FINTECH-

#1- Botim first fintech to issue Jaywan cards: Fintech platform Botim, backed by Astra Tech, has partnered with the UAE's digital Al Maryah Community bank (Mbank) to become the first fintech to issue the UAE’s domestic payment Jaywan cards, according to a press release. Users can now apply for and activate the prepaid card through Botim’s app, as well as manage transactions digitally without requiring a traditional bank account. The card is developed under the supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and supported by Network International.

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REMEMBER- Jaywan, introduced by the CBUAE’s digital payments arm Al Etihad Payments, has already collaborated with several banks and card providers, including Visa and Emirates NBD, and it is also set to launch a credit card option in addition to its existing debit card.

#2- Emirates NBD, Nasscom team up to boost UAE-India fintech collaboration: Emirates NBD signed an MoU with Indian tech and trade non-profit Nasscom to strengthen bilateral fintech and tech innovation ties, according to a press release. The two will identify and onboard high-potential Indian fintechs into the UAE market and conduct joint research on the financial services sector.

ICYMI- The new partnership builds on growing UAE-India fintech ties. Last year, Nasscom signed an MoU with the Dubai International Financial Center to connect Indian tech firms with Dubai’s fintech ecosystem.

MANUFACTURING-

Honeywell opens first Middle East gas detector production line in Masdar City: Honeywell has launched a new gas detection systems manufacturing line at Masdar City's innovation hub, marking its first production facility for such safety devices outside Mexico, Al Bayan reports.

The details: The plant will produce 100k mobile detectors and 1k mounted detectors each year. The facility will also develop technical solutions for international partners, said Honeywell’s automation president for the region George Bou Mitri.

M&A-

Aldar sells AED 586 mn property to Hong Kong’s Gaw: Aldar Properties sold a residential building in Mamsha Gardens to Hong Kong real estate-focused private equity firm Gaw Capital Partners for AED 586 mn, marking Gaw’s first UAE investment, according to a press release (pdf). The 71-unit residential building, located in Saadiyat Cultural District, spans 16k sqm.

The bigger picture: Buyers from China and Hong Kong buyers made up AED 1.5 bn of Aldar’s sales in 2024, marking a 30-fold increase from 2022 and representing growing interest from investors in Asian markets. International buyers accounted for 87% of Aldar’s UA sales in 1Q 2025. Aldar is also launching the sale of a seventh building today, the statement read.

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