17th June 2025 to 23rd June 2025 | Weekly Business Roundup

Middle East prepares to roll out its Schengen style GCC tourist visa which has received formal approval. The visa aims to streamline tourism across the six GCC member nations — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. Once implemented this visa will allow travellers to visit all six Gulf countries under one single visa. 

 

World Bank forecasts 4.9% growth for UAE economy in 2026, 2027

As per the latest World Bank reports, UAE's economic growth is set to progress on an upward trajectory, reaching 4.6% in 2025 and stabilising at 4.9% during 2026 and 2027. It is estimated that UAE’s non-oil sectors continue to remain as key drivers of growth, with an expected growth rate of 4.9% in 2025. Investments, structural reforms, and private consumption are significant in driving economic growth within the country. 

 

Significant changes brought forth to UAE government

The UAE’s visionary leadership brought forth major changes to the UAE government including introduction of a new ministry. A new Ministry of Foreign Trade was established and the Ministry of Economy is renamed as Ministry of Economy and Tourism. Further the National Artificial Intelligence System will be adopted as an advisory member in the Council of Ministers, the Ministerial Development Council, and all boards of federal entities and government companies starting from January 2026. 

 

Foreign direct investment in the UAE hit record levels reinforcing key developments within the economy

It is reported the UAE marked record annual increase of 48% in foreign investments, reaching AED 167 billion (USD 45.6 bn) in 2024. These figures reinforce the confidence of major global economies and key international players in the UAE as a global destination for trade and investment. UAE accounts for for over a third of the region's foreign investment inflows and ranks second in new foreign direct investment projects, following the United States.

 

Gross banks’ assets surge by 1.9% to AED 4,719.4 billion at end of March

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) announced the increase in money supply aggregate M1 by 0.4%, from AED982.4 billion at the end of February 2025 to AED986.2 billion at the end of March 2025. Gross credit increased by 1.6% from AED2,204.3 billion at the end of February 2025 to AED2,240.0 billion at the end of March 2025.

 

Mandatory Arabic lessons announced in UAE for all private schools from 2025 kindergarten

UAE Ministry of Education has issued mandatory guidelines for teaching Arabic language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies in kindergarten classes across all private schools in the UAE. This guideline will come into effect from 2025/ 2026 academic year and apply to every private school irrespective of curriculum. 
 

Dubai FDI Monitor reflects real estate contributed 14% of total estimated FDI capital flows into Dubai in 2024

As per Dubai FDI Monitor, the emirate’s real estate sector contributed 14% of total estimated FDI capital flows into Dubai in 2024. Q1 2025 recorded approximately 42,000 sales transactions valued at AED114.4 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 23.1% in volume and 29.6% in value.  

 

Indian Businesses rank high on list of nationalities of new companies joining Dubai Chamber of Commerce during Q1 2025

As per analysis released it is reinforced that Indian-owned businesses topped the list of non-Emirati companies joining the chamber in Q1 2025. A total of 4,543 new members from India joined during the three-month period, representing year-over-year (YoY) growth of 4.4% - reinforcing Indian companies position as Dubai’s largest foreign business community.  

 

Sharjah and Kazakhstan discuss strengthening strategic partnerships between private sectors

Focused on enhancing economic cooperation and accelerating trade and investment relations, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry engaged in discussions with Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.  Talks are underway to advance economic ties through exchange of trade delegations, coordination of sector-specific exhibitions and enable access to investment prospects for companies and investors in both markets