Google’s AI and Digital Tools Add $5.9 Billion to UAE Economy in 2024

From upskilling talent to accelerating AI-driven businesses, Google deepens its impact on the UAE’s digital transformation and economic growth

Google’s AI and Digital Tools Added $5.9bn to UAE Economy in 2024
New Impact Report highlights Google’s pivotal role in UAE’s tech-driven growth

Google’s latest Economic Impact Report, conducted by UK-based research consultancy Public First, underscores the tech giant’s growing contribution to the UAE’s digital economy. In 2024 alone, Google’s AI-powered tools and platforms generated an estimated AED 21.8 billion ($5.9 billion) in economic value across the country.

This milestone reflects Google’s expansive role in enabling business innovation, empowering consumers, and supporting the UAE’s ambitions to lead in the digital and AI era.

Catalyzing Economic Value Through Products and AI

According to the report, Google Search and Ads alone accounted for AED 20.2 billion in economic activity in 2024. These tools helped thousands of businesses across the UAE expand their reach, improve discoverability, and connect with customers more efficiently.

Anthony Nakache, Managing Director for Google in MENA, stated:

“We’re incredibly proud to be a partner in the UAE’s boundless ambitions. 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.”

The Android and Google Play ecosystem was another key contributor, supporting approximately 30,000 jobs and generating AED 455 million in revenue for local developers. The rising influence of mobile applications and digital services continues to provide new pathways for tech entrepreneurship in the region.

Empowering Talent with Digital and AI Skills

Beyond business productivity, Google’s initiatives have helped upskill the UAE workforce. Since 2018, more than 430,000 individuals in the UAE have undergone digital and AI training through the Maharat Min Google program. These upskilling efforts align with the UAE’s broader strategy to transition to a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.

Real Impact on Daily Life and Productivity

The report also highlights significant improvements in consumer experience. UAE residents benefit from an estimated AED 683 per user monthly through services like Search, Maps, YouTube, GPay, and Gemini — Google’s AI assistant.

Key findings from the report include:

• 63% of UAE adults reported using Gemini, with 90% saying it improved their productivity.
• 71% found Gemini easier to use in Arabic compared to other AI chatbots.
• 89% relied on Google Maps or Waze for navigation.
• 94% used Google Search to compare prices, and 86% consulted Google reviews before visiting businesses.
• 73% of 18–24-year-olds browsed or shopped online via Search weekly.

Supporting the Creative and Developer Ecosystem

Google is also boosting the UAE’s creative economy. Over 600 UAE-based YouTube channels now have more than 1 million subscribers—a 15% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, 20,000 journalists and journalism students across the MENA region have been trained by the Google News Initiative, helping to build a more informed and digitally capable media landscape.

Launching the “Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First” in the UAE

Looking ahead, Google has announced the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program in the UAE. This initiative will provide eligible startups with Google Cloud credits, mentorship, and technical support to scale AI-driven solutions. The program is part of Google’s broader strategy to nurture homegrown innovation and foster AI leadership in the region.

As the UAE accelerates its digital transformation, Google’s multifaceted contributions—from economic growth and workforce development to consumer empowerment and startup acceleration—position it as a key enabler of the nation’s vision for the future.