The latest Gulf Economic Update for Fall 2025 forecasts that the UAE’s economy will grow by 4.8 percent, reflecting balanced expansion across oil and non-oil sectors. Real GDP growth highlights the country’s success in diversifying its export base and sustaining broad-based economic momentum.
Other GCC nations are expected to see moderate growth: Saudi Arabia at 3.8 percent, Bahrain 3.5 percent, Oman 3.1 percent, Qatar 2.8 percent, and Kuwait 2.7 percent. The report emphasizes three key pillars driving this growth: economic diversification indicators, macroeconomic monitoring, and rapid digital transformation.
The region has made significant advances in technology adoption, with 5G networks covering over 90 percent of the GCC population. Investments in data centres and high-performance computing have strengthened AI readiness, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Supportive ecosystems, government adoption of generative AI, and growing participation of women in STEM further enhance digital competitiveness.
Experts recommend boosting AI adoption among SMEs and implementing workforce training programs to maximize the benefits of diversification and digital transformation. Safaa El Tayeb El Kogali notes, “The digital leap achieved by GCC countries is remarkable, and strong infrastructure, growing computing power, and increasing AI-related skills enhance the region’s position for leadership and innovation.”
UAE Streamlines Services: Passport and Emirates ID Renewal
The UAE has launched a one-step renewal service for passports and Emirates ID cards, eliminating the need for separate applications. This initiative allows citizens to update both documents simultaneously through the UAEICP smart application, saving time and preventing administrative confusion from staggered expiry dates.
Under the new system, if a passport has expired and the Emirates ID is due within six months, citizens can renew both documents together on a single page. Previously, separate forms and payment procedures complicated the process. Now, users can complete the entire application in a seamless transaction.
The UAEICP platform also lets citizens manage family documents in one centralized location. Officials say the development grew from public feedback and represents a leap in digital government services, supporting the nationwide “Zero Bureaucracy” initiative.
GCC Financial Markets: Debt Surge Contrasts IPO Slowdown
GCC debt issuance reached a record $226 billion in 2025, significantly exceeding last year’s $136.3 billion, driven by strong investor demand. Governments and corporations, including Saudi Aramco and ADNOC, issued new debt at tighter spreads, while Kuwait returned to debt capital markets after eight years with an $11 billion raise.
In contrast, IPO activity fell sharply. Only 40 IPOs raised $5.81 billion, down from 52 listings generating $12.88 billion in 2024. Low post-listing performance and fewer government-related offerings contributed to the decline. Saudi Arabia remained the most active IPO market, accounting for 31 of the 40 listings.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) reported a 48% increase in Assets Under Management (AUM) in Q3 2025, alongside strong licensing, real estate, and employment growth. Active licences surpassed 11,900, operational entities reached 3,227, and real estate transactions rose 104%, reflecting investor confidence and reinforcing ADGM’s status as a regional financial hub.