MARITIME-

AD Ports and CMA CGM partner on Congo terminal: AD Ports Group and logistics solutions company CMA CGM partnered on a JV to develop and operate the New East Mole multipurpose terminal in Pointe Noire, Congo, for which AD Ports Group secured a 30-year extendable concession for the terminal in June 2023, according to a press release.

The details: AD Ports retains majority control over the JV, giving it control over terminal management and operations. The first phase includes a USD 220 mn investment to construct a 400 m quay wall and a 10-hectare logistics zone. The terminal will handle containers, general, break-bulk and other types of cargo at the Central West African nation’s biggest Atlantic port.

This is not their first partnership: The partners inaugurated CMA Terminals Khalifa Port in December, a USD 845 mn project set to boost Khalifa Port’s capacity by 33%

DEBT-

Moody’s affirmed state-owned Aldar Properties’ long-term credit rating of Baa1, with the company’s bonds and sukuk rated at Baa1 as well, Al Khaleej reports. The rating reflects Aldar’s diverse investment and asset portfolio, along with its varied revenue streams. Moody’s analyst Aziz Al Sammarai noted that the company is expected to maintain a strong credit profile and liquidity into the next year, while also expanding through debt-financed acquisitions.

AUTOMOTIVE-

Arabian Automobiles launches Urventures to support startups: Nissan’s exclusive dealer in Sharjah and the northern emirates, Arabian Automobiles, launched an initiative called Urventures to support UAE-based startups by providing commercial vehicles in exchange for a small equity stake, according to a press release. The program aims to address the logistics challenges faced by early-stage businesses. In its initial phase, Urventures has backed two startups — emergency medical training provider ProMed First Aid and sustainable tissue brand Bambuyu by supplying each with a Nissan Urvan.

FINTECH-

#1- UAE’s Yuze expands to India: UAE-based digital business banking platform Yuze will launch operations in India in 2Q 2025, targeting micro-businesses, SMEs, and freelancers with tools like digital accounts, automated invoicing, and expense tracking, according to a press release. Yuze is partnering with Indian financial institutions and recruiting local talent to tailor solutions to regulatory and market needs. The company is already planning a Saudi Arabia launch ahead of its India expansion.

#2- Saudi fintech Simplified Financials Solutions (SiFi) acquired Dubai-based B2B cost management outfit Neya Technologies, which was operating in stealth mode, for an undisclosed sum, according to a Linkedin post. The move is aimed at enhancing Neya’s financial technology tools, while expanding its reach across the Kingdom.

Background: Sifi raised USD 10 mn in a seed round led by PIF-owned Sanabil Investments, as well as RAED Ventures, last year.ANB Seed Fund, Rua Ventures, Byld and KBW Ventures also invested in the round, while Khwarizmi Ventures, Tech Invest Com. and Seedra Ventures were follow-on investors.

STARTUPS-

AI solutions provider DoxAI joined the Economy Ministry’s NextGen FDI initiative, which aims to attract high-growth technology companies to the UAE, state news agency Wam reports. The company, which specializes in AI-powered document processing, data extraction, and identity verification, will establish its regional headquarters in Dubai’s Rolex Tower, expanding operations to serve regional and global markets.

More about the program: The NextGen FDI program was launched in 2022 to help global tech-focused startups establish and expand their operations in the UAE by facilitating licensing procedures, bulk and golden visa issuances, and banking services. It also offers commercial and residential lease incentives.

#2- Dubai-based AI-powered visa-as-a-service platform VISARUN.AI secured USD 700k in pre-seed funding from Swiss and UAE-based angel investors, according to a press release. The investment will support platform development, sales expansion, and market penetration as the company aims to streamline visa processing in regions facing long processing times and embassy backlogs.

About VISARUN.AI: Founded in 2024 by Vladimir Indjikian (LinkedIn) and Alena Iakina (LinkedIn), VISARUN.AI streamlines visa processing with AI-driven tools. The startup handles around 10k applications monthly, and cuts manual work by 70%. Expansion plans focus on the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, India, and China, meeting rising demand for EU and US visas.

CRYPTO-

US virtual asset player BitGo gets Dubai licence: US-based digital asset infrastructure solutions provider BitGo has received preliminary approval from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (Vara) for its Dubai subsidiary, BitGo Custody, to operate as a virtual asset service provider, according to a press release. This approval allows BitGo to offer custody services to both individual and institutional clients in Dubai. Founded in 2013, BitGo operates in 50 countries and provides operational infrastructure to over 1.5k institutions.

REAL ESTATE-

#1- European developer Mr. Eight Development is debuting in the UAE with the launch of Villa del Divos, a luxury AED 500 mn project on Dubai Islands, according to a press release. The development, the first of five planned projects, will feature 108 high-end residences and a beach club. Construction begins in 1Q 2025, with handover expected by 1Q 2027.

#2- Imtiaz Developments unveils Sunset Bay Collection on Dubai Islands: ImtiazDevelopments launched the Sunset Bay Collection, a five-project waterfront development on Dubai Islands, according to a press release. The project features luxury residences with direct beach access. Imtiaz Developments now has 15 projects in Dubai Islands.

SOCIAL WELFARE-

Sharjah Ruler launches AED 134.5 mn financial assistance program: Sharjah Ruler Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi launched an AED 134.5 mn financial assistance program to support low-income families, state news agency Wam reports. The initiative, managed by the Social Services Department, aims to ensure that beneficiary families reach a minimum monthly income of AED 17.5k. Some 2k families earning below this threshold will benefit, with the program already having started disbursing funds as of the start of the year.

CAPITAL MARKETS-

Al Ramz receives MSX licence: DFM-listed brokerage and investment firm Al RamzCorporation has secured a market maker license from the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX), the company said in a press release. Al Ramz recently launched a new trading platform offering access to both regional and global markets.

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