The UAE’s financial system delivered standout performance in 2025, with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) reporting strong growth across banking, insurance, and digital finance.

The central banks of the UAE and Bahrain have signed a five-year currency swap agreement with a nominal value of AED 20 billion (USD 5.5 billion), aimed at promoting the use of local currencies in cross-border trade and investment and reducing dependence on the US dollar for bilateral transactions.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce added 2,709 new member companies in March 2026, reflecting continued investor confidence in Dubai as a business destination despite regional uncertainty.

The UAE ranked 9th globally in goods exports in 2025, entering the world's top 10 for the first time according to the World Trade Organization's latest World Trade Prospects and Statistics report.

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance regulatory cooperation and information sharing across auditors and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) within their respective jurisdictions.

The UAE's Ministry of Finance has introduced amendments to the executive regulations governing tax procedures, effective 1 April 2026, aligned with the updated Tax Procedures Law that came into force on 1 January 2026.

Emirates NBD has secured $2.25 billion in long-term financing, comprising a $1.75 billion five-year syndicated loan – nearly doubled from its $1 billion launch size – and a separate $500 million Sharia-compliant Murabaha facility.

AD Ports Group closed 2025 with revenue up 20 percent year-on-year to AED 21 billion, driven by expansion across its ports, economic cities, free zones, and maritime and shipping clusters.

Dubai has unveiled an AED 1 billion incentive package to ease financial pressure on businesses and individuals affected by the Iran conflict, effective 1 April and running for three to six months.

Abu Dhabi-listed Aldar Properties has 172 active tenders valued at AED 30 billion (USD 8.2 billion) across its development portfolio, with construction underway across 141 sites spanning Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.