The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has announced a major reduction in commercial license fees effective 1st January 2025. The new fee structure, aimed at enhancing ADGM’s business ecosystem, offers significant savings for non-financial and retail businesses operating within the jurisdiction.

Dubai’s appeal as a hub for regional and global investors continues to grow with a report showing that a total of 51,561 new companies joined the Chamber from January to September 2024, reflecting a 4% year-over-year increase. This aligns with the goal of creating and supporting a favourable business environment set out by the Dubai

The drive towards a diversified economy took a new leap last year. A report just published from the UAE Ministry of Economy has revealed that non-oil sectors played a central role in the UAE’s economic growth during the first half of 2024, contributing 75% to the country’s GDP.

Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company played a major role in sovereign wealth fund (SWF) activity in 2024, accounting for nearly 20% of the $136.1bn total spent worldwide. Mubadala deployed $29.2bn in 2024, a substantial rise from the $17.5bn invested the previous year. Key focuses included the digital economy, AI and digitisation.

The UAE-based conglomerate Elite Group Holding has signed an agreement to establish a $27m integrated facility at Dubai Industrial City, a leading manufacturing and logistics hub.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has partnered with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to strengthen economic ties and promote trade between the UAE and the US.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and French investment firm Ardian have completed the acquisition of a 37.6% stake in Heathrow Airport Holdings for $4.1bn.

Bahrain will once again host Formula 1 pre-season testing. This marks the fifth consecutive year the Kingdom has been selected for this event, further cementing its reputation as a premier motorsport destination in the Middle East.

A new report titled Shaping the Future of Minerals estimates that $5.4tr in capital investment will be required to sustain and expand mining and processing facilities worldwide.