BUSINESS-

NSF sets up shop for MENA operations with Dubai headquarters: Global public health and safety organization NSF has launched a Middle East and North Africa headquarters in Dubai Science Park, according to a press release. The facility will focus on testing, auditing, and certification services for the water industry.

PAYMENTS-

Zand + Mamo tap Ripple for blockchain cross-border payments: UAE-based digital bank Zand Bank and fintech Mamo have partnered with blockchain firm Ripple to run faster, blockchain-settled global transfers, Ripple announced in a press release. Zand is wiring Ripple into its AI stack and custodial services and plans to roll out an AED-backed stablecoin, while Mamo will use Ripple to scale cross-border payment offerings to both consumers and businesses.

ICYMI- In March, Ripple became the first Dubai Financial Services Authority-licensed firm to receive approval to provide regulated crypto payments and services in the Dubai International Financial Center.

AI-

NMO taps Presight to build AI-powered media data hub: The UAE’s National Media Office (NMO) has awarded a contract to Abu Dhabi’s Presight Holdings to develop an AI-powered platform aimed at optimizing the country’s media ecosystem, according to a disclosure (pdf) to the ADX.

The plan: The project will build a cloud-based data lake that consolidates media insights across institutions into a unified data hub. Presight will also use AI to analyze public sentiment, detect emerging narratives, and recommend evidence-based messaging frameworks. Real-time analytics will give the NMO a clearer picture of public opinion and help align messaging with strategic priorities.

AI-

Edge launches AI accelerator to fast track tech integration: State defense conglomerate Edge Group has launched a new center of excellence, dubbed the Group AI Accelerator, to speed up the use of AI-driven projects across its engineering and business operations, according to a press release. The initiative falls under Edge’s Technology and Innovation Cluster and supports its broader push to localize advanced technology capabilities.

The details: The facility will host skunkworks projects focused on machine learning and AI-enabled engineering. A steering committee of local and international experts will oversee two working groups — one for research and development, and the other for digital transformation and advanced training.

LOGISTICS-

AD Ports subsidiary Noatum Logistics has inaugurated its first robotically assisted refrigerated warehouse in Lisbon, according to a statement. The 12k sqm reefer cold storage facility — located in Lisbon’s North Logistics Platform — boasts robotic stacking technology that aims to boost the warehouse’s operational efficiency. The warehouse will feature temperature-controlled storage as well as robotic cross-docking, picking, labelling, customs, weighing, and more. The move aims to address the growing demand for cold chain refrigeration in Portugal and tap the wider West Mediterranean region.

TRADE-

RAK, Miami to boost economic and urban cooperation: Ras Al Khaimah and Miami, Florida, have signed an MoU to expand cooperation on city planning and public security, business promotion and tourism, smart city technology, innovation and startups, and sustainable development, according to a RAK Media Office statement. The agreement, which is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, also covers transport, public accountability, health and social inclusion, logistics and airport services, culture and education, and the creative economy.

ICYMI- The agreement follows the USD 200 bn in agreements worth of agreements signed between the UAE and the US during President Donald Trump’s visit to the UAE last week.

Tags: