Software, telecommunications and digital infrastructure
The UAE has climbed five places to rank 25th among 139 economies in the 2026 Global Innovation Index published by WIPO. The country secured first place worldwide across four indicators, including start-up financing and entrepreneurial policies. It also recorded strong performances in high-tech exports, brand value, and mobile application downloads.
Chinese autonomous driving firms, including Baidu Apollo Go, Momenta, and WeRide, are broadening operations in the UAE. The expansion is supported by over 14,500 Chinese commercial licenses in the Emirates and more than $15 billion in bilateral investment. The initiatives focus on integrating autonomous fleets and AI navigation into smart transport grids.
The United Arab Emirates ranked seventh worldwide in the 2026 Rumavi Global Relocation Index for digital nomads, according to an Aviation A2Z report citing Time Out. The index evaluated 192 countries on digital infrastructure, living costs, safety, and remote-work legal frameworks. Dubai was identified as the country's primary destination, supported by a remote-work residence route requiring US$3,500 in monthly income.
Smart Mobility International has begun UAE customer deliveries of the IM LS9 luxury six-seater SUV, manufactured by China's SAIC Motor. The range-extended electric vehicle offers over 1,500 km of combined range, 523 horsepower of continuous output, and advanced four-wheel steering. The distributor also revealed that a five-seater IM LS8 model with 1,605 km range will follow.
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