6th May 2025 to 12th May 2025| WEEKLY BUSINESS ROUNDUP

As per UN Human Development Index, UAE ranks 1st regionally & 15th globally

The United Arab Emirates has retained its leading position among countries with “very high human development” rising 11 spots globally in the 2025 Human Development Index (HDI) report issued by the UNDP. The country ranked 15th globally out of 193 countries covered by the report and was the only country ranking among the Top 20. UAE’s commitment to healthcare, education, sustainability, and quality of life are key factors for its positive ranking on the Human Development Index.

 

First national geographic tag system launched in UAE to protect local products

The UAE is set to launch the geographical indications (GI) system for national products – the first-of-its-kind federal initiative designed to safeguard local products with unique features and characteristics that originate from specific geographical regions in the country. The launch of the GI system highlights the country’s commitment to protecting the cultural identity of UAE products, promoting them globally, converting them into economic assets that contribute to developing local communities and economic diversification.

 

UAE, Bahrain enforce investment protection pact; strengthen bilateral economic ties

UAE and Bahrain kicked off the implementation of their bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. UAE and Bahrain are enhancing investment cooperation to serve the interests of investors and supports the sustainable development goals of both countries. The agreement focuses on enhancing cooperation between both countries in areas of digital trade, including data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property rights, and electronic signatures and authentication.

 

Dubai’s new land law to drive strategic property market growth 

The new Dubai land law on allocation and management of government land plots to public entities will herald a major shift from fast-paced to foresight-led growth. This move cements Dubai’s position as one of the world most investable cities and strengthens long term market confidence. 

 

Dubai launches shared digital channels initiative for unified government services

Focused on simplifying access to services for residents, businesses, and visitors through integrated platforms in Dubai the emirate launched the Shared Digital Channels Initiative. This unified, user-centric digital government model will provide government services through seven specialised platforms. 

 

Dubai real estate sales up 61% in a year

Dubai’s real estate market posted exceptional results in April, with residential sales transactions reaching 17,447— marking an impressive 61% increase – compared to April 2024. Commercial rental activity increased, including 22.4%  rise in average office rents and a sharp 40.8% jump in warehouse rates.

 

Abu Dhabi property prices to surge following Disney theme park announcement

The announcement of Disneyland in Abu Dhabi will prove to be a gamechanger for the emirate. This announcement is likely to drive increased property demand on Yas Island and nearby areas, with buyers seeking high-quality, future-oriented homes. Abu Dhabi’s real estate market already witnessed robust growth before the Disney announcement, with April transactions up 15.7% from March, reaching AED 2.9 billion.  

 

Dubai’s leadership approves new health, education, and social policies

Dubai introduced new policy measures and initiatives to enhance quality of life for residents in alignment with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The plans include new hospitals, an enhanced education policy, smart-building guides and updated social policies. 

 

Abu Dhabi approves USD22.5bn housing projects

Abu Dhabi approved AED 82.7bn (USD 22.5bn) of housing projects as it seeks to enhance the real estate sector. The visionary leadership has approved 14 new integrated housing projects across the emirate.  The projects are estimated to deliver 35,000 new housing benefits over the next five years. 

 

Sharjah real estate market hits USD 1.09bn in April 2025 transactions

As per the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, Sharjah‘s property market recorded robust performance in April 2025, with 7,206 transactions totalling AED 4 billion across the emirate. It is reported the transactions covered approximately 10.3 million square feet highlighting growth within the market.