As the first quarter of the new financial year unfolds, the UAE market is buzzing with positive developments—from multi-billion dollar dividend approvals to a booming real estate sector and renewed investor confidence across the board. Let’s break down what’s making headlines and what it means for those watching the Emirates market closely.
ADNOC Group dividend announcement
The highlight of the UAE market news this week was the $6.7 billion (AED 24.6 billion) in total dividends approved by ADNOC Group’s listed companies for the 2024 financial year. Here’s a closer look at what each entity contributed:
| Company | Total 2024 Dividend | Dividend per Share (fils) | Other Highlights |
| ADNOC Gas | $3.41 bn (AED 12.5 bn) | – | Record net income of $5 bn; 19% total returns |
| ADNOC Distribution | $700 mn (AED 2.6 bn) | 20.57 fils | 92% shareholder return since 2017 IPO |
| ADNOC Drilling | $788 mn (AED 2.9 bn) | – | 10% increase YoY; targets $4.8 bn revenue in 2025 |
| ADNOC L&S | $273 mn (AED 1 bn) | – | 178% total returns since IPO; 11% drop in carbon intensity |
| Borouge | $1.3 bn (AED 4.77 bn) | 15.88 fils | Eyes $2.2 bn in dividends from 2026 with Borouge Group International |
| Fertiglobe | $275 mn (AED 1.01 bn) | 12.2 fils | Delivered $2.5 bn in dividends since 2021 IPO |
The ADNOC Gas payout stands out as the largest ever by any issuer on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). The company also gained traction from its massive secondary offering and may soon be part of the MSCI and FTSE indices.
On the other end, Borouge and Fertiglobe are backing up dividend distributions with share buyback programs, showing strong confidence in their valuation and long-term plans.
Ajman Bank rides high on Q1 profits
Over on the banking front, Ajman Bank kicked off the year with solid Q1 results. The bank reported a net profit of $36.6 million (AED 134.67 million) for Q1 2025, up 25% from the same period last year.
| Metric | Q1 2025 | Change (YoY) |
| Net Profit | AED 134.67 million | 25% |
| Operating Income | AED 198.91 million | 2% |
| Total Assets | AED 24.49 billion | Up from AED 22.85 billion |
This follows a turnaround year in 2024, where the bank swung from a net loss of AED 390 million in 2023 to a profit of AED 439 million. The positive performance has been attributed to a strategic focus on digital transformation, human capital investment, and shareholder value creation.
Abu Dhabi targets $24.5Bn tourism GDP by 2030
In the tourism and cultural front, Abu Dhabi is not holding back. The Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) expects the sector to contribute AED 62 billion ($16.9 billion) in 2025, with a goal of hitting AED 90 billion ($24.5 billion) by 2030.
Key updates from Q1 2025:
- Hotel occupancy: 79% across the emirate, 82% in the city.
- Top guest markets: India, China, Russia, UK.
- New museums: teamLab Phenomena launched; 3 more expected this year in Saadiyat Cultural District.
The strategy is clear—invest in culture, expand global appeal, and drive long-term tourism in GDP.
Dubai real estate market maintains strong momentum
If you thought Dubai’s property run was slowing down, Q1 2025 proves otherwise.
According to Betterhomes and Dubai Land Department data:
| Metric | Q1 2025 | Change (YoY) |
| Total Transactions | 42,422 deals | +23% |
| Total Transaction Value | AED 114 billion | +29% |
| Villa Sales | 10,185 deals | +65% |
| Villa Sales Value | AED 53.4 billion | +56% |
| Off-plan Market Share | 59% of all transactions | +25% YoY (Volume) |
| Average Selling Prices | Up 28% overall | Villas up 92% |
The data shows growing interest in end-user buyers and mortgage-backed transactions, reflecting deeper confidence in long-term ownership in Dubai.
Also notable is the rise in townhouse leasing enquiries, up 199% YoY, and the trend of multi-year rental contracts—a sign that residents are in it for the long haul.
PepsiCo takes flavour innovation to Saudi Arabia
Though not UAE-specific, PepsiCo’s latest investment in Saudi Arabia has regional relevance. The company announced a $8 million R&D hub in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District to serve the GCC.
This new culinary and sensory innovation centre will help develop localised flavours and product innovations for popular brands like Lay’s, Cheetos, Mirinda, and Tropicana.
PepsiCo’s total investment in Saudi Arabia now stands at $2.4 billion, and with the launch of its flagship Tamakani women’s empowerment programme and the Youth Impact Studio, it’s clear the company is betting big on the region’s young population.
Final thoughts:
From record-breaking dividend declarations to profitable banking, booming real estate, rising tourism, and regional investments, the UAE market is kicking off CY 2025 on a strong note.
Whether you’re tracking dividend yield, property returns, or tourism growth, there’s one thing that’s clear: the Emirates market is no longer just promising—it’s performing.
And as the rest of the financial year unfolds, the real question is—how high can it go from here?
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