12th May 2026 - 18th May 2026| WEEKLY BUSINESS ROUNDUP

UAE reported almost 20% increase in the e-commerce sector since February 2026. Industry reports reveal the UAE’s e-commerce market grew by nearly 12.9% annually, reaching USD34.63 billion in 2025. Further by end of 2029, the e-commerce market is projected to expand to approximately USD51.14 billion.

 

UAE strengthens position as a global hub for company formation and entrepreneurial launch

Driven by a robust regulatory system, advanced digital and logistical infrastructure, and flexible economic policies UAE has enhanced its ability to attract talent, investments. UAE topped the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report for 2025-2026, outperforming many advanced economies, and ranked among the top 5 countries in the report, in terms of its startups’ ability to access foreign markets - positioning the country as one of the most attractive destinations for businesses and startups globally.

 

India-UAE sign major energy and investment agreements

During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s UAE visit, India and Abu Dhabi signed agreements covering gas supply, strategic oil reserves, infrastructure investment, and defense cooperation. Further the UAE also pledged billions in investments into India’s infrastructure sector.

 

Integrating AI into government work: Strategic priority for UAE government

The UAE’s visionary leadership is prioritizing integrating AI into government work for the next phase.  The new UAE government framework project aims to transform 50% of UAE Government sectors and services within two years by deploying Agentic AI for autonomous execution and decision-making.

 

UAE sets unified salary deadline for private sector from June 1, 2026

Aimed at strengthening compliance and ensuring timely wage payments across private sector establishments, the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has introduced a new rule under the Wage Protection System (WPS) that sets unified salary deadline for private sector from June 1, 2026.

 

Dubai realty regains momentum as buyers, tenants return

Industry data indicates a gradual recovery in buyer demand, leasing activity and investor engagement in Dubai. The emirate’s realty market is supported by resilient end user demand, disciplined supply levels and long-term confidence in Dubai’s economic and infrastructure outlook. Dubai’s secondary property market recorded positive momentum marking 2% month on month rise.

 

World's tallest, smartest net-positive building opens in Dubai

The world’s tallest, largest and smartest net-positive government building - Al Shera’a - was inaugurated in Dubai. The building introduces an innovative concept for sustainable buildings based on the integration of smart solutions within a comprehensive cognitive system that redefines government work environment in the digital age.

 

Dubai Customs’ Green Corridor secures trade flows

Dubai Customs reinforced it achieved notable success through its Green Corridor initiative – in cooperation with Oman Customs. This initiative introduced a package of proactive customs solutions and trade facilitation measures aimed to sustain the flow of goods via land routes between the UAE and Oman. Customs declarations processed through the corridor rose from 12,000 in March 2026 to nearly 100,000 in April 2026 while, the value of goods transported rose from AED1 billion to more than AED8 billion.

 

Ajman Chamber launches qualitative initiative to boost government procurement from factories in the emirate

In a bid to empower national industry and build effective cooperation bridges between the public and private sectors, Ajman Chamber introduced a program of visits to industrial facilities in cooperation with the Ajman Department of Finance and the Ajman Transport Authority. This move accelerates integration of government agencies with national factories and supports increasing their adoption within the government procurement system.