DEBT-

#1- Fitch assigns Zand’s IDR a BBB+ rating: Fitch Ratings has assigned UAE-based digital Zand Bank ’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) a BBB+ rating with a stable outlook, according to a press release. The rating agency gave the bank a viability rating of B-, cautioning that it remains weak as the digital-first lender grapples with rapid growth, asset concentration, and capital pressures in its early phase.

The rationale: Despite solid operating conditions in the UAE and potential support from authorities, Zand’s loan book is young and highly concentrated, and its pricing power is limited by its small market share. Losses have narrowed significantly since launch, and Fitch expects Zand to reach profitability either this year or next, though it warned that capital buffers are rapidly shrinking due to high loan growth and accumulated losses.

#2- UAE-based brewery Falcon Brews has secured a USD 25 mn term loan facility from the Middle East arm of an unnamed Indian bank, Zawya reports, citing a senior company official, refuting recent speculation that the USD 65 mn venture project was on hold. The venture in Ras Al Khaimah is being developed in two phases, with USD 45 mn allocated to the brewery and USD 20 mn to the spirits bottling line.

The details: The USD 25 mn loan facility, structured with India-based collateral, will finance phase one of the project under a 70:30 debt-to-equity model. Disbursements will be milestone-based, with the company considering converting the remainder of the loan into working capital once construction wraps. The bottling line is expected to start operating by January 2026, and the brewery is on track for a late 2026 completion.

INFRASTRUCTURE-

Adio, Adpic to streamline PPP delivery: The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio) and the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Center (Adpic) signed a strategic agreement to jointly oversee the planning, structuring, and procurement of public-private partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure projects across the emirate, according to a statement. The agreement introduces a unified operating model designed to improve coordination, speed up approvals, and enhance accountability, with oversight guided by joint KPIs and scheduled inter-agency coordination.

The agreement comes as Abu Dhabi ramps up its PPP activity: Adpic has signed AED 22 bn in contracts so far this year and plans to finalize another AED 47 bn in 2H 2025. The emirate targets AED 450 bn in infrastructure investments over the next five to 10 years.

STARTUPS-

Playbook partners with FinBursa to boost women’s access to private markets: Global women’s executive networking platform Playbook teamed up with investment technology platform FinBursa to address gender gaps in private market investing, according to a press release (pdf). The partnership will provide women in Playbook’s network with education, tools, and direct investment opportunities, and will launch on Wednesday, 25 June.

About FinBursa: FinBursa, backed by cofounder and Saudi Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf Al Saud launched in the Dubai International Financial Center last month with plans to expand into MENA, North Africa, and Southeast Asia over the coming year. The platform aims to digitize and streamline access to private market investments by connecting investors, capital seekers, and advisors through an AI-powered interface to streamline investing processes.

REAL ESTATE-

Amaal + Mansory partner on Dubai luxury tower: Amaal Real Estate and automotive design firm Mansory will collaborate on a AED 1.8 bn residential project in Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid City, according to press release. The 48-story tower, named Mansory Residences, marks Mansory’s first real estate venture, with completion set for 4Q 2028. The development will include one- to three-bedroom units and eight penthouses across 142.8 sqm.

SubHed_! DISPUTE WATCH-

New infrastructure dispute system in Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Center (ADPIC) inked an MoU with Abu Dhabi Global Arbitration Center (arbitradeAD) to establish a standardized framework for resolving disputes across the emirate’s infrastructure projects, according to a press release.

Under the agreement, ADGAC will appoint arbitrators and dispute resolution boards for ADPIC’s projects, which exceed AED 200 bn in value. They will form independent expert panels before projects begin to address potential conflicts during execution, aiming to reduce delays and improve risk management. The framework also includes training programs for contractors and government entities on dispute avoidance.

TECH-

Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has been named a founding member of the OpenSTX Foundation — a new global initiative hosted by the US-based non-profit Linux Foundation aimed at setting an open, vendor-neutral standard for next-generation wireless communication, according to a press release.

The OpenSTX foundation will focus on developing standards for synchronous transmissions (STX), a protocol designed to enable reliable, energy-efficient, low-latency communication across industrial systems.

M&A WATCH-

Burjeel Holdings acquired the Medeor 24×7 Hospital building in Dubai for AED 170 mn, converting the leased facility into a company-owned asset, according to a press release (pdf). The Abu Dhabi-listed healthcare group previously operated the hospital under a lease agreement with AED 343 mn set to be settled in remaining payments over 15 years.

The details: The transaction removes long-term lease liabilities while securing permanent control of the strategic Bur Dubai location near BurJuman mall. Operations will continue, and future service expansions and modifications could potentially follow.

CRYPTO-

Dubai’s G3 secures Vara license: Dubai-based Gap 3 Partners (G3) has received an operational license from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (Vara), becoming the first regulated virtual asset investment advisor authorized to serve institutional clients across the emirate, according to a press release. G3 offers advisory services including token strategy, investment structuring, licensing, treasury management, and market execution.

Now what? The firm says it will focus on working with family offices, corporates, and investment institutions on projects related to tokenization and blockchain-based financial infrastructure.

HOSPITALITY-

SSH has been appointed lead design consultant for the upcoming Radisson Red hotel on Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, according to a press release. The 269-room hotel is being developed by BB Holding, with Stirling Hospitality Advisors acting as its owner representatives and coordinating delivery across stakeholders including Radisson and SSH International Consultants.

PAYMENTS-

Uruguayan financial technology company dLocal has secured a payment services license for the UAE, enabling it to directly facilitate cross-border pay-ins and payouts — the company’s core services — within the country, the company said in a press release. The firm specializes in cross-border payments for emerging markets.

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