The GCC is the top destination for Dubai Chamber of Commerce member exports
Politics & Economics
Abu Dhabi Investment Office
Abu Dhabi and Shanghai partner to boost trade and investment
Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce sign agreement to strengthen economic ties
Bitcoin
Crypto market hits ‘extreme fear’ zone: Trump tariffs, US economy slowdown trigger market volatility
Beyond trade tensions, crypto markets are facing uncertainty over a potential US economic slowdown, exacerbated after a raft of weak readings on consumer sentiment
GaStat
Saudi Arabia sees massive increase in non-oil exports as trade passes $136bn in December
Saudi Arabia has reported significant growth in the value of non-oil exports as chemical industry thrives
Italy
UAE to invest $40bn in Italy
The UAE has announced major investments in Italy as trade passed $14bn last year
GCC economic outlook
Non-oil sector to be the region’s main engine of economic growth
PwC releases Middle East Economy Watch; Says government ambitions, non-oil sector growth and fiscal prudence to continue spurring growth
Brand Finance
UAE ranked 10th in Global Soft Power Index as nation brand climbs to $1.2tn on growth potential, diplomacy and influence
UAE is emerging as a global superpower on back of diplomatic efforts and strong economy
Dubai Chamber
Dubai sees massive increase in international companies with India, Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, Türkiye and UK leading the charge
Dubai Chamber of Commerce sees surge in companies from Iraq, Türkiye and UK
Employee
Saudi Arabia’s new labour law mandates 12-week maternity leave, notice period updates: Report
Here all all the amendments made to Saudi Arabia’s labour law
Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson praises Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic emergence, women’s rights and technological advancements
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson lauds Saudi Arabia’s growing diplomatic and cultural achievements
idex
IDEX and NAVDEX 2025: UAE announces defence and security deals worth $5.4bn
Tawazun Council reveals major UAE security deals signed at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025
Citizenship by Investment
US citizens lead global rush for second passports as Malta tops citizenship rankings
Monaco and the UAE achieved perfect scores for tax benefits in the residence program rankings, while EU member states dominated in visa-free travel access
geopolitics
Saudi Arabia hosts Russia-US talks on Ukraine peace plan
Zelenskyy cancels planned Saudi visit as Ukraine demands security pledges, European leaders seek guarantees
DIFC
DIFC Courts growing workload – 114 claims filed for $7.6bn in 2024
Small Claims Tribunal records 592 claims; 11.2% increase in the number of registered law firms in the emirates to 208
General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)
Saudi Arabia’s inflation records marginal rise to 2% in January 2025
The January inflation is driven mainly by an increase in the prices of housing, water, electricity, gas and fuels section
Abu Dhabi business
New tax in the UAE; Blue Visa launched; Saudi megaproject guide; Dubai Loop announced – 10 things you missed this week
New taxes and visa in the UAE, Elon Musk reveals Dubai Loop plan; Saudi megaprojects revealed, expected Ramadan dates and more top stories this week
world government summit
UAE announces World Governments Summit 2026
World Governments Summit will return to the UAE next year
