08 July to 14 July 2025 | Weekly Business Roundup

The UAE was added to the EU’s high-risk list in 2023 due to AML / CFT shortcomings.  Powering through with sweeping structural and compliance reforms led by top officials bolstered investor confidence and renewed EU trade prospects. Recently, the European Parliament formally endorsed the removal of the UAE from its list of high-risk third countries for money laundering & terrorist financing.  

 

Global sports market growth marks USD 600bn; Middle East key player in global sports

The global sports market is expected to hit more than USD 600 billion by 2030 and the Middle East region is poised to be a key driver in this transformation fuelling strategic investment, forward-looking policy, and technology-enabled innovation. It is reported Dubai will host the inaugural World Sports Summit in December 2025 reinforcing the region’s growing influence on the global sports stage.  

 

GCC population hits 61.2m in 2024, rising by 2.1m in one year

As per the GCC Statistical Centre (GCC-Stat), the population of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries increased to 61.2 million by the end of 2024. These figures represent an increase of more than 2.1m people compared to 2023 — marking 3.6% growth rate year-on-year. Since 2021, the GCC region has added around 7.6 million people reinforcing growth in migration, employment, and population expansion.

 

UAE & Azerbaijan sign CEPA deal to boost USD 2.4bn trade ties

UAE and Azerbaijan signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) focused on accelerating joint economic growth, diversification, and investment. UAE is Azerbaijan’s leading Arab investor with total investments exceeding USD 1 bn. In 2024, bilateral non-oil trade surged by 43% year-on-year, reaching USD 2.4bn, reinforcing UAE’s position as one of Azerbaijan’s top trading partners.  

 

Listed companies in UAE to follow new rules on ‘goodwill’ cost

New regulatory framework on goodwill factor has been approved by the board of UAE’s Securities & Commodities Authority. New rules on ‘goodwill’ will come into effect for UAE’s public listed companies, and will be of particular importance when it comes to mergers and acquisitions. This move recognizes a company’s ‘goodwill’ as an intangible asset, and factors in the entity’s brand strength and corporate reputation. 

 

Dubai Chamber announces new unified platform for delivery services

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce announced the establishment of the Dubai Delivery Business Group - a unified platform to represent and advance the interests of delivery companies operating in Dubai. The Business Group will work with government entities, private sector stakeholders to discuss trends, overcome challenges, capitalise on opportunities & explore ways to enhance policy frameworks, and support the long-term development of the delivery services sector.

 

Dubai issues new law to regulate its contracting activities

Dubai’s visionary leaders issued a new law regulating contracting activities in the emirate. The new law brings forth a unified regulatory framework for contractor classification, oversight, transparency, and accountability aligned Dubai’s goals for sustainable growth. The new law also aligns with Dubai’s building codes, planning regulations, and long-term development strategy. 

 

Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Trade turns spotlight on role of CEPAs in boosting service exports

Dubai Chamber of Commerce collaborated with the Ministry of Foreign Trade to explore the role of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) signed by the UAE in bolstering the growth of the local services export sector. The session showcased how CEPAs are creating promising commercial and investment opportunities for the private sector, expanding the global reach of the local services industry, and increasing the potential for the export of services.

 

Ajman real estate transactions surge 47% to USD 632mn in June

As per statistics revealed by the Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation, Ajman reported 1,607 real estate transactions in June marking a total value of AED2.32bn (USD 632m). These figures mark a 47% growth compared to the same period in 2024 and the trading volume reached AED1.53bn (USD 417mn) out of a total of 1,318 transactions.