Apple said it was committed to freedom of information and expression in a document it has published on its human rights policy — a move which follows increased pressure from shareholders.
The US tech giant has come under fire for removing virtual network apps from its App store in China and at its February annual general meeting a shareholder proposal called on Apple to publicly commit “to respect freedom of expression as a human right.”
While it was defeated, it gained 40.6 percent of votes cast — far more than similar motions put forward previously and enough to push the company to respond, experts said.
“We believe in the critical importance of an open society in which information flows freely, and we’re convinced the best way we can continue to promote openness is to remain engaged, even where we may disagree with a country’s laws,” Apple states in the policy document.
It said its policy was based on the United Nations’ guiding principles on business and human rights.
Human rights activists have also called on Apple to cut ties with suppliers alleged to be using the forced labor of thousands of ethnic Uighurs in Chinese factories and it has faced much criticism for removing an app that helped Hong Kong protesters track police movements.
Apple argued that the app was being used to target individual police officers and to victimize individuals and property, violating Hong Kong law.
Apple commits to freedom of information and expression in human rights policy
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Apple commits to freedom of information and expression in human rights policy
- Policy based on the United Nations’ guiding principles on business and human rights
Dubai’s GDP hits $96.6bn in first 9 months of 2025
Dubai’s economy expanded 4.7 percent in the first nine months of 2025, lifting gross domestic product to 355 billion dirhams ($96.6 billion) as growth accelerated across finance, construction and services, according to state data.
GDP reached 113.8 billion dirhams in the third quarter alone, up 5.3 percent from a year earlier, the Emirates News Agency – WAM reported, citing official figures.
Private-sector forecasts point to continued expansion, with a December research note from Emirates NBD projecting growth of about 4.5 percent in 2026, supported by tourism, investment and infrastructure momentum.
In its latest analysis, WAM said the sustained growth in Dubai’s economy reflects the vitality of the local economy and the success of development policies driving the emirate’s prosperity.
Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said: “The growth we are seeing today in Dubai’s economy is beyond what the numbers show, as it means more economic prosperity, family well-being, and growing confidence in the future of the Emirate.”
He added: “Dubai does not rely on a single sector, but on an economic system in which all sectors are integrated, to grow together strongly and steadily, based on harmonious work teams united by the determination to achieve the highest goals of the Emirate.”
Health and social work activities were the fastest-growing segment, expanding 15.4 percent year on year in the first nine months and contributing about 1.5 percent to GDP. Financial and insurance activities grew 8.5 percent and accounted for roughly 12 percent of output, highlighting the emirate’s role as a regional financial hub.
In the first three quarters of 2025, the construction sector grew by 8.5 percent and contributed 6.7 percent to the emirate’s GDP.
The real estate sector expanded by 6.7 percent during the first nine months of 2025, with its contribution to Dubai’s GDP reaching 8.2 percent.
Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism, Helal Saeed Al Marri, said: “Dubai’s economic performance during the first nine months of 2025 reflects our ability to sustain and accelerate growth.”
He added: “Collaboration with our partners in the public and private sectors will enable us to launch initiatives that enhance competitiveness and open new horizons of opportunity, ensuring that Dubai remains on track to achieve the ambitious goals of Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda.”
