From booming IPO pipelines to surging interest in residence-by-investment schemes, the UAE remains one of the most compelling destinations for capital in 2025.

To decode what’s driving this momentum, Gulf Business will host its next flagship Breakfast Briefing panel event on June 25 at the Metropolitan Hotel Dubai, bringing together industry leaders for a morning of sharp analysis and forward-looking discussion.

Under the theme “UAE’s hottest investment trends: what’s driving growth in 2025”, the event promises a wide-ranging conversation on the forces shaping investor appetite — from shifting global mobility patterns and public listings to the impact of generational wealth transfer and digital disruption in finance.

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Set against the backdrop of the UAE’s pro-investment policies and continued economic resilience, the panel will offer insights for both seasoned investors and new entrants looking to gain an edge in the region.

A top-tier speaker lineup

Among the confirmed speakers are:

• Yasmine Omari, head of wealth planning, Bank of Singapore

• Yogesh Khairajani, global market strategist, Century Financial

• Gemma Wild, head of global collaboration, MENA GPB, HSBC

• Manasvi Ghelani, associate director – customer engagement, Middle East Africa, Frost & Sullivan

• Muhammed Hassan, capital markets leader, PwC

• Dave Chaggar, sales director, Capital Club Limited

• Adel Mardini, CEO, Jetex

• Rahul Singh, managing director, Thrifty & Dollar Car Rental

• Claire Vuylsteke, director, Orbcom

• Karishma Hingorani, founder and podcaster, Karishma Konnect

Three key sessions will headline the event:

• Global mobility & residence-by-investment
  Kicking off at 9:15am, this session explores how geopolitical uncertainty and changing tax landscapes are driving demand for alternative citizenship and relocation. Moderated by Orbcom’s Claire Vuylsteke, the panel will discuss the role of residence-by-investment in securing personal freedom and capital diversification for HNWIs based in the UAE.

• IPO outlook: 2025 and beyond
  As Dubai and Abu Dhabi ramp up their listings strategies, this panel — moderated by Gulf Business Group Editor Gareth van Zyl — will explore what’s next for capital markets in the region. Speakers from Century Financial, PwC and Frost & Sullivan will dissect the performance of recent IPOs, investor sentiment, and how the UAE stacks up against global exchanges.

• The great wealth transfer & new investment strategies
  With trillions of dollars set to shift hands globally over the coming decade, this final session looks at how family offices, private banks and platforms are adapting. Moderated by Karishma Hingorani, panellists from Bank of Singapore, HSBC and Capital Club will explore emerging investment behaviour among digital-native inheritors, and the future of wealth planning in the region.

Invitation to investors and professionals

The Gulf Business Breakfast Panel begins with registration and networking at 8:00am, followed by a welcome address and opening remarks. Attendance is free by invitation or registration, but places are limited.

Whether you’re a wealth advisor, entrepreneur, family office executive or institutional investor, this is a morning designed to help you make sense of the UAE’s most powerful investment signals — and position accordingly.

Injaz Real Estate Registration Trustee, in partnership with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), has launched a new WhatsApp-based feature enabling remote Ejari registration through its AQARI platform, further advancing Dubai’s digital transformation in the real estate sector.

The update allows users to complete Ejari registration fully online without the need for physical visits, offering increased efficiency and convenience to tenants and landlords in Dubai.

This move aligns with the emirate’s push for smart government services and digital-first solutions.

, including title deed updates, property valuations, ownership registration, and more.

The integration of the Ejari registration service marks a major step forward in the platform’s capabilities, supporting DLD’s goals of safety, transparency, and innovation in real estate transactions.

Read: Dubai launches tokenised real estate investment project via ‘Prypco Mint’

Ejari registration through WhatsApp

All AQARI transactions are conducted through secure, government-linked channels to ensure data protection and service reliability for users both locally and internationally.

“The Dubai Land Department firmly believes that partnerships and cooperation with the private sector are crucial for realising our ambitious objectives,” said Khalifa Alsalfa, then Director of the Real Estate Services Pioneering Department at DLD. “This new platform underscores the significance of such collaborations, aligning with the vision of our leadership.”

Ahmed Al Suwaidi, DG of Injaz Real Estate Registration Trustee noted that the new service reflects Injaz’s commitment to customer convenience and digital transformation.

“With this milestone, clients can now complete essential steps such as Ejari registration entirely online, no matter where they are in the world,” added Majid Almazrouei, general manager of Injaz.

The partnership is expected to streamline real estate transactions, reinforce Dubai’s global reputation as a leading property investment hub, and provide stakeholders with more efficient and accessible services.

Customers can access the service via WhatsApp at 6005AQARI.

Dubai’s Salik toll system has announced a special variable tariff structure for Sunday, June 8, coinciding with the third day of Eid. The toll rates will fluctuate throughout the day based on peak and off-peak hours to better manage traffic flow during the festive period.

Read-How much is Dubai’s Salik making in 2025? Here’s the latest

Peak hours – Dhs6

Motorists will be charged a higher rate of Dhs6 during peak hours to encourage the use of alternative routes or off-peak travel. The peak timings are:

Morning peak: From 6:00am until 10:00am

Evening peak: From 4:00pm until 8:00pm

Off-peak hours –Dhs4

For those traveling outside of the rush periods, Salik has reduced the toll to Dhs4. The off-peak hours are:

From 10:00am until 4:00pm

From 8:00pm until 1:00am (next day)

After midnight – No tariff

To accommodate late-night travelers and encourage smoother flow during less congested hours, Salik has waived toll charges completely between:

1:00am and 6:00am

This special toll schedule is part of broader traffic management initiatives implemented during holidays and peak seasons. Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly to avoid peak charges and contribute to smoother traffic across Dubai.

It was during early May that Salik Company, had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ENOC Group to develop integrated digital payment solutions at ENOC fuel stations.

The agreement will allow customers to make seamless payments for fuel and services at ENOC stations using Salik’s e-wallet, with transaction values automatically deducted through vehicle number plate recognition technology.

The MENA region is poised for a major surge in online shopping activity this Eid Al Adha, with experts projecting a significant rise in e-commerce orders and gross merchandise value (GMV).

Read-Hi-tech shopping: AI robots are here to help you shop in Dubai

According to joint research by UAE-based gifting marketplace Flowwow and global affiliate marketing platform Admitad, GMV is expected to grow by 14 to 15 per cent during the holiday season, with total e-commerce orders anticipated to rise by 10 per cent across the region.

The study, based on an analysis of more than 150,000 customer transactions during the 2024–2025 Eid Al Adha period, highlights a growing demand for seasonal gifting and emotionally driven consumer behavior. Key trends include an upward shift toward high-value purchases, continued mobile commerce acceleration, and the increasing role of storytelling and emotional marketing in purchasing decisions.

Mobile-first shopping on the rise

Mobile commerce continues to lead the transformation of the retail landscape in the region. In 2024, mobile devices accounted for 47 per cent of all online purchases in the UAE, and more than 50 per cent in Saudi Arabia. Across the broader MENA region, mobile’s share of e-commerce transactions reached 41.5 per cent, up from 38 per cent the previous year—demonstrating a growing preference for mobile-first shopping.

This shift is driven by increased smartphone penetration, better mobile app experiences, and the rapid adoption of digital payment solutions. Experts predict this trend will continue to fuel the e-commerce sector throughout 2025.

2024 holiday sales show strong performance

Data from the 2024 Eid Al Adha season reveals a notable uptick in consumer spending. Online orders in the MENA region increased by 5 per cent during the five-day holiday period compared to non-holiday weeks, while GMV grew by 14 per cent. The average order value (AOV) rose from $37 to $40—an increase of 8 per cent.

The highest AOV figures were recorded in Saudi Arabia ($62) and the UAE ($61), followed by other strong performers such as Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan.

Flowwow sees exponential growth

Flowwow reported exceptional year-on-year growth in its UAE operations during Eid Al Adha 2024. The platform recorded a 472 per cent increase in GMV and a 413 per cent rise in total transactions, underlining growing consumer demand for festive gifting. The average order value for gifts on Flowwow reached Dhs354.28 ($96.46), reflecting a 19.9 per cent rise in local currency and a 20.3 per cent jump in US dollar terms.

Additionally, customer loyalty appears to be strengthening: 71.8 per cent of Eid Al Adha gift orders came from repeat buyers, demonstrating a deepening engagement with online gifting platforms.

Regional gifting preferences

Gift preferences differed significantly between countries, underscoring the cultural diversity of the MENA market. In Saudi Arabia, electronics dominated with a 25.2 per cent share of total orders, followed by home goods (15.5 per cent), fashion (14.6 per cent), and automotive products (12.2 per cent), including motorcycle gear and spare parts.

In contrast, UAE consumers prioritised home goods (23.4 per cent), electronics (21.7 per cent), accessories such as bags and jewellery (18.6 per cent), and fashion (17.5 per cent).

“During Eid Al Adha, we saw strong consumer interest in electronics, home goods, and fashion across both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, making these key categories for seasonal campaigns. Gifting segments like accessories, toys, and beauty continue to perform well, reflecting how central the tradition of gift-giving is to the holiday experience,” said Anna Gidirim, CEO of Admitad.

Floral trends and seasonal favorites

Floral gifts emerged as a major trend, especially peonies, which saw a 151 per cent increase in sales in the UAE during the June holiday week. The flower became one of the top 10 best-selling gift items on Flowwow during Eid Al Adha. This mirrored a broader trend in 2024, when the UAE’s flower market experienced a 200 per cent surge in peony sales during the summer, with over 4,300 units sold.

Other popular gift categories on Flowwow included flowers (72 per cent), hamper boxes (15 per cent), sweets and bakeries (9 per cent), and balloons or edible bouquets (2 per cent each).

Emotional commerce driving consumer decisions

The rise of emotional and social commerce is increasingly shaping how brands connect with consumers during Eid Al Adha. Emotional triggers are now central to purchase decisions in the region. A Google study highlighted that shoppers often rely on emotional connections rather than rational analysis when selecting gifts. Another survey showed that campaigns designed to evoke emotion can increase product usage and sales by up to 70 per cent.

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat play a crucial role in this emotional economy. Influencer-driven content, behind-the-scenes brand stories, and culturally resonant campaigns are replacing transactional advertising with meaningful storytelling.

A TikTok and Ipsos study found that 61 per cent of users consider TikTok more entertaining during Eid, with many users discovering and trying new products thanks to video storytelling.

“We’ve seen how emotional commerce drives market activity during Eid Al Adha,” said Slava Bogdan, CEO of Flowwow. “This holiday, with its focus on generosity and connection, offers a key opportunity to engage with audiences through emotionally resonant messaging. People choose gifts that express real care and connection, making Eid a truly meaningful time for sharing and celebration.”

Outlook: Digital gifting boom to continue

The consistent growth in online orders, GMV, and AOV during Eid Al Adha indicates a lasting digital shift in the region’s retail ecosystem. As super apps and online marketplaces compete to capture the attention of digitally savvy consumers, the region’s long-standing culture of gifting is adapting to new technologies.

With rising household incomes and a young, tech-savvy population, the online gifting market in the GCC is expanding rapidly. Currently valued at $1.8bn, it is projected to reach $6.38bn by 2030.

Eid Al Adha continues to evolve from a traditional religious festival into a digital commerce event with enormous economic and cultural significance.

A retired Emirati military officer has become the latest Big Ticket winner, taking home Dhs20m in the latest draw held in Abu Dhabi.

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, after his ticket number 337126 was randomly selected during the live event on June 3.

AlDhaheri, who is in his 50s, has been purchasing tickets regularly over the past two years, often from Al Ain Airport. Unlike many participants who buy in groups, he prefers going solo.

“I bought this ticket alone,” he confirmed in an interview with Gulf News.

Reflecting on the win, he added, “It was completely unexpected, but a good, unexpected surprise.”

AlDhaheri plans to use the prize money to purchase a new home for his family, invest wisely, and contribute to charitable causes. He also intends to keep participating in future draws, saying: “Never give up. A win is just a ticket away.”

The announcement was made during a livestream hosted by Big Ticket presenters Richard and Bouchra.

The Big Ticket Abu Dhabi draw, one of the region’s most well-known raffles, continues to attract widespread attention.