#Economy

Oman’s growth momentum builds as non-oil sectors drive nearly 70% of GDP: GCC STAT

Oman’s growth momentum builds as non-oil sectors drive nearly 70% of GDP: GCC STAT

GDP reached $107.1bn in 2024, compared with $75.9bn in 2020, representing 41.1 per cent growth, GCC STAT figures showed

Dubai reports record greenfield FDI for 8th consecutive half year period image Dubai Media Office

Dubai tops global greenfield FDI projects list for 8th straight half-year period

The emirate attracted an estimated Dhs40.4bn ($11bn) in FDI capital in H1 2025, up 62 per cent from Dhs24.7bn a year earlier

Dubai GDP rises 4pc in q1 image-courtesy-for-illustrative-purposes Dubai Media Office

Dubai’s GDP grows 4% in Q1 2025, led by health, real estate sectors

Dubai’s performance through 2024 and into Q1 2025 reflects the continued momentum towards achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, said the DEDC CEO

Abu Dhabi population rises 7.5% in 2024, exceeds 4 million

Abu Dhabi population rises 7.5% in 2024, exceeds 4 million

The emirate retained its title as the world’s safest city for the ninth year running and was ranked the most liveable city in the MENA region for a seventh consecutive year in 2025

UAE secures top sovereign credit ratings from major agencies

UAE secures top sovereign credit ratings from major agencies

Three major global credit rating agencies underscores the UAE’s robust fiscal standing, positioning it among a select group of countries globally with strong sovereign credit ratings across the board

Expo 2030 Riyadh Aerial Day

Expo 2030 Riyadh secures final BIE approval as host nation

Expo 2030 Riyadh will take place from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031

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

UAE breaks into global top 5 in 2025 IMD Competitiveness Rankings

UAE breaks into global top 5 in 2025 IMD Competitiveness Ranking

The UAE’s ranking has risen from 28th globally in 2009 to being among the top five globally in competitiveness in 2025

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

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

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

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed holds talks with US President Trump

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed holds talks with US President Trump; visit highlights

The leaders reviewed bilateral ties and explored ways to expand cooperation across sectors including investment, energy, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and industry

Trump visit: Qatar, US sign major defence, commercial agreements

Trump visit: Qatar, US sign major defence, commercial agreements

The agreements underscore the growing partnership between Qatar and the US in areas such as defence, investment, energy, and regional security

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

Bahrain’s GDP grows by 2.1% in Q3 2024, driven by non-oil sector

S&P downgrades Bahrain’s outlook to ‘negative’ on weak financing conditions

Bahrain’s financial situation have prompted S&P Global to downgrade its outlook

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

Saudi limits foreign control: CMA restricts ownership to 49%

S&P lifts Saudi’s rating on economic shift away from oil

Fitch said the country’s Vision 2030 project provides some flexibility in managing capital expenditure and debt issuance

Dubai

Non-oil sector now makes up nearly 75% of UAE’s economy

Data from the Ministry of Economy further indicates that the country’s non-oil GDP expanded 4.5 per cent to Dhs987bn for the first nine months of 2024

GCC to outpace the global economy in 2025: FAB

GCC to outpace the global economy in 2025: FAB

The UAE’s GDP is projected to rise from 4.5 per cent to 5.6 per cent, outpacing the International Monetary Fund’s global growth forecast of 3.2 per cent

ADQ, Vietnam's SCIC ink MoU to explore investment opportunities

ADQ, Vietnam’s SCIC to explore investment opportunities

The partnership aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the UAE and Vietnam, following the signing of a CEPA in 2024

Trump orders creation of a US sovereign wealth fund (SWF) GettyImages

Trump signs order to create US sovereign wealth fund

The executive order mandates the delivery of a comprehensive plan for the fund’s establishment within 90 days

Dubai international Chambers attracts 207 companies in 2024 Image Dubai Media office

Dubai International Chamber welcomes 207 companies in 2024

This development reflects Dubai’s role as a global business hub and the chamber’s support of its economic growth through strategic international collaborations

Türkiye cuts rates by 250 points for second time in row

Türkiye cuts rates by 250 points for second time in row

Türkiye’s central bank indicated it would continue easing in the months ahead, flagging a temporary rise in January inflation

Global FDI touches $1.4tn in 2024: UNCTAD

Global FDI touches $1.4tn in 2024: UNCTAD

The report anticipates moderate growth in global FDI in 2025, driven by improved financing conditions and an increase in mergers and acquisitions

Major reforms hit transport rental offices, vehicle shelters in Saudi Arabia

IMF slashes 2025 Saudi Arabia growth forecast on extended oil production cuts

The fund said it expected energy commodity prices to decline by 2.6 per cent in 2025, more than assumed in October

UAE signs trade deals with Malaysia, Kenya, New Zealand

UAE signs trade deals with Malaysia, Kenya, New Zealand

Since 2021, the UAE has initiated a raft of bilateral trade, investment and cooperation deals to bolster long-term growth prospects

Syria’s new central bank chief vows to boost bank independence post-Assad

Syria’s new central bank chief vows to boost bank independence post-Assad

The changes would need the approval of Syria’s new governing authority, though the process is unclear at this stage

Jordan sees 3.7% rise in FDI inflows in Q3 2024, reaching $457.8m

Jordan sees 3.7% rise in FDI inflows in Q3 2024, reaching $457.8m

Arab countries contributed nearly half (49.1 per cent) of the total FDI inflows, with Gulf Cooperation Council nations making up 31.7 per cent