PAYMENTS-

Network International rolls out Jaywan for merchants: Dubai-based payments provider Network International has become the first to roll out the UAE’s domestic Jaywan cards in partnership with Central Bank of the UAE subsidiary Al Etihad Payments, to its merchant network, according to a press release. Jaywan — which uses licensing technology from Indian payment operator NPCI — is being rolled out in stages among local banks, with all banks expected to replace debit cards in the country with the local card over the next two and a half years.

Looking ahead, Jaywan’s offerings will expand to include international acceptance points, facilitating card-based payments abroad for UAE residents.

ENERGY-

#1- Presight + Esyasoft to bring AI solutions to energy distribution: G42 data analytics subsidiary Presight and IHC’s Esyasoft formed an Abu Dhabi-based joint venture dubbed IntelliGrid, according to a press release (pdf). The JV targets deploying smart gas grids and developing advanced metering infrastructure, digital Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, and intelligent AI platforms.

#2- Nuclear energy watchdog strengthens regulation ties with Korea: A delegation from the FederalAuthority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) met with the South Korean Nuclear Safety and Security Commission during a visit to the country, exchanging insights and updates on the two nations’ nuclear programs and regulatory measures, Wam reports.

FANR also renewed a cooperation agreement with the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety, focusing on regulatory management, advanced nuclear technologies, safety research, and radioactive waste management.

MANUFACTURING-

Mubadala + GCL to bring polysilicon manufacturing to the UAE: Mubadala’s wholly-owned unit MDC Power inked an agreement with Chinese GCL Tech to explore the development of the first polysilicon manufacturing facility in the UAE, GCL said in a statement (pdf). If implemented, the facility will be developed by GCL’s subsidiary, GCL Suzhou, and is expected to become the “world’s largest production base in the polysilicon industry outside China,” according to GCL.

GCL soon to break ground on the facility? After two years of studying the project, GCL expects to begin constructing the project this year, EnergyTrend reports, citing the Chinese holding company’s 2023 financial statements.

HOSPITALITY-

Aman Group to bring its Janu brand to Dubai: Luxury hotel group Aman Group unveiled Janu Dubai, a 150-key skyscraper situated in Dubai International Financial Centre, according to a statement. The luxury hotel is set to open by 2027 and will feature around 150 luxurious hotel rooms, residences, dining options, and a comprehensive wellness center. The building, owned by Alia Developments, is being designed by architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron and will be developed by Dubai-based real estate developer H&H Development. This marks the second property for the Janu brand, after the first Janu property opened in Tokyo in March 2024.

SPORTS-

Sharjah Ruler approves two new stadia: Ruler of Sharjah and Supreme Council Member Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has offered Kalba Club and Khorfakkan Club each a stadium on cooler mountain peaks, following their performances in the Adnoc Pro League’s 2023/2024 season, Wam reports. The project ensures better weather conditions and a 10 degree difference atop the mountains.

Also in the works is the “Sharjah Scientific Complex” project, which would house 10k books acquired by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.

AVIATION-

#1- Etihad airways signed an MoU with Royal Air Maroc to boost commercial and operational cooperation, according to a press release. The agreement promises to bolster cooperation between both airlines, including on codeshare arrangements to cover more domestic routes in Morocco and Africa, developing a frequent flier program, and strengthening cooperation on ground handling, maintenance and engineering.

#2- Emirates Airlines has invested USD 3 bn into a program aiming to refurbish 191aircraft last year, Al Bayan quotes Adel Al Redha, COO and VP at the carrier, as saying. The investment came as Boeing 777X aircraft were excluded from their scheduled delivery in 2025 amid manufacturing delays.

RAIL-

Etihad Rail + CSP Abu Dhabi partner on rail transport: UAE rail operator Etihad Rail has inked an agreement with Cosco Shipping Ports Abu Dhabi Container Freight Station (CSP) to boost logistics, supply chains, and connectivity across the UAE, according to a press release. The agreement will reduce CSP’s reliance on trucking and contribute to curbing 21% of emissions attributable to the country’s road sector by 2050. No investment ticket or timeline were disclosed as part of the statement.

The details: CSP will use Etihad Rail to move goods between Khalifa Port and other logistics hubs and industrial zones within the UAE for better resource, time, and asset management, the statement notes. Etihad Rail’s freight rail terminals will also be used as storage and distribution hubs for CSP goods, streamlining logistics operations by establishing strategic inland nodes for cargo consolidation and deconsolidation.

HEALTHCARE-

#1- Dubai Health and Erada partner on addiction treatments: Dubai’s integrated academic healthcare system Dubai Health inked an MoU with the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehab to develop an advanced model of care for patients with substance abuse disorder, according to the Dubai Media Office. The agreement will see the two entities cooperate in patient transfer for additional medical needs, logistical support, information exchange, and training and development. Erada will also work with the Mohammed Bin Rashid University Of Medicine and Health Sciences to develop educational programs on substance abuse treatment, residency, and research.

#2- DoH + Pfizer to improve RWD capabilities: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health inked an MoU with biopharma giant Pfizer Gulf to advance disease prediction, prevention, and personalized treatment plans in Abu Dhabi, Wam reports. The partnership aims to improve real-world data generation and analysis, with a focus on enhancing the capabilities of Abu Dhabi’s healthcare workforce. The collaboration will initially focus on using data to treat and detect sickle cell diseases, with plans to expand to other diseases in the future.

EARNINGS-

Equitativa’s Emirates real estate investment trust (REIT) saw its bottom line rise 226% y-o-y to USD 24.8 mn in 1Q 2024, according to the company’s earnings release (pdf). The REIT’s total income from property grew 15% y-o-y to USD 19.7 mn over the quarter, “thanks to the continued increasing occupancy level and improvement in rental rates.” Its total assets also climbed 17% y-o-y, reaching USD 1.07 bn in 1Q 2024.

TRADE-

Sharjah, China to boost ties: A delegation from Sharjah — led by the Department of Government Relations — attended high-level meetings in China’s Beijing and Shandong provinces yesterday, discussing the strengthening of economic, cultural, and academic ties and cooperation across sectors, Wam reports. The delegation met with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products on the sidelines of their working visit, plus leading Chinese technology companies Xiaomi and Huawei Beijing Research Centre.

DGR also discussed ramping up cultural, tourism, and heritage ties with China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration, and collaborations in science, technology, education, and healthcare sectors with universities, research institutions, and health authorities in China.

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