#UAE

UAE and other GCC states condemns Iran missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar Image for illustrative purposes image courtesy wAM

UAE, GCC, Egypt denounce Iran’s strike on Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base

The UAE described the strike as a clear violation of the UN Charter and expressed its firm rejection of any act that jeopardises the security and safety of Qatar

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

Iran issue: What UAE, GCC leaders have to say about it

Iran tensions: What UAE, GCC leaders have to say about it

The leaders reiterated their shared goal of preserving regional peace and protecting populations from the far-reaching impacts of conflict

hijri islamic new year

Islamic New Year 2025: GCC countries declare holidays

The holiday does not apply to employees working shifts or those involved in providing essential public services or managing vital infrastructure

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

Apple’s latest online safety tools: What parents need to know

Apple is making it easier for parents to confirm the age associated with their child’s account

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

Travel disruptions: UAE waives overstay fines for Iranian citizens

Recent airspace closures and the suspension of flights to and from Iran have left many Iranian nationals unable to return home

OECD Pillar Two: What it means for multinational businesses in the UAE

OECD Pillar Two: What it means for multinational businesses in the UAE

Intercompany transactions — such as intellectual property fees, intra-group loans, and cost-sharing agreements — will get closer inspection

zero government bureaucracy 2nd phase unveiled _ Image Dubai Media Office

UAE unveils phase 2 of Zero Government Bureaucracy programme

The programme, launched in November 2023, is part of the UAE’s wider ambition to deliver customer-centric, proactive, and digitally advanced public services

Eid Al Etihad 53: Dubai Police issues strict guidelines for public safety

Islamic New Year 2025: UAE declares June 27 a private sector holiday

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced on Monday that the private sector would observe the day off

UAE economy to grow 5.1 per cent in 2025 — ICAEW

Non-oil GDP growth remains solid, underpinned by strong purchasing managers’ index readings and a sharp rise in international trade

binghatti launches Binghatti Capital in Difc

Dubai’s Binghatti launches DIFC-based Shariah-compliant asset management firm

The new entity plans to manage approximately $1bn in Shariah-compliant private credit and real estate strategies

UAE launches new initiative for senior citizens and expats image for illustrative purposes -Getty Images

New initiative: How UAE is enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens, expats

The launch reflects the UAE’s long-term goal of making government services more accessible, empathetic, and inclusive — particularly for the country’s ageing population

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

Everything you need to know about the UAE’s basic health insurance plan

This digital transformation is expected to reduce administrative delays and help create a seamless patient journey from diagnosis to treatment

EU to remove UAE from AML/CFT 'high-risk' list, adds Algeria, Lebanon

EU to remove UAE from AML/CFT ‘high-risk’ list, adds Algeria, Lebanon

The UAE will be delisted alongside Barbados, Gibraltar, Jamaica, Panama, the Philippines, Senegal, and Uganda

Abu Dhabi's GDP grows by 3.8 per cent in 2024, driven by non-oil sector

Abu Dhabi’s luxury property market soars in 2025: Here’s why

The surge is being driven by increasing demand from high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), international investors, and long-term residents

UAE public holiday dates in June, Sept Dec 2025 after Eid Al Adha image courtesy WAM for illustrative purposes only

UAE’s next public holiday falls in June – see details

The next public holiday is likely to be Islamic (Hijri) New Year, which marks the start of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar

World’s tallest vertical residences: Deyaar unveils Downtown Residences in Dubai

The development integrates luxury, innovation, and connectivity, with panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa, the Arabian Gulf, and Sheikh Zayed Road

Dubai Metro Blue Line: How will it change commuting in the city

The Blue Line will transform mobility across nine key districts projected to accommodate over one million residents by 2040

5G-Advanced: e& UAE sets new world record for connectivity

By leveraging FR1 band aggregation and cutting-edge uplink technology, e& UAE has established a new global benchmark for 5G excellence

AI: From buzzword to business advantage

Massive AI Surge: UAE’s GenAI growth hits 344%, leading the region

The country continues to lead the region in digital upskilling, with 13 per cent of the labor force actively engaging in online learning

Dubai's higher education sector sees nearly 20% rise in enrollment

Dubai’s higher education sector sees nearly 20% rise in enrollment

The KHDA’s City of Students initiative, part of its broader Education 33 strategy, aims to increase international student enrollment to 50 per cent by 2033

Executive education: Accenture's Abir Habbal on preparing AI-savvy leaders

Executive education: Accenture’s Abir Habbal on preparing AI-savvy leaders

How executive education courses such as Accenture and Stanford University’s Generative AI Scholars Programme are helping c-suite leaders prepare for an AI dominated ecosystem

Eid Al Adha 2025: What’s in the shopping cart for MENA consumers?

Gift preferences differed significantly between countries, underscoring the cultural diversity of the MENA market

Big Ticket winner: Emirati man claims Dhs20m prize in Abu Dhabi draw

Mubarak Gharib Rashed Salem AlDhaheri, a UAE national from Al Ain, was announced as the grand prize winner of the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi draw for June 2025

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

Midday Break in UAE: Here’s what companies need to know

Violating companies will be fined Dhs5,000 per worker per breach, up to a maximum of Dhs50,000 if multiple workers are found in violation