FINTECH-

SC Ventures, Emirates NBD partner on financial service innovation: Standard Chartered’s fintech arm SC Ventures has inked an MoU with Emirates NBD to assess avenues for collaboration in the MENAT region, according to a press release. The agreement aims to identify regional ventures to support using the two sides’ portfolios and market expertise. The partnership will focus on digital innovation, venture co-creation, and strategic alliances in financial services.

TRADE-

UAE-Jordan CEPA kicks in: The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Jordan came into effect today, marking the UAE’s first CEPA with an Arab country, state news agency Wam reports. The agreement aims to increase bilateral non-oil trade to more than USD 8 bn by 2032, up from USD 5.6 bn in 2024. The agreement will help boost cooperation in renewable energy, pharma, logistics, and tourism.

Another four to six CEPAs are set to be finalized this year, Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi told CNBC Arabia, including with Egypt following ministerial intervention to resolve outstanding issues “within days.” Agreements with Ukraine and the Eurasian Economic Union will be ratified in the coming months, while one with Nigeria could be completed before the year-end, he added. Negotiations with the Mercosur bloc and the EU, well as with Tunisia, are underway.

REAL ESTATE-

#1- Real estate developer Ohana Development launched an AED 4.7 bn project in Al Jurf, between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, according to a press release. The Jacob & Co Beachfront Living development features 457 units including sea-view apartments, villas, penthouses, and sky mansions, with prices starting from AED 22 mn and reaching AED 77 mn (and higher) for sky mansions. Completion is set for 2Q 2028.

#2- MAAIA targets AED 5 bn in UAE sales for this year: Global real estate developer MAAIA is planning on bringing in AED 5 bn in sales from the UAE market in 2025, following the launch of two new Dubai residential projects — La Vue in Nad Al Sheba Gardens and La Cle in Al Furjan, according to a press release. The developer’s pipeline includes a major master-planned community in Falcon City.

The detals: The company aims to deliver 2.5 mn sq ft of gross floor area this year, with nearly 5k units planned over the next three years and a total development pipeline of AED 10 bn. La Cle will feature 56 apartments starting from AED 1.1 mn and slated for handover in 4Q 2026, while La Vue is expected to be finished in 2Q 2027 and its residences carry a minimum price tag of AED 1.7 mn.

#3- German luxury brand Brabus has launched its first branded residential project — Brabus Island — in Abu Dhabi’s Al Seef District, in collaboration with Cosmo Developments and Reportage Group, according to a press release. The development features four towers with 352 high-end units. The group saw strong investor demand, generating AED 4.2 bn in sales through April 2025.

#4- Wasl unveils Jumeriah Golf Estates masterplan: Real estate development and management company Wasl has launched “The Next Chapter” for Jumeriah Golf Estates, a 4.7 mn sqm project with 51.7k residences connecting the under-construction Etihad Rail station and Dubai Metro, according to a press release. The plan includes six lifestyle districts, a central park, and infrastructure facilities.

INFRASTRUCTURE-

Smart Cities Council and IFZA launch two new smart city ventures: The Smart Cities Council (SCC) and Dubai-based International Freezone Authority (IFZA) have set up two new joint ventures, Smart Cities Council Middle East and the Smart Cities Academy, state news agency Wam reports.

One builds, one teaches: Smart Cities Council Middle East will act as a regional hub to support the deployment of smart urban solutions. Smart Cities Academy will focus on education and training programs on smart cities.

IFZA has also launched Scale360 — a Dubai-based platform built in collaboration with Plug and Play — aiming to link startups with corporate partners and capital.

HEALTHCARE-

Burjeel Holdings opens specialized blood disorder center in Abu Dhabi: Homegrown private healthcare group Burjeel Holdings has opened the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Center at Abu Dhabi’s Burjeel Medical City (BMC), according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The facility offers outpatient services and a seven-day transfusion unit, as well as lifelong management for transfusion-dependent thalassemia, non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia, and sickle cell disease.

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