How Google tools helped add Dh21.8 billion to UAE’s economy in 2024

Search, Ads drove Dh20.2b in business growth as more UAE residents tap Google tools daily

Last updated:
Justin Varghese, Your Money Editor
2 MIN READ
Newsrooms globally are working to address a new challenge with generative artificial intelligence, as tech giants and startups like Google and OpenAI build tools that can offer summaries of information and siphon traffic from news websites.
Newsrooms globally are working to address a new challenge with generative artificial intelligence, as tech giants and startups like Google and OpenAI build tools that can offer summaries of information and siphon traffic from news websites.
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Dubai: If you’ve used Google Search to compare prices, Maps to beat traffic, or even Gemini AI to finish your to-do list—turns out you’re part of a much bigger picture.

A new report released this week shows that Google’s tools and services added a whopping Dh21.8 billion to the UAE economy in 2024 alone. Of that, Dh20.2 billion came from businesses using Google Search and Ads to reach customers and grow faster.

That’s the takeaway from the latest Google Economic Impact Report, conducted by research firm Public First. The findings show just how deeply Google’s tools are woven into daily life in the UAE—making things faster, easier, and more productive for both people and companies.

Making your daily routine smoother

Whether you’re looking up directions, watching a YouTube tutorial, or paying with your phone at the cashier, chances are Google is helping behind the scenes.

According to the report, the average person in the UAE gets around AED 683 worth of monthly value from using Google services.

Some quick highlights:

  • 90% said mobile payment tools like Google Pay make life easier.

  • 89% use Maps or Waze to avoid getting lost.

  • 63% have tried Gemini, Google’s AI assistant—and most found it boosted their productivity.

  • 71% said Gemini was easier to use in Arabic compared to other AI bots.

  • Half of UAE adults said Google Search is essential to their day-to-day life.

In short, whether it’s planning your commute, shopping online, or finding a restaurant with good reviews—Google is playing a helping hand in the background.

Helping businesses reach more people

For UAE businesses, Google’s tools are proving just as valuable. In fact, the bulk of the Dh21.8 billion economic boost came from businesses big and small tapping into Google Ads and Search to connect with customers.

Some numbers that stand out:

  • 94% of adults in the UAE use Google Search at least once a month to compare prices.

  • 86% check Google reviews before deciding where to go.

  • 80% use Maps or Waze to find local businesses.

  • 91% of companies say they’re now using at least one AI tool in their daily operations.

  • And among younger residents, 73% of 18–24 year olds shop or browse products using Google Search weekly.

Even government workers are relying on tech more than ever—97% said Google AI tools make them more productive at work.

More jobs, more skills, more creators

Google’s impact also goes beyond just convenience. It’s helping create jobs, upskill workers, and support creators.

Through its digital training programme Maharat Min Google, over 430,000 people in the UAE have learned key digital and AI skills since 2018.

The Android and Google Play app ecosystem also helped support 30,000 jobs in 2024, and developers in the UAE earned around AED 455 million in revenue through apps and services.

And YouTube creators are thriving too—more than 600 UAE-based channels now have over a million subscribers, a 15% rise from last year.

Why this matters for the UAE

With AI and digital innovation becoming part of everyday life, this report shows just how much value tools like Search, YouTube, and Gemini are delivering to the UAE.

As the country pushes forward on its vision for a smarter, AI-powered economy, Google says it’s committed to being a long-term partner—through technology, training, and investments.

So the next time you tap for directions, ask Gemini a question, or spot a local business on Google—know that it’s not just helpful, but also part of something much bigger.

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