MEDIA-

#1- British-Indian visual effects company DNEG’s AI platform Brahma will set up headquarters in Abu Dhabi, with Brahma executive chairman Prabhu Narasimhan relocating to the emirate as part of the move, Wam reports. National Media Office and UAE Media Council Chairman Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed met with Narasimhan — as well as DNEG CEO Namit Malhotra — to discuss collaborating in visual entertainment, and training Emirati talent in the field.

We knew this was happening: DNEG said it would establish a “visual experience hub” in Abu Dhabi to store, produce, and distribute content in the region after Abu Dhabi investor United Al Saqer Group (UASG) invested USD 200 mn in the VFX studio.

#2- Kezad rolls out new media entity: AD Ports Group subsidiary Kezad Group launched a full-service media entity for photography and videography called KZ Media, Wam reports. The new firm will offer media production services for content production and brand management, including visual content, aerial photography, and videography.

INFRASTRUCTURE-

Parkin to help with air taxi infrastructure: Dubai’s parking facilities provider Parkin will provide electric aircraft infrastructure developer Skyports with parking facilities and explore developing integrated air taxi infrastructure across its facilities, according to a DFM disclosure (pdf).

REMEMBER- The first of four vertiports in Dubai will kick off operations in 1Q 2026.

INVESTMENT-

Electric aircraft developer Joby Aviation is getting a fresh USD 500 mn investment from Toyota, which will go towards their preparations for commercial production, according to a statement. Joby inked an agreement earlier this year with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in the UAE by 2026, with plans to begin initial flights in early 2025 and reach full commercialization by year-end.

The details: The new funds will be given to Joby in two tranches, with the first set to be disbursed in 2024 and the rest in 2025.

TECH-

#1- Cisco plans to establish a point of presence (PoP) for cloud-delivered security services in the UAE by the end of 2024, according to a press release.

#2– Dubai, Switzerland to ramp up cross-border Web3 development: The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) inked an agreement with Swiss early-stage blockchain venture capital firm CV VC to support Dubai and Switzerland’s Web3 ecosystems, according to a press release. The agreement will see the two collaborate on educational initiatives, workspace exchanges, and joint events.

#3- M42, ADGM Academy to school Emirati professionals in health-tech: State-owned health tech firm M42 and Abu Dhabi Global Market Academy inked an MoU to create new educational programs and courses to upskill Emirati professionals, particularly in health-tech roles, according to a press release. The partnership will be integrated into the National Development Program and the Financial Job Center, focusing on both existing and emerging Emirati talent within M42.

INS.-

Mahindra Ins. Brokers sets up shop in Dubai: India’s Mahindra Ins. Brokers opened a reins. office in Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), in a bid to tap into new markets and expand its client base in the region, according to a DIFC statement.

RENEWABLES-

Etihad Energy to slash Dubai Airports’ carbon footprint: Dubai Airports has inked an MoU with Etihad Energy Services Company to install the world’s largest rooftop solar project at an airport at Dubai’s airports, according to a statement. The project, to be implemented by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority subsidiary Etihad Clean Energy Development Company, will build on the existing solar installations at Dubai International (DXB), which have already cut energy consumption at the airport.

The details: The project will see 63k panels installed across both DXB and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports, with a total installed capacity of 39 MW of clean energy. The solar panels are expected to generate 6 GW of energy annually, cutting the airports’ carbon emissions by 23k tons every year. The initiative is set to supply 6.5% of DXB’s electricity needs and 20% of DWC’s.

HOSPITALITY-

India-based hospitality company Kamah Hotels & Resorts will develop a new hotel in Dubai with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, as part of a series of four new hotel developments, with a total investment of USD 70 mn, according to a press release.

TELECOMS-

E& UAE debuts high-speed Managed Wi-Fi 7 for businesses: E& UAE introduced managed Wi-Fi 7 services for businesses, offering double the capacity of earlier Wi-Fi generations, according to a press release. The new service is designed to enhance business connectivity, supporting data-heavy applications like virtual conferencing and cloud services. It aims to optimize business operations by improving connectivity, stability, and device management.

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