Google's AI and digital tools added $5.9bn to UAE economy in 2024
Google has revealed that its products and AI-powered tools contributed an estimated AED 21.8bn ($5.9bn) to the UAE economy in 2024, according to its newly launched Economic Impact Report, conducted by Public First.
The report highlights how platforms such as Google Search, YouTube, Maps, Play and Ads are helping people, businesses, developers and content creators thrive in the UAE's fast-evolving digital economy.
Anthony Nakache, Managing Director for Google in the Middle East and North Africa, said: 'We're incredibly proud to be a partner in the UAE's boundless ambitions. The report reflects our investment in accelerating the country's ambitious journey towards a diversified, AI-powered economy.
'Through strategic investments, local partnerships, and our AI-powered tools, we're bringing substantial economic value and empowering individuals, businesses, and communities in the UAE.'
Google 2024 UAE Impact Report key findings
1. Making everyday life easier
Google services generated consumer benefits worth AED683 ($186) per month for the average person in the United Arab Emirates
63 per cent of UAE adults used Gemini, Google's AI assistant, with 90 per cent saying it helped them be more productive
71 per cent of users said Gemini is easier to use in Arabic than other AI chatbots
50 per cent of adults said Google Search is essential to their daily lives
89 per cent relied on Google Maps and Waze to avoid getting lost
90 per cent said mobile payments through GPay or GWallet made their lives easier
2. Fuelling business growth
91 per cent of UAE businesses use at least one AI tool in their workflows
73 per cent of people aged 18–24 use Google Search weekly for shopping or browsing
80 per cent use Google Maps and Waze monthly to locate local businesses
86 per cent check Google reviews before visiting a business
94 per cent compare product prices via Google Search monthly
97 per cent of public sector employees said Google AI tools improved workplace productivity
3. Supporting the creator and developer ecosystem
AED455m ($124m) was generated in revenue by UAE-based developers via the Android App Economy
More than 600 YouTube channels in the UAE now have over 1m subscribers—a 15 per cent year-on-year rise
Over 430,000 people in the UAE have received digital and AI training via Google's Maharat Min Google program since 2018.
20,000+ journalists and journalism students have been trained by the Google News Initiative across MENA, including the United Arab Emirates
The findings come as the UAE accelerates its shift toward a knowledge-based economy, with AI and digital skilling playing a central role in national development strategies.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
UAE sees $45.6bn foreign direct investment in 2024, targets massive $354bn inflow
The UAE has been named the world's 10th largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, drawing in AED167.6bn ($45.6bn) in inflows, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2025. This marks a 48 per cent increase year-on-year, cementing the country's status as a global magnet for capital, particularly across strategic sectors. The UAE also accounted for 37 per cent of all FDI inflows into the Middle East region in 2024. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai said: 'In an international vote of confidence in the UAE's economy, the latest report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed that the UAE attracted AED167b ($45bn) in foreign direct investment over the past year, marking a 48 per cent growth compared to the previous year.' UAE foreign direct investment 'The UAE accounted for 37 per cent of all foreign direct investment inflows into the region. Out of every $100 invested in the region, $37 comes to the UAE. The country also ranked second globally, after the United States, in the number of newly announced foreign direct investment projects. 'Our next goal is to attract AED1.3tn ($354bn) in foreign direct investment over the next six years. 'Our foundation is strong, our future is promising, and our focus on our goals is crystal clear. Our message is simple: development is the key to stability, and the economy is the most important policy.' The UAE also ranked second globally—after the United States—for the number of newly announced greenfield FDI projects, with 1,369 new initiatives valued at AED53.3bn ($14.5bn). In contrast to a global slowdown in greenfield project growth (0.8 per cent), the UAE achieved 2.8 per cent growth. The top sectors for greenfield FDI in 2024 included: Software and IT services: 11.5 per cent Business services: 9.7 per cent Renewable energy: 9.3 per cent Oil, gas, and coal: 9 per cent Real estate: 7.8 per cent The energy sector alone attracted AED4.8bn ($1.3bn), supporting the UAE's target to triple renewable capacity by 2030. The UAE's cumulative FDI stock reached $270.6bn in 2024, driven by a 10.5 per cent compound annual growth rate since 2015, when inflows stood at AED31.6bn ($8.6bn). Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, said: 'Recording this unprecedented level of FDI inflows to the UAE is an achievement that reflects the strategic choices made by our wise leadership and its long-term vision to establish the UAE as a leading global investment destination. 'The Ministry of Investment is committed to developing a comprehensive regulatory and legislative framework aligned with our national priorities, meeting investors' needs, and providing a competitive business environment that attracts global capital. 'The UAE's investment ecosystem has become a global model, thanks to its stability, transparency, trade openness, and ease of doing business. Through the National Investment Strategy 2031, we continue to set ambitious goals to cement the UAE's position as a leading global FDI destination. 'We provide a clear pathway to drive sustainable growth, double investment opportunities, diversify priority sectors, and open new horizons for global companies seeking innovation and expansion in future markets.' The National Investment Strategy targets AED2.2tn ($599bn) in cumulative FDI by 2031, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, financial services and information technology. The United Arab Emirates investment climate is bolstered by: Full foreign ownership in mainland companies A competitive 9 per cent corporate tax rate Streamlined licensing processes Legal frameworks like the Dubai International Arbitration Centre Its global appeal is reinforced by 21 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements and 120 bilateral investment treaties. In talent attraction, the United Arab Emirates ranks fifth globally (INSEAD's Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2024) and third in attracting AI talent (Stanford University's AI Index 2024).
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
ILT20, KCB enter strategic partnership for growth of the sport in Kuwait
The DP World International League T20 and the Kuwait Cricket Board have entered an exciting partnership for the growth of the sport in Kuwait. Through the partnership the DP World ILT20 will organise cricket matches in the country which will be aimed at identifying and developing the participating players. The agreement between the Kuwait Cricket Board and DP World ILT20 was inked at a signing ceremony organised recently at the Dubai International Stadium. As per the agreement, a domestic event like the DP World ILT20 UAE Development Tournament, will be conducted annually in Kuwait to provide the players from Kuwait an opportunity to get selected by ILT20 franchises for the main DP World ILT20 event. In the coming years, the league will also aim to host DP World ILT2o matches in Kuwait. 'We are very proud to announce our collaboration with Kuwait Cricket Board as they join our league [DP World ILT20]. It is a great honour for us, and we look forward to many more such collaborations in the future. Kuwait is very important to us; it is a great country and keen on promoting and further developing cricket," said Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman ILT20 and Vice-Chairman Emirates Cricket Board. 'Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf countries are all one, the [cricket playing] communities are residing throughout the region and our aim with the DP World ILT20 is to grow and develop the game in the entire region. Our endeavour is to provide maximum opportunities to the players and for the fans to join us at this great tournament which we are trying to grow more and more.' President Kuwait Cricket Haider Farman: 'I am honoured to formalise this agreement between Kuwait Cricket and the Emirates Cricket Board to further promote the DP World ILT20 — not only in our two nations but across the entire region. This partnership is a key pillar of the league's broader vision for the growth and globalisation of cricket. We firmly believe that cricket can serve as a powerful bridge between our countries, and we look forward to this collaboration bringing meaningful benefits to our players, coaches, and officials alike. 'It is also a matter of great pride that Kuwait becomes the first country in the world to be officially recognized as a strategic partner of the DP World ILT20. 'Cricket continues to grow in popularity in the State of Kuwait, with Kuwait Cricket making significant strides both on and off the field. This landmark collaboration with the Emirates Cricket Board and the ILT20 will play a critical role in helping us realize our long-term vision — to involve more Kuwaiti nationals in our cricketing ecosystem, especially as players and officials. 'With the Asian Games scheduled to take place in Qatar in 2030 and Saudi Arabia in 2034, the timing couldn't be better. DP World ILT20 can be a transformative force in inspiring the next generation of local talent to embrace the sport across the GCC like never before.' CEO DP World ILT20 David White: 'I would like to congratulate Kuwait Cricket on their vision and foresight that has led to this exciting alliance. The DP World ILT2o's long term vision is to grow the game not only in the UAE but across the Gulf region. 'This partnership provides a great opportunity for Kuwait Cricket and their young players to develop further. We have seen it in the DP World ILT20 how the young UAE players have benefited enormously through this incredible platform under some world-class coaching. 'The UAE team recently won a T20I series against Bangladesh which is indeed a testament to the success of the DP World ILT20 as a lot of the UAE team members had received great exposure at the league in recent years, surely Kuwait and other countries in the region are going to benefit as well.' Sajid Ashraf, Director General Kuwait Cricket. says the partnership will help the sport grow in Kuwait. 'This momentous collaboration with the Emirates Cricket Board — a true leader in regional cricket development and the driving force behind the world-class DP World ILT20 — marks a historic milestone for Kuwait Cricket. It opens the door to a long-awaited dream: enabling our Kuwait players to pursue full-time professional cricket careers on the international franchise stage," Ashraf said. Meanwhile, the DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on December 2, UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad). The six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on January 4, 2026.
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE airline flight suspensions: flydubai, Etihad, Air Arabia and Emirates travel update
UAE airlines continue to report suspensions and cancellations of flights as conflict between Israel and Iran impacts airspace and travel. UAE carriers Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Emirates have all announced suspended flights and airports have issued travel advisories amid closed air space and disrupted travel routes in the region. Flights from the UAE carriers to destinations, including Iran, Israel, Russia, Jordan and Iraq have been suspended. See the latest travel news below and check with airlines and updates for live updates. Etihad suspends some UAE flights In its most recent travel update Etihad shared details of extended flight suspensions on key routes. It said: 'Due to the ongoing airspace closures and the regional situation, Etihad has suspended all flights between: Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv (TLV) until and including June 30 Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Amman (AMM) until and including June 20 'Guests transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled flights will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin. 'Impacted guests are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements. 'This remains an evolving situation, and further changes or disruptions may occur. Etihad continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with the relevant authorities. 'The safety of our guests and crew remains our highest priority, and we regret any inconvenience caused'. Etihad also stated that flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Beirut, (BEY) will be operating on June 21 with the following flights on a revised flight schedule for operational reasons: EY581: Departs Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 10am, arrives Beirut (BEY) at 1.10pm EY582: Departs Beirut (BEY) at 2.05pm, arrives Abu Dhabi (AUH) at EY583: Departs Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 2pm, arrives Beirut (BEY) at 5.05pm EY584: Departs Beirut (BEY) at 6pm, arrives Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 10.55pm Air Arabia suspends some UAE flights Air Arabia extended the suspension of flights to various locations until up to June 30. The prolonged suspension applies to flights from the UAE to at least seven countries. Air Arabia said: 'Due to the current situation and airspace closures, Air Arabia has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the following countries, as follows: Iran: Until and including Monday, June 30 Iraq: Until and including Monday, June 30 Russia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Armenia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Georgia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Azerbaijan: Until and including Monday, June 30 Jordan: Until and including Friday, June 20 'Several other flights are experiencing delays or rerouting as a result. Passengers connecting through Sharjah or Abu Dhabi with final destinations in any of the above flights will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further update. flydubai suspends some UAE flights Dubai's flydubai joined other airlines in extending flight suspensions. A statement from the carrier revealed an adjusted suspension timetable. Flydubai said: 'Due to the current situation and the closure of certain airspace corridors, flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from the following countries and airports until June 30: Iran Iraq Israel Syria 'Passengers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in any of the above countries or airports will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice. 'Passengers departing from or arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB) are encouraged to check their flight status on for the latest updates. 'Please note that some other flights may be subject to delays or rerouting. 'We apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding. flydubai continues to monitor the situation closely, the safety of our passengers, crew, and operations remains our highest priority. Emirates suspends some UAE flights Emirates is still listing suspended flights on its website, with continued disruption to Jordan, Lebanon, Iran and Iraq journeys. The travel update from the Dubai carrier said: 'Due to the regional situation, Emirates has temporarily suspended all flights to: Jordan (Amman) and Lebanon (Beirut), until and including Sunday, June 22 Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra), until and including Monday, June 30 'Customers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon; and customers with onwards flydubai connections to suspended destinations will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice'. The airline added that customers impacted by flight cancellations should contact their travel agency for rebooking. Customers departing or arriving at Dubai International Airport were advised to check their flight status on for the latest information. Emirates said: 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers. We continue to closely monitor developments. The safety of our passengers, employees and operations will always be our top priority'.
