Hello reader,

In today’s newsletter:

Discover the latest stories from Arabian Business, in case you missed them on Wednesday:

The UAE and the wider GCC are expected to see a rise in business travel in 2025. Increased in-person team-building and inter-team meetings in the corporate sector are driving this trend, along with the growing practice of combining business trips with leisure activities. The UAE’s business travel sector is also set to undergo AI-led changes as demand grows for real-time updates on flight disruptions, weather, and geopolitical events.

Meanwhile, CEOs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia rank among the most confident globally about revenue growth in 2025, according to PwC’s 28^th Annual CEO Survey. However, regional CEOs are also addressing challenges driven by AI, climate change, and competition in emerging markets. The survey highlights efforts to balance current market opportunities with the need to adapt businesses for the future.

Another survey by the UAE-based Institute for Future Readiness found that 63 percent of UAE residents are concerned about the long-term relevance of their qualifications, skills, and experience. However, 71 percent expressed confidence in lifelong learning as a means to prepare for the future. Leadership and technology skills were identified as the most important areas for continuous development.

On the real estate front, RAK Properties has announced a $1.4bn real estate development project across a 4 million square metre site. The development, named Mina, will include three districts: Raha Island, Hayat Island, and Lagoons. It is located along Ras Al Khaimah’s coastline, near key economic hubs.

Aside from this, OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle will invest up to $500 billion over the next four years in AI infrastructure under a joint venture called Stargate. The announcement was made by former US President Donald Trump, who pledged support for the project with emergency measures.

^{Until next time, Sharon Benjamin for Arabian Business}

THE LONGER READ:

The UAE has broken into the world’s top 10 most powerful passports while establishing itself as a premier destination for global wealth

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