UHY James: Empowering UAE Businesses for Growth in Aviation, Tourism, SMEs

UAE to ban single-use plastics by 2026

The UAE is set to ban single-use plastics by 2026. It is established starting January 1, 2026 the UAE will implement a nationwide ban on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic products. This sweeping reform builds upon the phased approach initiated with ban on plastic bags in 2024.

 

Middle East air passenger numbers to soar to 530 mn in 2043

Industry reports reveal Middle East air passenger numbers are likely to double, hitting 530 million in 2043 with traffic growing at an average annual rate of 3.9% between the 2023 – 2043 period. The year-to-date demand for Middle East, which compares January to April 2025 with January to April 2024, surged 6% in line with global average. 

 

Middle East tourism spends estimated to reach USD 350bn by 2030 

Considering MENA region reported exceptional post-pandemic rebound and long-term growth potential accelerated by luxury travel, business events, and sports tourism, Middle East tourism spending is forecast to surge by 50% amounting to approx. USD 350bn by 2030. In 2025, tourist spending across the Middle East is expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 54% and the market is likely to expand at more than 7% annually between 2025 to 2030. 

 

UAE SMEs optimistic on revenue growth despite cost increases

As per a recent survey  on the confident quotient of UAE SMEs, insights from more than 1,200 UAE-based SMEs showcases business optimism remains steady as 68% SMEs view the future business environment as favourable & 60% report revenue growth  over the past  2 years. 

 

UAE businesses confident of international trade growth

As per HSBC’s 2025 Global Trade Pulse Survey, UAE based businesses wield a positive sentiment regarding international trade prospects, with 94%. Above and beyond ongoing uncertainty and cost headwinds from tariffs, UAE firms are leaning into enhanced planning and digital solutions. UAE companies are incredibly optimistic about future international trade prospects.  

 

Reports reveal 73,000 homes to be delivered in Dubai in 2025; property sales hit USD 31bn

As per reports Dubai recorded 42,000 property sales transactions worth AED114.4 billion in Q1 2025. Further industry reports reveal Dubai will add 73,000 residential units to its housing stock this year, with 300,000 units expected to be added by the end of 2028. 

 

ADGM reports major Q1 2025 growth as global firms, fund managers head to UAE

ADGM in Abu Dhabi reported 43% growth in operational entities and 33% surge in assets under management as the centre expands its global reach. These figures are indicative of ADGM’s commitment to expand and diversify with purpose, welcome leading firms, deepen international partnerships, and drive digital and sustainable transformation across sectors.

 

Dubai student boom as 29% surge in international enrolment signals new global education hotspot

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) reported 29% spike in international student enrolment, with over 42,000 students studying across 41 licensed institutions. KHDA marked around 20% increase in overall student enrolment in the 2024-25 academic year.  Emirati student enrolment surged 22% in international universities in Dubai - thereby highlighting the emirate’s appeal among both domestic and global learners. 

 

Dubai Duty Free records outstanding sales of USD 198.5mn in May 2025

As of May 2025, Dubai Duty Free reported extraordinary sales totalling USD 198.5 mn (AED 724.7 mn). It is reported this figure marks the highest monthly sales recorded in 2025 – with an increase of 12.5% when compared to May 2024. 

 

Dubai – global leader in creative industry investment, third year in a row

As per the Financial Times fDi Markets rankings for 2024, Dubai continues to retain its top spot as a preferred destination for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) in the cultural and creative industries. This is the third consecutive year Dubai has outperformed cities like London, Singapore and New York, by attracting 971 creative sector projects bringing in AED18.86bn (USD 5.1bn) in capital, nearly 60% increase year-on-year.