Google’s $5.9 Billion Impact: Fueling UAE’s AI-Powered Economic Growth in 2024
Google significantly bolstered the UAE economy in 2024, contributing an estimated AED 21.8 billion (over $5.9 billion). This substantial impact, highlighted in Google’s Economic Impact Report, underscores the pivotal role of Google’s AI-powered tools and platforms in enhancing productivity, fostering business growth, and empowering individuals and communities across the Emirates.
Key Economic Contributions
- Overall Economic Impact: Google’s products and services contributed AED 21.8 billion to the UAE economy in 2024.
- Search and Ads: Google Search and Ads alone generated AED 20.2 billion in economic activity for UAE businesses.
- Job Creation: The Android and Google Play app ecosystem supported the creation of 30,000 jobs in the UAE.
- Developer Revenue: UAE-based developers earned AED 455 million in revenue from the Android App Economy.
Empowering Individuals and Businesses
Google’s report details how its tools are integrated into daily life and business operations:
- Consumer Benefits: Google services provide an average monthly benefit of AED 683 per user in the UAE.
- AI Adoption: 63% of UAE adults have used Gemini, Google’s AI Assistant, with 90% reporting increased productivity. Notably, 71% found Gemini easier to use in Arabic.
- Digital Skills: Over 430,000 individuals in the UAE have received training in digital and AI skills through the "Maharat Min Google" initiative since 2018.
- Business Productivity: 91% of UAE businesses utilize at least one AI tool in their workflows, and 97% of public sector workers find Google’s AI-enabled tools enhance their productivity.
Impact on Daily Life and Commerce
Google’s platforms are integral to how people navigate and interact with the economy:
- Navigation: 89% of adults 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.
- Online Shopping and Research: 94% of adults use Google Search monthly to compare prices, and 73% of 18-24 year olds use Google Search weekly for online shopping or browsing.
- Local Business Discovery: 80% of adults use Google Maps and/or Waze at least monthly to find local businesses, and 86% check Google reviews before visiting venues.
Fostering a Vibrant Ecosystem
Google’s commitment extends to supporting content creators and the media:
- YouTube Growth: Over 600 YouTube channels in the UAE now have more than 1 million subscribers, marking a 15% year-on-year increase.
- Journalism Training: The Google News Initiative has trained over 20,000 journalists and journalism students in the MENA region, including the UAE.
Anthony Nakache, Managing Director for Google in the Middle East & North Africa, emphasized Google’s role as a partner in the UAE’s journey towards a diversified, AI-powered economy, highlighting strategic investments, local partnerships, and AI-powered tools as key drivers of economic value and empowerment.
Sources
- Google contributed AED 21.8bln to the UAE economy in 2024 — TradingView News, TradingView.
- Google contributes over $5.9 billion to UAE economy in 2024, Economy Middle East.
- UAE: Google helped create 30,000 jobs in 2024, added Dh21.8 billion to economy, Khaleej Times.
- 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.
