ENERGY-

AD Ports, Advario explore green energy storage JV: AD Ports Group signed a heads of terms agreement with Rotterdam-based energy storage firm Advario to mull a joint venture to develop and operate green energy and liquid bulk storage projects in the UAE and internationally, the company said in a statement. The proposed JV would be 51% owned by AD Ports and 49% by Advario.

The details: The venture would focus on storage for clean energy carriers such as ammonia and methanol, and bulk chemicals, pipelines, and other critical infrastructure. Initial plans would include Advario building bulk storage tanks at Khalifa Port and related infrastructure for clients in Kezad.

RENEWABLES-

#1- Innovest + Oxon launch USD 400 mn green fuel investment program: Abu Dhabi investment firm Innovest Holding and US-based clean fuel firm Oxon Technologies are partnering on a clean fuel investment program to be implemented in the UAE and the US, according to a press release.

The partnership: The ten-year program, backed by USD 400 mn in investments, will see Innovest buy Oxon Tech’s products to export from the UAE. The two sides will also construct two fuel enhancement industrial centers: a manufacturing plant in the US will produce Oxon Tech’s products and be operational by late 2027, while the UAE Center for Clean Fuel Excellence will kick off work to develop new clean fuel formulations in 2027.

#2- EPointZero buys 1 GWh battery storage system: EPointZero, the decarbonization arm of investment platform 2PointZero, acquired a 1 GWh electrostatic energy storage system from renewables outfit Enercap built by supercapacitor-based energy storage manufacturer Apex Energy, 2PointZero said in a press release.

The details: The system will be deployed across UAE electrical grids. Enercap’s platform is built on a supercapacitor architecture that offers electrostatic, non-chemical energy storage. The company says that this locally designed and manufactured system is the first large-scale system of its kind globally.

M&A-

#1- Al Ain Farms Group consolidates five major food brands:: Five major local brands — Al Ain Farms, Marmum Dairy, Al Ajban Chicken, Golden Eggs, and Saha Arabian Farms — have consolidated under Al Ain Farms Group, according to a pressrelease. Backed by Ghitha Holding and Yas Holding, the move is part of a broader push to strengthen national food security and reduce import dependency.

What to expect: AAFG will operate as a vertically integrated protein and beverages platform, with a five-year roadmap focused on scaling production, expanding R&D, and advancing sustainability across its operations. Planned initiatives include investments in camel milk innovation, no-sugar and no-lactose products, alternative proteins, and sustainable packaging. The group also aims to expand its regional footprint.

The group has big ambitions: AAFG plans to double its annual egg production to 800 mn by the end of 2026 — positioning it as the largest table egg producer in the GCC — and increase poultry output from 13 to 19 mn kg per year, CEO Hassan Safi told Khaleej Times. While fresh exports aren’t a current focus, but AAFG is exploring opportunities to replicate its integrated production model in underdeveloped markets, Safi said, adding that feasibility studies are already underway.

#2- AquaChemie acquires Abu Dhabi chemical plant for AED 100 mn: Jebel Ali-based AquaChemie is acquiring Global Chemicals Company, an ICAD-based facility specializing in sulfur trioxide manufacturing and sulphonation, for over AED 100 mn, according to a press release. The 26k sqm site also houses liquid synthesis and blending operations for oilfield chemicals such as corrosion inhibitors, demulsifiers, surfactants, and H2S scavengers — many of which are typically imported. A research and development center is also in the works.

REMEMBER- AquaChemie recently expanded into chemical manufacturing, adding to its storage and support services. In February, it launched AquaChemie Global Chemicals, a USD 25 mn facility in Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi, aimed at localizing production for Adnoc, oilfield service providers, and sectors like coatings and construction.

COMMODITIES-

Al Dahra and Getreide AG partner on Ukraine grain supply: ADQ-backed agribusiness Al Dahra has inked an agreement with Ukraine’s Getreide AG to establish direct grain supply operations from Ukraine, Al Bayan reports. Al Dahra will get direct access to Ukraine’s grain market through the agreement, which promises an initial supply of between 100k and 150k metric tons of grains, and the potential to up this to 500k metric tons. Al Dahra and Getreide AG are targeting operational integration by July of this year, before the start of the 2025 harvest season.

STARTUPS-

#1- Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has rolled out a startup accelerator focused on industrial startups and SMEs, dubbed the Make it in the Emirates Accelerator, according to a press release. Developed with the Industry and Advanced Technology Ministry, the accelerator will offer technical expertise, market access, and mentorship.

#2- RIIG rebrands + secures UAE funding for AI health tech and ins. automation: American cybersecurity firm Riggleman Information & Intelligence Group (RIIG) rebranded as HOOTL (Humans Out of the Loop) following a “significant” funding round led by UAE investors, according to a press release. The undisclosed investment will support its shift to AI-driven health technology and ins. automation.

HOOTL will set up shop with a UAE office, with plans to strike partnerships with local public, private, and academic players. The company has already discussed collaborations with UAE leaders and a regional tech group, focusing on AI, healthcare innovation, and digital infrastructure, the statement said, without disclosing names.

TELECOMS-

e& UAE has rolled out the Middle East’s first commercial 5G network slicing product for businesses, operating on a standalone 5G network, Wam reports. Network slicing enables businesses to prioritize low-latency connectivity or IoT solutions for smart infrastructure.

BANKING-

UBS to open office in Abu Dhabi: Swiss banking group UBS is opening a new office in Abu Dhabi, Bloomberg reports, citing comments made by the bank’s EMEA president Beatriz Martin Jimenez at the Qatar Economic Forum. It already operates branches in Dubai. She pointed to the region’s appeal for wealthy individuals relocating from high-tax jurisdictions like the UK.

FINANCE-

Swiss Tradition set up shop in ADGM: Tradition, the interdealer broking arm of Compagnie Financière Tradition, has opened an office in the ADGM after securing a Financial Services Permission from ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority, Wam reports. The firm provides brokerage services for over-the-counter derivatives, commodities, and financial instruments to clients.

REAL ESTATE-

AHS launches AED 2.8 bn development: Luxury real estate developer AHS Properties has launched its AED 2.8 bn waterfront development Casa AHS along Dubai Water Canal, according to a press release. The project will feature 32 residential units designed to cater to high-end buyers, ranging from 5.1k sq ft to 29.7k sq ft, as well as amenities including private garages and EV charging stations.

Also in the pipeline: AHS plans to deploy USD 5 bn in gross development value this year, the statement read.

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