TECH-

#1- UAE’s G42 + Liquid AI partner on AI solutions: Abu Dhabi-based G42 has inked a broad commercial partnership with US-based tech solutions firm Liquid AI to jointly build, train, and commercialize efficient and generative AI models, according to a press release. The models will be deployed across the Middle East, Africa, and the wider Global South.

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The scope: G42’s subsidiaries Inception and Core42 will be involved in the tie-up, which aims to roll out genAI stacks covering sectors including biotech, telecoms, investment, energy, and consumer electronics.

#2- Dubai’s AfroVision’s Doballi platform lands in Ghana: Dubai-based IT firm AfroVision Technologies entered Ghana’s market by launching its Doballi digital platform with the support of Dubai Chamber of Commerce, state news agency Wam reports. The company partnered with Ghanaian outsourcing firm On Point Virtual Assistant to deliver IT training programs to help employment prospects.

DEBT-

MSCI has assigned building materials manufacturer Emsteel a provisional AA ESG rating, placing it among the top performers in the global steel industry, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The score reflects Emsteel’s strong track record in managing carbon emissions and workforce health and safety, both rated at nearly double the global average. ING acted as ESG rating advisor.

Background: The rating follows Emsteel’s launch of its green finance framework last month and a reported 23% cut in scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2019. The group is targeting a 40% emissions reduction in its steel unit and 30% in cement by 2030, with a goal of net-zero by 2050.

MANUFACTURING-

Al Ain Farms and Finland’s FoodIQ partner on food tech: Al Ain Farms Group is partnering with Finland’s FoodIQ to implement advanced food manufacturing technology in the UAE, according to a press release. The joint development agreement will introduce FoodIQ’s multi-layer cooker (MLC) system to the region — its first industrial-scale deployment outside Finland. MLC technology enables production of protein and dairy products, using a system that reduces energy use, water consumption, and production waste.

ICYMI- Al Ain Farms Group was formed last month, bringing five local brands under one entity that is backed by Ghitha Holding and Yas Holding.

BUSINESS-

Swiss private markets giant Partners Group opened its new regional HQ in Abu Dhabi, as the firm looks to scale its footprint across the GCC and tap into a “technology-led transformation of industries” across the region, according to a press release. The new office will be headed up by Suhail Albaz (LinkedIn), the group’s chairman for the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. The firm has had an office in Dubai since 2010.

Why Abu Dhabi? Executive chair Steffen Meister said that Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a “center of gravity” for sectors including energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital services.

CRYPTO-

DMCC, Aqua-Index join forces on freshwater asset token: DubaiMulti Commodities Center (DMCC) has inked an MoU with Israeli startup Aqua-Index to support the rollout of the world’s first asset token backed by verified freshwater reserves, the firm said in a press release. The token will allow investors to trade and take delivery of drinking-quality water as a commodity. Aqua-Index will bring access to pricing data, hedging tools, and other trading products via DMCC’s network.

CAPITAL MARKETS-

The Central Bank of the UAE revoked Sundus Exchange’s license and fined the firm AED 10 mn, after uncovering anti-money laundering and combatting terrorism financing violations, according to a statement (pdf).

REAL ESTATE-

Bahrain’s Infracorp launches AED 600 mn development: Bahraini investment and development firm Infracorp has launched sales for California Residences, a gated, mixed-unit community in Dubai’s Wadi Al Safa, according to a press release. The development is valued at AED 600 mn, and is set to feature a mix of villas, townhouses, and apartments, and handover is scheduled for 2Q 2028.

DEFENSE-

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