Announcements

Dubai’s Economy Surges: GDP Hits Dh115 Billion in Q1 2024 with 3.2% Growth

Published

2 years ago

July 23, 2024

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Dubai’s economy has grown 3.2 per cent in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year — with the emirate’s gross domestic product (GDP) reaching Dh115 billion.

“Dubai’s ambition is limitless, and its success story will remain a role model for cities wishing to create a promising future for their coming generations,” said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The goal, he said, is to “sustain success and establish a culture of excellence and leadership” across all sectors in the emirate. The economic growth in the first quarter of the year mirrors the success story of 2023, when the GDP reached approximately Dh429 billion, marking an increase of 3.3 per cent compared to the 2022 figure of approximately Dh415 billion.

In the first quarter of 2024, Dubai's economy grew by 3.2%, increasing the emirate's GDP to AED115 billion. This performance underscores the success of Dubai's strategy to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. We remain committed to achieving… pic.twitter.com/NM7HjrN7Pm
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) July 23, 2024

Numbers show that Dubai is booming across sectors — from transportation and storage to food services and real estate.

Here’s how each sector has grown in the first quarter of the year:

-Transportation and storage sector: 5.6%, amounting to Dh15.4 billion
-Financial and insurance activities sector: 5.6%, amounting to Dh15.1 billion
-Wholesale and retail trade sector: 3%, amounting to Dh26.3 billion (the top GDP contributor at 22.9%)
-Information and communications sector: 3.9%, amounting to Dh5.1 billion
-Accommodation and food services activities sector: 3.8%, amounting to Dh4.7 billion
-Real estate sector: 3.7%, amounting to Dh8.4 billion
-Utilities and waste management: 7.5%. amounting to Dh3.2 billion
-Manufacturing sector: 1.6%, Dh8.4 billion
-Other activities: 0.46% (These include agriculture, mining, construction, professional services and administrative services, among others.)

Sheikh Hamdan said the emirate’s successes highlight the combined efforts and teamwork of various stakeholders to realise the objectives of the emirate’s comprehensive development plans for 2033, especially the Dubai economic Agenda (D33) and Dubai Social Agenda 2033.

“Dubai is progressing in accordance with a clear vision whose foundations were laid down and whose goals were defined by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” the Crown Prince said.

“What we witness today is a practical reflection of this vision, which has placed Dubai among the leading economic and commercial centres of the world.”

Related Topics:#featured #growth #sheikhhamdan #success #uaeeconomy

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Announcements

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

Published

16 mins ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

Announcements

August fuel rates announced: UAE petrol prices go up

Published

1 week ago

July 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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UAE motorists will pay more at the pump from Saturday after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel prices for August 2026.

The revised rates, which take effect from August 1, are:

Super 98: Dh3.60 per litre (up from Dh3.40)
Special 95: Dh3.49 per litre (up from Dh3.29)
E-Plus 91: Dh3.41 per litre (up from Dh3.21)
Diesel: Dh3.80 per litre (up from Dh3.60)

The increase reverses July’s price reduction and comes after volatility in global oil markets during the past month.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel prices at the end of each month, with rates determined in line with movements in international oil markets.

The new prices will remain in effect throughout August 2026.

Announcements

UAE’s Jaywan card can now be used for online shopping on thousands of websites

Published

2 weeks ago

July 21, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Online shopping with the UAE’s Jaywan card just got a major upgrade.

Network International has announced that Jaywan cardholders can now use their cards to pay on thousands of online stores connected to its payment gateway, expanding the domestic payment scheme beyond in-store purchases.

The move is expected to make online payments faster and more convenient while supporting the UAE’s push towards a cashless economy.

What is Jaywan?

Launched by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, Jaywan is the country’s domestic payment card scheme.

It was introduced to provide a secure local payment option, reduce transaction costs and strengthen the UAE’s digital payments ecosystem.

Until now, Jaywan cards were mainly accepted for in-store purchases. With the latest expansion, cardholders can also use them for online shopping across thousands of merchants powered by Network International.

What this means for shoppers

For UAE residents, the update means more flexibility when shopping online.

Whether you’re ordering groceries, booking services or buying products online, you’ll be able to use your Jaywan card anywhere that supports Network International’s payment gateway.

The company says the integration offers secure, fast and seamless online payments, while merchants won’t face additional charges for Jaywan transactions processed through its platform.

A step towards a cashless UAE

The expansion is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to accelerate digital payments and reduce reliance on cash.

By making Jaywan available both in stores and online, payment providers are helping create a more connected digital payment ecosystem for businesses and consumers alike.

As more banks, merchants and payment providers adopt the scheme, residents can expect to see Jaywan accepted across even more everyday payment services in the future.