Google contributed an estimated AED21.8 billion (over $5.9 billion) to the UAE economy in 2024, according to a new report from Google. This Economic Impact Report, commissioned by the independent consultancy agency Public First, emphasizes how Google’s AI-powered tools and platforms are significantly enhancing daily life and productivity for individuals and enterprises throughout the UAE, thereby driving macroeconomic growth.
The report examines how Google products, including Search, Play, Maps, YouTube, and Google Ads, have positively impacted people, local businesses, content creators, and developers in the UAE during 2024. Globally, Google releases Impact Reports that utilize consumer and business polling, economic modeling, case studies, and third-party data.
Empowering a diverse workforce
“We’re incredibly proud to be a partner in the UAE’s boundless ambitions,” says Anthony Nakache, managing director for Google in the Middle East & North Africa. “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 is equipping people in the UAE with the digital and AI capabilities necessary for tomorrow’s economy. The report highlights that since 2018, over 430,000 individuals in the UAE have been trained in essential digital and AI skills through Google’s key skilling initiative, “Maharat Min Google.” This initiative aims to empower a diverse and vibrant ecosystem of developers. In 2024, the Android and Google Play app ecosystem supported the creation of 30,000 jobs in the UAE, according to the report.
Making everyday life easier for people in UAE
The Google Impact Report in the UAE explores the effects of Google’s products in 2024 across three key areas: People, Businesses, and Communities. Below are the additional findings:
The paper highlighted that Google’s services generate an average of AED 683 a month in consumer benefits for individuals. Notably, 63 percent of adults in the UAE reported using Gemini, Google’s AI Assistant, with 90 percent of users agreeing that it enhances their productivity. Additionally, 71 percent of users found Gemini easier to navigate in Arabic compared to other AI chatbots. Furthermore, half of the adults in the UAE stated that Google Search is essential for their daily activities. The report also showed that 89 percent of adults found Google Maps and/or Waze very helpful in preventing them from getting lost. Lastly, 90 percent of adults agreed that the capability to make contactless payments on mobile devices, such as through GPay or GWallet, greatly simplifies their lives.
Fueling growth of businesses in UAE
Google’s report highlighted that 91 percent of businesses in the UAE utilize at least one AI tool in their workflows. Additionally, 73 percent of individuals aged 18-24 reported using Google Search at least weekly for shopping or browsing products online. Furthermore, 80 percent of adults in the UAE use Google Maps and/or Waze at least once a month to locate local businesses. The report also noted that 86 percent of respondents check Google reviews before visiting a venue or business at least once a month. Moreover, 94 percent of adults in the UAE use Google Search monthly to compare prices of products and services. Notably, 97 percent of public sector workers in the UAE stated that Google’s AI-enabled tools enhance their productivity at work.
Empowering communities in UAE
In the section titled “Empowering Communities in the UAE,” the report combines research from Public First with Google’s internal data to estimate the company’s contributions to creators, developers, and publishers. It indicated that AED455 million in revenue was generated by the Android App Economy for UAE-based developers in 2024. Additionally, there are over 600 YouTube channels in the UAE with more than 1 million subscribers, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 15 percent. Finally, the Google News Initiative has trained over 20,000 journalists and journalism students in the MENA region, including those in the UAE.
Public First conducted a survey involving 1,110 online adults and 389 business leaders in the UAE. These surveys were carried out in both English and Arabic during March 2025. All results were weighted using Iterative Proportional Fitting, commonly known as ‘Raking.’ The findings for online adults are weighted based on age, gender, education level, and region to ensure they reflect nationally representative proportions.
