Market Reports

Abu Dhabi’s economy demonstrated strong momentum in H1’2025, driven by robust non-oil trade, foreign investment, and high business confidence. Non-oil foreign trade rose 34.7% to AED 195.4 billion. Business sentiment remained positive, with Abu Dhabi Chamber membership exceeding 158,000 companies and foreign net investment on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) nearly doubling to AED 13.6 billion. The aviation sector supported this growth, handling over 15.8 million passengers, aided by expanded international connectivity. Strategic infrastructure projects, ongoing diversification, and investor-friendly policies strengthened economic activity and attracted skilled talent, providing a solid foundation for the residential market.

According to the latest statistics from the Dubai Land Department (DLD), Dubai attracted approximately 94,700 investors in the first half of 2025, marking a significant 26% increase compared to the same period last year. Of these, around 59,000 were new investors, representing a 22% rise year-on-year. Notably, UAE residents accounted for 45% of these new investors, highlighting strong local participation in the market.

Abu Dhabi’s economy recorded robust growth in 2024, with real GDP rising by 3.8% year-on-year to reach an all-time high of AED 1.2 trillion, according to preliminary estimates from the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD). This expansion was largely fuelled by the non-oil sector, which grew by a record 6.2%, increasing its share of total GDP to 54.7%. Building on this momentum, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts further acceleration, with GDP expected to grow by 4.2% in 2025 and 5.8% in 2026.

Dubai’s investment landscape continued to flourish in the first half of 2025, reinforcing its status as the UAE’s leading economic hub. The Emirate attracted 526 greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, representing 86% of the national total and securing USD 3.03 billion in capital inflows. This growth was further supported by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which recorded a 32% year-on-year increase in new business registrations, with 1,081 companies established. The Dubai office market also delivered an outstanding performance in H1’2025, reaching its highest sales activity in recent years. Approximately 1,900 transactions were completed, reflecting a 21.6% increase year-on-year. Meanwhile, the total value of office sales surged to AED 5.4 billion, marking an 83.9% rise compared to H1’2024.

Dubai’s office market maintained strong momentum in Q1 2025, driven by solid economic fundamentals and rising investor confidence. The Dubai International Chamber reported a 39.0% year-on-year increase in new foreign company registrations, including 11 multinational corporations and 42 SMEs. At the same time, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce supported the international expansion of 28 local firms. This dual dynamic further reinforced Dubai’s position as a global business hub.

In 2024, Dubai reinforced its position as a global hub for trade and investment through strategic initiatives and progressive policies. The Emirate’s economy demonstrated strong growth, with GDP expanding by 3.1% in

Dubai was officially recognised as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere, demonstrating its commitment to accessible and inclusive tourism. The Emirate's safety credentials also received global recognition, with Dubai placing third and Abu Dhabi first in Numbeo's city-level safety index, reinforcing the UAE's position as one of the world's safest destinations.

In 2024, Dubai set a new tourism record, welcoming 18.7 million overnight guests—a 9.1% increase from the 17.1 million visitors recorded the previous year. This growth aligns with the strategic vision of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai among the world’s top three global tourism destinations.

Dubai Tourism Overview Despite or perhaps even partly because of ongoing geopolitical tensions, Dubai remains a leading tourist destination. In the first half of 2024, the city welcomed a record 9.31 million overnight guests, marking a 9% increase from the 8.55 million visitors during the same period last year. This impressive performance reflects the strategic vision outlined by Sheikh Mohammed […]