Dubai’s real estate sector has achieved a historic milestone in 2024, with a record 180,900 transactions totalling $142bn. This marks a 36% increase in transaction volume and a 27% rise in value compared to the previous high of 133,100 sales worth $111bn in 2023.
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
Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) has announced its investment in Global Ventures III, an early-stage venture capital fund managed by Dubai-based Global Ventures, with a fund size exceeding $150m.
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 global tech ecosystem Hub71 has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the emirate’s Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an as a way of helping accelerate social tech entrepreneurship and bringing lasting social impact to the emirate.
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.
Dubai Land Department (DLD) has unveiled plans to introduce its Smart Rental Index in January 2025, a cutting-edge initiative designed to revolutionise the emirate’s real estate sector.
Riyadh-based foodtech startup Calo has raised $25m in a Series B funding round led by Nuwa Capital alongside STV, Khwarizmi Ventures, and regional family offices. The oversubscription caused Calo to extend the round to $50m, with a further $25m raise planned for Q1 2025.
South Korean hospitality technology leader ONDA is expanding into the Middle East through a joint venture with UAE-based Seed Group. This move will leverage Seed Group’s regional networks to help establish ONDA’s presence in the growing MENA hospitality market.
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