a new report by UK-based research consultancy, Public First. The findings reflect the growing role of Google’s products — powered by artificial intelligence — in supporting digital transformation, business growth, and individual productivity across the country. The Google Economic Impact Report, launched today, outlines the contribution of tools such as Google Search, Ads, Play, Maps, YouTube, and the Gemini AI assistant to people, businesses, and communities in the UAE. According to the report, Google’s Search and Ads products alone were responsible for Dhs20.2bn in economic activity in 2024, helping thousands of local businesses reach customers and grow their operations. “We're incredibly proud to be a partner in the UAE’s boundless ambitions,” said Anthony Nakache, MD for Google in the Middle East and North Africa. “The report reflects our investment in accelerating the country’s ambitious journey towards a diversified, AI-powered economy. Through strategic investments, local partnerships, and our AI-powered tools, we're bringing substantial economic value and empowering individuals, businesses, and communities in the UAE.” Training and skills development The report notes that more than 430,000 people in the UAE have received training in digital and AI skills since 2018 through Google’s Maharat Min Google initiative. These efforts support the UAE’s broader vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy. The Android and Google Play ecosystem also contributed significantly to the UAE’s digital economy in 2024, supporting around 30,000 jobs and generating Dhs455m in revenue for local developers. Impact on daily life and consumer productivity Public First estimates that Google services deliver an average monthly consumer benefit of Dhs683 per user. In the UAE, 63 per cent of adults said they had used Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, and 90 per cent of those users agreed it improved their productivity. Additionally, 71 per cent said Gemini was easier to use in Arabic than other AI chatbots. Other widely adopted tools include Google Maps and Waze, with 89 per cent of adults saying they found them useful for navigation. Meanwhile, 90 per cent of users noted that mobile payment platforms such as GPay and GWallet improved everyday convenience. Half of all adults surveyed said that Google Search was essential to their daily routines. Business productivity and AI adoption AI usage among UAE businesses is on the rise, with 91 per cent of companies reporting that they use at least one AI tool in their workflows. Nearly all public sector respondents (97 per cent) agreed that Google’s AI-powered tools helped them be more productive. Consumer behaviour also reflected strong digital engagement: 94 per cent use Google Search monthly to compare prices 86 per cent consult Google reviews before visiting businesses 80 per cent use Google Maps or Waze to locate local venues 73 per cent of 18–24-year-olds browse or shop online via Search weekly Creative and developer ecosystem The UAE's creative economy is also benefitting from Google's platforms. More than 600 UAE-based YouTube channels now have over one million subscribers — a 15 per cent increase year-on-year. In addition, more than 20,000 journalists and journalism students across the MENA region, including the UAE, have been trained by the Google News Initiative. Methodology The report is based on surveys conducted in March 2025 with 1,110 UAE-based online adults and 389 business leaders, carried out in English and Arabic. Results were weighted to ensure national representation.    

How Google contributed Dhs21.8bn to UAE’s economy in 2024

Google said 30,000 jobs were created by the Google Play and Android app ecosystem in the UAE

Gold tops $4,300, set for biggest weekly surge since 2008

Iran-Israel tension: Gold rises on Middle East tension

Spot gold was up 0.1 per cent at $3,371.15 an ounce, as of 0526 GMT. US gold futures fell 0.6 per cent to $3,388.60

GCC public spending projected to hit $542bn in 2025

GCC public spending projected to hit $542bn in 2025

Oil revenues remain the largest component of government income in the region, making fiscal positions highly sensitive to global oil price fluctuations

UAE's 2031 non-oil foreign trade targets will be achieved in 2 yrs: Sheikh Mohammed

UAE’s 2031 non-oil foreign trade target will be achieved in 2 yrs: Sheikh Mohammed

The UAE has reported consistent record-breaking non-oil trade performance for several years, underpinning its efforts to position itself as a global hub

UAE economy hits Dhs1.776tn as non-oil sectors drive growth

Non-oil sectors accounted for 75.5 per cent of the UAE’s GDP by the end of 2024—an outcome the minister attributes to strong leadership

World Bank warns global growth to slow to lowest pace since 2008 amid trade tensions

World Bank warns global growth to slow to lowest pace since 2008 amid trade tensions

The report warns that sluggish growth will hinder developing economies in their efforts to create jobs, reduce extreme poverty, and close per capita income gaps with advanced economies

Binance withdraws Abu Dhabi licence application

Binance launches in Syria: What users need to know

Binance, which holds 21 regulatory licenses worldwide, will enable Syrian users to access a full suite of crypto services

Record gold prices shift Indian festive demand toward coins over jewellery

Is the dollar driving gold prices down? Here’s what you need to know

The dollar index rose 0.3 per cent against its rivals, making gold more expensive for other currency holders

Saudi Arabia Q1 2025 real GDP rise reported bu GASTAT Image for illustrative purposes/ Getty Images

Saudi Arabia’s real GDP grows 3.4% in Q1 2025

The growth was primarily driven by a 4.9 per cent increase in non-oil activities and a 3.2 per cent rise in government activities

Indonesia’s $2.35bn Sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai

Nasdaq Dubai welcomes Mashreq’s $500m Sukuk listing

Nasdaq Dubai welcomed Mashreq’s (“Mashreq” or “the Bank”) debut listing on the exchange with the…

Dubai tourism sees 3 per cent rise in Q1 2025 image-Getty-Images

Here’s what the latest S&P PMI index says about the UAE

The survey signals that the UAE economy is performing well, but the softer increases in output and new orders hint at momentum easing

Turning challenges into catalysts: EFG Hermes’ Mohamed Abu Basha on the region's resilient economic trajectory

Turning challenges into catalysts: EFG Hermes’ Mohamed Abu Basha on the region’s resilient economic trajectory

The head of Macroeconomic Analysis at EFG Hermes shares an opportunity-driven view of how the Middle East is responding to inflation, diversification, and capital markets development

Oil backs off 7-week high: What's behind the pullback?

Saudi Arabia ready for multiple oil price scenarios, economy minister says

The International Monetary Fund and economists estimate Riyadh needs oil prices of over $90 a barrel to balance its budget

Emiratisation targets for UAE’s private sector companies: What you need to know

These companies are also expected to achieve a growth of at least 1 per cent in the number of UAE citizens employed in skilled jobs

Trump

Trump says he will return to Washington after Gulf tour

Trump said he aims to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin “as soon as we can set it up”.

Saudi Crown Prince, US President Trump sign Strategic Economic Partnership

Saudi Crown Prince, US President Trump sign Strategic Economic Partnership

Among the agreements was a memorandum of understanding for energy cooperation between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy and the US Department of Energy

Kuwait announces four-day break for New Year 2023-24 GettyImages-913894628

Curbing inflation: What Kuwait is doing to maintain price stability

The steps are part of a broader ministerial initiative to bring order to market dynamics and prevent price manipulation or supply disruptions

New rule for businesses in Oman: Here’s what you need to know

Oman’s investment sector has recently undergone several reforms, allowing foreign investors to own 100 per cent of their businesses

Trump’s first 100 days: America First president is overturning world order

Trump’s second-term “America First” agenda has alienated friends and emboldened adversaries

Saudi Arabia surpasses key Vision 2030 targets ahead of schedule

Saudi Arabia surpasses key Vision 2030 targets ahead of schedule

As of the end of 2024, 85 per cent of the 1,502 active initiatives under Vision 2030 are either completed or on track, with 674 completed and 596 progressing as planned

Global financial markets stable, but risks loom amid policy uncertainty: IMF

Global financial markets stable, but risks loom amid policy uncertainty: IMF

The tightening of global financial conditions is putting downside pressure on economic activity, said IMF’s Tobias Adrian

Trump tariff hike: China raises duties on US goods to 125%

The hike comes after the White House kept the pressure on the world’s No.2 economy by singling it out for an additional tariff increase

Oil backs off 7-week high: What's behind the pullback?

Crude price plunge sparks rethink for global oil producers

Challenge for governments that rely on high oil prices

google arabia launches Ai accelerator programme GettyImages-1253689390

Google lays off hundreds of employees in Android, Pixel group

Google had cut employees in its cloud division, adding that the round of cuts impacted only a few teams

UAE EU trade talks Middle east

EU, UAE eye closer trade ties as CEPA talks set to begin

The talks will focus on trade in goods, services, investment and deepening cooperation in strategic sectors

Trump tariff

Trump’s tariffs kick in, triggering fresh market sell-off

US and China are stuck in an unprecedented, and expensive, game of chicken, and it seems that both sides are unwilling to back down