Today’s UAE market news is buzzing with action across tourism, stock markets, and global trade. From bold new targets for Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector, to record foreign investments on the ADX, and a major loan agreement boosting exports, the UAE continues its momentum toward a diversified, future-ready economy.
Let’s break down everything you need to know.
Abu Dhabi tourism sets bold $17 Bn target for 2025
The Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced that the sector aims to contribute AED 62 Bn (about US$17 Bn) to the economy in 2025 , a 13% increase compared to 2024.
- International overnight hotel guests rose 4% year-to-date compared to Q1 2024.
- Hotel occupancy reached 79% across the emirate and 82% in Abu Dhabi city.
- Hotel revenues jumped 18% in Q1 2025.
- RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) rose by 25% to AED 484.
Cultural landmarks are playing a huge role. Attractions like the newly opened teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, along with the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum, are enhancing the city’s global appeal. DCT Abu Dhabi plans to open three more museums in Saadiyat Cultural District this year to further strengthen the emirate’s position as a cultural and tourism hub.
Foreign investors drive ADX surge with $19 Bn trades in Q1 2025
If you’re tracking UAE market news, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) just posted a very strong first quarter:
| Metric | Q1 2025 | Change vs Q1 2024 |
| Foreign trades (buy/sell) | AED 69.8 Bn | 62% |
| Net foreign investment | AED 8.5 Bn | 151% |
| Foreign contribution to trading value | 42% | 31% |
| Market capitalisation | AED 2.93 trillion | 3.20% |
| ETF market value | AED 1.64 Bn | 109% |
Foreign investors were responsible for 42% of all trading value on ADX during Q1 2025, up from 31% a year ago, showing rising global confidence in UAE’s markets.
Not just foreigners, institutional investors also ramped up activity. Their trading volumes (buy and sell combined) jumped 22% year-on-year to AED 134.9 Bn.
The surge was helped by higher liquidity, rising by 21% to AED 83.3 Bn, and a 39% increase in traded volumes. All signs point toward a stock exchange that’s rapidly becoming a key destination for serious money.
Abu Dhabi Exports Office signs $235 million deal to boost UAE trade footprint
The Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) announced a major new trade financing deal.
- ADEX signed a $235 million (AED 863 million) syndicated loan agreement with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD).
- The goal? To help Trafigura, a global commodities giant, acquire UAE-produced commodities like energy, metals, and minerals.
Under the agreement:
- ADEX contributed $150 million,
- CBD chipped in $65 million,
- SMBC coordinated the syndication and contributed $20 million.
This collaboration will boost the reach of UAE products into global markets and aligns with the country’s broader Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and We the UAE 2031 plans.
The agreement reflects a strong commitment to economic diversification and strengthens the UAE’s role as a major global trade hub beyond oil.
Saudi-Qatar joint initiative clears path for Syria’s World Bank support
Saudi Arabia and Qatar agreed to jointly pay $15 million to settle Syria’s arrears with the World Bank, paving the way for Syria’s re-entry into global financial systems after a 14-year break.
This move could unlock much-needed development support for Syria, rebuild key sectors, and promote broader regional stability, factors that indirectly benefit UAE’s position as a regional economic hub too.
Nord Lifestyle launches $136 million HENGE Residences in Abu Dhabi
Luxury real estate is growing fast, too. Nord Lifestyle Development officially entered the UAE market with the launch of HENGE Residences on Saadiyat Island , a project worth AED 500 million (around $136 million).
Backed by Italian design house HENGE and Goldfield Holding, the project brings a new flavour of design-led luxury living to Abu Dhabi. Nord expects to generate approximately AED 1 billion in revenue over the next three years, signalling strong confidence in the UAE’s high-end residential market.
Conclusion
Today’s UAE market news shows a country not just recovering, but accelerating toward its long-term goals.
- Tourism is set to become a bigger pillar of the economy.
- Capital markets are welcoming serious global money.
- Trade financing is boosting non-oil exports.
- Luxury real estate continues to boom.
And regional diplomatic moves could soon open up new growth corridors.
For investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone eyeing the UAE, the future is not just bright. It’s already happening.
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