28th April 2026 - 4th May 2026| WEEKLY BUSINESS ROUNDUP

UAE launches USD 272mn industrial fund; Make it in the Emirates 2026 targets 5,000 products and 120,000 visitors

As the 5th edition of MIITE 2026 is set to kickstart, UAE has launched a AED1bn (USD272mn) national industrial resilience fund as it prepares to localise the production of approximately 5,000 products. This move aims to accelerate UAE’s efforts to strengthen supply chains, boost local manufacturing and drive the next phase of economic growth through its industrial sector.

 

The UAE Ministry of Finance presented updates on the country’s fiscal framework and public debt strategy to investors in Dubai. Officials outlined developments in fiscal policy, sovereign credit fundamentals and public debt programmes offering investors a clear view of the government’s financial priorities and economic outlook.

 

UAE identifies 150 vital goods to boost supply chain resilience

UAE’s visionary leaders, committed to enhancing economic security and ensuring sustainable flow of vital commodities launch supply chain resilience programme to secure essential goods. Essential goods have been identified with over 150 key commodities analysed and while many are currently imported from specific markets, alternative sources have been identified to drive continued availability during global disruptions.

 

DIFC adds 775 new firms in Q1 2026 as Dubai strengthens bid for top global finance rank

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) reported robust Q1 growth after attracting 775 new companies between January and March 2026. This increase marks 62% increase from the 478 firms that established operations in the same period last year. March was particularly strong, with 258 companies joining DIFC compared with 162 in March 2025, representing 59% year-on-year growth.

 

Dubai launches new directive to strengthen passenger rights

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has introduced a new Aviation Consumer Welfare Directive aimed at strengthening passenger rights, introducing clearer protections and formal mechanisms to handle complaints and dispute resolution across the emirate’s aviation sector. This initiative enables structured mediation to resolve disputes and safeguard consumer interests.

 

Creators Gathering - content-focused initiatives championed by UAE Government

The Creators Gathering event in Dubai brought together over 1,000 content creators, media professionals and industry experts to discuss shaping the future of the Arab content economy. The event featured a series of panel discussions that explored the modern digital landscape and provided a balanced mix of technical insight, career strategy, and social awareness.

 

Abu Dhabi records 36% surge in non-oil foreign trade in 2025

Abu Dhabi Customs statistics revealed 36% rise in the emirate’s non-oil foreign trade in 2025 - exceeding AED415.4 billion compared with approximately AED306 billion in 2024. Non-oil exports recorded a notable increase of 63% in 2025, reaching AED175.4 billion while imports rose by 22% to AED170.4 billion in 2025

 

20% growth pushes Ajman’s leasehold value to AED1.442 billion in Q1 2026

The Municipality and Planning Department – Ajman (MPDA) reported value of leasehold contracts rose about 20% year-on-year in Q1 2026 to AED1.442 billion, covering 36,432 contracts. The emirate saw an increase of around AED 240 million reinforcing Ajman’s growing appeal as an investment destination.

 

Ras Al Khaimah economic licence capital reaches USD 3.13bn in Q1 2026, up 15.5%

Driven by sustained investor confidence and a robust business environment in the emirate, Ras Al Khaimah marked 15.5% surge in the total capital of economic licences in Q1 2026 - totalling around AED11.497bn (USD 3.13bn). Commercial licences accounted for the largest share of total licence capital at 62.3%.