The UAE-Australia CEPA is now in force, aiming to raise annual trade from $4.2bn in 2024 to more than $10bn by 2032, while boosting investment ties
Politics & Economics
cepa
UAE-Malaysia CEPA takes effect to double trade to $13.5bn by 2032
The UAE-Malaysia CEPA, effective from October 2025, aims to double non-oil trade to $13.5bn by 2032, boosting investment in AI, healthcare and logistics
Italy
UAE-Italy trade hits $6.5bn in H1 2025 as exports surge 19%
Italy’s exports to the UAE rose 19 per cent to $4.9bn in H1 2025, with full-year trade expected to surpass $9.8bn, driven by industrial technology
Ministry of Finance - Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia unveils $350bn 2026 budget plan
Saudi Arabia’s 2026 pre-budget projects $350bn spending and $305bn revenues, with 4.6% GDP growth forecast and a 3.3% deficit
Abu Dhabi government
Abu Dhabi invests $3.54bn to become world’s first AI-native government by 2027
Abu Dhabi to showcase TAMM 4.0 at GITEX 2025 as it scales AI across 40 entities, backed by AED13bn ($3.54bn) investment to build the world’s first AI-native government
Dubai Executive Council
Sheikh Hamdan orders launch of Dubai workforce productivity measurement system
Sheikh Hamdan issues Resolution No. 67 of 2025, ordering the launch of Dubai’s Workforce Productivity Measurement System to boost efficiency
Jeddah
Saudi rent freeze, $17.5bn Riyadh sales, foreign ownership rules, startups surge – 10 key KSA stories this week
Saudi Arabia freezes rents in Riyadh, property sales hit $17.5bn, foreign ownership rules may change, and startups surge – 10 key KSA stories this week
China
Saudi Arabia, China strengthen ties with $1.74bn investment deals in Beijing
Saudi Arabia and China signed $1.74bn in investment deals spanning smart vehicles, energy, and mining at the Saudi-Chinese Business Forum in Beijing
GaStat
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports up 30.4% with China, UAE and India driving July growth
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports rose 30.4 per cent in July 2025, with China, the UAE and India driving growth as the Kingdom’s trade surplus climbed by 53.4 per cent
UAE trade
UAE–US trade hits $38bn as Minister pushes deeper economic ties
UAE–US non-oil trade reached $38bn in 2024, up 44.5 per cent in five years. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi met US leaders in New York to expand trade and investment
Dubai FDI
Dubai tops global FDI rankings with $11bn inflows and record Greenfield projects
Dubai secured $11bn FDI inflows in H1 2025, ranking No.1 globally for Greenfield projects and HQ investments
Dubai Chamber
Dubai targets Korea investments and startup ties in Seoul ahead of Expand North Star 2025
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy held 86 business meetings in Seoul, backing local startups and promoting Expand North Star 2025 as global interest grows.
Palestine
UK, Canada and Australia formally recognise Palestine, backing two-state solution
The UK, Canada and Australia have formally recognised Palestine, joining 150 nations in backing a two-state solution
Emirati entrepreneurs
UAE targets 2 million companies and 10 unicorns by 2031, says Minister of Economy
UAE aims to grow to over 2m companies and 10 unicorns by 2031, with SMEs already contributing 63.5% of non-oil GDP, says Minister Abdullah bin Touq
Abu Dhabi real estate
Next UAE holiday, Dubai property surge, Abu Dhabi real estate boom and scam warning – 10 things you missed this week
Catch up on the UAE’s biggest stories this week: long weekend dates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi property booms, Sharjah’s new city, and key economic policies.
cepa
CEPA powers $37.6bn India–UAE trade boom, leaders set sights on $100bn by 2030
India–UAE CEPA trade surges 33.9 per cent to $37.6bn in H1 2025 as leaders unveil new research roadmap, with $100bn target set for 2030
GaStat
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil trade surplus with GCC doubles to $3.2bn in Q2
Saudi Arabia posted a 119 per cent jump in its non-oil trade surplus with GCC to $3.2bn in Q2 2025 as total trade hit $14.5bn