From booming digital creators in Riyadh to millionaires multiplying in Dubai, the UAE and neighbouring markets are moving fast in 2025. But while wealth is on the rise, so are costs.
Let’s decode major UAE market news, and what they might mean for investors, developers, and everyday residents keeping an eye on the financial pulse.
Construction costs in UAE and Saudi Arabia likely to rise by up to 7%
A new report by Stonehaven has raised a red flag for the Gulf construction sector: material costs are going up, and quickly. Blame it partly on global disruptions—particularly new Trump-era trade tariffs—which are pushing up the prices of imported steel, concrete, and aluminium.
According to the 2025 UAE and Saudi Arabia Construction Cost Benchmarking Report, here’s what the region is staring at:
| Country | Projected Cost Increase |
| UAE | 2.7% to 3.3% |
| Saudi Arabia | 3.4% to 7% |
With over $2.3 trillion in active projects across both nations, even a small increase could add billions to bottom-line budgets. Developers are being advised to lock in contracts and explore automation, modular construction, and AI-powered planning to stay ahead of rising costs.
Saudi Arabia’s creator economy surges 32% in Q1 2025
Saudi Arabia is riding a massive digital wave. A new report by Admitad and Stllr Network shows that the creator economy grew 32.37% in Q1 2025, driven largely by TikTok, which now reaches 88% of the Saudi population.
Key figures from the report:
| Metric | Value |
| Creator Economy Growth | +32.37%(Q1 2025) |
| Influencer GMV (YoY) | 15% |
| Average Order Value | $54 |
| TikTok Growth | 88% population penetration |
| Beauty Content Growth | 56% |
| Lifestyle Content Growth | 45.8% |
| Male vs Female Creators | 63% male, 37% female |
More creators are also shifting to performance-based marketing (CPA model), earning not just via fixed fees but also real-time conversions using promo codes and tracked sales. It’s a major shift in how digital engagement is valued in the Middle East.
Ambit Global expands into UAE with new DIFC unit
India-based Ambit Global Private Client (GPC) is the latest to set up base in Dubai.
They’ve acquired Moonrock Investments Ltd, a DFSA-regulated wealth firm, and rebranded it to Ambit Global Private Client (MENA) Ltd. With over $9 billion in assets under advice, Ambit’s DIFC entry is a signal of two-way investor interest:
- Indians looking to invest offshore
- NRIs and global investors accessing Indian markets
This cross-border play fits well with Dubai’s growing reputation as a financial hub for the elite, something we’ll explore next.
Dubai’s millionaire count hits 81,200 in 2025
According to the World’s Wealthiest Cities Report 2025, Dubai has raced up the rankings to become the 18th wealthiest city globally, now home to:
- 81,200 millionaires
- 237 centi-millionaires
- 20 billionaires
Between 2014 and 2024, Dubai’s millionaire population grew by 102%—beating even Silicon Valley in growth pace.
| Metric | Dubai (2025) |
| Millionaires | 81,200 |
| Centi-millionaires | 237 |
| Billionaires | 20 |
| Growth (2014–2024) | 1.02 |
The forecast is even more bullish: Dubai is set to double its centi-millionaire population by 2035. Contributing factors? Zero income tax, business-friendly regulations, and strategic migration pathways that attract global capital.
Fertiglobe proposes $125M dividend and share buyback
Abu Dhabi-based Fertiglobe, the largest nitrogen fertiliser player in MENA and part of ADNOC’s portfolio, has proposed:
- A $125 million final dividend payout for 2024 (5.5 fils/share)
- A share buyback of up to 2.5% of total equity, pending shareholder approval
This takes Fertiglobe’s total dividend for 2024 to $275 million (12.2 fils/share). The company said the move signals long-term confidence and commitment to shareholder value.
Final thoughts
From rising construction costs in the UAE to booming digital creators in Saudi and the wealth surge in Dubai, April 2025 has started with a blend of caution and confidence.
The bigger picture across the UAE market news landscape is clear:
The Middle East is no longer just oil and real estate—it’s influencers, fintech, wealth migration, and cross-border finance.
Whether you’re a retail investor, a content creator, or a business looking to expand, the UAE and GCC are no longer a “watchlist” market, they’re at the centre of the global growth story.
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