WEEKLY BUSINESS ROUNDUP - 14 January 2025 – 20 January 2025
January 20, 2025
MENA market expected to flourish and global investments estimated to pass USD 1tn next year
Industry experts estimate 2025 to bring positive momentum to the global real estate and specific growth in MENA region. Real estate industry researchers projected global real estate investment turnover to grow by 27% to USD 952 billion in 2025 and surpass USD 1 trillion by 2026. Further a strong recovery in capital values is also anticipated. Prime office market is likely to be a significant driver of growth in MENA, with increased leasing activity and rental growth expected in major cities like Dubai and Riyadh.
Delegation of 100+ government officials and private sector leaders from UAE participate in World Economic Forum
UAE is set to participate in the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, taking place from 20th to 24th January 2025. The high-level delegation from UAE comprises 100 distinguished leaders from government entities and the private sector prioritizing international collaboration, the economic agenda and enhancing UAE’s global competitiveness.
UAE delegation meets French officials to strengthen cooperation
A high-level delegation from the UAE was in Paris to discuss strategies to enhance cooperation between the UAE and France in combating financial and organized crimes and bolstering international economic security. The visit aims to highlight UAE’s commitment to activating effective communication channels, aiming to reduce financial crimes in alignment with strategic goals and global AML/CFT standards.
UAE ranks among top 35 countries with largest global maritime fleets
As per the 2024 report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), UAE ranks among the top 35 countries globally with the largest shipping fleets by tonnage and capacity. Other Arab countries on the list include Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. The Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) reported out of 405 ports worldwide 10 Gulf container ports were ranked among the 70 most efficient ports globally.
UAE tops Arab list as best, most attractive destination for investment
As per the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman), UAE takes the top spot in the Arab list as the best and most attractive destination for investment and business in auto sales activity for 2024. As per Dhaman’s Q4 2024 reports five Arab nations—Saudi Arabia, Morocco, the UAE, Algeria, and Egypt—attracted 145 foreign projects, accounting for 79% of the total automotive industry projects. It is reported China was the most important investor in the Arab region with 27 projects worth USD 8 billion.
Digital Transformation pivotal in driving UAE’s progression
On the final day of the 10th Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) 2025 key panelists applauded the UAE’s visionary move in the digital journey. UAE's strategic e-government initiative was launched in the 1990s and later evolved to smart government initiatives and is inching towards advanced stages of digital governance. Talks are in place to bring into play an Artificial Intelligence Action Plan to enhance the country’s digital transformation journey.
UAE participates in International Mining Conference in Riyadh
UAE government officials participated in the International Mining Conference held in Riyadh from 14th to 16th January 2025 and took part in the roundtable meeting for ministers responsible for mining affairs. Strategies to enhance international cooperation in the mining sector and exchange of expertise for mineral exploration and development were key elements of discussion to advance the UAE’s mining sector.
Sheikh Hamdan approves 2024 Dubai happiness indices, mystery shopper results
As per the 2024 results of the Dubai Government Customer and Employee Happiness Indices average customer happiness rating stood at 93.8%, employee happiness rating was around 86.7%, and a Mystery Shopper score was around 95.8% for Dubai government entities.
DLD allows freehold conversion for Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Jaddaf properties
Dubai Land Department (DLD) announced that private property owners in the Sheikh Zayed Road area, from the Trade Centre Roundabout to the Water Canal, and in Al Jaddaf can now convert their ownership status to freehold, accessible to all nationalities. A total of 457 plots are eligible for conversion to freehold: 128 plots along Sheikh Zayed Road and 329 plots in Al Jaddaf.
