TELECOMS-

#1- Nokia, du partner to explore 6G technology in the UAE: Nokia and du signed an MoU to collaborate on 6G research and development, focusing on future network innovations, use cases, and applications, according to a pressrelease. The partnership includes field trials, proof-of-concept demonstrations, and research on key 6G enablers to help define standards and protocols for next-generation networks.

Key areas of focus include ultra-high-speed connectivity, AI-native network architectures, enhanced security frameworks, and sustainable network design. The collaboration will also explore digital twin environments, human-machine interfaces, and multi-sensory applications tailored to the UAE market.

Research will be conducted in phases, with periodic assessments to align on technical, regulatory, and commercial outcomes, paving the way for future trials and deployment.

#2- du, Microsoft partner on AI-powered call center: State-owned telecom operator du is partnering with Microsoft to upgrade its call center operations with AI and cloud technologies, according to a press release. The project will introduce real-time call insights, VoiceBot support, and post-call analytics to improve first call resolution and cut average handling time.

BANKING-

Mashreq partners with Mastercard for digital bank in Pakistan: Our friends at Mashreq entered a multi-year partnership with Mastercard to support the launch of its digital bank in Pakistan, according to LinkedIn post. The collaboration will focus on developing exclusive card solutions for various customer segments, including individual consumers, affluent clients, and businesses.

REMEMBER- Mashreq received a restricted license in January from Pakistan’s State Bank to commence its pilot operations as a digital retail bank.

M&A-

UAE-based financial services provider Capital Haus nabbed an 11.6% stake in ASX-listed financial advisory Equity Story Group for AUD 500k, bringing its assets under management (AUM) past the USD 1 bn mark, according to two separate statements (here and here, pdf). The newly-bought 19.2k ordinary shares will be held in escrow for 12 months. The wealth manager also secured some 12.8 mn buy options in the group, giving it the right to buy more shares at a fixed price of AUD 0.05 until December 2026. Capital Haus operates primarily in the Emirati, Australian and Swiss markets. Capital Haus Founder and Managing Director Brendan Gow will sit on Equity Story’s board as an executive director.

The rationale: “Through our strategic stake in Equity Story, we are not just expanding our global reach but also creating a gateway for UAE investors to diversify their portfolios and capitalize on high-growth opportunities across international markets,” Gow said in the press release.

REAL ESTATE-

#1- Dubai-based Innovate Living acquired waterfront plots on Dubai Islands for a real estate development pipeline worth AED 1.4 bn, according to a press release. The company plans to develop ultra-luxurious residential projects in the area.

#2- Aldar sold out the first phase of its residential project, The Wilds, generating AED 5 bn in sales from 734 villas, according to a press release (pdf). Developed in partnership with Dubai Holding, the project saw strong demand, with 92% of sales coming from expatriates and overseas buyers.

PAYMENTS-

Emirates NBD partnered with Visa to launch the first Visa Commercial Pay-Mobile services in the UAE, it said in a press release. SME and corporate clients can use the service to make point-of-sale (POS) payments with Visa virtual cards on mobile devices, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. It uses tokenized credentials to provide better security, real-time controls, and expensive management.

DEFENSE-

GAL and Thales sign four-year cooperation partnership: Abu Dhabi-based GlobalAerospace Logistics (GAL) and French multinational aerospace and defense firm Thales signed a four-year agreement to develop support for the UAE’s Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and explore further cooperation in the defense and aerospace sectors, according to a press release. Thales will also provide training for GAL’s Next 50 Initiative, which aims to train Emirati aerospace professionals.

The Idex and Navdex 2025 conferences also saw GAL sign agreements with Safran Aircraft Engines on military aviation services, and with Saudi Arabia’s Pannesma on aircraft maintenance and upgrading cooperation. Thales inked numerous agreements during the conferences as well (here and here).

TRADE-

Sharjah and Bangladesh ink MoU on bilateral trade: The SharjahChamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) signed an MoU with Bangladesh’s Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Insudstry (DCCI) to strengthen bilateral trade and economic partnerships, Wam reports.The DCCI also signed an MoU with Dubai Chambers last month and organized a conference with its Abu Dhabi counterpart.

On a national level, President Sheikh bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed increasing Emirati-Bangladeshi trade last May, and 2024 also saw AD Ports ink an MoU to develop and operate a multi-purpose port in Chittagong in Bangladesh.

INVESTMENT-

IFZA to invest in Pakistan’s special economic zones: The International Freezones Authority (IFZA) signed an MoU with Pakistan’s government to invest in Pakistan’s special economic zones, Arab News reports, citing statements from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sherif’s office.

REMEMBER- The UAE, Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, also inked four agreements with Pakistan just days ago to up cooperation in natural resources, financial services, and infrastructure.

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