TRANSPORT-

Dubai partners with Baidu to deploy 1k self-driving taxis by 2026: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority signed a MoU with Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing arm Apollo Go to launch a fleet of driverless taxis, starting with 50 vehicles in coming months and gradually scaling to 1k autonomous cabs by 2026, according to a statement. The agreement marks Baidu’s first autonomous vehicle (AV) expansion outside Greater China.

Details: The sixth-generation RT6 vehicles—equipped with 40 sensors for Level 4 autonomy (full self-driving under specific conditions)—will undergo testing in Dubai before a full public rollout. Baidu’s Apollo Go, which operates mns of rides annually in China, will handle tech deployment, while RTA will manage regulations and infrastructure development.

ENERGY-

Scotland launched an Energy Transition Hub to support Scottish renewables businesses operating in the UAE, according to a statement. Businesses will be able to use the hub as their base in the UAE for 12 to 18 months, and will be able to access mentorship and support as well as funding advice to help them do business in the UAE.

REAL ESTATE-

#1- Dubai General Properties has broken ground on an AED 950 mn ultra-luxury residential project in Dubai’s Meydan district, Al Bayan reports. The first completed unit will be ready this summer, with full project delivery expected in 4Q 2025.

#2- The Dubai Land Department (DLD) inked 11 MoUs and agreements with local and international partners during the IPS 2025 real estate investment exhibition, according to a statement. The agreements include:

  • A partnership to link Dubai’s official rental index to BidBayt’s auction platform;
  • rolling out ShoryIns. ’s rental protection plans for tenants and landlord;
  • An agreement with property managing app Eqarcom to work on proptech innovation and sustainability;
  • an agreement with Miami Association of Realtors to share expertise;
  • Agreements to boost the role of women in the sector, with the Her Entrepreneurship program with Innovation Experts set to train women in brokerage and investment, and an initiative with HRE Development pledges to boost female leadership and create flexible workplace policies.

Operational upgrades: DLD also outsourced core services to Gulf Vision, Bin Shabib, and Al Yalayis to enhance customer experience, and inked an agreement for customer experience services with Barnes Holdings.

The IPS real estate investment exhibition also saw GJ Properties announce AED 4 bn in projects, according to a press release. The projects — including mixed-use towers Baltimore, ACT, ONE678, eco-focused Sky Gardens, luxury twin Barajeel Towers and waterfront Ajman Pearl Tower — span 8.8 mn sqft and will deliver 4.5k units by 2026.

HEALTHCARE-

#1- Abu Dhabi to launch an AI-driven health innovation hub: Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS), part of M42’s Digital Health Solutions platform, has partnered with Silicon Valley-based research institute SRI international and Abu Dhabi-headquartered private equity firm VantageBridge Partners to establish an innovation hub in Abu Dhabi, state news agency Wam reports. The new hub will focus on AI and healthcare research and development, startup development, and expertise exchange.

Who’s doing what? SRI will work with ADHDS on healthcare AI initiatives across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, while VantageBridge will lead commercialization and investments tied to the hub’s output.

#2- M42’s Abu Dhabi Health Data Services launched Cortex&, a new healthcare advisory arm aimed at supporting healthcare institutions in the UAE and globally, Wam reports. Unveiled during Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week, Cortex& will provide consulting on digital transformation, AI strategies, and population health management. It will also use platforms like Malaffi, the region’s health information exchange, to help healthcare systems improve efficiency and address rising care costs.

AVIATION-

Syrian Air has resumed direct flights between Syria and the UAE, marking the first phase of a phased return, the airline announced in a statement on Facebook. Services to Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi commenced yesterday. Currently, the airline operates four weekly flights between Damascus and Dubai, with plans to increase to daily service, Asharq Business reports. Flights to Sharjah have also commenced, with an expansion to daily service expected soon.

CYBERSECURITY-

Sharjah Cyber Security Center partnered with cybersecurity firm Fortinet to strengthen the national cybersecurity ecosystem, Wam reports. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in ICT security, bolster national defenses against cyber threats, and promote collaboration in legislative and regulatory areas to improve cyber deterrence. It will also facilitate the exchange of advanced security insights and the joint organization of technical workshops, training sessions, and cyber drills.

AGRICULTURE-

WAF and AAAID to develop the agricultural ecosystem: Dubai-based World Agricultural Forum partnered with the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development to boost the UAE’s agricultural development, Wam reports. The collaboration will focus on supporting sustainable agriculture, empowering farming communities, and facilitating investment in the industry. The partnership will also strengthen public-private collaborations and foster knowledge exchange through joint workshops, conferences, and trade exhibitions.

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