Banking, fintech, funds, capital markets and cross-border investment
The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice opened in Abu Dhabi, gathering up to 5,000 delegates from over 97 countries. Member states are set to adopt the Abu Dhabi Declaration, establishing a five-year international framework on cybercrime, financial crime, and artificial intelligence governance.
Foreign direct investment inflows into the UAE rose 48.7% in 2024 to $45.6 billion, up from $30.7 billion in 2023, according to Analytics Insight. Economic expansion is increasingly propelled by non-oil sectors including artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and financial technology. The country is expanding international market access through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements in line with its 2031 vision.
Stock markets across the United Arab Emirates declined following renewed warnings over prolonged regional air travel disruptions. Dubai's benchmark index fell about 0.4 percent and Abu Dhabi slipped 0.6 percent, led by banking and blue-chip equities including Emirates NBD. Local carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia continue to adjust flight schedules amid regional tensions.
An analysis published by Free Malaysia Today indicates that US attempts to enforce a zero-leakage sanctions regime against Iran face significant operational obstacles. Iran's oil trade, of which China purchased an estimated 90% prior to Hormuz disruptions, largely clears outside the US dollar system via renminbi settlements and shadow networks in Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Consequently, financial compliance scrutiny is intensifying across financial institutions operating within the China-UAE corridor.
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