CRYPTO-

DWF Labs expands to US with New York office and USD 25 mn token purchase: Abu Dhabi-based crypto trading firm DWF Labs announced its expansion into the US with a new office in New York, according to a press release. DWF Labs will also serve as a liquidity provider for World Liberty’s USD1 stablecoin, a fiat-backed digital asset pegged to the USD.

The firm has also acquired USD 25 mn worth of tokens issued by World Liberty Financial, US President Donald Trump’s crypto venture, though the exact number of tokens was not disclosed. The tokens grant holders voting rights on the project's governance decisions but cannot be traded, Reuters reports. DWF is hoping to “ participate in WLFI governance and focus on projects addressing real-world financial needs,” it said in the statement.

LOGISTICS-

#1- MBRAH aerospace supply chain zone’s first phase is complete: Dubai South’s aerospace platform Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) has launched the first phase of its Aerospace Supply Chain zone, according to a statement. The zone — spanning over 1.29 mn sq ft — features 11 facilities tailored to support engine shops, solution workshops, component and landing gear maintenance, as well as repair and overhaul (MROs).

It doesn’t end there: A further expansion to the zone is being developed with over 1.72 mn sq ft of new facilities currently underway, scheduled for completion in 2Q 2026. The expansion will include the region’s first vertical aerospace complex — dubbed the Suppliers Complex — which will feature 88 leasable units across three levels. Spots at the facility will be dedicated to maintenance service providers, carrier parts traders, and aerospace drone firms.

#2- WFS to head SkyCargo’s Frankfurt operations: Emirates SkyCargo has awarded SATS subsidiary Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) a five-year cargo handling contract for its operations at Frankfurt Airport, according to a statement. Emirates will offer a weekly cargo capacity of over 1.4k tonnes at Frankfurt Airport — positioning it as one of the airline's busiest cargo hubs in Europe.

RENEWABLES-

Shanghai Electric tapped for Al Sadawi EPC: State-owned renewables giant Masdar has awarded the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for its 2 GW Al Sadawi solar project — part of the fifth round of Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Program — to Shanghai Electric, Trade Arabia reports.

REMEMBER- Masdar, Korea Electric Power Corp, and China’s GD Power Development were reportedly forming a JV to establish the project at an investment cost of USD 1.1 bn. GD Power Development will reportedly have a 40% stake in the project but the entire ownership structure was not disclosed.

Background: State-owned Saudi Power Procurement Company signed a power purchase agreement for the project with Masdar, Korea Electric Power Corp, and GD Power late last year. The plant will reach full capacity by May 2026 before the official commercial operation date that is set for August 2027.

AVIATION-

Emirates bolsters its ties in Southeast Asia: Emirates SkyCargo inked an MoU with AirAsia’s exclusive cargo partner Teleport to advance trade and e-commerce flows from Southeast Asia to the wider world via Dubai, according to a statement. Under the agreement, the pair will boost cargo interline options and block space agreements. The partnership will expand Skycargo’s access to over 100 destinations in the Southeast Asian region within AirAsia’s roster.

The partnership will help boost Southeast Asia’s air cargo volumes from 11% to 20% by 2029. Southeast Asia exported nearly 2.5 mn tons of goods via air cargo in 2024 — with flows directed towards the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

PORTS-

AD Ports has debuted its first ship-to-ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation at Khalifa Port through the transfer of LNG fuel from marine fuels provider Monjasa’s LNG bunker — Green Zeebrugge — to Italian shipping firm MSC’s container vessel — MSC Thais — which is berthed at Abu Dhabi Terminals, according to a statement. The pair is planning to expand LNG bunkering services across AD Ports’ local commercial ports, including cruise vessels at Zayed Port.

TELECOMS-

e& UAE has rolled out AI-powered autonomous drones for telecom tower inspections, according to a press release. Managed via the new Drones Operations Center in partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council and GCAA, the drones use real-time analytics to detect structural issues, support emergency response, and reduce the need for manual checks.

REAL ESTATE-

Real estate developer LMD has launched Taiyo Residences, an AED 400 mn residential project in Dubai’s Wasl Gate, according to a press release. Slated for handover in 1Q 2028, the project will feature 379-units ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, as well as amenities like pools, gyms, wellness areas, and social zones. Other projects in LMD’s pipeline include a AED 750 mn residential project in Dubai Maritime City, which is expected to be ready in 2Q 2027.

AI-

Inception teams up with Kore.ai to offer AI solutions for businesses: G42-backed AI solutions firm Inception has partnered up with US based enterprise AI firm Kore.ai to develop AI-powered solutions for businesses in the UAE and the global south, according to a press release. The two will develop and roll out AI solutions together, and make use of their joint client networks. Inception will also integrate Kore.ai's conversational AI and Agentic platform into the solutions to be offered to businesses, including firms within the wider G42 network.

_SubHed_! DEFENSE-

UAE, South Korea expand military ties: The UAE and South Korea signed new defense agreements during a four-day visit by UAE forces to Seoul, Arab News reports. The two sides will meet for bilateral meetings every six months and cooperate on the development of the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet. South Korea’s armed forces will also train UAE personnel on the KF-21 and the Cheongung II missile system, which Abu Dhabi purchased in 2022. South Korea maintains a military base in Al Ain, and the two sides said they are looking to expand their defense cooperation.

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