MANUFACTURING-

India’s Bikanervala lands at UAE’s Jebel Ali: Indian sweets, snacks, and vegetarian cuisine giant Bikanervala will invest AED 33.7 mn to develop a 161k sqft manufacturing facility at Jebel Ali’s National Industries Park (NIP), according to a statement. The facility — slated to begin production in late 2026 — aims to increase Bikanervala’s exports to the GCC, Africa, East Asia, and Europe, CBNME reports.

More details: The facility will serve as a central production hub, supplying Bikanervala’s restaurants, cloud kitchens, and retail partners. It is planned to have an initial annual capacity of 1.3k metric tonnes, which is expected to double to 2.7k metric tonnes by 2030.

SUPPLY CHAINS-

#1- KSA’s Masarat Mobility Park to deploy AI-driven robotic supply chain solutions: Saudi-based construction firm Al Masarat Holding has inked an MoU with UK-based AI-powered robotics firm Dexory to implement robotic solutions in logistics and manufacturing supply chains in Masarat Mobility Park, effective until 12 February 2028, according to a statement. The pair will use AI-driven automation and digital tech to streamline supply chain operations and boost efficiency across the Kingdom.

#2- UAE’s Invest Bank partners with Veefin Solutions for supply chain finance: Sharjah’s Invest Bank partnered with Veefin Solutions to integrate advanced supply chain finance solutions aimed at optimizing cashflow, improving capital efficiency, and streamlining receivables and payables for businesses across the UAE, according to a press release. The system replaces manual processes with an automated platform, offering businesses more flexibility in managing payments and real-time insights into financial risks. The partnership is part of Invest Bank’s broader effort to expand its digital services.

REGULATION-

The Saudi Council of Ministers approved a new Land Transport Law during its meeting yesterday, state news agency SPA reports. The law aims to regulate transport activities, facilities, and infrastructure across the Kingdom, according to a post on X from the Real Estate General Authority (REGA). Although neither Cabinet nor REGA provided details on the specifics of the law’s articles, REGA noted that the 34-article law would cover licensing for all land transport — including vehicles and drivers — and related penalties.

DIPLOMACY-

UAE, Russia strengthen financial cooperation with new tax agreement: UAE State Minister for Financial Affairs Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini hosted the first UAE-Russia Strategic Financial Dialogue in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, where he signed a double taxation avoidance agreement with Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Wam reports.

The agreement aims to boost trade, attract investment, and foster a more transparent tax environment. The forum also explored key financial topics, including budget planning, public-private partnerships, and international tax cooperation.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-

  • Jannat Alferdos sells VLCC: Iraq’s Jannat Alferdos Company has sold its sole 19-year-old VLCC for USD 44 mn to an undisclosed buyer. (Splash)
  • Kingdom gets an air cargo boost: Saudia Cargo inked an MoU with the Saudi Tourism Authority to boost air cargo services across KSA. (Statement)
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