Post by : Omar Nasser
Photo : AP
In 2024, countries around the world spent a huge amount of money on their military, reaching a total of $2.7 trillion. This is the biggest increase in military spending since the end of the Cold War. The rise in spending was mainly because of ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and changing relations between countries. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said that more than 100 countries raised their military budgets last year.
Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel
The global spending grew by 9.4% compared to 2023, which means this is the 10th year in a row that military spending has gone up. Many countries, especially in Europe and the Middle East, spent more money on their military because of wars and worries about future security.
In Europe, many countries, including Russia, spent a lot more on their military because of the war in Ukraine. European military spending went up by 17%, and it is now higher than it was at the end of the Cold War. Russia spent $149 billion on its military in 2024, which is a 38% increase from the year before. This is 7.1% of Russia's total money and 19% of the government’s spending.
Ukraine also spent more money on its military. It grew by 2.9%, reaching $64.7 billion, which is a huge amount for a country its size. Ukraine spent 34% of its money on the military, which was the biggest percentage in the world. The country has been using all its tax money to support the military, but SIPRI warned that it may be hard to keep increasing this spending.
Germany also spent a lot more on the military, with a 28% increase. It spent $88.5 billion, making it the fourth-largest spender in the world. This is the first time since Germany reunified that it has become the largest spender in Central and Western Europe.
In the Middle East, military spending went up by 15%, reaching about $243 billion. Israel’s spending increased by 65%, reaching $46.5 billion. This was the biggest increase since 1967 when Israel fought in the Six-Day War. On the other hand, Iran spent less money on its military, dropping by 10% to $7.9 billion because of sanctions limiting its budget.
China also increased its spending by 7%, reaching $314 billion. China has been modernizing its military and focusing on things like cyberwarfare and nuclear weapons. China now spends half of all military money in Asia and Oceania.
The United States, which spends the most on its military, spent $997 billion in 2024. This is 37% of all the money spent on military worldwide. NATO countries together spent $1.5 trillion on defense in 2024, with 18 out of 32 NATO countries meeting the goal of spending 2% of their GDP on military.
Looking ahead to 2025, the top five countries with the largest defense budgets will still be the United States, China, Russia, India, and Saudi Arabia. These countries are spending more on their military as they try to stay strong and protect their interests in a world that is becoming more unpredictable and dangerous.
Dubai’s ‘Bus of Goodness’ Distributes 135,000 Iftar Meals
The General Directorate of Identity & Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, with Beit Al Khair and Dubai Chari
Dubai Issues New Law on Administrative Violations & Penalties
Dubai introduces Law No. (6) of 2026 to regulate administrative violations, penalties, and measures,
WNBA and Players in Marathon Talks Over Historic CBA Deal
WNBA and players’ union held 16-hour talks on a new CBA. Main issue: revenue sharing. Proposed salar
EU Backs UN Resolution Condemning Iran Attacks on GCC, Jordan
The EU supports UN Resolution 2817, condemns Iran’s attacks on GCC countries and Jordan, and urges p
Dubai Chamber Meets Fruit Traders to Boost Supply Chain Resilience
Dubai Chamber engages fruit and vegetable traders to enhance sector resilience, diversify imports, a
Finland CPI Rises 0.6% in February, Highest Since Jan 2025
Finland’s consumer prices jumped 0.6% in February, reversing January’s 0.2% drop, led by a 9.5% rise
TAQA Announces New Board, Approves AED5B Dividend for 2025
Abu Dhabi’s TAQA confirms new Board of Directors, approves final Q4 dividend, and sets 2026-2028 pol
Bank of Baroda Faces Abu Dhabi Legal Battle over NMC Collapse
Bank of Baroda’s involvement in Abu Dhabi litigation tied to the NMC Healthcare collapse raises repu
Top Museum Openings of 2026 Set to Transform Global Tourism
From Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi and Brussels, 2026 brings major museum launches—Lucas Museum, Guggenhe
UAE Tour Highlights UAE’s Strength in Hosting Global Sports Events
Abu Dhabi Sports Council says the successful UAE Tour reflects the UAE’s leading role in hosting maj
EU Seeks Clarity from US After Supreme Court IEEPA Ruling
European Commission urges full transparency from the US on steps after Supreme Court ruling, emphasi
SpaceX Launches 53 New Satellites for Expanding Starlink Network
SpaceX launches 53 Starlink satellites in two Falcon 9 missions, breaking reuse records and expandin
RTA Awards Contract for Phase II of Hessa Street Upgrade in Dubai
Phase II of Hessa Street Development to add bridges, tunnel, and upgraded intersections, doubling ca
UAE Gold Prices Today, Monday 16 February 2026: Dubai & Abu Dhabi Updated Rates
Gold prices in UAE on 16 Feb 2026 updated: 24K around AED 599.75/gm, 22K AED 555.25/gm, and 18K AED
Over 25 Ahmedabad Schools Receive Bomb Threat Email, Authorities Investigate
More than 25 schools in Ahmedabad evacuated after bomb threat emails mentioning Khalistan. Authoriti