Google has published a report detailing the economic impact of its services, conducted by the research agency Public First. The report highlights how Google’s products, including search, maps, advertising tools, Google Pay, and YouTube, have supported individuals, local businesses, content creators, and developers in the UAE throughout 2024.
The findings emphasize how Google’s AI-driven tools enhance daily life and productivity for both individuals and companies across the Emirates, contributing to overall economic growth. Public First estimates that Google has added approximately AED 21.8 billion to the UAE’s economy in 2024.
Anthony Nakash, General Manager of Google in the Middle East and North Africa, remarked on the future of AI in the UAE, noting that the journey began in 2017 when the country appointed a dedicated Minister of Artificial Intelligence, reflecting the government’s forward-thinking vision. He expressed admiration for the serious approach taken towards creating a clear national strategy that includes skill development, infrastructure enhancement, and partnerships with leading companies like Google to ensure economic and social value is achieved.
Nakash explained that the report reflects Google’s commitment to accelerating the UAE’s ambitious transition to a diversified economy supported by AI. Through strategic investments, local partnerships, and AI-driven tools, the company delivers significant economic value and aims to empower individuals, businesses, and communities throughout the Emirates.
Google is equipping UAE residents with essential digital and AI capabilities for the economy of the future. The report highlights that since 2018, over 430,000 individuals in the UAE have received training in digital skills and basic AI through Google’s primary training initiative, “Skills from Google.” This effort includes fostering a diverse and mature ecosystem for developers. In 2024, the Android and Google Play ecosystem is expected to create 30,000 job opportunities in the UAE, according to the report.
Public First conducted online surveys with 1,110 adults and 389 business leaders in the UAE. These surveys were administered in both English and Arabic during March 2025. All results were adjusted using proportional frequency weighting, or ‘Raking’. The outcomes for the online adult population were weighted by age, gender, education level, and region to align with national representation. A detailed methodology is provided in the report. Economic estimates are sourced from official data and Public First’s proprietary information.
Key Findings of the Report
Enhancing Daily Life for Residents in the UAE
Google’s services offer users an average benefit of AED 683 per month for the average individual in the UAE.
63% of adults in the UAE reported using Gemini, Google’s AI-driven assistant.
90% of users agreed that Gemini has helped them become more productive.
71% of users found Gemini easier to use in Arabic compared to other AI chatbots.
50% of adults in the UAE consider Google Search an essential part of their daily lives.
89% of UAE adults stated that Google Maps and/or Waze were very helpful in preventing them from getting lost.
90% of adults agreed that the ability to make contactless payments via apps like GPay or GWallet simplifies their lives.
Supporting Business Growth in the UAE
91% of companies in the UAE utilize at least one AI tool in their operations.
73% of individuals aged 18-24 reported using Google Search at least weekly for shopping or browsing products online.
80% of adults in the UAE use Google Maps and/or Waze at least once a month to locate local businesses.
86% checked Google reviews before visiting a business or location at least once a month.
94% of adults utilized Google Search at least once a month to compare prices of products and services.
97% of public sector employees in the UAE affirmed that Google’s AI tools enhance their workplace productivity.
Empowering Communities in the UAE
The Android app economy generated over AED 455 million in revenue for developers based in the UAE in 2024.
There are over 600 YouTube channels in the UAE with more than one million subscribers, reflecting a 15% year-over-year increase.
Google’s News Initiative has trained over 20,000 journalists and journalism students across the MENA region, including the UAE.