BUSINESS & INVESTMENT

UAE-founded Blue Rhine Industries has been selected to install and commission the programmable LED Exosphere at Sphere Abu Dhabi, bringing a local specialist into the delivery of the $1.7 billion Yas Island entertainment venue.

Dubai's real GDP reached approximately AED 473 billion in the first half of 2026, down 2.3% year on year, while financial services, healthcare, information and communication and construction recorded continued growth.

Dubai World Trade Centre is progressing the AED 10 billion expansion of Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai as it targets AED 54 billion in annual economic output by 2033, supported by greater exhibition capacity and a growing international events pipeline.

Dubai-based SWS Board Technology has been recognised for building one of the world's largest snow and water sports board manufacturing operations, producing around one-third of global snowboards and nearly half of the world's kiteboards and wakeboards.

The UAE is targeting a more productive economy in 2027, with the Minister of Economy and Tourism identifying recovery, execution and reform as key priorities alongside deeper AI adoption, stronger domestic production and more resilient supply chains.

Dubai is strengthening investment ties with China across artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, fintech, logistics and digital infrastructure, as Chinese companies increasingly use the emirate as a base for regional expansion, technology deployment and product testing.

The UAE has launched the 100 Dreams initiative, offering 100 selected content and digital media entrepreneurs $10,000 each, alongside business licensing support, mentorship and a six-week accelerator to help establish companies in the UAE.

The UAE Cabinet has approved a AED 292.5 billion Federal General Budget Plan for 2027–2029, representing a 28.3% increase over the previous three-year cycle, with education, healthcare, social development, infrastructure and future economic sectors among its priorities.

Dubai World Trade Centre has announced a major programme of international exhibitions and conferences through December 2026, spanning technology, tourism, construction, energy, healthcare, finance, manufacturing and other key industries.