Real estate activity across the GCC surged in the first quarter of 2025, with total transactions reaching an estimated $78.2bn. This is a year-on-year increase of over 20%, according to new data from leading proptech firm Sakan.
PayPal has officially opened its first office in the Middle East and Africa, selecting Dubai as the location for its new regional hub. Situated in Dubai Internet City, the move marks a significant milestone in the digital payments giant’s international expansion strategy.
Dubai-based crypto firm Resolv Labs has raised $10m in seed funding to accelerate the development of its low-risk digital asset investment strategies. The round was co-led by Cyber.Fund and Maven11, with backing from notable investors including Coinbase Ventures, SCB Limited, Arrington Capital, Animoca Ventures, Gumi Cryptos, NoLimit Holdings, and Robot Ventures.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce has hosted a roundtable discussion to outline the key objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) for the business councils operating under its umbrella.
The UAE’s total foreign trade soared to $1.42tr in 2024, marking a 49% increase from $952.9bn in 2021, according to the World Trade Organisation’s latest World Trade Outlook and Statistics report.
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi has opened in the Saadiyat Cultural District. The landmark multi-sensory experience spreads across 17,000-square-metres and is designed as a living, breathing art space.
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism is aiming for the tourism sector to contribute $24.5bn to the emirate’s non-oil GDP by 2030. The sector is projected to generate $16.9bn in 2025, a 13% increase on 2024.
Talabat has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates Petroleum Company PJSC, marking a strategic partnership aimed at innovation, community impact, and long-term sustainability.
Dubai Land Department (DLD) has signed 11 strategic agreements with a range of local and international partners, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and service excellence in the real estate sector. The signings took place at the International Property Show (IPS) 2025.
Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company has announced a $600m investment in Nord Anglia Education, securing a minority stake in the global private school network. The move sees Mubadala join an international consortium led by investment firm EQT, alongside partners including Neuberger Berman, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Corporación Financiera Alba, and Dubai Holding.
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