15 July to 21 July 2025 | Weekly Business Roundup

Catalysed by the UAE’s infrastructure, multimodal logistics access, energy costs and workforce capacity, the UAE real estate market continues to outperform global benchmarks in H1 2025. In Q2 2025, average sales prices reached AED 1,822 per sq. ft, marking a 14% year-on-year increase. Nearly 43,000 new units are expected in 2025, the highest total since 2019.  

 

UAE tax authority issues USD 872mn VAT refunds to nationals building new homes

It is reported the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) approved more than 7,000 new applications worth AED653.1 million – between June 2024 to June 2025. In the first six months of 2025 alone, 3,097 applications received approval, generating refunds totalling AED284.77 million. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has processed VAT refunds worth AED3.2 billion for UAE nationals constructing new residences.  

 

UAE announces new tax benefits for fair value investment properties

The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued a Ministerial Decision allowing taxpayers to claim tax depreciation on investment properties held at fair value under Federal Decree-Law No. (47) of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses. Under this decision, taxpayers electing for the realisation basis can now deduct depreciation from their taxable income for investment properties maintained on a fair value basis.

 

UAE, Germany launch joint business council to strengthen economic ties

During a high-level ceremony in Berlin, the UAE-Germany Business Council (GUBC) was launched officially, reflecting the strong and long-standing economic partnership between the two nations powered by collaboration and mutual understanding. This move aims to open new avenues for trade and investment and to support sustainable development in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. 

 

FTA emphasises prompt corporate tax registration to benefit from penalty waiver

The FTA clarified that to be exempt from the AED10,000 “Late Registration Penalty” for Corporate Tax, Taxable Persons (or Exempt Persons required to register) must submit their Tax Return (or annual declaration) no later than seven months from the end of their first Tax Period (or the first Financial Year), instead of nine months. The Late Registration Penalty Waiver initiative applies only to the first Tax Period of the Taxable Person (or Exempt Person required to register), regardless of whether the due date of the first Tax Return (or annual declaration) was before or after the new decision came into effect.

 

Dubai set to host 3rd edition of International Glass Manufacturing Show in April 2026

The third edition of International Glass Manufacturing Show (IGMS 2026) is set to be hosted in Dubai from 13th to 15th April 2026, at Dubai World Trade Centre. The event is set to offer a specialised platform that highlights Dubai’s growing reputation as a regional and global hub for the advanced construction and façade industries. IGMS 2026 will be relevant to the entire glass industry value chain, in the Middle East & Africa.

DIFC announces enactment of amendments to select legislations

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has enacted amendments to select legislation through DIFC Laws Amendment Law, Law No. 1 of 2005. Amendments have been made to the Data Protection Law to provide additional protections and rights of action for Data Subjects in the DIFC. DIFC made amendments to the Data Protection Law to introduce a private right of action through the DIFC courts, enhancing the rights and remedies available to data subjects whose personal data has been processed in contravention of the Data Protection Law.

 

Abu Dhabi Chamber introduces initiative to empower entrepreneurs, small-enterprises in Al Ain

Focused on strengthening engagement with small enterprises, Abu Dhabi Chamber launched an initiative targeting enterprises in the retail, tourism, and agricultural sector. This initiative sets out to foster direct engagement with enterprise owners, offering an insight at the opportunities and challenges small businesses encounter in their day-to-day operations.

 

Ajman's real estate sector transactions surge 37% in H1 2025 to AED 12.4 billion

Ajman’s real estate sector recorded significant performance during H1 2025, with total value of real estate transactions reaching AED 12.4 billion. Ajman’s real estate sector recorded 37% growth in H1 2025 compared to H1 2024. 

 

Ras Al Khaimah reported 17.6% surge in new business licences in H1 2025

As per reports, industrial licenses climb 111% in Ras Al Khaimah, strengthening the emirate’s position as an emerging hub for investment and economic growth. Ras Al Khaimah reported 17.6% increase in new business licences issued during the first half of the year. A total of 1,219 licences were issued between January to June 2025, up from 1,037 in the same period last year.