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Today’s stories spotlight major shifts in Dubai’s alcohol market, the UAE’s record-breaking foreign trade achievements, and a look ahead at salary projections for 2025. These developments showcase the UAE’s economic resilience and forward-thinking strategies. 🚀

Read on for more updates.

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📰 Dubai Distributors Cushion Alcohol Price Hike 🍾

📰 What is it about?

• Dubai’s leading alcohol distributors, MMI and African+Eastern, are mitigating the impact of the reintroduced 30% alcohol tax, effective January 1. Both companies will absorb costs and freeze prices on select products to ease the transition.

💡 Why it matters?

• The tax reinstatement could affect consumer spending and hospitality pricing.

• Highlights Dubai’s balancing act between attracting global visitors and generating revenue.

• Raises questions about pricing strategies post-tax suspension.

🔜 What’s next?

• As the tax takes effect, all eyes will be on whether hospitality venues adjust their pricing and how distributors navigate the financial implications.

Markets

📰 Muslim-Friendly Tech on the Rise 🌍

📰 What is it about?

• In 2024, the UAE recorded its highest-ever foreign trade value, surpassing AED 2.8 trillion. The milestone was celebrated during the first UAE Cabinet meeting of 2025, chaired by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

💡 Why it matters?

• Reflects a robust economy, with AED 130 billion in FDI and 190 billion in industrial exports.

• Private-sector Emirati employment surged by 350%, reaching 131,000 nationals.

• Aviation and tourism saw major growth, with 150 million passengers and 30 million tourists.

🔜 What’s next?

• Sheikh Mohammed pledged to build on 2024’s achievements with stronger global partnerships, continued modernization, and sustainable development in 2025.

📰 UAE Salaries to Rise by 4% in 2025 📈

📰 What is it about?

• A Mercer survey of over 700 companies projects salary increases of up to 4% in 2025, led by consumer goods (4.5%), life sciences, and tech sectors.

💡 Why it matters?

• Rising costs of living push employers to enhance benefits, including housing allowances and flexible work options.

• Bonuses expected to range from 2% to 30%, depending on sector performance.

• Retail continues to face challenges due to e-commerce competition.

🔜 What’s next?

• Companies will need to adapt retention strategies and competitive compensation packages to attract and retain top talent amid these changes.

🔍In other news…

1. Dubai’s RTA managed 2.5 million passengers on new year’s eve.

2. Space42, a UAE-based leader in satellite technology, will launch the Thuraya 4 telecommunications satellite into orbit, whic is built by Airbus and launched by Musk’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

3. Former Saudi footballer Majed Al-Jamaan is officially the new CEO of Al-Nassr Club!

4. Oman has resumed copper exports for the first time in nearly 30 years

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