UAE's 2025 Economic Landscape: Key Developments and Opportunities

UAE adds 5 new categories to its Golden Visa program

Introduced in 2019, the UAE announced expansion of its Golden Visa program to include 5 new categories that will provide 10-year residencies to people in diverse fields like healthcare, education, digital content creation, e-sports, and luxury yacht ownership. This move strengthens UAE position as a hub for innovation and knowledge-based industries.

 

UAE fintech sector expected to hit USD 6.43bn by 2030

Strengthened by forward-looking strategies, flexible regulatory frameworks, and strong support for innovation, UAE’s fintech sector is estimated to hit USD 6.43bn by 2030. Favourable government initiatives, evolving legislation and rising investment has driven rapid growth in the country’s fintech landscape. Industry reports reveal the UAE’s fintech market is likely to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.56% from USD3.56bn in 2025 to USD 6.43bn by 2030.

 

UAE, the only Middle Eastern country, to feature in Chandler Index 2025

Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) 2025 is an annual report that measures the capabilities and effectiveness of 113 governments based on 35 unique indicators. UAE is the only Middle Eastern country to feature in the index in the 9th position with an index score of 0.780. This rise in the ranking is a 5-position jump from 2024 driven by leadership, foresight, strong institutions, strategic prioritization, and financial management. 

 

Jordan and the UAE Aim to Surpass USD 8 Billion in Non-Oil Trade

Strengthening bilateral economic ties Jordan and the UAE officially brought into force the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Provisions in the agreement related to knowledge transfer, digital transformation, and infrastructure development will expand investment, boost trade volume, and support key economic sectors. 

 

UAE aviation sector set to add 600+ jobs in 2025

Workforce readiness and talent development plays a pivotal part in the UAE’s aviation sector. It is estimated the UAE aviation industry is set to generate around 600 new jobs in 2025, furthered by surge in demand across airlines, airports, and charter services. 

 

UAE observes sharp rise in AI-assisted shopping; with 70% adoption rate

As per an annual retail report 70% consumers in the UAE are using artificial intelligence to handhold them through shopping. This trend marks 44% increase compared to 2024 reports. The report further revealed one in five UAE shoppers (21 per cent) had used AI in shopping for the first time in 2024.

 

Global investment companies turned the spotlight on Dubai’s real estate market

A rising trend is being observed in the world’s leading investment companies is shifting focus towards Dubai’s real estate market. Canada’s Brookfield is planning to develop a mixed-use community in the Dubai Hills area while Goldman Sachs is exploring the hospitality space. Big names from Asia and New York also have their sight set on investing in the UAE real estate. 

 

With 720 global exhibitors UAE’s ‘Make it in the Emirates’ kicks off

UAE’s largest industrial event ‘Make it in the Emirates’ kicks off with 720 exhibitors showcasing 3800 products across 12 vital sectors. The 4th edition of ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum begins today under the theme “Advanced Industries Accelerated” and will explore key topics ranging from AI-driven manufacturing to smart industrial transformation to national content to advanced manufacturing and industrial entrepreneurship. 

 

Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy witnesses sector GDP pass USD 30bn

Since the launch of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy, the industrial GDP of the emirate grew 23 per cent from AED90.8bn (USD 24.7bn) in 2022 to AED111.6bn (USD30.4bn) in 2024. Further the number of industrial enterprises increased 19.4% from 925 to 1,104 during the same period.