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.

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.”

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said that under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai remains committed to developing a pioneering model for AI-enabled government operations, as part of its broader vision to establish itself as a global leader in government innovation.
His Highness made these remarks on the occasion of appointing 22 Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers across various government entities in Dubai, who will spearhead specialised plans and programmes in the field of AI and advanced technology.

Sheikh Hamdan said: “We have approved the appointment of 22 Chief AI Officers across government entities in Dubai as part of a forward-looking vision aimed at leveraging AI to enhance government operations. This initiative will enhance Dubai’s progress and expertise in this sector and consolidate its position as a leader in creating innovative solutions built on advanced technology.”
“The accelerated adoption of AI, alongside the development of its tools and applications, represents a cornerstone of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aimed at positioning Dubai as a global hub for the development and deployment of AI solutions,” His Highness added.
“The appointment of the new Chief AI Officers in the Dubai government marks the initial phase toward realising our vision for the future of government work, in line with the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence. We are confident that these officers will intensify their efforts and go the extra mile in translating our vision into reality. Their commitment is crucial in turning our ambitious plans into concrete actions that will shape the future of AI-enabled government operations in Dubai,” His Highness said.
The Chief AI Officer position was established under the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (DUB.AI), designed to enrich the quality of life and well-being of residents. Additionally, it supports Dubai’s endeavour to become the most future-ready city, consolidating its leadership as a global hub for technology and innovation.
DUB.AI aims to cement the emirate’s position as a global hub for AI governance and legislation, while facilitating AI adoption across strategic sectors. Additionally, the initiative bolsters Dubai’s standing in the Global AI Readiness Index, where it presently holds a position in the top 10.
The newly appointed Chief AI Officers represent several government entities across Dubai including: Community Development Authority in Dubai, Dubai Government Human Resources Department, Dubai Customs, Dubai Police, The Judicial Council, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Digital Dubai Authority, General Directorate of Civil Defense in Dubai, Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, Dubai Health Authority, Public Prosecution, Protocol Department in Dubai, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Department of Finance in Dubai, Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation (Awqaf Dubai), and Dubai Municipality.

Cold callers in the UAE face fines of AED 150,000 under strict new regulations announced by the Ministry of Economy, and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TRA), aimed at protecting people from persistent telemarketers.

From August, companies will be barred from calling customers back if they reject the service in the initial conversation and they cannot phone back if the call is declined or ended. 

Telemarketing calls will also only be allowed to be made from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and companies will need prior approval from authorities and face the threat of termination of operating licences if rules are broken.  When the new rules come in marketing calls can only be made from numbers of licensed companies as opposed to individual or personal numbers. 

Customers can file a complaint if any of the new rules are broken. The rules apply to all companies in the UAE, including those in free zones.