The analysis, based on Dubai Land Department figures from 1 January to 10 April 2025, shows a total of 50,853 sales transactions during this period
Industries
bleisure travel
MENA business travel set to hit $270 billion by 2030: Report
Business travel in the MENA surged by 50% in Q1 2025, driven by economic growth and rising corporate mobility, a new report shows
acquisition
Al Ansari Financial Services acquires BFC in $200mn deal
The acquisition makes Al Ansari Financial Services the largest non-banking financial institution in the GCC region in terms of its branch network.
Dubai Economic Agenda D33
Dubai tourism soars as 94% of visitors report high satisfaction, KPMG data shows
The report underscored the changing traveller profile to Dubai, as visitors seek eco-conscious, boutique experiences with a local flavour
Bharat Mart
DP World begins construction of Bharat Mart in Dubai to boost India-UAE Trade
Set to open by late 2026, Bharat Mart will be located in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and will cover 2.7 million square feet, with the initial phase spanning 1.3 million square feet
Donald Trump
Trump tariffs to drive up UAE, Saudi Arabia construction costs up to 7%: Report
The UAE and Saudi Arabia currently have over $2.3 trillion in active projects which could be impacted by the rising prices of key materials such as steel and concrete over the next 1-2 years
Aerospace
Airbus picks Mahindra Aerostructures for manufacturing H130 helicopter fuselage in India
The first cabin assembly is scheduled for delivery by March 2027
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company
Abu Dhabi’s Masdar concludes 100% acquisition of Terna Energy
The UAE clean energy company had earlier acquired 70% stake in the Greek company; Move to provide significant capital investment in EU countries
acquisition
Prada Group to acquire Versace in a $1.375 billion cash deal
Versace to maintain its creative DNA and cultural authenticity, while benefitting from the full strength of Prada’s consolidated platform
Brand View
Range Developments unveils Island Heights on Al Marjan Island
With its latest luxury launch in Ras Al Khaimah, Range Developments positions itself at the centre of a booming investment story
Aviation
Flydubai to retrofit 21 737 MAX aircraft with larger Boeing space bins
flydubai operates a fleet of 88 Boeing 737 aircraft, 59 of which are 737 MAX
Al Maktoum International Airport
Dubai Airports expands Autism training for 45,000 staff
The initiative supports Dubai’s goal of becoming a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD)
Creative economy
Saudi Arabia’s creator economy surges 32% in Q1 2025, TikTok leads growth: Report
User-generated content is transforming Saudi digital engagement, with TikTok’s explosive popularity and rising influencer earnings shaping market dynamics
Abu Dhabi
ADNOC Distribution, Al Masaood ink major UAE lubricants supply deal
The agreement extends across Al Masaood’s key verticals, including its automotive and industrial divisions
electric vehicle
Chinese EV giant IM Motors enters UAE market through Smart Mobility International partnership
The agreement marks IM Motors’ entry into the GCC market, beginning with the UAE, and with plans to expand into Saudi Arabia later this year
assets under management
India-based Ambit Global Private Client expands footprint into Dubai
The new entity, Ambit Global Private Client (MENA) Limited, is the result of the strategic acquisition of Dubai-based Moonrock Investments Ltd by Ambit
