19th August to 25th August 2025| WEEKLY BUSINESS ROUNDUP

UAE cementing its position as a global leader in employing AI in tourism, hospitality sector

The UAE strengthens its leadership in employing technological solutions and artificial intelligence in the tourism and hospitality sector, establishing its stance as a digitally advanced global destination. The tourism sector is marked by reliance on digital services, intelligent guest personalisation, smart data analytics, and mobile-based smart check-in and services while the hospitality sector focuses on smart entry systems to protect guests and ensure the highest security standards. As per World Travel and Tourism Council, the UAE’s tourism and travel sector contributed AED257.3bn ($70bn) to the national economy in 2024, accounting for 13 per cent of GDP.

 

As per industry reports, major retailers in the Middle East are fully invested in AI and understand its power to bolster efficiency. It is estimated 76% retailers in the Middle East region are already using AI, 58% retailers are planning to expand use in the near term and 18% are set to maintain current levels. Further, Middle East is also leading on augmented reality (AR) adoption, with almost 40% of surveyed retailers using AR - versus 31% using AR globally.

 

Emerging markets ‘are poised to keep outperforming’

As per industry reports, the outlook for emerging markets has stabilised in response to clearer US trade arrangements and persistent US dollar weakness, which are expected to resume. Interest rate differentials, fiscal dynamics, and trust in institutional quality assets are all shifting owing to dynamic global policies however emerging markets are reported to have better trading conditions. 

 

12,000+ Wi-Fi breaches recorded in UAE since start of 2025

As per the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC), owing to risks posed by open and untrusted public Wifi networks more than 12,000 breaches have been reported since the beginning of 2025. It is reported these incidents account for nearly 35% of total cyberattacks reported in the UAE. This trend highlights the importance of safe practices and using trusted safety tools to protect data. 

 

Creators HQ attracts 2,415 active members from 147 countries with combined following of over 2 billion

Creators HQ, the first headquarters for content creators in the UAE and the Middle East, is reported to have attracted 2,415 active members from 147 countries as part of its strategy to position the UAE as the global capital of the content economy, with a target of 10,000 content creators in the next phase. Further the Creators HQ attracted 78 global companies in the content sector from 24 countries to relocate to the UAE, with the United Kingdom, Pakistan, the United States, India, France, and Germany leading the list.

 

UAE to introduce Advertiser’s Permit for social media content creators to post advertisements online

Aimed at streamlining its media regulations, accentuating the quality of advertising content, drawing skilled professionals, and building a trustworthy social media landscape, the UAE Media Council is set to introduce the mandatory Advertiser’s Permit for social media content creators to post advertisements online – irrespective of whether they are paid or not. 

 

UAE Pavillion at Expo 2025 Osaka hits record 3 million visitors milestone

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is reported to have proudly welcomed three million visitors establishing its position as one of the most visited and admired pavilions at the Expo. The UAE Pavilion fostered conversations and became a hub for meaningful cultural exchange. 

 

Public private partnerships in UAE bolster investment and drive sustainable growth

The UAE Ministry of Finance is focusing on public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a central driver of national development — using them to transform services, attract new investment, and support sustainable growth. Aligned with the UAE’s long-term ambitions the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and the UAE Centennial 2071 strategy, the Ministry has established a robust PPP framework backed by new legislation, governance tools, and training initiatives aimed to strengthen cooperation between the government and private sector.

 

Dubai luxury real estate soars; 9800 millionaires set to move in 2025

Dubai is reporting surge in high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) relocating to the city cementing its status as one of the world’s premier luxury real estate hubs. Dubai is estimated to be home to 81,200 millionaires, representing a 12% year-on-year increase as most wealthy investors are arriving from the UK, Europe, India, China, and Russia. On the real estate side Dubai recorded 91,897 residential sales in H1 2025 marking a 21% increase on H1 2024.