Your weekly digest of the most important UAE business, regulatory, and economic developments, curated for entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals.
Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) has released a new circular, Circular RERASC 25C05, clarifying the mechanism for approving Owners Committee meeting minutes through the Mollak system for Jointly Owned Properties in Dubai.
Analyzed by UHY James Chartered Accountants LLC, a licensed UAE audit firm and independent member of UHY International, the circular introduces a clearer governance framework directly impacting property managers, auditors, and JOP budget reviewers. Key areas of focus include:
This regulatory move represents a positive step toward stronger financial transparency and auditability across Dubai’s jointly owned property sector, a development that benefits property investors, homeowners, and management companies alike.
Global venture capital activity in 2025 presented a striking contrast between the top and bottom ends of the market. While total VC deal volume declined by approximately 3% year-on-year, from 12,182 deals in 2024 to 11,777, high-value investments told an entirely different story.
According to GlobalData, deals exceeding USD 100 million surged 25%, rising from 418 in 2024 to 522 in 2025. Even ultra-high-value deals above USD 1 billion increased from 13 to 16 during the same period. Mid-size deals in the USD 10 to 100 million range also grew by 8%, from 3,703 to 3,994.
The decline was largely concentrated in low-value deals below USD 10 million, which dropped 10%, from 8,061 in 2024 to 7,261 in 2025.
Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, noted: There was a stark contrast in the dynamics of low-value versus high-value investments. The increase in the number of high-value funding rounds suggests that investors are focusing on quality over quantity.
The UAE job market is delivering one of the most powerful hiring surges globally in 2026. According to ManpowerGroup’s Employment Outlook Survey (MEOS) Q1 2026, the UAE recorded a Net Employment Outlook of +46%, ranking it the third-strongest hiring market worldwide, behind Brazil at +54% and India at +52%, and sitting 22 percentage points above the global average.
The survey shows 56% of UAE employers expect to add staff next quarter, while only 10% anticipate cuts. The sectors with the strongest hiring outlook are:
Notably, 75% of UAE employers report difficulty filling roles, driven by shortages in AI literacy, AI development, IT and data, engineering, and sustainability expertise.
Filip Rideau, Country Manager at ManpowerGroup Middle East, said: The UAE labor market is entering a phase of accelerated transformation. Employers are expanding while adapting to rapid technological shifts and evolving workforce expectations. Agility, innovation, and talent retention will be central in a highly competitive environment.
The UAE has approved a comprehensive national entrepreneurship and investment attraction strategy targeting Emirates villages, channeling more than USD 272 million in investment to support localized economic development.
The strategy was approved by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
The initiative aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem at a community level, expanding opportunities for UAE nationals across villages and smaller cities, not just major urban centers. This reflects the UAE’s broader vision of balanced, inclusive economic growth across all emirates.
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce organized 35 strategic meetings with Business Groups and Business Councils, bringing together representatives from a wide range of sectors and international business communities.
The meetings covered industries including real estate, retail, healthcare, logistics, hospitality, jewelry, recycling, and education, with Business Councils representing companies from the US, UK, Netherlands, India, China, Turkey, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, and Greece.
H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, stated: The strong partnership between the public and private sectors is a decisive factor in ensuring sustainable economic growth and reinforcing the international business community’s confidence in Dubai as a world-leading business hub.”
All engagement efforts are aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, Dubai’s strategic plan to double its economy by 2033.
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce held dedicated discussions with the emirate’s leading fruit and vegetable traders to bolster supply chain resilience, diversify import sources, and maintain market stability.
The initiative focuses on strengthening the private sector’s role in enhancing Dubai’s food security and economic competitiveness, which is particularly important given current regional developments affecting trade routes and import logistics. The Chamber’s proactive engagement underscores the UAE government’s commitment to ensuring an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities for businesses and consumers alike.
The 21st Annual Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards were held on Thursday, 12 March 2026, bringing together over 500 of the city’s best chefs and restaurateurs in a powerful display of resilience and solidarity amid regional tensions.
Row on 45 took home the two most prestigious titles of the evening, Restaurant of the Year and Best Tasting Menu over AED 1,000, in a celebration of culinary craftsmanship and creativity. The ceremony reaffirmed that the UAE’s food and beverage industry, a cornerstone of the country’s economy, tourism appeal, and global identity, continues to thrive despite regional pressures.
UAE residents are increasingly choosing domestic staycations for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday, with hotel search volumes surging across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
According to Wego, the region’s leading travel platform, demand is particularly strong for five and four-star beachfront resorts, luxury city hotels, and wellness retreats offering private beach access, spacious family suites, and curated dining experiences.
Craig Hewett, Co-Founder and Chief Hotels Officer at Wego, said: The country’s safe and well-managed environment continues to give travelers confidence, and this is translating into growing demand for local resorts and staycations.”
UAE hotels are responding with deals of up to 70% off on luxury room rates for the Eid period, making premium staycation experiences more accessible than ever.
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce held a dedicated meeting with the Dubai Jewellery Group, attended by H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah and Board Directors representing leading gold and jewelry companies in Dubai.
Tawhid Abdullah, Chairman of Dubai Jewellery Group, confirmed that the sector is operating at high capacity across all segments, demonstrating resilience despite current regional and global challenges. He noted that supply chain, logistics, and transport challenges have been significantly eased following the resumption of flights through Dubai International Airport.
H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah added: Dubai’s gold and jewelry industry ranks among the emirate’s most significant economic sectors.” We are working to strengthen companies’ ability to respond to developments effectively and efficiently, further reinforcing Dubai’s position as the global capital of gold and jewelry.
The Small and Medium Enterprises Centre Tijarah 101, affiliated with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has announced 100% occupancy at its Khorfakkan headquarters during Q1 2026, attracting a diverse portfolio of innovative ventures led by Emirati entrepreneurs, both men and women.
The Centre houses projects spanning IT, digital economy, food and hospitality, logistics, and light industries. These achievements coincide with the Sharjah Chamber recording a 14% growth in memberships in 2025, further expanding the network available to Tijarah 101 members. A new Tijarah 101 branch is planned for Sharjah’s Eastern Region in direct response to growing demand.
Mohamed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: This vision is based on providing an integrated incubating environment that enables Emirati youth to transform their ambitions into sustainable economic ventures.
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