HEALTHCARE-

#1- Abu Dhabi DoH, Abbott localize pharma production: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health (DoH) has inked an agreement with global healthcare giant Abbott to localize pharma manufacturing and accelerate digital health initiatives across the emirate, according to a department statement. The partnership, aiming to reduce sector reliance on pharma imports, focuses on localizing Abott’s pharma portfolio, co-developing biosimilars, digitizing patient leaflets, and expanding education and workforce development programs.

#2- Burjeel launches mental health platform: Burjeel Holdings has launched Alkalma, a regional mental health and wellbeing platform, after integrating four specialist centers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, according to a press release (pdf). The facilities — previously operated under Aspris Healthcare — have an annual consultation capacity of over 90k. Alkalma is a JV between Burjeel and Colombia’s Keralty, set up in 2024, with plans to reach over 30 mn patients.

The integrated model will now offer individual, group, and family therapy formats, unified under a common brand and a digital mental health platform expected to launch in the coming months. Other centers in new UAE and Saudi communities are under evaluation.

FINANCIAL SERVICES-

India-based financial services firm Richmax Group launched its Travel and Tourism Division in Dubai, marking its entry into the Gulf market, according to a press release. It plans to establish a presence across the rest of the UAE by 2027 and GCC countries by 2030. The new Dubai office is its first international expansion move.

REAL ESTATE-

#1- Dubai-based AmirahDevelopments appoints contractor for Dubai Islands project: Amirah Developments named homegrown Shine Square Building Contracting as the main contractor for its first project — Bonds Avenue Residences — on Dubai Islands, according to a press release. The firm also tapped Al Gafry Consulting Architects Engineers to oversee the project’s design and construction. Construction will begin immediately, with completion slated for 1Q 2027.

#2- Ajman’s Land and Real Estate Regulation Department inked a MoU with Ajman Bank to help the department improve digital services and track financial performance, Alkhaleej reports. The department will monitor real estate developers through escrow account reports. It will also simplify financial transactions and introduce new services.

SMEs-

Khalifa Fund + ADPIC partner on SMEs: The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KEFD) and the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Center (ADPIC) signed an agreement to boost SME procurement activity through the Abu Dhabi SME Champions Program, according to a press release. The partnership will connect SMEs with government and private-sector procurement opportunities in Abu Dhabi. It includes joint programs to support SME growth in infrastructure projects.

BANKING-

First Abu Dhabi Bank is now a direct participant in China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) — the official RMB payment infrastructure, FAB said in a press release. FAB is currently the only UAE bank with a fully licensed branch in mainland China, allowing it to directly plug into China’s financial system.

What this means: FAB clients across the Emirates, China, and MENA region will be able to make faster RMB cross-border payments, with real-time settlement capabilities and reduced intermediary risks.

ICYMI- The Central Bank of the UAE signed an MoU with China’s CIPS operator last week to enhance payment infrastructure collaboration and boost cross-border transaction efficiency and security between the two countries.

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