RETAIL-

UAE conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) plans to open over 30 luxury retail stores across the UAE and Saudi Arabia in 2025, including seven in the Kingdom, Asharq Business reports, citing a company press release. This expansion will focus on partnerships with three Italian brands, including Eleventy, Corneliani, and Poltrona Frau.

The details: Five Eleventy stores are planned, with three already open and two more coming later this year. Poltrona Frau will debut in Riyadh, marking its first store outside the UAE. Corneliani launched its first regional store in Saudi Arabia this month.

REMEMBER- MAF recently committed AED 5 bn to upgrade Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Meanwhile, MAF’s Majid Al Futtaim Properties will invest bns of AED in mixed-use developments in Egypt and Saudi Arabia this year and the next.

TRANSPORT-

UAEV and AW Rostamani team up on EV charging infrastructure: Emarat EV Charging Stations Company (UAEV) — a JV between the UAE’s Energy and Infrastructure Ministry and Etihad Water and Electricity — and AW Rostamani (AWR) Group have signed a strategic agreement to support electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the UAE, according to a statement. Zeekr exclusive distributor AWR Group will provide charging credits to customers of those vehicles for use across UAEV’s charging network. The partnership will launch in the coming months.

REMEMBER-The UAE is planning to install over 500 EV charging stations by the end of 2025 to increase the use of clean transportation and cut carbon emissions. The Energy and Infrastructure Ministry which holds a 50% stake in UAEV, installed 100+ EV chargers across the country in 2024 and is ramping up efforts to meet rising EV demand.

REAL ESTATE-

#1- Ardee Developments is launching its AED multi-bn flagship project in Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, according to a press release. The 2.5 mn sq ft Ardee Al Marjan development will offer residential units, a hotel, amenities, and retail services, and will target tourists, investors, local and international residents alike, CEO Vishal Mehta said.

#2- Marjan and Dara Real Estate partner up on a 27-storey tower: Marjan, RAK’s freehold property developer, has partnered with Dara Real Estate to build a 27-storey residential tower in the Rak Central mixed-use project, Alkhaleej reports. The development is scheduled for completion in 4Q 2027.

The details:Abdul Rahim Architectural Consultants will serve as lead project consultant, with IBA House Interior handling interior design. The development falls under Rak Central’s master plan, which includes office spaces, over 4k residential units, four hotels, and retail areas.

#3- HBK DOP to develop residential properties in Pakistan: Hamad Bin Khalifa Department of Projects (HBK DOP) formed a joint venture with Pakistani developer DHA Quetta to develop upscale residential units in Quetta, Pakistan, Khaleej Times reports. The project includes villas and townhouses and is expected to draw investment and improve housing standards in the area.

INVESTMENT-

Abu Dhabi Investment Group (ADIG) and China’s southern province of Hainan have announced plans to establish a joint investment development fund, according to a press release. The fund will support investments in a range of development sectors across both Hainan and the UAE. Both parties are currently formulating an initial plan to identify targeted projects. The partnership also includes broader cooperation across multiple areas of economic development..

HEALTHCARE-

e& partners with US firm to widen emergency response access: e& enterprise has partnered with US-based LifeBot to bring end-to-end advanced telemedicine solutions to the UAE’s remote or underserved areas, according to a press release. The collaboration will expand access to intensive virtual care through mobile care services, offering ICU-level patient monitoring diagnostics, and real-time video and vital-sign transmission. LifeBot’s technology, which was originally developed for disaster response and space missions, is designed to perform in extreme conditions.

SUSTAINABILITY-

ADFD brings Comoros solar plant online: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has inaugurated its AED 25.7 mn (c. USD 7 mn), 6.3 MW solar power plant in Comoros, according to a press release. The plant will provide energy to the capital, Moroni, and other surrounding regions.

ADFD has a green portfolio abroad: ADFD finalized an AED 92 mn loan agreement with Rwanda’s government to enhance water systems at the Karenge Water Treatment Plant last December. ADFD-backed UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund inaugurated Masdar’s hurricane-resistant hybrid solar-diesel plant in the Caribbean’s Antigua and Barbuda last year.

AVIATION-

flydubai to offer lower air freight rates for local players: Dubai Chambers inked an MoU with homegrown budget-carrier flydubai to offer preferential air freight rates to Dubai Chamber of Commerce businesses, according to a statement. The pair also aim to develop joint initiatives, programs, and activities to support Dubai’s business community.

AI-

AIQ + Weatherford partner on energy production: AIQ, Adnoc and G42’s AI joint venture, signed an agreement with energy services firm Weatherford International to combine Weatherford’s software and hardware platforms and AIQ’s AI systems to optimize energy operations, according to a press release. The partnership aims to help energy operators scale production workflows, boost operational efficiency, reduce costs, and centralize software procurement via a SaaS platform.

MANUFACTURING-

Adnoc launched Make it with ADNOC, a new app aimed at boosting local manufacturing and accelerating industrial growth in the UAE, Wam reports. The platform offers real-time visibility into ADNOC’s procurement pipeline, allowing manufacturers and SMEs to tap into upcoming local production opportunities.

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