Gulf Business

Industry News

OpenAI Details UAE Growth, Enterprise Data Residency, and Regional Expansion Plans

OpenAI EMEA Managing Director Emmanuel Marill stated that paid ChatGPT consumer subscriptions in the UAE grew over 80 percent in the year to September 2026. Speaking to Gulf Business, Marill outlined OpenAI's local Inference Residency offering for regulated UAE entities and the regional rollout of ChatGPT Ads. He noted that four in five young adults aged 18 to 34 in the UAE use the platform weekly.

China–UAE News

BYD Designates GCC as Top Priority and Plans Regional Parts Distribution Hub

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has named the GCC its top priority for international expansion, targeting increased investment in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The company plans to construct a dedicated regional spare parts distribution centre while expanding retail and after-sales infrastructure. BYD also aims to pursue regional opportunities in autonomous driving, robotics, battery energy storage, and an upcoming luxury vehicle debut.

Policy & Legal Updates

Dubai Rental Disputes Center Permits Lease Annulment Before Start Date for Deception

Dubai's Rental Disputes Center has established a judicial principle permitting landlords and tenants to annul lease agreements before they take effect if deception during contracting is proven. The decision is based on Articles 170, 171, and 173 of the Civil Transactions Law. The ruling emerged after a landlord discovered past rental judgments and arrest orders against a corporate tenant prior to property handover.

Policy & Legal Updates

ADGM Issues Commercial Licensing Guidance for Crypto Mining Operations

Abu Dhabi Global Market has issued formal guidance establishing commercial licensing and governance rules for crypto mining businesses. Under the framework, mining operations fall under the direct regulatory oversight of the Registration Authority. The guidelines separate physical mining operations from financial activities regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority.