7th April 2026 - 13th April 2026 | WEEKLY BUSINESS ROUNDUP

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) launched Majlis Al Mustaqbal, a new entrepreneurship programme to empower aspiring youth entrepreneurs. The initiative offers a structured, hands-on environment where participants collaborate, form teams, access mentorship, and transform concepts into investor-ready pitches.

 

GCC economy expands in Q3 2025, with non-oil sector expansion

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economy expanded in the third quarter of 2025. Nominal GDP across GCC countries hit about USD595 billion in Q3 2025, marking 2.2% annual growth. It is estimated non-oil sectors like manufacturing, trade, construction, financial services, and real estate made tangible progress and impactful contributions to the GDP.

 

UAE supermarkets collaborate to share shipping containers and resources

UAE supermarkets join forces to keep shelves stocked, control costs and protect consumers from sharper price disruption. This move is a step forward to ensure steady food supplies during regional disruptions.

 

2025 Central Bank of UAE report showcases exceptional growth in the UAE financial system

The 2025 annual report issued by CBUAE underscores the financial system’s high resilience in adapting to global developments. The banking sector achieved regional leadership with assets valued at AED5.4 trillion, supported by a 17.9% growth in the credit portfolio and a 16.2% increase in deposits. CBUAE maintains a pivotal role in safeguarding financial stability, and this is reflected in real GDP marking approximately 5.6% growth in 2025.

 

Dubai Chambers, CCPIT Shanghai discuss Dubai-China trade expansion

Dubai Chambers and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai aim to strengthen economic cooperation and expand trade and investment ties between Dubai and China - supporting two-way investment flows and exploring new opportunities across priority sectors including digital economy.

 

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence enables innovation, sustainability

The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence is a strategic national initiative aimed at transforming the agricultural sector by fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability to bolster food security. The award offers an integrated platform for farmers, livestock producers, and supporting institutions and encourages adoption of advanced technologies to improve production efficiency.

 

Ajman Chamber launches first phase of ‘Eco Smart Industry’ initiative

Ajman Chamber launched the first phase of the Eco Smart Industry initiative at a forum titled "Sustainability in the Industrial Sector". Best practices and expertise in resource rationalization, conservation, and recycling were highlighted, fostering a culture of continuous improvement towards more efficient and sustainable performance.

 

Real estate transactions worth more than AED 484 million reported in Ajman in Q1 2026

Ajman’s real estate market maintained its upward performance during Q1 2026, reporting 924 real estate transactions in development projects with a total value exceeding AED 484 million. Given the ease and efficiency of project registration procedures it is reported foreign investments in Ajman exceeded AED 396 million.

 

Ajman Chamber encourages food factories to innovate and increase productivity

Ajman Chamber is accelerating efforts to support private sector companies in the food, beverage & manufacturing sectors. The chamber is encouraging firms to boost productivity aligned to high-quality standards, strengthened food supply chain sustainability and advanced technologies in manufacturing and packaging.