Can you guess what the UAE was searching for in 2025?
Google has released its top trending searches for the Middle East and North Africa region, offering a snapshot of what has captured our attention this year, from AI tools and major sporting events to blockbuster films and consumer tech.
Bowled over by Asia Cup
At the top of the overall trending list is the Asia Cup, followed closely by IPL 2025 and the ICC Champions Trophy, which, perhaps unsurprisingly, makes cricket the UAE’s most searched-about passion.
But tech wasn’t far behind. Google Gemini and DeepSeek both placed high on the list, showing how strongly AI platforms have entered everyday conversation. DeepSeek took the top spot in the Platforms category.
Cricketing celebrities
Cricket also dominated the personalities section. Cricketers Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Priyansh Arya and Saif Hassan were among the most searched names. Jemimah Rodrigues, of the Women’s World Cup-winning India team, and Pakistani player Saim Ayub also trended.
Hollywood v Bollywood
For film fans, nostalgia and big franchises the big topics. Coolie, Saiyaara, L2: Empuraan, Kantara 2 and the latest Mission Impossible instalment drew the most attention. However, Superman, F1, Final Destination: Bloodlines and War 2 also made the list of the top ten trends.
Sporting chance
In the sports category, nearly every top trending item revolved around cricket.
People were most interested in India vs England, Asia Cup Cricket League, India vs Australia, Pakistan vs India, and Pakistan vs South Africa. Even New Zealand, West Indies, Bangladesh and Afghanistan match-ups showed strong visibility, proving that the game remains a favourite spectator sport in the UAE.
Music and AI lead platform searches
Top tech searches also included YouTube Music, Google AI Studio, Grok and Wayground, showing how varied the region’s use of tech has become.
Phones, toys and automobiles
The iPhone remained the most searched product, with the launch of the 17 Pro Max and Air in September.
Consumer crazes such as the Labubu toy and Dubai Chocolate, as well as car rental sites Renty.ae and OneClickDrive, luxury yacht rental service Seven Yachts and newly launched UAE delivery service Keeta were popular.
Even niche items such as Dr Joy Dental Clinics, Bazooka and Noon made the list, showing how residents search online for everything from health care to quick shopping fixes.
T20 World Cup Qualifier
October 18 – November 2
Opening fixtures
Friday, October 18
ICC Academy: 10am, Scotland v Singapore, 2.10pm, Netherlands v Kenya
Zayed Cricket Stadium: 2.10pm, Hong Kong v Ireland, 7.30pm, Oman v UAE
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Rameez Shahzad, Darius D’Silva, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zawar Farid, Ghulam Shabber, Junaid Siddique, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Waheed Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Zahoor Khan
Players out: Mohammed Naveed, Shaiman Anwar, Qadeer Ahmed
Players in: Junaid Siddique, Darius D’Silva, Waheed Ahmed
11 cabbie-recommended restaurants and dishes to try in Abu Dhabi
Iqbal Restaurant behind Wendy’s on Hamdan Street for the chicken karahi (Dh14)
Pathemari in Navy Gate for prawn biryani (from Dh12 to Dh35)
Abu Al Nasar near Abu Dhabi Mall, for biryani (from Dh12 to Dh20)
Bonna Annee at Navy Gate for Ethiopian food (the Bonna Annee special costs Dh42 and comes with a mix of six house stews – key wet, minchet abesh, kekel, meser be sega, tibs fir fir and shiro).
Al Habasha in Tanker Mai for Ethiopian food (tibs, a hearty stew with meat, is a popular dish; here it costs Dh36.75 for lamb and beef versions)
Himalayan Restaurant in Mussaffa for Nepalese (the momos and chowmein noodles are best-selling items, and go for between Dh14 and Dh20)
Makalu in Mussaffa for Nepalese (get the chicken curry or chicken fry for Dh11)
Al Shaheen Cafeteria near Guardian Towers for a quick morning bite, especially the egg sandwich in paratha (Dh3.50)
Pinky Food Restaurant in Tanker Mai for tilapia
Tasty Zone for Nepalese-style noodles (Dh15)
Ibrahimi for Pakistani food (a quarter chicken tikka with roti costs Dh16)
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Cry Macho
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam
Rating:**
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
RESULTS
5pm: Rated Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 (Turf) 1,600m
Winner: AF Mouthirah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: AF Alajaj, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Hawafez, Connor Beasley, Abubakar Daud
6.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
Winner: Tair, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
Winner: Wakeel W’Rsan, Richard Mullen, Jaci Wickham
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 2,400m
Winner: Son Of Normandy, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash
Brahmastra%3A%20Part%20One%20-%20Shiva
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAyan%20Mukerji%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERanbir%20Kapoor%2C%20Alia%20Bhatt%20and%20Amitabh%20Bachchan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More coverage from the Future Forum
Opening Rugby Championship fixtures: Games can be watched on OSN Sports
Saturday: Australia v New Zealand, Sydney, 1pm (UAE)
Sunday: South Africa v Argentina, Port Elizabeth, 11pm (UAE)
