26th May 2026 - 01st June 2026| WEEKLY BUSINESS ROUNDUP

UAE cyber insurance market hit USD70 million as cyberattacks rise

The UAE Cybersecurity Council affirmed companies increasingly viewed cyber insurance as a core risk management tool. The UAE cyber insurance market is estimated at around USD 70 million as surge in cyberattack instances and rapid digital transformation push companies to strengthen protection against financial and operational risks.

 

AI reshapes banking sector; USD1 trillion opportunity emerges

AI adoption across the financial sector is gaining momentum. Leading banks and institutions are accelerating investments in intelligent tools to elevate efficiency, transparency and customer experience. It is estimated the real prize would be AI-driven revenue growth and streamlined strategic decision-making. As per industry reports, more than 70% of global banks are investing in AI, with estimates suggesting the technology could unlock over USD 1 trillion in annual value.

 

Global energy investment to hit USD 3.4trn in 2026

As per latest IEA report global energy investment is forecast to reach USD 3.4 trillion in 2026 – marking slight year-on-year increase. As per IEA’s annual World Energy Investment report, USD 2.2 trillion is expected to go to grids, storage, low-emissions fuels, nuclear, renewables, efficiency and electrification in 2026, while around USD1.2 trillion is to be invested in oil, natural gas and coal. Natural gas investment is projected to rise to USD 330 billion, the highest level in a decade.

 

GDP of GCC states reaches USD2.4tn; non-oil sector’s shares tops 78%

As per data released by the Gulf Statistical Centre, the gross domestic product of the GCC states reached around USD 2.4 trillion in 2025. Further, it was revealed that the non-oil sector’s contribution exceeded 78% with non-oil GDP growth reaching 5.3% in 2025. GCC states enhanced financial stability with commercial bank assets reaching approximately USD3.9 trillion, marking 11.9% growth between 2024 and 2025.

 

GCC hotel count tops 11,200 as tourist arrivals reach 72.2m

As per reports GCC countries expanded hotel supply during 2024 as total establishments exceeded 11,200.   International arrivals across GCC markets climbed to about 72.2 million, rising 51.5% from 2019 and 6.1% from 2023. Further tourism demand surged faster than accommodation supply.

 

Fintech boom in UAE accelerates cashless shift

Globally, digital payments continue to surge, with the market projected to exceed USD 3 trillion by 2028. Instant payments are gaining ground, projected to  constitute more than 20% of global transactions by 2028, marking rise from 15% in 2023. Reports from the region reveal the UAE fintech market will grow from approximately USD 3.16 billion in 2024 to USD 5.71 billion by 2029

 

UAE hotel guest numbers grow 5.1% to 32mn in 2025

Highlighting the achievements of the UAE tourism sector for 2025, it was reported that the number of hotel establishment guests rose to more than 32 million, marking 5.1% surge compared to 2024. Hotel establishment revenues in UAE surged to AED49.21 billion (USD 13.4 billion), up 9.7% compared to 2024. Hotel occupancy rate stood at 79.5% - among the highest in the region and globally.

 

UAE’s eastern ports reshape global trade; sign mega deals

Ports and facilities in Fujairah and Khorfakkan have evoked strong interest and fostered deals worth billions of dirhams with the aim to develop logistics, industrial and export capabilities. The agreements aim to enhance connectivity, unlock new commercial opportunities across regional and international markets, support development of logistics and industrial capacity and improve utilization of port and adjacent infrastructure.

 

Dubai's latest AED1.5 billion package protects jobs and bolsters key sectors

The UAE's visionary leadership approved a second package of economic incentives valued at AED 1.5 billion. The new package aims to support local businesses, protect jobs and ensure continuity of key sectors. It brings the total value of incentives introduced in under two months to AED 2.5 billion.