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.
In 2025, Oman exported 4,500 tonnes of squid worth US$11.6 million across 19 countries, with China ranking among the top buyers alongside Vietnam and Malaysia. Total domestic squid landings reached approximately 14,000 tonnes, dominated by traditional artisanal fishing. Oman also imported about 485 tonnes of squid during the year, with Yemen, China, and the UAE serving as the leading suppliers.
The creative industry is becoming an important growth driver for BRICS+ economies, supported by intellectual property, digital technology, and cultural assets, according to an analysis by TV BRICS reported by Bernama. China and the UAE were identified as leading technology-driven development models within the bloc. China accounts for the group's largest creative economy share at US$879 billion.
The UAE plans to reduce carbon emissions from electricity and water production by more than 45% by 2035, according to long-term energy system planning reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM). Emissions are projected to fall from approximately 42 million tonnes in 2019 to 23 million tonnes, despite an expected 70% increase in power demand between 2026 and 2033. The strategy relies on expanding Abu Dhabi's solar capacity to over 35 GW, deploying 15 GW of battery storage, and shifting over 95% of water output to reverse osmosis.
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