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Software, telecommunications and digital infrastructure

China–UAE News
Source: Asia Times

Chinese EV Brands Accelerate Market Expansion Across UAE and Gulf Region

Chinese electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturers are increasingly focusing on the Gulf Cooperation Council as tariffs and regulatory barriers restrict Western market access, according to Asia Times. Industry estimates indicate the UAE represented approximately 42% of the GCC electric vehicle market in 2025, supported by roughly 2,800 charging points. Automakers including BYD, Geely, and Chery are expanding distribution networks, after-sales operations, and charging partnerships across the region.

Industry News
Source: MSSP Alert

UAE Businesses Prioritise Vendor Consolidation and Cybersecurity Amid AI Expansion

A survey of 1,500 business and IT leaders by Dell Technologies and Vanson Bourne shows 82% of UAE firms are more selective with tech spending, with 86% favoring single-partner consolidation. While AI adoption is advancing, 68% report that compliance and security concerns have slowed initiatives, and 68% state infrastructure is unprepared for AI workloads. Additionally, 90% of respondents now consider integrated cybersecurity a mandatory baseline requirement.

Industry News
Source: Gulf Business

WEF and Bain Report Projects AI Could Unlock $1 Trillion Across MENA

A report by the World Economic Forum and Bain & Company projects artificial intelligence could unlock over $1 trillion in economic and sustainability value across MENA by 2030. The valuation encompasses sustainable finance, public investment flows, avoided asset losses, and energy-sector gains. While 89 percent of regional sustainability leaders acknowledge AI's high potential, active implementation remains limited to between 40 and 55 percent.

Industry News
Source: Arabian Business

UAE Online Payments Reach 55% Domestic Share as App Delivery Surges

Online and in-app payments accounted for 55% of domestic Visa payment volume in the UAE in 2026, up from 35% in 2019, according to Visa Business and Economic Insights. Payment card activity on food delivery applications climbed from approximately 2% in 2018 to nearly 30% in 2026, driven primarily by everyday spenders. In addition, 25.7% of active UAE Visa cards logged at least 10 digital transactions monthly, compared to 4.5% in 2018.

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