Author: Dr Issac PJ
The UAE is set to emerge among the strongest economic performers in the Gulf in 2026, achieving overall GDP growth of 4.3 per cent, according to the latest outlook released by the Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI).The report also offers a bullish vision for the broader Gulf region — one built on accelerating diversification, digital transformation and sustained investment.MEI’s projections place Mena growth at 3.6 per cent in 2026, outpacing the global forecast of 3.1 per cent. Against this backdrop, the UAE stands out, with MEI expecting GDP growth of 4.3 per cent and non-oil expansion close to 5 per cent.…
Blue Ocean Corporation has expanded its Middle East and North Africa footprint with the opening of a new office in Cairo and the launch of its first International Procurement & Supply Chain Conference (IPSC) in Egypt.The company, ranked as the world’s top provider of supply chain training and consulting, said the move reflects Egypt’s growing importance as a strategic logistics and trade hub.The Cairo office becomes the latest addition to Blue Ocean’s international network, which includes branches in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the UK and major cities across India. The Egypt edition of IPSC builds on the conference’s global track…
The UAE has issued a new Federal Decree-Law introducing major amendments to the Commercial Companies Law, marking the latest step in a broader 2025 reform programme aimed at strengthening the country’s position as a global business destination.The new provisions modernise corporate structures, expand financing options, and create more flexible pathways for businesses operating across the UAE’s diverse jurisdictions. Together, these changes are designed to increase competitiveness, support innovation and attract new investment across both commercial and social sectors.One of the most notable updates is the formal introduction of the non-profit company — an entirely new category within the UAE’s business…
The way people shop in the UAE is undergoing a radical transformation, with artificial intelligence and digital tools driving a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour, according to fresh data released by Visa.Visa’s survey, conducted between October 14 and October 28, 2025, among 1,000 UAE adults, reveals that about 8 in 10, or 80 per cent, of respondents now use AI to guide their shopping: for product research, price comparisons, gift inspiration and more.The company’s UAE Country Manager described the trend as a “fundamental reimagining of commerce”.This surge is confirmed by external research. A 2025 retail study from fintech platform Adyen…
Businesses across the UAE are projecting some of the strongest trade confidence worldwide, outpacing global peers as they navigate tariff shifts and expand cross-border partnerships, according to HSBC’s latest Global Trade Pulse Survey.The findings reflect a business ecosystem that has become one of the most vibrant, resilient and opportunity-rich in the world.The survey shows that 68 per cent of UAE companies reported positive revenue impacts from trade and tariff policies over the past six months — well above the global average of 56 per cent. Only 15 per cent reported negative impacts, compared with 26 per cent globally. Meanwhile, 70…
The UAE has secured a position among the world’s top performers in project management, ranking eighth globally with 23,670 active Project Management Institute (PMI) certifications, according to newly released data.The milestone reflects the country’s sustained investment in professional excellence and its reliance on structured project delivery to power some of the world’s most ambitious national initiatives.Project management has become a defining pillar of the UAE’s economic model. The country’s rapid transition toward knowledge-based, innovation-driven growth has created heavy demand for professionals capable of steering complex projects across sectors such as aviation, tourism, real estate, advanced technology, green energy and digital…
Global investment firm Tomorrow World Group has unveiled an ambitious Dh8 billion real-estate development pipeline, setting the stage for a dramatic transformation of Dubai’s skyline beginning in 2026.The announcement underscores the company’s 20-year legacy in Dubai and marks its transition from investor to full-fledged developer focused on shaping the city’s future. Between 2026 and 2028, Tomorrow World plans to launch more than 20 projects — a mix of luxury waterfront residential communities and modern commercial landmarks. Among the first slated for release are Tomorrow 166, a boutique residential enclave on Dubai Islands designed for families and investors looking for refined island…
The UAE and China have moved to turbocharge one of the world’s fastest-growing economic relationships, unveiling a series of entrepreneurship and technology agreements designed to propel bilateral trade from $101.8 billion in 2024 to an ambitious $200 billion by 2030.The announcement came at the UAE–China Entrepreneurs Forum in Shanghai, where more than 60 Chinese advanced-technology start-ups joined leading Emirati business and government figures to map out the next phase of cross-border innovation.The scale of collaboration is significant: the Forum focused on high-growth sectors including artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, fintech, sustainable manufacturing and advanced industrial technologies — all areas that…
Abu Dhabi has sharpened its global economic ambitions with a high-impact diplomatic and investment push into India and Singapore — a move designed to accelerate the growth of three strategic innovation clusters projected to inject Dh228 billion into the emirate’s GDP by 2045.The clusters, spanning smart mobility, food and water security, and next-generation healthcare, are also expected to create more than 120,000 jobs and attract Dh200 billion in new investments. With those stakes in mind, Abu Dhabi’s leadership spent the past week forging deeper collaborations with two of Asia’s most dynamic economies, laying the groundwork for partnerships that will feed…
The UAE property market is on track to end 2025 on a record-breaking note, with strong investor demand, rising population and robust economic fundamentals driving activity across key emirates.As 2026 begins, the UAE is entering a more balanced phase. Supply is rising, demand remains healthy, and market cycles are becoming more predictable. Analysts from Moody’s and Fitch describe the period ahead as one of measured growth, rather than the exuberance of the last two years.According to CBRE, Colliers, Cavendish Maxwell and Property Finder, the year delivered new highs in transactions and price growth, even as early signs of normalisation appeared.The…