Business

Dubai Launches ‘One Freezone Passport’, Enabling Businesses to Operate Across All Free Zones with a Single License . Dubai has introduced a game-changing reform to its business environment with the launch of the One Freezone Passport. This new initiative allows companies to operate across all of Dubai’s free zones using just one trade license, removing the previous requirement of obtaining separate licenses for each zone. This policy was introduced by the Dubai Free Zones Council and marks a major step toward creating a unified and borderless business ecosystem within the emirate. It aligns with Dubai’s vision to streamline business regulations and encourage investment, innovation, and growth. Traditionally, businesses operating in more than one free zone were required to establish separate entities and maintain individual licenses for each jurisdiction. With the One Freezone Passport, this burden is lifted. A business registered in any Dubai free zone — such as DMCC, DIFC, Meydan, J...

Gulf Markets React to U.S. Inflation Surge and Tariff Uncertainty Markets across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region faced heightened volatility this week as investors responded to a combination of rising inflation in the United States and escalating trade rhetoric from Washington. The reaction, although measured, reflects the region’s economic and financial sensitivity to global macroeconomic developments, particularly those stemming from the world’s largest economy. Fresh U.S. inflation data released midweek indicated that consumer prices rose at their fastest pace in five months, reigniting concerns that the Federal Reserve may delay anticipated interest rate cuts. This was a significant shift for global markets, which had largely priced in a more dovish monetary policy path. For the Gulf, where most currencies are pegged to the U.S. dollar, any deviation in Fed policy tends to have a ripple effect on capital markets, lending costs, and investor sentiment. As a result, region...

UAE Stocks Climb to 17-Year High Amid Oil Recovery and Investor Optimism UAE stock markets reached a significant milestone this week, with Dubai’s main equity index touching a 17-year high. The rally comes on the back of strengthening oil prices, robust investor sentiment, and continued momentum across sectors including real estate, logistics, and banking. The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) rose by approximately 0.4% in early trading on Thursday, building on months of steady gains. Analysts attribute the rise to the International Energy Agency’s latest market outlook, which suggests a more balanced oil supply-demand dynamic in the second half of 2025. Market participants also noted strong institutional buying activity, with increased foreign inflows from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) neighbors and Asia-based funds. Real estate shares continued their ascent, buoyed by resilient demand in Dubai’s luxury housing segment and the rise of AI-driven property platforms. Investor Confidence a...

UAE’s Non-Oil Sector Shows Consistent Growth Despite Regional Challenges The United Arab Emirates’ non-oil economy continues to demonstrate solid momentum, with the latest data showing consistent expansion driven by business activity, employment growth, and robust demand in key sectors. According to S&P Global’s latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report, the UAE's non-oil PMI rose to 53.5 in June 2025 , up from 52.9 in May, signaling sustained growth in private sector output and new orders. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. Growth Drivers The increase was attributed to improved domestic demand, particularly in the construction, real estate, retail, and hospitality sectors. Surveyed firms reported a steady rise in backlogged work, which has in turn led to increased hiring across the board. “The UAE’s non-oil economy is showing resilience and diversification strength, with businesses reporting improved order volumes, especially from the local market,” said David ...