31st March 2025 - 6th April 2025 | WEEKLY BUSINESS ROUNDUP
April 07, 2025
New tax rules announced in UAE to bolster investment and promote growth of the economy
The UAE’s Ministry of Finance announced the issuance of Cabinet Decision No. 34 of 2025 on Qualifying Investment Funds and Qualifying Limited Partnerships for the Purposes of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses, which replaces the provisions of Cabinet Decision No. 81 of 2023. A significant provision of the new decision is the introduction of a favourable tax treatment, ensuring that investors deriving income from a Qualifying Investment Fund will not be subject to UAE Corporate Tax on the income derived through the fund, provided that the real estate asset threshold (10%) or the diversity of ownership conditions are not breached.
As of February 2025, Middle East airline traffic up 3.1%
As per International Air Transport Association (IATA), Middle East airline traffic increased 3.1% as the global demand for aviation continued to surge. IATA’s February 2025 data revealed increased passenger traffic across the world. Middle Eastern carriers saw a 3.1% year-on-year increase in demand and capacity increased 1.3% year-on-year compared to 2024.
UAE tourism generates AED 45 billion in hotel revenues in 2024
Tourism remains a robust pillar in the UAE economy as hotel revenues in the UAE reached approximately AED45 billion in 2024, reflecting a 3% year-over-year growth. Hotel occupancy rates surged to 78% in 2024, ranking among the highest both regionally and globally. The opening of 16 new hotels across the seven emirates in 2024, taking the total number of hotels in the country to 1,251 by the end of 2024. The number of hotel guests across the UAE reached approximately 30.8 million in 2024, reflecting a 9.5% growth.
UAE’s Ministry of Finance announces tax rules for non-resident investors
The Ministry of Finance has announced the issuance of Cabinet Decision No. 35 of 2025 on the Determination of a Non-Resident Person’s Nexus in the State for the Purposes of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses which replaces the provisions of Cabinet Decision No. 56 of 2023. The new decision specifies the cases in which a non-resident juridical investor in a Qualifying Investment Fund (QIF) or Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is considered to have a nexus in the UAE and is therefore subject to taxation.
AIM Congress 2025 set to host top level roundtables on global trends and investments
The 14th edition of AIM Congress is set to take place from April 7 to 9, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre convening global leaders, policymakers, investors, and business executives to discuss pressing global investment challenges and opportunities. Hosted under the theme “Mapping the Future of Global Investment: The New Wave of a Globalized Investment Landscape – Towards a New Balanced World Structure” the event will open strategic recommendations that will impact the global investment landscape.
Dubai real estate surges; new buyers expect super high returns on land investments
Dubai’s real estate market exhibited substantial growth in Q1 2025, recording a total transaction value of over USD 31 billion (AED114.08 billion), marking a surge of more than 29% from Q1 2024. The surging demand for investments in plots, along with sustained momentum in the growth of the residential and commercial real estate sectors ensures Dubai maintains its lead as one of the strongest-performing real estate markets globally.
Dubai to host MENA Capital Market Summit 2025 in May
Dubai is set to host the MENA Capital Market Summit 2025 in May 2025. Hosted by the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), the highly anticipated third edition of the MENA Capital Market Summit in Dubai is set to bring together 1,500 businesses, decision-makers, and global financial leaders. The Summit will prove pivotal in strengthening market resilience and deepening regional and international investment ties.
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has unveiled its key accomplishments for 2024
2024 was defined by the successful completion of AED4bn ($1.1bn) worth of key projects in Abu Dhabi which were part of a broader set of long-term initiatives with a total budget exceeding AED75bn. As per the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index Abu Dhabi was named as the number one most liveable city in the MENA region. Abu Dhabi was also ranked as one of the top ten smartest cities in the world by the International Institute for Management Development