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Dubai’s Rising Influence: Asian Multinationals Lead The Charge In 2024

by News Editor

March 4, 2025

Dubai’s prominence as a global business nucleus is on a remarkable ascent, with Asia accounting for an impressive 62.7% of multinational companies (MNCs) drawn to the city in 2024. This insight underscores Dubai’s burgeoning appeal as a prime destination for international investments and corporate growth.

Regions like Latin America and Europe each contribute 11.8% to the influx of MNCs, while the Middle East and Eurasia contribute 9.7%. Africa and Australia, though smaller players at 2% each, highlight a diverse spectrum of interest.

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Strategic Sectors Amplifying Investment

In 2024, pivotal sectors—each capturing a 10% share—fueled half of these relocations. Key industries include construction, trade, logistics, manufacturing, technology (spanning AI, robotics, and blockchain), as well as retail and tourism.

The Momentum Of Mobility

Adding dynamism, 8% of MNCs specialize in mobility sectors, spanning aerospace, autonomous transport, and more. Furthermore, the healthcare, financial, and energy sectors collectively account for 18% of investments.

Expanding Global Reach

Dubai International Chamber marked a robust 55% growth, drawing 51 MNCs in 2024 compared to 33 the previous year. With new offices in Kazakhstan and Colombia, Dubai continues to expand its global footprint, enhancing its allure as a strategic business hub.

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Cyprus Construction Trends: Permit Count Slips While Value and Scale Surge in 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 11, 2025

The Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) has reported a notable shift in the construction landscape for 2025. The latest figures reveal a modest 1.9% decline in building permits issued in March compared to the same month last year, signaling a nuanced trend in the nation’s developmental activities.

Permit Count Decline in March

In March 2025, authorities authorised 572 building permits—down from 583 in March 2024. The permits, which total a value of €361.5 million and cover 296,900 square metres of construction, underscore a cautious pace in permit approval despite ongoing projects. Notably, these permits are set to facilitate the construction of 1,480 dwelling units, reflecting an underlying demand in the housing sector.

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Q1 2025: Growth in Value, Construction Area, and Dwelling Units

While the number of permits in the first quarter (January to March) decreased by 15.8% from 1,876 to 1,580, more significant, economically relevant metrics saw robust growth. Total permit value surged by 21.7%, and the authorised construction area expanded by 15.6%. Additionally, the number of prospective dwelling units increased by 16.7% compared to the corresponding period last year. This divergence suggests that although fewer permits were issued, the scale and ambition of the approved projects have intensified.

New Regulatory Framework and the Ippodamos System

Since 1 July 2024, a pivotal transition has taken place in permit administration. The responsibility for issuing permits has moved from municipalities and district administration offices to the newly established local government organisations (EOAs). The integrated information system, Ippodamos, now oversees the licensing process, streamlining data collection on both residential and non-residential projects across urban and rural areas.

Comprehensive Data Collection for Enhanced Oversight

The Ippodamos system categorises construction projects using the EU Classification of Types of Construction (CC). This platform gathers extensive data on the number of permits authorised, project area and value, and the expected number of dwelling units. It covers a broad spectrum of construction activities—from new builds and civil engineering projects to plot divisions and road construction—while excluding renewals and building divisions. The thoroughness of this new regulatory structure promises greater operational transparency and more informed decision-making for policymakers and industry stakeholders.