The UAE is one of the top countries worldwide in terms of economic freedom, a survey suggests. It came joint fifth in a poll by Canadian think tank Fraser Institute, tying with Georgia, Canada, Ireland and Mauritius. Hong Kong, Singapore and New Zealand topped the Economic Freedom of the World Report. It ranked 159 countries on government size, legal structure, property rights, access to money, freedom to trade internationally and regulation of credit, labour and business.
UAE–South Korea CEPA comes into force on May 1
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and South Korea will officially enter into force on May 1, 2026.
Meraas awards AED 2.4 billion in construction contracts for 'The Acres'
Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded AED 2.4 billion in main construction contracts for new phases of its flagship villa developments, The Acres and The Acres Estates, in Dubailand.
Bangladesh set to sign Boeing jet deal, shifting from Airbus
Bangladesh is set to sign a deal on Thursday to buy 14 aircraft from US planemaker Boeing, officials said, a move that marks a shift away from Europe's Airbus amid trade pressure from Washington.
UAE Circular Economy Council focuses on food security, sustainable growth
The UAE Circular Economy Council held its first meeting of 2026 on Wednesday, with discussions centred on strengthening food security, expanding sustainable production, and increasing investment in circular economy sectors.
UAE announces decision to withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+
The United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday its decision to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC and OPEC+), effective 1 May 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a travel ban for UAE citizens to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq, citing current regional developments.
The UAE's Attorney-General, Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, has ordered the referral of 13 defendants and six UAE-registered companies to the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal (State Security Court) on charges of illicit trafficking in military materiel, forgery and money laundering.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has honoured the winners of the 'Erth Dubai Awards', recognising their contributions to preserving the emirate’s cultural and social heritage.
