15th April 2025 - 21st April 2025 | WEEKLY BUSINESS ROUNDUP

Aviation sector contributes 18.2% to UAE's GDP

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released a study highlighting substantial value the aviation sector generated for UAE. The sector’s economic impact in the UAE includes USD92 billion, contributing 18.2% to GDP (total impact including wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities), 992,000 jobs (total impact including wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities), 74,500 employed directly by airlines, with a further 132,300 employed elsewhere in aviation, 297,300 employed in aviation-related tourism and 1 million tonnes of air cargo handled in 2023.

 

UAE issued new rules on Top-up tax 

The Ministry of Finance announced the issuance of Ministerial Decision No. (88) of 2025, adopting all guidance issued by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) Rules (Pillar Two). This decision follows the issuance of Cabinet Decision No. (142) of 2024 regarding the imposition of a Top-up Tax on Multinational Enterprises. The Ministry clarified that the adoption of the new decision includes all Administrative Guidance and relevant commentary issued by the OECD up to January 2025.

 

UAE and Japan set to bolster USD 49.6bn trade relations

It is reported total trade volume between the UAE and Japan reached about USD 49.6bn in 2024 (including oil-related products), while non-oil trade amounted to about USD 17.5bn in 2024 - marking a slight growth of 1.2% compared to 2023. Recently UAE delegates visited Japan to conduct bilateral meetings and meet private sector partners with a focus on strengthening trade ties between both countries. Japan is the UAE’s 9th largest global trading partner.

 

UAE’s first organic soil fertiliser facility kickstarts in Ras Al Khaimah

The UAE’s first state-of-the-art organic soil fertiliser production facility launched in Ras Al Khaimah. The opening of this plant heralds the beginning of operations for the region’s first facility dedicated to sustainable agricultural products.

 

Dubai real estate sales hit AED 142bn in Q1 2025

The Dubai real estate sector reported sales of more than AED 142bn in Q1 2025. The surge in property prices across key areas is driven by strong demand, consistent inventory supply, and the emirate’s appeal to high-net-worth individuals. It is reported prices for apartments in the affordable sector have surged by as much as 10%, with villa prices climbing by up to 6%.

 

Female investors reported to have made over USD32bn of Dubai real estate transactions

As reported by Dubai Land Department, female investors contributed AED118bn (USD32.1bn) to Dubai’s real estate sector in 2024, through more than 50,979 property transactions. It is estimated women constitute 34% of total real estate investors in Dubai indicating an inclination towards stable investment. 

 

Abu Dhabi launches life science cluster as it targets USD25.6bn GDP injection & 30,000 health jobs

Abu Dhabi is strengthening its position as a global hub for biotechnology, MedTech, and digital health. The Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster is expected to contribute USD 25.6bn (AED94bn) to Abu Dhabi’s GDP, attract USD 11.5bn (AED42bn) in investment, and create 30,000 high-value jobs by 2045. 

 

Ajman real estate transactions cross USD1.5bn in Q1 2025

Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation in Ajman reported 3,887 real estate transactions in Q1 2025, with a total value exceeding AED5.55bn (USD 1.5bn), marking a 29% increase compared to Q1 2024. The Al Zahia area in Ajman reported the highest-value transaction at AED50m (USD 13.6m).