These UAE stories made global headlines in 2024

The UAE is constantly in the limelight. This year, a number of stories from the UAE made global headlines. There is the brutal UAE floods that brought a major portion of public transportation to a standstill. You cannot forget the viral Dubai chocolate, too.

1. UAE floods trigger chaos

In 2024, the UAE experienced the heaviest rainfall in 75 years. Flooding and disruptions across the country affected tens of thousands of people. Metro stations came to a grinding halt and motorists on flooded roads got trapped in their vehicles.

2. Major action against cybercrime

This year, the UAE authorities took serious actions against cybercriminals, making scores of arrests, including against those adding people to groups claiming to help make quick money. Different types of scams came under the spotlight.

3. Bangladeshi rioters arrested, pardoned

In July, a group of Bangladeshi nationals faced arrests for inciting riots across the Gulf state. This came during the serious unrest in Bangladesh. Layer in September, the UAE President pardoned all those arrested and ordered their deportation.

4. UAE visa amnesty a game-changer

This year, the UAE announced a 2-month grace period for visa violaters in the country starting September 1. Many people had collected fines amounting to thousands of dirhams. But these all got taken care of during the period of visa amnesty.

5. Viral Dubai chocolate makes global headlines

Dubai isn’t just popular globally for Burj Khalifa or The Dubai Mall. There is also the viral Dubai chocolate. Created originally by Fix Dessert Chocolatier, this chocolate bar full of pistachio cream and toasted kunafa is selling like hot cakes.

6. UAE tourism sector notes admirable progress

The UAE has become one of the most happening tourist destinations globally. The country’s tourism sector’s contribution to the national GDP is rising. Revenue from hotel establishments this year represents a 4% rise compared to the same period last year.

7. UAE becomes an IPO haven

The UAE’s financial sector noted a seismic shift this year. Talabat, Lulu Retail, NMDC Energy, Spinneys and Parkin had successful Initial Public Offerings (IPO). Talabat raised Dh7.5 billion in the largest global tech IPO in 2024.