Public First: Google Contributed AED 21.8 Billion to the UAE Economy in 2024

Google announced today the launch of the Google's Economic Impact Report, a report conducted by Public First research agency, that looks at how Google products (Search, Play, Maps, YouTube and Google Ads) have helped people, local businesses, content creators and developers in the UAE throughout 2024. Around the world, Google releases Impact Reports which are based on consumer and business polling, economic modeling, case studies and third party data. The report highlights how Google's AI-powered tools and platforms are profoundly enhancing daily life and productivity for individuals and enterprises across the UAE, driving macroeconomic growth. In fact, Public First estimates that Google contributed an estimated AED 21.8 billion to the UAE economy in 2024."We're incredibly proud to be a partner in the UAE's boundless ambitions," says Anthony Nakache, Managing Director for Google in the Middle East & North Africa. "The report reflects our investment in accelerating the country's ambitious journey towards a diversified, AI-powered economy. Through strategic investments, local partnerships, and our AI-powered tools, we're bringing substantial economic value and empowering individuals, businesses, and communities in the UAE.'Google is equipping people in the UAE with digital and AI capabilities needed for tomorrow's economy. The report highlights that since 2018, over 430,000 individuals in the UAE were trained in essential digital and AI skills through Google's key skilling initiative "Maharat Min Google" initiative. This effort includes empowering a diverse and vibrant ecosystem of developers. In 2024, the Android and Google Play app ecosystem supported the creation of 30,000 jobs in the UAE, according to the report. The Google Impact Report in the UAE explores the impact of Google's products in 2024 across three areas: People, Businesses and Communities. Below are the additional findings:Making everyday life easier for people in the UAE• AED 683 a month on average in consumer benefits is created by Google's services for the average person in the UAE.• 63% of adults in the UAE said they have used Gemini, Google's AI Assistant. • 90% of users agreed that Gemini helped them to be more productive. • 71% of users agreed that Gemini is easier to use in Arabic than other AI chatbots.• 50% of adults in the UAE agree that Google Search is essential to their daily lives.• 89% of adults in the UAE reported that Google Maps and/or Waze were very useful when they were avoiding getting lost.• 90% of adults in the UAE agreed that the ability to make contactless payments on mobile devices through the likes of GPay or GWallet makes their life easier.Fueling the Growth of Businesses in the UAE• 91% of businesses in the UAE report using at least one AI tool in their workflows.• 73% of 18-24 year olds said they use Google Search at least weekly to shop or browse products online.• 80% of adults in the UAE use Google Maps and/or Waze at least once a month to find a local business.• 86% said they checked Google reviews before visiting a venue or business at least once a month.• 94% of adults in the UAE use Google Search at least once a month to compare the prices of products and services.• 97% of public sector workers in the UAE said that Google AI-enabled tools help them to be more productive at work.Empowering Communities in the UAE This section of the report combines Public First research and Google internal data and estimates Google's contribution to creators, developers and publishers.• AED 455 million of revenue generated by the Android App Economy for UAE-based developers in 2024.• 600+ YouTube channels in the UAE have over 1 million subscribers, an increase of 15% year on year.• 20,000+ journalists and journalism students trained by the Google News Initiative in the MENA region, including in the UAE.About the researchGoogle commissioned independent consultancy Public First to explore how Google's innovations and products are helping communities, workers and businesses in the UAE, as well as the future potential of AI across the nation.
Public First conducted a survey of 1,110 online adults based in the UAE and a survey of 389 business leaders based in the UAE. These surveys were conducted in English and Arabic in March 2025. All results are weighted using Iterative Proportional Fitting, or 'Raking'. The online adult results are weighted by age, gender, education level, and region to nationally representative proportions.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Al Bawaba

2 hours ago

• Al Bawaba

Nissan to Livestream World Premiere of All-New Patrol NISMO From the Middle East

Nissan is set to strengthen its performance-focused lineup in the Middle East with the highly anticipated NISMO event, taking place in Dubai on 24 June media, influencers and automotive enthusiasts are invited to join the live global streaming of the event: unveiling the all-new Patrol NISMO - marking its world premiere, and the new Nissan Z NISMO - making its regional debut.• Date: Tuesday, 24th June 2025• Time: 7:30PM GST (GMT +4) • Worldwide Livestream Link on YouTube: The livestream will showcase Nissan's latest NISMO icons in the Middle East, spearheading the Red Ring Society and offering viewers a first look at Nissan's next generation of bold design and motorsport-inspired innovation. Don't miss out this exclusive opportunity to celebrate the passion and precision of NISMO. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.

Al Bawaba

3 hours ago

• Al Bawaba

Aldar Generates More Than Aed 3.5 Billion in Sales at Fahid Island During Launch Week

Following exceptional interest in Fahid Island - Abu Dhabi's first coastal wellness destination and the world's first Fitwel certified island - Aldar today announced it has generated over AED 3.5 billion in sales at Fahid Beach Residences and The Beach House, the island's first residential developments released during launch Fahid Island homes attracted a diverse pool of buyers, drawn by the island's position as Abu Dhabi's first coastal wellness destination, the waterfront lifestyle, and proximity to super-premium education at Kings College School Wimbledon which sits within the wider wellness inspired masterplan. Expatriate residents and overseas buyers account for 67% of total sales, with buyers from the UAE, Russia, the UK, and China making up the top nationalities by sales volume. This strong local and international interest underscores Fahid Island's emerging global profile as a premier lifestyle destination where wellness meets culture, nature, and community.42% of buyers are under the age of 45, signalling growing demand for luxury wellness-focused living among younger demographics. Notably, 67% of buyers are first-time Aldar customers, demonstrating Aldar's expansive reach and the appeal of the Group's thoughtfully curated Emery, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Development said: 'The highly anticipated launch of Fahid Island has resulted in the first homes released generating more than AED 3.5 billion - and serves as a powerful validation of our vision to place wellness at the heart of community living. The success reflects Abu Dhabi's position as one of the world's most desirable investment and lifestyle destinations and we are expecting continued interest in Fahid Island as Abu Dhabi's first wellness island builds its profile on the global stage.'In response to the overwhelming demand for Fahid Beach Residences, Aldar accelerated the launch of Fahid Island's second residential offering, The Beach House during launch week and sales progress continues at pace. Comprised of 11 elegantly designed towers offering a collection of studios to 3-bedroom + maid apartments, the new development draws on its coastal surroundings and is thoughtfully crafted to evoke a sense of calm, lightness, and relaxed sophistication. Residents benefit from exquisite interiors and breathtaking views of the sea and Abu Dhabi skyline, as well as a state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, direct shoreline access, and seamless connectivity to Coral Drive, the island's boutique retail boulevard. With further residential launches planned, Aldar will continue to deliver on its vision to transform Fahid Island into a vibrant, wellness-focused destination that redefines coastal living in the region.

Al Bawaba

4 hours ago

• Al Bawaba

First Abu Dhabi Bank Becomes First MENA Bank to Join CIPS as Direct Participant, Strengthening Its Regional Cash Management and Clearing Capabilities

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE's global bank and one of the world's largest and safest financial institutions, has become a Direct Participant (DP) of the Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), the official cross-border payment infrastructure for Renminbi (RMB).FAB's direct participation in CIPS enhances its ability to provide clients with faster, more secure and efficient cross-border RMB payment solutions, reinforcing its leadership in cash management and clearing across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as its reputation for operational excellence and robust risk is currently the only UAE bank operating a fully licensed branch in Mainland China and is committed to supporting the needs of clients and partners in both the largest bank in the UAE and a cornerstone of the nation's economic, corporate, and financial ecosystem, FAB is uniquely positioned to drive growth and innovation across the China-UAE/GCC corridor. This landmark achievement underscores FAB's leadership in digital transformation and its commitment to advancing the UAE's position as a regional financial Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer at FAB, said: "With a fully licensed branch in Mainland China, FAB holds a unique position among UAE banks enabling it to lead on the integration of the Renminbi into our existing global banking service offering. Our direct participation in CIPS significantly enhances our ability to provide faster, more secure and efficient RMB payment solutions and deliver real-time settlement capabilities. This development reinforces our leadership in regional cash management and clearing. It also strengthens FAB's role as a trusted financial infrastructure partner for clients transacting between China, the UAE and the broader MENA region. As cross-border transactions accelerate, we remain committed to delivering the infrastructure and innovation that enable financial connectivity at pace." FAB's participation as a Direct Participant of CIPS reflects its vision to remain at the forefront of financial innovation as MENA's leading bank. The bank continues to invest in advanced infrastructure and capabilities to ensure it remains the partner of choice for clients navigating the complexities of international trade and finance. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.