INVESTMENT-

Lunate + IHC explore enrolling in Ghaf Benefits: Abu Dhabi-based alternative asset manager Lunate has signed an MoU with UAE-headquartered International Holding Company (IHC) to explore the potential enrollment of IHC and its 1.2k subsidiaries in Lunate’s Ghaf Benefits scheme, according to a press release.

The details: Launched last month, Ghaf Benefits is an alternative end-of-service benefits, low-risk fund platform that offers employees investment-linked gratuity options in a bid to extend pension schemes to non-Emirati and GCC nationals. The funds — licensed by the Securities and Commodities Authority and regulated by the Human Resources and Emiratization Ministry — allow private sector employees to invest their gratuity in a fund with varying risk-return strategies, including capital protection, conservative, and balanced options.

AVIATION-

Abu Dhabi to get a new link to China: China Eastern Airlines is launching four weekly direct flights between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport starting 28 April, marking the first time a Chinese airline has operated a direct service to Abu Dhabi, China Daily reports. Etihad Airways will jointly operate the service.

We’ve got our eyes on China: Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates earlier this week said it will kick off flights to Shenzhen in mid-2025, as part of plans to increase its air traffic to China by 40% on the back of rising demand. The carrier had previously been operating 35 weekly flights to China — two daily flights each to Shanghai and Beijing, and one to Guangzhou. The UAE and China have also been in talks to boost bilateral air connectivity beyond their 56 per week per country ceiling.

TRANSPORT-

EV buses land on Sharjah’s roads: Sharjah launched its first fleet of electric buses as part of a broader push toward sustainable transport, AlBayan reports. The initiative, led by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority in partnership with Chinese bus manufacturer King Long, introduces 10 electric buses to the emirate’s streets, with another 10 set to arrive later this year.

RENEWABLES-

Ewec to power Burjeel Holdings’ Abu Dhabi facilities with clean energy: Emirates Water and Electricity Company (Ewec) has signed an agreement with healthcare provider Burjeel Holdings to power 22 of its facilities in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with clean energy, according to a press release (pdf). The use of renewable energy will be verified using Clean Energy Certificates (CEC) issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy.

ICYMI- EWEC opened registrations for its 1Q 2025 CECs auction last month and the auction is scheduled to close on 14 March. CECs, tradable clean energy tracking digital certificates representing 1 MWh of clean energy delivered to the electricity grid from a renewable energy source, enable companies to reduce Scope 2 emissions.

STARTUPS-

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) signed an MoU with Germany’s Artificial IntelligenceCenter Hamburg (ARIC) to participate in the Dubai Sandbox initiative and bring European businesses to test their technologies there, according to a Dubai Media Office statement. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between the UAE and Germany’s deep tech sectors. Launched in 2024, the Dubai Sandbox enables startups to test innovations in proptech, AI, healthtech, and greentech.

REAL ESTATE-

Damac, ADIB launch new home financing solution: Damac Properties partnered with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) to introduce a new home financing solution allowing UAE residents to secure financing for off-plan properties once construction is 35% complete, which Damac claims is a market first, according to a press release.

MARITIME-

Al Seer Marine uptakes two new builds: IHC’s maritime subsidiary Al Seer Marine has added two AED 257.2 mn (c. USD 70 mn) new medium range (MR) tankers to its fleet — the last two ships in its series of six newly built MR tankers commissioned from K Shipbuilding Korea, according to an ADX statement (pdf).

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