TECH-

MBRSG + UNDP to boost AI governance research and capacity-building: The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) signed an MoU with the UN Development Program to enhance research and capacity-building efforts in AI governance, digital transformation, and public policy innovation in the Arab world, state news agency Wam reports. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit.

The partnership aims to develop AI ethics evaluation frameworks, explore AI’s impact on sustainability, and promote ethical AI adoption. It also aims to strengthen digital governance through innovative policies and strategies that improve government services and efficiency.

BUSINESS-

Pimco to open Dubai office: Investment management firm Pacific Investment ManagementCompany (Pimco) has secured a license (pdf) from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to open a Dubai office. This will be the first regional office for the firm, which has almostUSD 2 tnin assets under management. The new office “underlines [Pimco’s] commitment to clients in this important region, including the growing wealth sector in the UAE,” Head of Pimco’s Middle East business Robert English told EnterpriseAM UAE

This is the latest in a slew of investment and asset managers setting up shop in Dubai — last month alone saw firms including ASK Private Wealth and Hamilton Lane paving the way for operations in the emirate. Not one to miss out, the ADGM has also attracted an increasing number of global asset managers and hedge funds to the financial center in recent months.

MANUFACTURING-

#1- Dubai Investment’s subsidiaries GlobalPharma and Emirates Float Glass inked agreements to boost regional production capabilities, in collaboration with the Industry and Advanced Technology Ministry, according to a press release (pdf).

The details: Pharma company GlobalPharma partnered with Morocco’s Zenith Pharma on a USD 50 mn investment for technology transfer, licensing, and local manufacturing of essential medications, including biologics and treatments for cholesterol and diabetes. Emirates Float Glass signed an agreement to supply high-quality float glass to a regional glass and silver mirror manufacturer to increase supply chain efficiency.

#2- Jafza gets a new production facility: Dubai’s Jebel Ali Freezone (Jafza) inked an agreement with German technology company Allied Heat Exchange AG (A-Heat) to establish a heat exchanger production facility at DP World’s flagship freezone, according to a statement released on Thursday. The investment ticket and the project timeline have not been disclosed.

Details: The production and distribution facility — said to be the largest in the GCC — covers an area spanning 1.2 mn sq ft. The facility will be developed by Jafza and operated by cooling systems manufacturer Güntner — A-Heat’s flagship brand — in a bid to produce high-performance heat exchangers to optimize efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Boosting exports: The hub will be used by the German firm as a production and distribution center in a bid to export the heat exchangers to several markets, including GCC countries, Africa, Asia, and other global markets.

CONSTRUCTION-

Dubai launches AI-driven data platform for smarter urban planning: Dubai Municipality launched the Building Intelligence Platform at the World Governments Summit, an AI-powered digital tool that provides real-time data and analytics on buildings across Dubai, state news agency Wam reports. The platform provides building information including floor count, building height, gross floor area, and unit classifications. It also incorporates major economic metrics including a rental index, commercial activity trends, demographic insights, maintenance expenses, and base price assessments.

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