CRYPTO-

#1- Hubpay, Aquanow launch UAE’s first regulated crypto payment facility: Hubpay, a UAE-based cross-border payment platform, has partnered with Aquanow, a global digital asset infrastructure provider, to introduce the UAE’s first fully regulated crypto payment facility for businesses and SMEs, according to a statement. The partnership will allow businesses in real estate, manufacturing, and general trading to accept cryptocurrency securely alongside traditional fiat transactions.

#2- Bybit gets IPA for UAE platform: Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has obtained in-principle approval from the Securities and Commodities Authority to establish a virtual asset platform in the UAE, it said in a statement (pdf). The exchange is in the final stages of obtaining a full operational license, allowing it to offer digital asset services to both retail and institutional clients.

ICYMI- This milestone comes shortly after Bybit, the world’s second-largest crypto exchange by trading volume, was hit by the industry’s biggest hack, with over USD 1.5 bn in tokens stolen. CEO Ben Zhou reassured users that the company’s USD 20 bn in assets could cover the loss.

MANUFACTURING-

Steelmaking giant Emsteel launched a AED 625 mn asset enhancement program to upgrade production capabilities to meet rising market demand, according to a company statement. The first phase, scheduled for commissioning by 4Q 2025, will upgrade rolling mills to produce high-strength rebars and heavy-section steel for major infrastructure and energy projects. The second, set for completion in 1H 2027, includes a 500 KTPA wire rod outlet and billet caster upgrades, supporting the production of high-value steel products.

SUSTAINABILITY-

Beeah + Greenthesis to build recycling facility: Waste management firms Beeah and Italy’s Greenthesis have signed a cooperation agreement to build the Middle East’s first polyethylene (PE) film recycling facility within Beeah’s waste management complex in Sharjah’s Al Sajaa area, according to a press release. The pair will work through their joint venture, B&A Waste Management, which has already established several waste management projects in the UAE. The agreement was one of 40 struck during the UAE-Italy Business Forum earlier this week.

About the plant: The facility will convert PE film — a hard-to-recycle plastic used for packaging and labels — into a sustainable alternative to plywood for municipal and commercial use in green infrastructure. The wood can be reused several times before it is processed once again into new boards. It will have the capacity to process over 7k tons of plastic waste per year.

Beeah has big plans: The company unveiled its plans for the Middle East’s first commercial-scale waste-to-hydrogen plant to be set up in Sharjah’s Al Sajaa area alongside the UK-based Chinook Hydrogen and Japan’s Air Water last month. The plant will produce green hydrogen from municipal solid waste with an initial capacity of 2.6k tons annually.

BANKING-

Standard Chartered opens service for HNWIs: Standard Chartered has opened a Priority Private center in the UAE, offering high-net-worth-individuals (HNWIs) and offshore clients tailored investment opportunities, multi-market lending facilities, and wealth solutions, the firm said in a statement. The center will make use of the bank’s network of clients in wealth hubs including the UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK, and India.

Behind the development: “The UAE’s strategic location as a global financial hub makes it the ideal choice for this initiative,” head of Wealth and Retail Banking UAE at Standard Chartered Rajesh Kannan said. The bank said it aims to increase its UAE private banking team by 20% last December, as it looks to double its wealth management investments over the next five years.

INVESTMENT-

#1- O Gold, Monetary Metals partner on fractional gold leasing in UAE: O Gold, the UAE’s fractional gold and silver ownership app, has partnered with Monetary Metals to introduce a gold leasing program, allowing investors to lease as little as 0.1g of gold and earn up to 16% annual returns, according to a press release. The collaboration removes the traditional 10-ounce leasing minimum, and allows investors to receive monthly gold payouts of up to 5% annually, with the flexibility to withdraw anytime without penalties. Investments are fully insured and trackable via RFID and inventory systems.

#2- Abu Dhabi and Italy ink cross-border investment partnership to boost business expansion: The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio) and Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), a national promotional institution, signed a pact to support Italian and UAE businesses expanding into each other’s markets, according to a press release.

Under the partnership, Adio will connect Italian firms — including CDP-backed companies — with Abu Dhabi investment opportunities, while UAE businesses gain streamlined access to Italy’s market. The two entities will organize trade delegations, seminars, and knowledge-sharing programs to foster commercial ties.

In context: The UAE revealed plans earlier this week during President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Rome to invest USD 40 bn across strategic sectors in Italy. The two nations agreed to pursue a comprehensive partnership, formalizing over 40 agreements spanning data centers, AI, space tech, defense, cybersecurity, energy, health, and critical minerals.

REAL ESTATE-

Global Partners, Mirage to develop USD 1.4 bn mixed-use project in Dubai Healthcare City: Dubai’s Global Partners Limited, along with Mirage Development and Entertainment will jointly develop a USD 1.4 bn, 172k sqm mixed-use project in the second phase of Dubai Healthcare City, according to a press release. The Jaddaf-based development will include luxury residences and commercial units, with construction starting in 1Q 2026 with a completion date set for 1Q 2029.

STARTUPS-

Future100 initiative inks six partnerships: The Future100 initiative — a government initiative identifying and supporting the 100 most impactful startups in the UAE — signed six agreements with Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI, Oraseya Capital, DIFC Innovation Hub, EY UAE, MEVP, and in5 Incubator to accelerate startup growth in sustainable and tech-driven sectors, Wam reports.

BUSINESS-

DMCC inks Beijing pacts to boost trade and digital collaboration: DMCC signed agreements with Beijing Innovation Service Hub and Beijing Chaoyang Council for International Trade during its 2025 Made For Trade Live roadshow in China, according to a statement. The agreements will see both parties co-host seminars, roadshows, and networking events to link UAE and Beijing-based businesses, with a focus on digital trade and blockchain solutions.

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