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
The UAE launched the second phase of its Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, a national initiative to streamline public services and eliminate administrative red tape, aiming to position the country as a global leader in efficient and impact-driven governance.
The announcement was made by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who said the move reflects the vision of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to build a world-class model for government service delivery.
“We launch the second phase of the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, a national project designed to create simpler, faster, and more impactful government services. In its first phase, the programme reduced service delivery time by over 70 per cent, eliminated more than 4,000 unnecessary procedures, and saved customers over 12 million hours,” Sheikh Mohammed said at the launch event in Dubai, attended by over 200 senior government officials.
Zero Government Bureaucracy: Streamlining procedures
Sheikh Mohammed added: “We are grateful to the over 30 government entities and 690 teams involved in streamlining government procedures. Today we expand these efforts, focusing on eliminating digital bureaucracy to realise our goal: a government without complexity, services without waiting times, and results that tangibly improve people’s lives.”
The programme, launched in November 2023, is part of the UAE’s wider ambition to deliver customer-centric, proactive, and digitally advanced public services. It aligns with the nation’s drive to become the most digitally advanced government in the world, delivering high-impact outcomes with minimal effort for citizens, residents, and investors alike.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, highlighted the achievements of the programme’s first phase: “Over 690 teams from 30 government entities successfully eliminated over 4,000 unnecessary procedures, reduced service delivery time by over 70 per cent, and removed 1,600 redundant requirements.
“This translated to over 12 million hours and Dhs1.12bn saved annually for the public, customers, businesses, and investors.”
He added that the second phase would target zero digital bureaucracy, with efforts focused on ensuring 24/7 uptime for digital systems, improving integration between platforms, enhancing customer experience, and deploying AI across government services.
The event also celebrated top-performing government teams, with Dhs7m in awards presented. The Ministry of Justice received first place, with Minister Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi highlighting the ministry’s journey in streamlining operations and eliminating redundant procedures.
Mohammed bin Taliah, chief of Government Services in the UAE Government, laid out plans for further digital integration, the adoption of leading private sector practices, and enhanced data sharing to support innovation and joint solutions across ministries.
A concluding panel session, “Zero Bureaucracy and the Private Sector,” featured insights from Marwan Ibrahim Haji Nasser, CEO of Tadawi Healthcare Group, and Fouad Mansoor Sharaf, MD of UAE Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim Properties.
Speakers underscored how the programme positively impacts private sector efficiency, performance, and service quality.
The UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, already streamlining over 200 million annual transactions, serves as a blueprint for future-focused governance that prioritises simplicity, speed, and citizen satisfaction.
The UAE has officially declared Friday, June 27, 2025, as a paid public holiday for the Islamic New Year — giving residents across the country a welcome long weekend.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced on Monday that the private sector would observe the day off, following an earlier confirmation from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources for public sector employees.
The holiday marks the beginning of the Islamic year 1447 AH and commemorates the Hijrah — the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE — a defining moment that signifies the start of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Though the Islamic New Year, or Ra’s As-Sanah Al-Hijriyah, is not traditionally celebrated with the same prominence as Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha, it remains a significant spiritual occasion and is recognised as an official public holiday in the UAE.
With the day falling on a Friday, many in the country will enjoy an extended weekend.
Looking ahead, the next expected public holiday will be Mawlid Al Nabawi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), likely to fall on Thursday, 4 September 2025 — subject to official moon-sighting confirmation.
The UAE’s final public holidays for the year will be Commemoration Day and National Day, observed on 2 and 3 December respectively.
Economic growth in the UAE is set to remain buoyant, expanding by 5.1 per cent in 2025, up from 3.8 per cent last year.
This is according to the latest Q2 economic update from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
The forecast, produced in partnership with Oxford Economics, highlights a strong rebound in oil production alongside robust non-oil sector momentum, supported by international trade, tourism and advanced technology.
The institute expects UAE oil production to average 3.8 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2027, in line with efforts to raise capacity to 5mn bpd.
“A significant increase in supply is likely through 2027–2028 to capitalise on enhanced production capacity and maximise returns before a significant global transition away from fossil fuels,” said ICAEW in its latest report.
“This will provide a robust stream of revenue and enable the government to support overall GDP growth,” ICAEW said:
Non-oil GDP growth remains solid, underpinned by strong purchasing managers’ index (PMI) readings and a sharp rise in international trade. The UAE is pursuing 27 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), and foreign trade exceeded Dhs3trn for the first time in 2024.
“These agreements are improving access to key markets and enhancing trade terms,” the report noted, projecting non-oil GDP growth of 4.7 per cent in 2025, in line with last year’s pace.
Tourism remains a central pillar of growth. International visitor spending is expected to reach Dhs267.5bn in 2025, accounting for nearly 13 per cent of GDP. Dubai recorded 5.3 million international visitors in Q1 2025, up 3 per cent year-on-year.
The report stated that this growth “aligns with Emirate-level strategy, where the D33 agenda aims to position Dubai as a leading global tourism hub”.
ICAEW also pointed to the recent launch of the “US-UAE AI Acceleration” framework, which it described as a major opportunity for technology investment and knowledge exchange. The initiative was announced during President Trump’s recent visit to the UAE and is expected to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Inflation in the UAE is forecast to average 2.5 per cent in 2025. While price pressures remain contained, housing and recreation costs in Dubai continue to be the main contributors.
Saudi Arabia: Growth rebounds as oil production rises
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s economy is also gaining momentum. ICAEW forecasts GDP growth of 5.2 per cent in 2025, up from 1.3 per cent last year, driven by higher oil output and strong domestic demand.
Oil production is set to average 9.7mn bpd this year, lifting oil-sector GDP.
Non-oil industries — particularly construction, trade and the digital economy — are expanding as Vision 2030 accelerates. ICAEW expects non-oil growth of 5.3 per cent this year, underpinned by job creation and private sector activity.
GCC and Middle East outlook: Resilience despite tariffs
Across the region, GCC economies are projected to grow by 4.4 per cent in 2025, while Middle East GDP is forecast to expand by 3.5 per cent, according to ICAEW.
“The GCC economies are showing remarkable adaptability amid shifting global trade dynamics. Investments in tourism, technology, and infrastructure continue to pay dividends, strengthening resilience and laying the groundwork for long-term growth,” said Hanadi Khalife, head of Middle East, ICAEW.
While the US has introduced a 10 per cent tariff on GCC goods, ICAEW said the impact on the region will be limited.
Energy exports are exempt, and only around 3 per cent of GCC exports head to the US.
“Despite tariff headwinds and heightened trade uncertainty, we continue to expect Middle East growth to be stronger this year than in 2024,” the report said.
The upward revision to regional growth is supported by faster OPEC+ oil supply increases and sustained strength in sectors such as tourism, real estate and capital markets.
UAE’s based luxury real estate developer Binghatti Holding has launched Binghatti Capital Limited, an asset management firm based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The new entity plans to manage approximately $1bn in Shariah-compliant private credit and real estate strategies.
Binghatti Capital has received authorisation from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator for financial services conducted in or from DIFC.
The firm is licensed to work exclusively with professional clients.
As part of its real estate strategy, Binghatti Capital will implement separate mandates covering the acquisition and sale of off-plan residential properties, as well as the development and sale of residential projects. Its private credit platform will offer supply chain financing solutions to construction companies, property management entities, and key sector suppliers.
In addition to private funds, Binghatti Capital will offer discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio mandates, providing tailored investment solutions to meet the specific objectives of professional clients.
Move to deepen Binghatti Holding’s investment footprint
Katralnada Binghatti, Executive Director of Binghatti Capital, said: “The creation of an asset management arm represents a strategic move to deepen Binghatti Holding’s investment footprint and enhance access to alternative capital.
“We believe that Binghatti Capital’s offerings are one of a kind, underscoring our long-term vision to expand into high-value, income-generating investments that deliver sustainable growth. Through our new Shariah-compliant private investment strategies, we are not only reinforcing our position in the UAE’s real estate sector but are supporting Dubai’s efforts to become one of the world’s leading foreign investment destinations.”
Shehzad Janab, SEO of Binghatti Capital, added: “Binghatti Capital represents a strategic extension of Binghatti Holding’s capabilities, designed to accelerate growth and strengthen resilience, ensuring sustained success through all market conditions. Our inaugural suite of what we believe are unique strategies represents a thoughtful, well-structured approach to real estate investing, providing access to opportunities that are typically reserved for large institutions.
“Through disciplined governance, active management, and a strong Shariah-compliant foundation, we aim to deliver compelling returns while diversifying our source of capital for Binghatti Group’s future developments.”
Salmaan Jaffrey, chief business development officer at DIFC Authority, said: “We are delighted to welcome Binghatti Capital to DIFC, the region’s largest financial centre and home to more than 46,000 professionals.
“Binghatti Capital’s presence will further strengthen Dubai’s financial ecosystem and reinforce DIFC’s position as the leading hub for asset management in the region. With over 400 wealth and asset management firms, DIFC continues to be the preferred destination for asset management companies seeking growth and opportunity in the region.”
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
Total public spending by the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is expected to reach $542.1bn in the 2025 financial year, according to data released by the GCC Statistical Center (GCC-Stat).
According to a report published by the state news agency, WAM, the six member states — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain — have largely projected higher public expenditures compared to 2024, directing increased funds toward infrastructure completion and targeted economic sector growth in line with long-term development strategies.
GCC-Stat data shows that government revenues across the bloc are forecast to remain relatively stable in 2025, supported by expectations that global oil prices will remain at moderate to high levels throughout the year.
Total public revenues for the GCC countries are estimated at $487.8bn, resulting in a combined budget deficit of $54.3bn for the year, the WAM report stated.
Oil revenues remain the largest component of government income in the region, making fiscal positions highly sensitive to global oil price fluctuations.
To mitigate risk, GCC countries adopt a conservative methodology when calculating break-even oil prices in their budget frameworks, aiming to buffer against volatility in the international energy markets.
To bridge the fiscal gap, GCC countries plan to rely on a mix of financial reserves and both domestic and international borrowing
Elevision’s Niall Sallam on how digital out-of-home is changing in the region
Sallam outlines how the company is adapting to industry demands, supporting property partners, and aligning with the UAE’s broader push for innovation and smart infrastructure
In this interview, Niall Sallam, founder and CEO of Elevision, discusses how digital out-of-home (DOOH) is changing in the region — with a clear move toward programmatic capabilities, data-driven targeting, and content that fits within the wider digital ecosystem.
From Elevision’s new partnership with Dubai Design District (d3) to its expansion into international markets, Sallam outlines how the company is adapting to industry demands, supporting property partners, and aligning with the UAE’s broader push for innovation and smart infrastructure.
How have regional DOOH trends evolved in the past year, and what shifts do you anticipate in the coming months?
The past year has seen a rapid acceleration in programmatic DOOH and data-driven targeting. Advertisers are moving beyond simple reach metrics, demanding measurable impact and smarter audience segmentation. There is a strong appetite for premium placements, but equally important is time and location relevance. Where an audience is, and their frame of mind at that specific moment, plays a critical role in receptiveness and recall.
One of the most important shifts this year has been advertisers placing the appropriate weight on both context and creative. Context, when and where an ad appears, and what mindset the audience is in at that time, is now seen as equally important as the message itself. At the same time, dynamic creative optimisation is allowing brands to tailor messaging to real-time conditions, ensuring higher engagement and stronger recall. The combination of precision placement and high-quality creative is what ultimately drives impactful DOOH campaigns.
Looking ahead, AI-powered content and contextually dynamic advertising will take centre stage. Expect deeper integrations with mobile, social, and e-commerce platforms, making DOOH an even more connected part of the consumer journey.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the DOOH industry, and what key opportunities are emerging for advertisers and brands to leverage?
One of the biggest challenges in DOOH today is aligning measurement methodologies globally. Measurement is the currency that defines the value of DOOH, yet the industry still lacks a common, standardised approach. There are several measurement techniques used in OOH worldwide, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This fragmentation makes it difficult for advertisers to compare performance across markets or integrate DOOH seamlessly into omnichannel strategies.
The real challenge is ensuring that the industry aligns on a consistent, widely adopted measurement framework, one that enables advertisers to buy, evaluate, and optimise DOOH in a way that is comparable to other media channels.
Despite this, the opportunities for advertisers have never been stronger. DOOH provides brand-safe, high-impact exposure in premium urban environments, giving advertisers a unique way to capture attention in clutter-free spaces. Programmatic buying continues to drive greater efficiency and agility, allowing brands to activate targeted campaigns at scale with real-time flexibility.
Additionally, the continued expansion of premium DOOH placements in commercial and residential environments is creating more opportunities for brands to be present where audiences are most engaged.
The real power of DOOH lies in its ability to combine high-quality creative with precision placement, ensuring brands are not just seen but truly absorbed.
What new solutions is Elevision bringing to market that set it apart in the DOOH space?
Unlike most OOH suppliers in our market, all of our inventory is available programmatically. That level of accessibility and flexibility is a significant differentiator. Advertisers can activate campaigns with precision, agility, and scale, seamlessly integrating DOOH into broader omnichannel strategies. Programmatic buying isn’t just a feature of our network, it’s become the foundation of how we operate.
Another key distinction is our commitment to non-advertising content. We are the only player in the region with a robust, dedicated content strategy designed to drive audience engagement and enhance brand alignment. For decades, whether in print, radio, or television, editorial content played a pivotal role in shaping advertiser positioning, and DOOH should be no different. Media is most effective when it provides value beyond advertising, and Elevision is one of the few DOOH networks in MENA truly focused on this.
Our soon-to-launch Dubai Design District (d3) network is a prime example. Alongside advertising, we are introducing ‘d3 Lifestyle Channels’, a curated content strategy designed to reflect the district’s creative, fashion, and design-driven community.
These channels will engage audiences with relevant, high-quality content while providing advertisers with a platform that enhances their brand presence in an authentic and impactful way. This isn’t just about screen time, it’s about creating an ecosystem where content and commerce work together to drive deeper audience connection.
Niall Sallam with the D3 team Image: Supplied
How does Elevision’s partnership with d3 contribute to a more interactive and creative urban experience?
As mentioned, our soon-to-launch d3 Lifestyle Channels are a cornerstone of Elevision’s approach to blending content, commerce, and community engagement. These channels go beyond standard advertising, they create an ecosystem of curated content that reflects the fashion, design, and creative culture at the heart of d3.
A key aspect of these channels is how they will connect d3’s creative community with international markets. By collaborating with curators, designers, and thought leaders from around the world, Elevision will help amplify d3’s presence globally, ensuring it remains a recognised creative hub beyond the UAE.
At the same time, these channels provide an opportunity for international creators to elevate their own profiles within d3 and the broader UAE market. It’s a two-way exchange, bringing global creative talent into d3’s ecosystem while playing a role in positioning d3 as a dynamic player on the world stage.
From a brand perspective, this curated content strategy offers advertisers a unique opportunity to align with cultural relevance. By integrating brands into meaningful, high-quality storytelling, Elevision is creating a space where advertising isn’t just seen, it’s experienced as part of the broader cultural dialogue.
How does DOOH fit into the UAE’s broader innovation and digital transformation efforts?
The UAE has consistently been at the forefront of smart city innovation, and DOOH plays a critical role in shaping intelligent, data-driven urban environments. Digital screens are no longer just billboards, they are information hubs, AI-powered engagement platforms, and dynamic storytelling tools that integrate seamlessly into the country’s digital ecosystem.
This aligns directly with the UAE’s D33 economic agenda, which places a strong emphasis on digital transformation, AI integration, and smart infrastructure. As the UAE moves toward data-led urban development, DOOH serves as a natural bridge between technology, content, and consumer engagement.
Elevision has been an early pioneer in this space, recognising long before it became a broader industry focus, that out-of-home must evolve beyond static advertising to become digital and a fully integrated part of the smart city landscape.
Our work within DIFC, d3, and other key urban hubs reflects this forward-thinking approach, ensuring that digital media not only enhances commercial potential but also contributes to the broader innovation and connectivity goals of the UAE.
What’s next for Elevision in terms of expansion, innovation, and market leadership?
Elevision’s growth has always been built on trust, quality, and long-term partnerships. As we continue expanding, our focus remains on delivering value across a broad spectrum of stakeholders — from advertisers to property partners, to the communities they serve. DOOH is more than just an advertising platform; it’s an integral part of how properties engage with residents and visitors.
In a market where real estate is positioned as premium, every aspect of a development — from the materials used to the services offered needs to reflect that positioning. The same applies to media and communication solutions.
As the industry evolves, so do the expectations of both property owners and advertisers. Elevision has always been ahead of that curve, ensuring our partners are on the cutting edge of innovation and communication.
From advanced programmatic capabilities to AI-driven content strategies, we continue to push the boundaries of what DOOH can offer. Our soon-to-launch d3 network is a perfect example, integrating curated content, audience engagement, and premium ad placements in a way that elevates the entire district’s brand experience.
At the same time, we’re growing strategically, expanding in London, deepening our programmatic capabilities, and developing smarter ways to connect brands, properties, and audiences.
