How big is the GCC's non-oil economy
Non-oil activities now exceed half of Saudi real GDP and roughly three-quarters of the UAE's, with the bloc's non-oil external trade running in the trillions of dollars.
Gulf Business
Deals, sovereign funds, companies and boardroom moves across the GCC.
The UAE's CEPA trade deals, explained
Since 2021 the UAE has concluded more than twenty Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, from India in 2022 to Korea, Australia and Türkiye, driving non-oil trade past AED 3 trillion.
What is the Dubai D33 agenda
D33, launched in January 2023, aims to double Dubai's economy by 2033 through 100 projects, AED 32 trillion in cumulative foreign trade and a push into new growth sectors.
How Gulf labour systems were reformed
Qatar scrapped exit permits and the NOC in 2020, the UAE replaced unlimited contracts and the NOC in 2022, and Saudi Arabia opened job mobility in 2021. What changed, and what did not.
What is a UAE free zone
The UAE runs more than 40 free zones offering full foreign ownership and, for qualifying activities, 0 percent corporate tax, with the DIFC and ADGM adding their own English-language legal systems.
World Governments Summit 2026 closes in Dubai
The February 3-5 summit, billed as its largest edition, ran under 'Shaping Future Governments' with AI and trade tracks, and announced four awards including best minister and most reformed government.