Skip to main content Skip to footer ![BRICS expansion: Nine new partner countries set to join in January 2025](https://economymiddleeast.com/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/Xfg_b7GtigYi5mxeAzkt9w/economymiddleeast.com/2024/12/BRICS.jpg/w=1024,h=682)
Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan will join BRICS as partner countries
![Sharjah approves $11.4 billion budget for 2025, largest in emirate’s history](https://economymiddleeast.com/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/Xfg_b7GtigYi5mxeAzkt9w/economymiddleeast.com/2024/12/Sharjah-budget-1.jpg/w=1024,h=683)
The budget empowers agencies to fund initiatives, provide housing for citizens, and upgrade tourism infrastructure
![Transforming data management in the UAE: How the Data Index sets new standards](https://economymiddleeast.com/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/Xfg_b7GtigYi5mxeAzkt9w/economymiddleeast.com/2024/12/UAE-data-index.jpg/w=1024,h=683)
This index aligns with global best practices and standards pertaining to statistics and data management
![173 real estate transactions in Ajman: $162.8 million total and 88 percent yearly growth](https://economymiddleeast.com/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/Xfg_b7GtigYi5mxeAzkt9w/economymiddleeast.com/2024/12/Ajman-real-estate.jpg/w=1024,h=682)
Residential properties were valued at $81.8 million, surpassing commercial properties at over $55.5 million
![CBUAE forecasts real GDP growth: 4 percent in 2024, rising to 5.5 percent by 2026](https://economymiddleeast.com/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/Xfg_b7GtigYi5mxeAzkt9w/economymiddleeast.com/2024/12/CBUAE-GDP-1.jpg/w=1024,h=683)
Non-oil GDP growth is projected to remain robust at 4.9 percent in 2024 and 5.0 percent in 2025
![Crude oil prices edge up 0.4 percent amid supply concerns and demand focus](https://economymiddleeast.com/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/Xfg_b7GtigYi5mxeAzkt9w/economymiddleeast.com/2024/05/Oil-prices-1-3.jpg/w=1024,h=683)
Brent oil futures for February rose by 0.4 percent to $72.91 a barrel
![Japan GDP: Growth trends and economic forecasts for 2025](https://economymiddleeast.com/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/Xfg_b7GtigYi5mxeAzkt9w/economymiddleeast.com/2024/04/Bank-of-Japan.jpg/w=1024,h=683)
Approximately 70 percent of Japan’s GDP is derived from the services sector
![Kuwait, India agree on upgrading ties to strategic partnership](https://economymiddleeast.com/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/Xfg_b7GtigYi5mxeAzkt9w/economymiddleeast.com/2024/12/Kuwait-India-1-1.jpeg/w=1024,h=683)
The two sides highlighted trade's crucial role in connecting their countries and its potential for further growth and diversification
![ADBW 2024: ADDED, Ma’an sign MoU to empower social enterprises in Abu Dhabi](https://economymiddleeast.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ADDED-and-the-Authority-of-Social-Contribution-–-Maan-Sign-MoU-to-Empower-Social-Enterprises-in-Abu-Dhabi-1024x683.jpg)
Ma’an will connect social enterprises with a network of social investors and innovators for collaboration and growth
![Empowering the unbanked: How digital wallets and fintech are shaping the future of finance](https://economymiddleeast.com/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/Xfg_b7GtigYi5mxeAzkt9w/economymiddleeast.com/2024/12/Fintech-1.jpg/w=1024,h=683)
The role of digital wallets and banks in expanding access to financial services
![Emirati women: Key achievements and milestones in 2024](https://economymiddleeast.com/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/Xfg_b7GtigYi5mxeAzkt9w/economymiddleeast.com/2024/12/Emirati-women-1.jpg/w=1024,h=683)
The UAE ranked 7th globally and remained the top nation in the region in the UN Gender Equality Index 2024
![ADFW 2024: ADGM Academy hosts inaugural Future of Talent Summit signs strategic MoUs](https://economymiddleeast.com/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/Xfg_b7GtigYi5mxeAzkt9w/economymiddleeast.com/2024/12/adgm-academy-talent-summit.jpeg/w=1024,h=682)
ADGM Academy hosted the Future of Talent Summit, a key event at ADFW, which explores the transformation of human capital in financial technology