M&A-

#1- DFM divests non-core assets to boost profitability: Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has signed a binding agreement to divest part of its non-core investment portfolio as part of its capital optimization strategy, the company said in a statement (pdf). While details are scant, more are set to follow, and the financial impact of the offloading will appear in its 2Q 2025 earnings.

The rationale: The move supports DFM’s goal of maintaining a diversified revenue stream, after investments and other income accounted for 53.9% of its AED 186.5 mn revenue in 1Q 2025. The stock exchange also saw a 41.1% y-o-y jump in net income before tax to AED 134.9 mn for the quarter, fueled by record trading volumes and high foreign investor participation.

#2- AmanatHoldings has entered a put option agreement to sell a land plot in Dubai’s Al Merkadh area via its fully owned subsidiary AHH Alpha, according to a press release (pdf). The closing of the transaction, which involves current tenant North London Collegiate School Middle East, is subject to the final signing of a sales and purchase agreement.

AI-

AqlanX secures USD 10 mn from Lakeba to scale Arabic-first enterprise AI: UAE-based AI firm AqlanX has raised USD 10 mn from Australia’s Lakeba Group via its venture DoxAI, state news agency Wam reports. The funding will help AqlanX scale DoxAI’s automation tools across the Middle East and develop Arabic-first, enterprise-grade AI solutions.

What’s next? AqlanX, Lakeba, and DoxAI also signed an MoU with the University of Wollongong in Dubai to launch an AI Center of Excellence focused on building local AI talent and research capacity.

REMEMBER: In February, AI firm DoxAI joined the Economy Ministry’s NextGen FDI initiative, announcing plans to establish its regional HQ in Dubai’s Rolex Tower.

BUSINESS-

Emirati and Japanese entities signed MoUs to collaborate on smart mobility and sustainability at the Abu Dhabi-Japan Economic Council (ADJEC), according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The focus was on increasing cooperation in non-oil sectors in line with the UAE’s push for economic diversification.

The agreements: Emirates Driving Company and Japan’s Zenmov will collaborate to deploy smart mobility IT systems, while Abu Dhabi’s National Food Loss and Waste Initiative (Ne’ma) signed an MoU with the Japan International Cooperation Center to reduce food waste in line with UAE’s food security goals.

ICYMI- The agreements come on the heels of a five-day visit by an ADDED-led delegation to Japan that aimed to boost trade and investment ties in sectors like AI, clean energy, and next-gen tech. A broader economic partnership agreement is expected later this year.

HEALTHCARE-

Burjeel launches integrated oncology center in Sharjah: BurjeelHoldings opened the Burjeel Cancer Institute (BCI) at Burjeel Specialty Hospital in Sharjah, giving the emirate its first fully surgical and medical oncology facility, state news agency Wam reports. BCI plans to open its first international facility in Oman this month.

REAL ESTATE-

Hilton unveils AED 500 mn branded residences in Jumeirah Garden City: Hilton and WestF5 have launched DoubleTree by Hilton Residences, Dubai’s Jumeirah Garden City, Arabian Business reports. The AED 500 mn branded residential project offering 128 fully furnished units will see prices start from AED 1.62 mn for one-bedroom apartments, and handover is expected in June 2027.

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