INVESTMENT-

Adia invests in AI-focused biotechnology: A subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) participated in the USD 200 mn funding round for American biotechnology startup Lila Sciences, a newly launched subsidiary of American life sciences VC firm Flagship Pioneering, according to a press release. The identity of ADIA’s subsidiary and the specific investment amount were not disclosed.

Where is the money going? Massachusetts-based Lila Sciences will use the funds to enhance its AI platform, expand its autonomous labs, and scale its existing infrastructure.

Who else pitched in? The list of participants includes Flagship Pioneering, General Catalyst, March Capital, ARK Venture Fund, Altitude Life Science Ventures, Blue Horizon Advisors, State of Michigan Retirement System, and Modi Ventures.

ENERGY-

#1- Pan-African renewables firm Ignite Energy Access will set up its global headquarters in Abu Dhabi under an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), according to a press release. Under the agreement, ADIO will help the company scale up its operations as part of its goal to connect 100 mn people across Africa to clean energy by 2030 through solar home systems, solar-powered irrigation, hybrid solar inverters, and more. The new HQ is expected to create over 200 high-skilled jobs and bring Ignite Energy’s technology to the UAE.

ADIO 💚renewables: In December, ADIO signed a slew of agreements, including one with Bahamian climate-tech firm Partanna to open a regional HQ and carbon-negative cement factory, and others with Daikin, Takyeef Factory, Geollyto, JST, and LumenAE to develop energy-efficient cooling and lighting systems.

#2- SEWA launches AED 500 mn substation to boost energy capacity: The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) inaugurated an AED 500 mn 220 kV substation in Umm Fannin’s airport area, the largest in its network, Wam reports. Developed with Siemens Energy and General Projects Company, the facility includes four 400 MVA and four 75 MVA transformers, delivering a total capacity of 1.2 GW across Sharjah.

TRANSPORT-

Dubai RTA completes 40% of nol system upgrade: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) completed 40% of its AED 550 mn project to upgrade the nol ticketing system, transitioning from a card-based system to an account-based model, according to a statement. The upgrade is set to be complete by 3Q 2026.

What it means for you: The three-phase upgrade will first create digital accounts for nol users, linking them to existing cards. The second phase will introduce a new generation of nol cards with enhanced compatibility for bank cards. The final phase will enable alternative payment methods for public transport, including QR codes, digital wallets, bank cards, and biometric authentication.

Beyond transport: The upgraded nol system will allow users to manage multiple cards, automate top-ups and track spending. It will also extend nol card usage to retail purchases across the UAE and support payments for e-scooters and shared mobility services.

CRYPTO-

Crypto.com secures limited VARA license to offer derivatives in the UAE: Crypto.com was granted a limited license by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), expanding its current VASP license to include derivatives trading in the UAE, the company announced in a press release.

What it means for Crypto.com: The license allows Crypto.com to offer futures, perpetual swaps, and CFDs initially to eligible institutions worldwide, with qualified investors to follow. All Crypto.com retail users will gain access to USD deposits and withdrawals through British multinational bank Standard Chartered.

ICYMI- Crypto.com partnered with UAE-based AI and tech firm Tawasal last week, becoming its exclusive crypto partner. Initially, Tawasal will refer Crypto.com’s platform to its regional partners, strengthening its presence in the Middle East. In the next phase, Crypto.com’s services will be integrated into Tawasal’s Superapp, enabling nearly 4 mn users to trade crypto.

AI-

AIQ and SLB partner to deploy AI solutions for energy automation: Abu Dhabi-based AI firm AIQ and global tech company SLB formed a joint venture to integrate AI into energy operations using SLB’s Edge AI Agora platform, Al Khaleej reports. The collaboration will leverage SLB’s Edge AI Agora platform to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety while supporting emissions reduction efforts.

The details: Through this partnership, AIQ and SLB will develop a framework that integrates AIQ’s RoboWell technology for automated well control with SLB’s advanced edge AI tools, streamlining AI adoption in exploration, production, and distribution.

AVIATION-

#1- DAE adds 17 aircrafts to its fleet for USD 1 bn: Dubai-based aircraft leasing company Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has acquired 17 aircraft for USD 1 bn after inking agreements with multiple undisclosed counterparties, according to a statement. The aircraft are currently leased to 11 airlines across 10 countries. The new uptakes are forecasted to cut down DAE’s weighted average passenger fleet age to 6.9 years and boost its fleet lease term remaining to 6.6 years. The new uptakes are all next-generation aircrafts in a bid to integrate modern, fuel-efficient and high tech aircraft models into DAE’s fleet.

#2- Etihad rolls out new service to Indonesia: Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has launched bookings for flight services between Abu Dhabi and Indonesia’s Medan, Wam reported on Friday. The carrier will operate three weekly flight services between Zayed International Airport and Indonesia’s Kualanamu International Airport, effective from 2 October. The move is part of Etihad’s broader expansion to ten new destinations — slated to start from July.

SUSTAINABILITY-

CMA CGM Iron lands at Khalifa Port: Abu Dhabi’s khalif Port received its first dual-fuel methanol container vessel — CMA CGM Iron – at shipping giant CMA CGM’s CMA Terminals, according to a statement released on Friday. The vessel — built by Korea’s Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries — boasts a 13k TEU capacity and can be powered by both conventional and alternative fuels, including bio-methanol and e-methanol. The ship is one of 12 new dual-fuel methanol vessels to be integrated into CMA CGM’s fleet this year and 2026.

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