The UAE accounted for more than 70% of MENA trading activity as Capital.com reported record half-year volumes, underscoring the region’s rise as a global hub for online trading
UAE
Dubai
Global investors Permira, Blackstone take $525mn minority stake in Property Finder
General Atlantic sells part of its stake but retains a significant minority shareholding in the fast-growing Dubai-based property portal
Abu Dhabi
MAIR Group to transform MBZ Stadium area into a commercial destination
An 80,000sqm area to be developed to create an integrated commercial centre featuring entertainment and healthy lifestyle focused services
Bassem Youssef
Bassem Youssef to perform live in Dubai on November 16
The performance will be delivered in English and is organised by entertainment company Blu Blood with the support of Dubai Calendar
ADNOC
UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Plant completes first year of full operations with four reactors
The reactor units at the plant are providing 25 per cent of the country’s electricity needs and significantly contributing to UAE’s clean energy transition
Dubai
Dubai Municipality launches first sand equestrian track in Hatta Mountains
The project operates under the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta and supports the emirate’s comprehensive development plan for the area
Dubai tourism
Dubai announces new rules to boost tourist transport
Dubai RTA has issued a new regulation for tourist transport, enhancing service quality, safety and visitor experience to support the emirate’s tourism growth
Dubai shopping
Dubai startup Luxury For You debuts members-only platform with $300m designer collections
Dubai-born Luxury For You launches with free membership, insider pricing on 1,200 designer brands, $300m collections, and global shipping to 130 countries
Aviation
UAE aviation sector fuels 207,000 jobs and $92bn economy as DXB stays world’s busiest airport
UAE aviation drives $92bn economy, 18 per cent of GDP, with DXB the world’s busiest airport, 160m passenger capacity and 4.36m tonnes of cargo in 2024
Abu Dhabi Global Market
Abu Dhabi’s ADGM hits record 11,000 licences and $136bn market cap in H1 2025
ADGM posts record growth in H1 2025 with 11,128 licences, AED 500bn ($136bn) market cap, and 42 per cent AUM surge as Abu Dhabi strengthens its global hub role
GDP
UAE GDP grows 3.9% to $124bn in Q1 2025 as non-oil economy hits record 77.3 per cent share
UAE GDP grew 3.9 percent to $124bn in Q1 2025, with non-oil sectors hitting a record 77.3 per cent share as manufacturing and finance lead growth
Abu Dhabi real estate
Abu Dhabi real estate deals hit $16.65bn in 2025
Abu Dhabi real estate deals hit $16.65bn in 2025, with strong sales, mortgages and rising demand for off-plan properties
Aviation
UAE airports handled over 1bn passengers and 6.4m flights in 10 years
UAE aviation hits 1 billion passengers and 6.4 million flights in a decade, ranking first worldwide in air transport quality
Dubai events
DXB LIVE grows 40% in H1 2025 as Dubai events industry expands globally
DXB LIVE posts 40 per cent growth in H1 2025, delivering 127 events and global showcases from GITEX Africa to World of Coffee Dubai
Dubai
UAE proptech startup PRYPCO secures major funding from General Catalyst for real estate innovation
The investment marks General Catalyst’s first PropTech commitment in the Middle East region
Dubai
Dubai’s Emirates expands Premium Economy service to New York JFK routes
Customers travelling between Dubai and Milan will be able to select Premium Economy seats on Emirates from two daily flights
Real Estate
REEF Developments to eliminate down payment for salaried UAE residents
The company launches a CSR initiative, titled ‘The -20 By REEF’, aiming to make home ownership more accessible