Google’s significant contribution to the UAE economy in 2024 has been unveiled, with a new report indicating a Dhs21.8 billion boost. This economic impact, driven by Google’s AI-powered tools and platforms, highlights the company’s role in fostering business growth, enhancing daily life for individuals, and empowering communities across the Emirates.
Google’s Economic Impact in the UAE
A report conducted by Public First research agency, the Google’s Economic Impact Report, details how Google products such as Search, Play, Maps, YouTube, and Google Ads have profoundly influenced the UAE’s economic landscape in 2024. The report estimates that Google’s overall contribution to the UAE economy reached Dhs21.8 billion.
Anthony Nakache, Managing Director for Google in the Middle East & North Africa, emphasized Google’s commitment to the UAE’s vision for a diversified, AI-powered economy. He stated, "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."
Key Takeaways from the Report
- Economic Contribution: Google contributed an estimated Dhs21.8 billion to the UAE economy in 2024. Google’s Search and Ads products alone accounted for Dhs20.2 billion in economic activity.
- Digital Skills Training: Since 2018, over 430,000 individuals in the UAE have received training in essential digital and AI skills through Google’s "Maharat Min Google" initiative.
- Job Creation: The Android and Google Play app ecosystem supported the creation of 30,000 jobs in the UAE in 2024.
- Developer Revenue: UAE-based developers generated Dhs455 million in revenue from the Android App Economy in 2024.
- YouTube Growth: Over 600 YouTube channels in the UAE now boast more than 1 million subscribers, marking a 15% year-on-year increase.
- Journalism Training: More than 20,000 journalists and journalism students in the MENA region, including the UAE, have been trained by the Google News Initiative.
Impact on Daily Life and Productivity
Google’s services have significantly enhanced daily life for individuals in the UAE, with an estimated average monthly consumer benefit of Dhs683 per person. Key findings include:
- AI Assistant Adoption: 63% of adults in the UAE have used Gemini, Google’s AI Assistant, with 90% reporting increased productivity and 71% finding it easier to use in Arabic.
- Search and Navigation: 50% of adults consider Google Search essential to their daily lives, while 89% found Google Maps and/or Waze very useful for navigation.
- Contactless Payments: 90% of adults agreed that contactless payment options like GPay or GWallet simplify their lives.
Fueling Business Growth and AI Adoption
Google’s tools are instrumental in driving business growth and AI adoption across the UAE:
- AI Tool Usage: 91% of businesses in the UAE report using at least one AI tool in their workflows.
- Public Sector Productivity: 97% of public sector workers in the UAE stated that Google’s AI-enabled tools boost their productivity.
- Consumer Behavior:
- 94% of adults use Google Search monthly to compare prices.
- 86% check Google reviews before visiting a business.
- 80% use Google Maps or Waze monthly to find local businesses.
- 73% of 18-24 year olds use Google Search weekly for online shopping or browsing.
Methodology
The report’s findings are based on surveys conducted in March 2025 by Public First, involving 1,110 online adults and 389 business leaders in the UAE. The surveys were conducted in both English and Arabic, with results weighted to ensure national representation.
Sources:
- Google adds Dhs21.8 billion to the UAE economy in 2024, Gulf Today.
- Google contributed AED 21.8bln to the UAE economy in 2024 — TradingView News, TradingView.
- Here’s how Google contributed Dhs21.8bn to UAE’s economy in 2024, Gulf Business.
- How Google tools helped add Dh21.8 billion to UAE’s economy in 2024, Gulf News.
