With $190M raised in Q1 2025, the UAE leads MENA in venture capital growth, backed by sovereign funds, fintech dominance, and strategic economic reforms supporting innovation.
Dubai’s prime real estate market hits record highs with $10M+ deals, driven by global investors and strong incentives, despite new tariff risks and supply chain pressures.
Abu Dhabi hosts Goldman Sachs summit as hedge funds flock to Al Maryah Island, signaling its rise as a global capital hub with $1.7T in sovereign wealth and long-term cultural investments.
Amid plunging oil prices and global energy tensions, Secretary Chris Wright will kick off a two-week trip to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar to push for increased production, assess nuclear cooperation, and align Gulf partners with Washington’s evolving energy strategy.
UAE oil sector growth slowed in March 2025 as the PMI fell to 54.0, the lowest in six months. New orders and job growth declined, but purchasing activity remained strong.
South Africa’s Absa Group is forming a team in Dubai to launch operations in 2026. The bank aims to boost African-Gulf investment ties, focusing on sectors like infrastructure and energy.
The European Commission will decide by May 12, 2025, on ADNOC’s takeover of Covestro, a €15.9 billion deal that could reshape the global chemicals industry and expand ADNOC’s high-tech materials portfolio.
South Africa’s Absa Group plans to launch a Dubai office in early 2026 to support growing trade between the Middle East and Africa and serve clients investing in African infrastructure.
The UAE reveals April fuel prices, showing a continued decline in petrol and diesel costs to reflect global oil trends and support local motorists and commercial transport.
Dubai’s population hits 3.9 million in Q1 2025, with forecasts pointing to 4 million by year-end as strong migration, tourism, and investment continue driving the emirate’s economic expansion.
US law firm Paul Hastings opens new Abu Dhabi office led by Dean Eshanov and George Kazakov to serve as a regional hub for cross-border energy, infrastructure, and investment deals.
Cerebras Systems secures CFIUS approval by limiting G42 to non-voting shares, easing national security concerns ahead of its $1 billion IPO and challenge to Nvidia’s AI dominance.
The UAE signed trade agreements with Malaysia, New Zealand, Kenya, Ukraine and the Central African Republic under its CEPA strategy, boosting diversification and cementing its role as a global trade hub.