HEALTHCARE-
Burjeel Holdings secured AED 225 mn in operations and management healthcare contracts, according to an ADXdisclosure (pdf). The agreements cover Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Clinics, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation Hospitals, and Adnoc Das Hospital.

The details: Burjeel will operate five ADJD clinics in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, including the construction of a new Al Wathba Clinic. It will also oversee field hospitals in South Sudan (100 beds) and Chad (50 beds) under the Khalifa Foundation, as well as 20 beds at Adnoc Das Hospital on Das Island, providing comprehensive medical services for Adnoc’s workforce.

REAL ESTATE-

#1- PalmaDevelopment launched Serenia District in Jumeirah Islands, a AED 5 bn residential community spanning 600k sq ft with a built-up area of 3.5 mn sq ft, according to a press release. The project comprises six integrated towers and lifestyle zones, including the Serenia Signature Clubhouse. The first phase, West Residence, introduces a 46-story tower featuring 419 upscale homes with scenic views.

#2- Richmind enters UAE market: Property developer Richmind, a business vertical of RichMind Holdings, is entering the Emirati market with 1k units set to be delivered this year, it said in a press release. The first project is set to be at the Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, and developed in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects.

CRYPTO-
#1- AFS partners with Ternoa to enable stablecoin payments in GCC: Bahraini digital payment solutions provider Arab Financial Services (AFS) partnered with PayFi network Ternoa Blockchain to introduce stablecoin payments for merchants across the UAE and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, according to a company statement.

The details: The partnership will leverage Ternoa’s Athar, a decentralized consumer finance protocol, to facilitate secure and cost-efficient cryptocurrency transactions at point-of-sale (POS) terminals.

#2- Circle’s USDC and EURC gain regulatory approval in DIFC: Payment technology company Circle Internet Financial secured approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to have its USDC and EURC stablecoins recognized as crypto tokens in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), according to a press release.

Why it matters: This is the first time stablecoins have been approved under the DIFC’s crypto token regime, opening the door for banks and fintechs to integrate them into payments, treasury management, and more.

SOUND SMART- Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a steady value by pegging to assets, like a fiat currency (like the USD) or a commodity (such as gold). Their stability makes them ideal for payments, remittances, and finance—without the volatility of traditional crypto.

#3- Tokinvest + DSG group partner on tokenized investments: Dubai-based real-world asset tokenization marketplace Tokinvest partnered with New Zealand’s DSG Group to develop blockchain-powered fractional ownership opportunities, starting with racehorses, stables, and siring rights, the company announced in a press release.

Why it matters: Traditionally, investments in racehouses have been limited to high-net-worth individuals or small investment syndicates. Tokenization aims to make the market more accessible.

PAYMENTS-

Network International partners with South Africa’s MTN Fintech: Dubai-based Network International has been appointed as a payment processor and issuing partner for MTN Group Fintech, a South African mobile financial services provider, according to a company statement.

Why it matters: The partnership will drive financial inclusion by rolling out card issuance products across key African markets, starting with Rwanda, followed by Uganda, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria. Network International will provide transaction processing, card management, and online fraud prevention.

TRANSPORT-

Dubai partners with Amadeus to drive travel tech innovation: The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism signed an MoU with global travel tech firm Amadeus to create a city-wide ecosystem for rapid prototyping of travel technology solutions, according to a Dubai Media Office statement. The collaboration aims to enhance Dubai’s status as a hub for travel innovation and build on the record 18.72 mn international visitors the city welcomed in 2024.

The details: As part of the agreement, Amadeus will establish a Center of Excellence in Dubai, focusing on biometric technologies, airport experience optimization, touchless payments, and air capacity development. It will also support startups and travel intelligence reporting for the hospitality sector.

AVIATION-

Flydubai adds Antalya to its summer network: Flydubai will launch daily flights to Antalya, Turkey, starting June 5, 2025, as part of its seasonal summer operations, Khaleej Times reports. The Dubai-based airline will also resume flights to Bodrum and Trabzon between June and September, expanding its Turkish network to six destinations.

The summer schedule: Antalya joins Flydubai’s 2025 summer schedule, which includes 11 seasonal routes, such as Al Alamein, Batumi, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, and Santorini.

F&B-

Pakistan’s Bisconni lands in Kezad: Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (Kezad) inked a 50-year land lease agreement with Pakistan’s Ismail Industries snack subsidiary Bisconni to develop an AED 110 mn (c. USD 30 mn) manufacturing facility in Kezad Al Ma’mourah, according to a statement. The 37k sqm hub — which aims to manufacture biscuits and confectionery goods — is part of the Pakistani firm's plans in bolstering its global footprints in international markets.

INFRASTRUCTURE-

Data analytics company Presight partnered with Albania’s Interior Ministry to develop a nationwide AI-driven smart city project in the European country, according to a press release. The project will introduce an AI-driven traffic management platform for urban monitoring and an advanced command center to centralize public services and emergency response operations. Covering 20 cities, the initiative aims to modernize infrastructure, enhance public services, improve healthcare access, and accelerate Albania’s digital transformation.

DEBT-

A potential credit rating upgrade for Masdar: Credit rating agency Moody’s said it is reviewing Masdar ’s A2 long-term issuer and senior unsecured credit ratings for an upgrade, Al Etihad reports, citing an article by Moody’s. Its medium-term note program may also be upgraded depending on the review. Its current outlook is stable.

The rationale: Commitment and funding from both Masdar’s shareholders and the Abu Dhabi government have put Masdar in a strong position, Moody’s said. The clean energy player’s aim of reaching 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 makes further funding and investment likely, as it continues to benefit from its credit linkages to the government, the agency said, adding that the rating will go up if Masdar’s support base is revised upwards.

INVESTMENT-

Daman Investments is partnering with Société Générale to develop sustainable investment opportunities, according to a press release. This initiative incorporates strict sustainability criteria, aligning with global ESG frameworks. Further details weren’t disclosed.

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