21st July - 28th July 2025 WEEKLY BUSINESS ROUNDUP

Registrations in Dubai’s DIFC rise 32% in first half of 2025

The Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) reported company registrations rose 32% in H1 2025 welcoming 1081 new companies including asset management firms, hedge funds and family offices. The total number of active companies at the Gulf region's largest financial hub stood at 7,700 as of June 2025, rising 25% from June 2024.
 

As per the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (“GCC-Stat”) the nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries totaled USD 587.8 billion by Q4 2024 – marking 1.5% surge from USD579 billion at the end of Q4 of 2023.

 

Total GCC workforce reached 31.8 million 

As per the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat), the total labour force in GCC countries hit 31.8 million – constituting 54.2% of the total population. Male workers accounted for 78.7%, while females constituted 17.6% of the workforce. Further GCC-Stat’s data revealed an increase of 600,000 working women in the region since 2011.

 

UAE bank investments amount to nearly USD 211bn in April 2025 – marking 16.2% surge

As per the Central Bank of the UAE, banks operating in the UAE reported investment levels of AED 774.3 billion by April 2025. This marks 16.2% increase compared to April 2024 and 1.4% rise from March 2025. Further it is reported, bank deposits surpassed AED 2.965 trillion, with resident deposits contributing AED 2.689 trillion and non-resident deposits reaching AED 275.6 billion.

 

UAE residential real estate deals value to grow 2.6% till 2029

Driven by growing investor confidence, strong policy support and the UAE positioning itself as a hub for economic opportunity and lifestyle excellence, the value of residential real estate transactions is projected to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.66% over the next four years - till 2029.

 

UAE family businesses strengthen growth and contribution to national economy

The UAE business landscape seeks to enhance regulatory and legislative frameworks governing family businesses in the country. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism played a key role in issuing the world’s first comprehensive and pioneering legislation dedicated to family businesses: Federal Decree by Law No. (37) of 2022 concerning the Family Businesses. This law offers business continuity through legal mechanisms and structured procedures, support diversification of business activities, eases generational transition, and encourages expansion into advanced sectors, particularly the new economy.

 

FSRA, ADGM published 2024 annual report; highlighting growth & innovation

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM published its 2024 Annual Report highlighting key regulatory achievements. Focusing on digital assets & innovation, FSRA introduced a regulatory framework for fiat-referenced tokens (FRTs). A comprehensive ADGM-wide whistleblowing framework was introduced to strengthen transparency and market integrity.

 

UAE to invest in road infrastructure to ease traffic and cut travel time

Focused on boosting road capacity, easing traffic congestion and minimizing travel time by approximately 45% the UAE's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is set to introduce a new project to upgrade Emirates Road with a budget of AED 750 million. This project is likely to be completed in two years’ time.

 

Dubai continues to witness surge in demand for ultra luxury homes

In Q2 2025 demand for ultra luxury homes in Dubai gains momentum with properties valued at more than AED 15 million recording 1417 transactions. This surge marks 67% increase from Q1 2025 and more than 113% increase from Q2 2024.

 

Sharjah business licenses surge 8% in H1 2025

As per Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) the total number of issued and renewed business licenses in the emirate during H1 2025 totalled to 37,356 marking 8% growth compared to H1 2024. Number of issued licences in the first half of 2025 reached 4,359 marking 16% increase and count of renewed licenses hit 32997 – marking 7% increase compared to  H1 2024.