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The World Bank has raised its forecast for the UAE’s gross domestic product to 4.6 percent in 2025, marking a notable upward revision of 0.6 percentage points from its January outlook. The renewed projection is driven by strong momentum in non‑oil sectors—tourism, construction, transportation and finance—while the phased easing of OPEC+ production cuts is expected to support oil output growth.

Overall GCC growth is also tipped to rise to 3.2 percent in 2025, climbing further to 4.5 percent in 2026 and 4.8 percent in 2027. Globally, however, the World Bank projects a slowdown to 2.3 percent in 2025, the weakest expansion outside recessions since 2008 — due mainly to elevated trade tensions and policy uncertainty.

Within the UAE, the non‑oil sector is poised to expand by roughly 4.9 percent in 2025, outpacing oil‑based growth. This upturn reflects robust activity in tourism, real estate, transport, and financial services. The first nine months of 2024 saw non‑oil GDP rise by 4.5 percent, a stronger contributor than the 1.5 percent growth recorded in oil GDP.

Analysts point to the UAE’s strategic economic diversification as central to this trajectory. Public investment in infrastructure and tech industries, alongside governance reforms aimed at enhancing the business environment, have significantly boosted competitiveness. Free‑zone facilities and logistics integration—especially in Abu Dhabi—are improving supply chain efficiency, while the nation’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements are broadening international trade links.

OPEC+ adjustments remain influential. The group is implementing a gradual withdrawal from voluntary oil output limits between May 2025 and September 2026, which the World Bank says will bolster oil GDP amid global price pressures. The UAE’s oil GDP is thus anticipated to gain ground after a lull, providing a stabilising complement to the diversification agenda.

Risks persist, including uncertainty around global trade, fluctuating energy prices, and regulatory slowdowns. The World Bank notes that logistics sectors across the GCC could be affected by broader trade disruptions. Meanwhile, lower oil revenues may limit fiscal flexibility, even as sovereign buffers remain robust.

In Abu Dhabi, economic diversification efforts are visibly gaining traction. The non‑oil sector there grew by 6.2 percent in 2024, representing over half of the emirate’s GDP at AED 644.3 billion. Large‑scale initiatives—such as new business districts, enhanced transport infrastructure, and collaborative zones linking academia with private industry—are expanding economic capacity.

Despite global headwinds, the UAE’s fiscal position remains sound. The 2024 fiscal surplus stood at approximately 4.6 percent of GDP, supported by counter‑cyclical spending and healthy sovereign reserves. Inflation has moderated to near 2.3 percent, with the Central Bank maintaining supportive liquidity without compromising price stability.

Employment is also expected to benefit. The International Labour Organization projects job growth to remain around 3.3 percent in 2025, with unemployment steady at roughly 2.1 percent. Nonetheless, structural issues—such as high youth unemployment and gender disparities—persist, particularly among younger and female cohorts.

Looking ahead, the UAE is on track to sustain growth above 4 percent through 2027, with oil and non‑oil sectors contributing in tandem. Yet, global vulnerabilities underscore the need for continued diversification, fiscal prudence and trade resilience.

Sixty per cent of Fortune 500 companies are now engaged in blockchain initiatives, according to the second-quarter “State of Crypto” report from Coinbase. The survey, conducted among executives of America’s largest firms, reveals that blockchain is no longer peripheral but central to corporate strategy across sectors.

The survey also highlights a dynamic surge in stablecoin use, with supply growing 54 per cent year-on-year. Small and medium-sized US businesses are following suit: about one-third currently use crypto, a share that has doubled since 2024. Among SMBs not yet involved, 46 per cent plan to adopt crypto within the next three years, and 82 per cent view it as a remedy for key financial challenges.

Institutional interest remains robust, with over 80 per cent of large investors planning to expand crypto exposure this year. Furthermore, a fifth of Fortune 500 executives perceives on‑chain blockchain efforts as integral to long-term strategy.

The report underscores a notable shift in corporate attitudes: 83 per cent of Fortune 500 executives familiar with crypto or blockchain confirm their companies have launched or are planning initiatives. Of these, the lion’s share—approximately 60 per cent—have progressed from pre-launch to live status since 2022.

Tech, finance and retail dominate these efforts. Data collection and management rank as leading use cases, followed by infrastructure concerns. Experts describe blockchain as “foundational” for enhancing transparency and automating operations. Larry Fink, chair and chief executive of BlackRock, noted that blockchain could “change the whole ecosystem” of securities trading by enabling “instantaneous settlement” and complete transparency of ownership.

Stablecoins, deemed a ‘killer application’ by Jose Fernandez da Ponte, SVP of Blockchain, Crypto and Digital Currencies at PayPal, have gained traction for facilitating global payments and preserving the dollar’s reserve status. BlackRock’s tokenised Treasury fund, BUIDL, has outpaced Franklin Templeton, now standing at approximately US $382 million, and is routinely used by hedge funds as collateral.

Yet regulation remains a critical concern. According to Coinbase’s findings, 90‑plus per cent of surveyed executives insist on the need for new rules specifically tailored to crypto and blockchain technologies rather than adapting obsolete frameworks. Eighty-seven per cent assert that clearer regulation is essential for preserving US leadership in the global financial system.

This regulatory environment has significant implications. Coinbase warns the US risks losing up to one million web3 developer jobs and three million related non‑technical positions by 2030 if regulatory ambiguities persist. Its share of global crypto development has already dropped from 40 to 29 per cent over the past six years.

Executives also cite talent shortages: nearly one in three identify insufficient skilled personnel as a major barrier, surpassing concerns about regulation. Among small businesses, half intend to seek finance, legal or tech professionals with crypto expertise in their next hiring round.

Despite headwinds, many companies push ahead. JPMorgan Chase executed its first DeFi transaction on a public blockchain, while ExxonMobil piloted crypto‑mining operations powered by excess gas. Retailer Lowe’s implemented blockchain and NFTs to combat theft by tracking stolen tools, and Nike integrated apparel NFTs into video games through a collaboration with EA Sports.

On the SMB front, crypto usage has grown dramatically. One in three US small and medium enterprises is already harnessing crypto for payments, payroll or treasury functions, up from one in six last year. Among those not yet using crypto, almost half aim to adopt it within three years. Four in five believe crypto could alleviate financial pain points such as transactional delays and steep fees.

The report indicates a tipping point. On‑chain U.S. Treasury holdings have topped $1.29 billion, representing a tenfold increase since early 2023. Total assets under management in spot Bitcoin ETFs now exceed $63 billion, and the U.S. stablecoin market cleared $10 trillion in annual transaction volume last year.

With blockchain moving from pilot to scale, traditional institutions like PayPal and Stripe are making stablecoin integration simple for merchants and users. Stripe now enables USDC payments across Ethereum, Solana and Polygon, with fiat conversions handled automatically. PayPal supports cross‑border stablecoin transfers in around 160 countries, eliminating transaction charges typically levied by remittance services.

These developments coincide with a broader surge in Web3 infrastructure investment. Total value locked in tokenised real‑world assets—ranging from fixed income to environmental credits—is approaching $2.4 billion, with US tokenised Treasuries alone surpassing US $1.2 billion in Q1 2024. Global institutional adoption continues apace, and tokenised assets are projected to reach US $16 trillion by 2030—equivalent to the EU’s GDP.

ENOC Group and DP World have formalised a significant Memorandum of Understanding today in Dubai to enhance emergency response capabilities across the emirate’s energy and logistics infrastructure. The agreement mandates an annual coordinated drill and shared updates to crisis protocols, underlining a commitment to reducing response times and bolstering resilience.

The pact was signed at ENOC’s headquarters by Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO of ENOC, and Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC. Al Falasi commented that the MoU “marks a significant stride forward in solidifying our commitment to the highest safety standards and emergency preparedness”, while Bin Damithan emphasised that safety “underpins everything we do at DP World”.

Under the MoU, ENOC and DP World will conduct a yearly joint exercise involving both companies’ emergency teams. This drill aims to sharpen training, preparedness and coordination. Additionally, both firms will regularly revise emergency response plans and align on external engagement protocols for rapid and unified action.

The agreement builds on ENOC’s ongoing investment in emergency readiness. In 2022, the company launched an Emergency Response Centre in Jebel Ali in collaboration with Dubai Civil Defence. Its personnel have also undergone advanced HAZMAT and fire-risk assessment training at the International Fire Training Centre in the UK—equipping first responders to handle complex rescue operations in high-risk settings.

Industry observers note that this partnership addresses key vulnerabilities in energy and logistics sectors—areas crucial to Dubai’s economic stability. By synchronising emergency plans and conducting joint drills, both entities aim to strengthen institutional preparedness and minimise disruption.

From a strategic standpoint, DP World’s endorsement of this MoU underscores its broader resilience agenda. The global ports and logistics firm has in the past engaged in humanitarian logistics initiatives, such as disaster-relief coordination via its Logistics Emergency Team in crises like Ukraine and Haiti. Aligning with ENOC’s fire and hazmat capabilities provides the potential for a more comprehensive emergency response ecosystem.

Public safety experts say coordinated exercises are vital for effective crisis management, as they test systems, highlight operational shortcomings, and reinforce communication between organisations—especially in high-stakes environments like oil terminals and container ports.

Dubai continues to elevate its emergency preparedness. Government entities regularly collaborate with corporate partners to mount drills and capacity building, aiming to keep pace with the complexities of rapid urban growth and sectoral interdependence.

With this MoU, ENOC and DP World are not merely aiming to improve reactive measures; they are fostering a forward-looking culture of continuous preparedness. Regular joint drills, shared emergency planning and cross-company collaboration set a benchmark for crisis readiness across the UAE’s critical infrastructure sectors.

UAE’s car market is undergoing a fundamental shift as lifestyle-driven mobility rises to prominence, reshaping consumer choices from metal to experience. A surge in preference for digitally enabled, subscription-based, and autonomous transportation is aligning with the emirates’ drive for sustainable, high-tech urban living. Automakers and transport authorities are adapting, marking a new era for mobility in the region.

At the forefront is the uptake of connected and autonomous vehicles. A 2024 Astute Analytica report found that the UAE invested US $500 million in autonomous and connected vehicle infrastructure, and government surveys show that nearly 60 per cent of residents are open to self-driving cars once available . Dubai aims for 25 per cent of its transport network to operate autonomously by 2030, while Abu Dhabi is piloting robotaxis under a combined Dubai Roads and Transport Authority and DP World initiative . Chinese mobility pioneer WeRide has commenced fully driverless robotaxi trials in Abu Dhabi and holds significant UAE licences, further cementing the country’s status as a regional testbed .

Parallel to autonomy, digital car buying and subscription services are gaining ground. A global study by Arthur D. Little reports that UAE has the highest percentage worldwide of buyers willing to complete vehicle purchases entirely online, with 53 per cent preferring full digital transactions . It also notes more than half of car buyers intend to purchase hybrid or electric models for their next car . Major brands such as Jaguar‑Land Rover, Audi and Volvo have launched subscription models allowing flexible short‑term access to vehicles, reflecting a deeper shift from ownership to access .

Luxury meets lifestyle in a market defined by adventure and affluence. The UAE’s love for off‑road capable SUVs—icons like Land Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser and Mercedes G‑Class—remains strong, supported by driving culture and desert heritage . At the same time, social media has amplified the aspirational value of high‑performance and bespoke vehicles, prompting services offering vehicle customisation and luxury rentals to expand .

Despite their prestige, sustainable mobility options are advancing steadily. Government plans aim for EVs to account for 10 per cent of all vehicles by 2030; Dubai Electricity and Water Authority intends to install 1,000 public charging points by 2025 . Financial incentives including free parking and toll exemptions support uptake. While less than 15 per cent of buyers currently prefer full battery‑electric vehicles , more than 50 per cent plan to choose hybrid or electric options next .

Shared mobility and micro‑mobility solutions are gaining traction among urban dwellers. The UAE’s ride‑hailing market grew to US $1.3 billion in 2023, and car‑sharing usage surged by 30 per cent to over 200,000 subscribers . Platforms like Careem, ekar and others expand convenient access while supporting sustainability goals .

Pre‑owned and rental markets also reflect shifting lifestyle demands. The luxury car rental segment caters to business travellers and experience‑seeking residents, accounting for over half of regional luxury rentals . Certified pre‑owned programmes and digital platforms make premium vehicles accessible and promote circular economy models .

Industry participants are racing to adapt. Six major dealers—including Al Futtaim Motors and Al Habtoor—control more than 62 per cent of the auto market by offering hybrid and electric models, digital sales funnels, and after‑sales personalisation services . Additionally, more than 80 per cent of UAE and KSA consumers now value in‑car digital services and are willing to share data for personalised experiences .

Strategic foreign investment continues to flow. In 2024, DP World handled a record 1.3 million vehicles, up 53 per cent year‑on‑year. China led automotive investments region‑wide, with 27 projects worth US $8 billion, generating 20,000 jobs . The UAE attracted 145 automotive projects valued at US $22 billion, solidifying its regional industry leadership .

Air mobility is emerging as a bold frontier. Authorities, including the General Civil Aviation Authority and Technology Innovation Institute, are mapping aerial corridors for air taxis and drones with a view to commercial roll‑out by 2026. Vertiports are under construction as Dubai aims to launch urban air taxi operations in early 2026 . Collaborations with global developers such as Volocopter and Joby Aviation underscore UAE’s intent to lead advanced mobility innovation.

Demographic and behavioural trends are shifting expectations. UAE’s younger, tech‑savvy population demands multimodal transport, sustainable choices, and flexible ownership. European research shows Gen Z and millennials prefer compact, shared, and electric vehicles, and lease options tied to services—mirroring emerging patterns in the Emirates . The convergence of digital retail, in‑car connectivity, autonomous capabilities and lifestyle choices is now the defining feature of the market.

That convergence gives rise to dynamic policy alignment and infrastructure development. Dubai’s Autonomous Transportation Strategy ambitions to ease congestion and strengthen economic diversification, while public‑private partnerships are building the ecosystem for AI‑enabled transport .

The transformation is clear: the UAE auto sector is evolving from a conventional showroom‑focused industry to an experiential mobility ecosystem. Consumers expect seamless digital transactions, autonomous options, flexible subscriptions, and elevated experiences. Governments and businesses are aligning investment and strategy to meet these expectations, fusing luxury with sustainability, and individual desire with urban resilience.

As the 2030 horizon approaches, next‑generation mobility is no longer an aspiration but a reality rolling on UAE roads, in the air, and on digital platforms—heralding a new age for the Gulf’s automotive narrative.

DP World Trade Finance and JP Morgan have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing access to working capital in emerging markets. This collaboration seeks to address the estimated $2.5 trillion global trade finance gap that disproportionately affects small and medium-sized enterprises in developing economies.

The alliance’s inaugural transaction facilitated the procurement of cocoa from Ivory Coast by a leading global food company, unlocking over $70 million in annual procurement opportunities. This deal not only provided significant value to the Ivorian economy but also demonstrated the potential of combining logistics and financial services to mitigate credit risks in supply chains.

Raj Jit Singh Wallia, Board Member at DP World Trade Finance, emphasized the importance of integrating logistics and finance to reduce credit risk profiles and enhance liquidity in emerging markets. He noted that this transaction is one of many anticipated through the partnership, especially as trade expands in regions like Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

James Fraser, Global Head of Trade & Working Capital at JP Morgan, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting global trade through innovative financing solutions. He expressed enthusiasm about working together to broaden access to structured trade finance in pivotal markets via innovative financial frameworks.

The partnership aims to leverage risk-sharing mechanisms and combine them with logistics expertise to reduce the overall credit risk profile, thereby enhancing liquidity in markets where traditional lenders are hesitant due to limited credit data. By co-managing trade finance transactions, DP World and JP Morgan intend to provide more inclusive trade participation opportunities for businesses in developing economies.

Major technology companies are exploring stablecoin integration to reduce transaction fees and enhance global payment efficiency, signaling a potential shift in the digital payments landscape.

Apple is reportedly in discussions with Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, to explore potential integration of stablecoin payments into its ecosystem. This move could enable seamless, tap-to-pay transactions using USDC on Apple devices, leveraging the company’s recent decision to open its NFC technology to third-party developers. Such integration would allow users to conduct transactions without relying on traditional banking intermediaries, potentially reducing costs and increasing transaction speed.

Airbnb is collaborating with Worldpay to explore stablecoin payouts, aiming to mitigate the high fees associated with Visa and Mastercard transactions. By integrating stablecoin payments, Airbnb seeks to offer a more cost-effective and efficient payment solution for its global user base. Worldpay’s partnership with stablecoin infrastructure startup BVNK further supports this initiative, enabling businesses to make payouts using stablecoins without the need to handle digital assets directly.

X, formerly known as Twitter, is developing its payments platform, X Money, which is set to launch later this year. The platform will feature Visa as its first partner, enabling secure and instant funding to users’ X Wallets via Visa Direct. X Money has obtained money transmitter licenses in 41 US states and is banking with Citibank, with agreements with Stripe and Adyen. The integration of stablecoin payments into X Money could offer users a seamless and efficient payment experience, aligning with Elon Musk’s vision of transforming X into an “everything app.”

Google Cloud has already taken steps toward stablecoin integration by supporting PayPal’s PYUSD on its Web3 Faucet. This initiative allows developers to access testnet PYUSD on Ethereum and Solana, facilitating the development and testing of applications that utilize stablecoin payments. By providing these tools, Google Cloud aims to support the growth of Web3 applications and the broader adoption of stablecoins in digital commerce.

Stablecoins now account for over 80% of total spot trading volume in the cryptocurrency market in 2025, solidifying their position as the primary medium of exchange across major digital asset platforms.

This shift marks a significant evolution in the structure of crypto markets, where fiat-backed digital tokens have overtaken traditional currency pairs in trading activity. Tether’s USDT leads this transformation, commanding approximately 80% of stablecoin payment volume, underscoring its role as the most liquid and widely used asset in the ecosystem.

The stablecoin market has experienced substantial growth, with its total capitalization surpassing $250 billion. This expansion is attributed to increasing institutional adoption and the demand for stable, dollar-pegged assets in volatile markets. USDT’s market cap alone has exceeded $90 billion, reflecting its central role in facilitating crypto transactions.

Regulatory developments have played a crucial role in this growth. In the United States, the proposed Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act aims to provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins, encouraging broader issuance by traditional financial institutions. Similarly, the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, effective from December 2024, offers legal clarity for crypto assets, including stablecoins, fostering their integration into the financial system.

The dominance of stablecoins is also evident in trading behaviors. USDT pairs, such as BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT, have become the preferred trading pairs on major exchanges, offering high liquidity and minimal slippage. This preference is particularly pronounced during periods of market volatility, where traders seek the stability of dollar-pegged assets.

The integration of stablecoins into traditional financial systems is further exemplified by their use in cross-border payments and settlements. Companies like WorldPay have reported a 50% reduction in settlement times through the adoption of stablecoin-based systems. Additionally, the use of stablecoins in cross-border transactions is gaining traction in regions like Asia and Europe, where regulatory clarity and technological infrastructure support their adoption.

The strategic importance of stablecoins is underscored by their growing role in global finance. With the majority of stablecoins pegged to the U.S. dollar, they reinforce the dollar’s dominance in international trade and finance. This trend is expected to continue as regulatory frameworks mature and institutional adoption increases.

Saudi Arabia’s premier travel company, Almosafer, has been appointed the first global travel agency partner of Hotel Management Company Adeera, a firm backed by the Public Investment Fund . The partnership is designed to bolster the Kingdom’s hospitality sector by integrating Adeera’s hotel brands into Almosafer’s expansive travel platforms, targeting both domestic and international travellers.

This collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy and enhance the tourism industry. By leveraging Almosafer’s digital reach and Adeera’s commitment to authentic Saudi hospitality, the alliance seeks to offer seamless booking experiences and promote the Kingdom’s cultural heritage to a global audience.

Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “Our expansive digital reach and integrated platforms make us the perfect partner to showcase PIF company Adeera’s authentic Saudi hospitality brand and services to the world.” He highlighted the goal of connecting travellers to the unique culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia through this initiative.

Stefan Leser, CEO of Adeera, echoed this sentiment, noting, “Saudi Arabia’s unique hospitality culture is an essential part of its identity and integral to the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism goals.” He expressed confidence that the partnership with Almosafer would further connect tourists to authentic Saudi hospitality that reflects the Kingdom’s unique culture.

Adeera, established by the PIF, aims to develop and manage hotel brands that embody Saudi Arabia’s rich hospitality traditions while adhering to global standards. The company focuses on creating homegrown hospitality brands and enhancing the capacity of the local sector through training and skills development programs in collaboration with international hospitality specialists.

Almosafer, a part of Seera Group, operates a comprehensive travel platform catering to various sectors, including consumer, corporate, and government travel. The company’s portfolio includes services for leisure and religious travel, offering a range of travel solutions from flight bookings to hotel reservations and local activities.

The partnership between Almosafer and Adeera is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting Saudi Arabia as a premier travel destination. By integrating Adeera’s hospitality offerings into Almosafer’s platforms, the collaboration aims to provide travellers with access to top-tier Saudi Arabian hospitality experiences.