Overview
- The IMF now projects UAE GDP growth of 4.8% in 2025, with estimates of about 6% for Abu Dhabi and 3.4% for Dubai, citing resilient services and higher oil output.
- Jihad Azour said the IMF is working toward opening an office in Damascus, with technical support and data work underway ahead of future Article IV consultations.
- Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism introduced incentives granting a 100% refund of the municipality room fee and the tourism dirham for two years to newly licensed hotels in Dubai South, Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Parks and Dubai Islands.
- The three-day Future of Healthcare Summit opened in Dubai with more than 4,500 participants, running alongside the annual radiology meeting and the international family medicine conference.
- Sharjah’s Executive Council approved converting 113 housing-support loans into grants for eligible families, advancing the emirate’s social support agenda.