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UAE Embarks On 2031 National Investment Strategy To Boost Annual Foreign Inflows

The UAE has set a bold vision with its National Investment Strategy 2031, targeting an elevation in annual foreign investment inflows from AED112 billion ($30.5 billion) in 2023 to AED240 billion ($65.4 billion) by 2031. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the strategy’s goal to transform the UAE into a premier global investment hub. Aiming to swell the foreign direct investment stock from AED800 billion to AED2.2 trillion, this strategy focuses on key sectors: industry, financial services, transport and logistics, renewable energy, and telecommunications.

Key Initiatives And Economic Contributions

The approved strategy includes 12 new programs and 30 distinct initiatives, such as the Financial Sector Development and the Investment Offices Promotion Incubator. Currently, foreign direct investment contributes significantly to the GDP, with predictions to increase its share to over 30% of the total investments by 2031.

Dive deeper into the global market shifts in Wall Street Tumbles Amid Trade Tensions.

Technological And Digital Advancements

The strategy outlines the UAE’s vision to become a digital economy powerhouse by 2031, intending to enhance the digital economy’s current contribution to GDP from 9.7% to 19.4%. The Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) will also play a pivotal role in gauging technological advances and sustainability practices.

The introduction of a remote work system and the launch of the National Green Certificates Program further highlight the UAE’s efforts to harness global talent and promote sustainable development.

Cyprus Builds A €3.2 Billion Gaming Industry Beyond Steam

Cyprus’ gaming industry generated an estimated €3.2 billion in revenue in 2025, but most PC and console sales took place outside Steam.

Around €1.8 billion came from mobile games and €1.4 billion from PC and console titles. Only about €200 million of the latter was generated through Steam, meaning roughly 86% came from other channels.

A Direct-To-Consumer Model

Steam gives developers access to a global audience but takes a standard 30% commission. Some Cyprus-based companies instead sell games and digital content through their own websites, payment systems and platforms.

This approach can reduce marketplace fees while giving companies more control over marketing and their relationship with customers.

A Growing International Hub

The Cyprus Video Game Industry Report 2025 identified 415 gaming companies operating on the island, employing more than 4,300 people. The number of companies grew from 169 in 2019 to 393 in 2024, while employment nearly tripled.

Much of the sector targets international players rather than Cyprus’ relatively small domestic market. The industry includes both local businesses and international gaming companies using Cyprus as a base.

The report says the 86% figure should be treated as an estimate, since direct sales are harder to measure than transactions through platforms such as Steam.

Still, the data shows that Cyprus has developed a sizeable international gaming sector with a business model that relies far less on traditional digital marketplaces.

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