4th August - 11th August 2025 WEEKLY BUSINESS ROUNDUP

UAE secures top spot in 2025 global digital rankings with world’s fastest mobile internet and AI leadership

Achieving top rankings in multiple international indices and setting new benchmarks for technology-driven growth, the UAE has cemented its position as a global leader in digital transformation. According to the United Nations E-Government Survey 2024, the UAE ranked first globally in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index with a perfect score of 100 percent – highlighting reach and efficiency of digital networks. 
 

Increased oil production and diversification efforts likely to help most Gulf economies grow faster in 2025 than they did in 2024. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was expected to outperform its peers to grow 4.8% in 2025 and 4.6% in 2026, an upgrade from 4.5% and 4.2% April poll.

 

Dubai opens applications for AI accelerator to transform government services 

The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) invites applications its “Future of AI in Government Services Accelerator” program, offering global tech innovators and AI companies the opportunity to develop and deploy cutting-edge solutions in partnership with more than 20 government entities.

 

UAE’s Etihad Rail project set to launch passenger services in 2026 with full integration

UAE’s ambitious Etihad Rail project is entering a new phase with the announcement of full integration into existing public transport networks across Dubai and other emirates. The Etihad Rail project set to launch passenger services in 2026. The Etihad Rail project promises more connected travel and increased customer convenience. 

 

UAE to finalize ‘Eurasian Economic Union’ trade, investment agreements by 2025 end

The UAE’s signing of a new Services and Investment Trade Agreement with Russia complements the previously signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).  Talks are underway regarding finalizing all five bilateral services and investment agreements with EAEU members before the end of 2025.

 

Dubai’s staycation market is booming in 2025 driven by attractive deals and a focus on local experiences

As of mid-2025, it is reported Dubai residents are leaning towards local getaways fuelled by hotel promotions offering up to 40% discounts and immersive in-resort experiences. This trend is a consequence of rising global travel  costs and a shift towards domestic tourism.

 

Residential prices surge 17.3% with strong demand from global investors in Abu Dhabi

As per latest industry reports Abu Dhabi’s residential property market continued its robust growth in Q2 2025, with average prices rising 6.4% quarter-on-quarter. This surge brings the total annual price growth in the emirate to 17.3%, marking a 31.3% increase since Q1 2020. Further demand from global high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) continues to increase, with 19% intending to purchase property in Abu Dhabi in 2025, up from 14% in 2024.

 

Ras Al Khaimah tourism sector records best H1 with 9% surge in revenue & significant growth in visitors

Reports reveal 654,000 visitors arrived in Ras Al Khaimah during H1 2025 – marking 6% surge year-on-year. Further the emirates tourism revenues rose 9% as global events and destination weddings increased in Ras Al Khaimah. It is recorded MICE and wedding tourism increased by estimated 36% reflecting positive impact of connectivity, hospitality, event programming and investment.

 

Ajman real estate transactions surge 62.5% in July to USD885m

As per the Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation in Ajman, the emirate’s real estate market saw considerable growth in July 2025, recording 1,920 transactions worth AED 3.25 billion ($885m) — a 62.5% increase in value compared to July 2024. These figures are indicative of increasing investor confidence in Ajman’s real estate sector.