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- December 2025 Business Brief: Dubai’s Growth, Mecca Compliance Drive, and UAE Fuel Price Updates
December 2025 Business Brief: Dubai’s Growth, Mecca Compliance Drive, and UAE Fuel Price Updates
Monday, December 1, 2025
Happy Monday everyone!
This month, we bring you the latest updates shaping the Middle East’s business and economic landscape. From Dubai’s remarkable non-oil growth under visionary leadership, to major compliance campaigns in Mecca, and the latest adjustments in UAE fuel prices, our newsletter keeps you informed on the trends and developments that matter most to businesses and investors in the region.
Stay ahead with clear insights, key takeaways, and what to watch next in the dynamic world of Middle Eastern business.
But before that: For quick daily updates, follow us on Instagram, and you can watch our Smashi Business Show live every weekday from 10AM onwards (UAE time). Also, you can join our Whatsapp channel to receive updates from the business world.
Markets
EGX 30 | 40,753.45 | 1.78% |
DFMGI | 5,836.89 | 0.37% |
ADX | 9,747.17 | Closed |
Tadawul | 10,590.88 | 0.47% |
Dubai’s $120B GDP and 95% Non-Oil Economy Praised by Saudi Researcher
What’s it About?
Saudi-based political researcher Salman Al-Ansari has highlighted Dubai’s remarkable economic achievements under HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. The emirate reached a GDP exceeding $120 billion in 2024, with a 3–4% growth rate and a non-oil economy contributing 95% of total output. Al-Ansari described Dubai as “a model of smart leadership and peaceful ambition,” emphasizing the city’s development through trade, tourism, innovation, and confidence.
Why it Matters?
This recognition underscores global acknowledgment of Dubai’s strategic vision and effective governance. By achieving sustainable growth largely independent of oil revenues, Dubai sets a benchmark for economic diversification and long-term prosperity in the region.
What’s Next?
Dubai is expected to continue leveraging innovation, tourism, and trade to strengthen its non-oil sectors, while serving as a global example for other cities pursuing sustainable development and economic resilience.
Mecca Mayoralty Closes Over 1,300 Workshops and Warehouses in Compliance Drive
What’s it About?
The Mecca Mayoralty recently conducted a major inspection campaign, “Mecca Corrects,” resulting in the closure of more than 1,300 workshops and warehouses due to regulatory violations. Between November 8 and 25, officials carried out 6,046 field inspections, targeting unlicensed workshops, illegal warehouses, food outlets, retail stores, and market stalls.
Why it Matters?
The campaign aims to enforce compliance with regulations, enhance operational standards, and protect public health and safety in Mecca. It highlights the city’s commitment to maintaining organized, safe, and high-quality commercial and public spaces.
What’s Next?
Inspections will continue across neighborhoods, markets, and commercial areas with an intensified schedule. Authorities will ensure that all businesses operate within legal and safety frameworks, maintaining Mecca as a secure and well-managed city for residents and visitors.
UAE Fuel Prices Rise in December 2025
What’s it About?
The UAE Fuel Price Committee has announced that fuel prices will increase starting December 1, 2025. Super 98 petrol rises to AED2.70 per litre (up from AED2.63), Special 95 to AED2.58 (up from AED2.51), E-Plus 91 to AED2.51 (up from AED2.44), and Diesel to AED2.85 (up from AED2.67). This follows a previous decline in November compared to October, marking a reversal in the trend.
Why it Matters?
Fuel price adjustments directly impact transportation, logistics, and consumer spending, affecting both businesses and households. The increases reflect global market trends and the UAE’s fuel pricing policies, influencing operational costs for companies and daily expenses for residents.
What’s Next?
Businesses and consumers should anticipate slightly higher fuel costs throughout December. Monitoring fuel price trends will be essential as the UAE continues to balance market dynamics with energy policy and economic stability.
🦄 World of Startups
UAE’s Funch Secures $500K to Revolutionise Lunch with AI Innovation
Secure.com (UAE) – Raised $4.5M from Disrupt.com and launched Digital Security Teammate, an AI-native cybersecurity agent platform.
Shatib (Saudi) – Secured $750K pre-seed from a strategic angel investor for its B2B group purchasing marketplace for construction materials.
SahmAlgo (Saudi) – Raised $1M seed led by Gharesah Investment to expand AI-driven financial analytics for traders and enterprises.
Takadao (Saudi) – Raised $1.5M seed from multiple investors to offer Sharia-compliant DeFi solutions via its community-owned LifeDAO.
FAST Ventures rolls out $3 million venture studio to back MENA startups.
bluworks lands $1 million seed investment to accelerate MENA expansion
👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
🔍In other news…
Adnoc board approves $150bn capex budget for 2026-30
UAE–Cambodia CEPA to drive non-oil trade beyond $1bn by 2030
Dubai real estate sector recorded MASSIVE $6.5bn of transactions last week, including $22m Jumeirah apartment
Dubai prepares Al-Maktoum airport superstructure tenders
Acwa Power gets $6bn loan for seven renewable projects
Hadia Ghaleb Secures New Emaar Retail Space as Her Modest Swimwear Brand Accelerates Regional Expansion
How Saudi Arabia is reshaping its expat pay model for the long term
