BUSINESS-

UAE + China launch Qingdao trade hub: The UAE and China launched the Qingdao Overseas Integrated Service Center (QOISC) at the China-Arab Business Forum to support growing trade and investment between China and the Arab world, according to a press release. Backed by Chinese construction and engineering firm SEPCOIII and manufacturer Hisense, the center will use the UAE as a regional base to help Chinese firms expand across the MENA region, and boost exports to local markets.

The launch comes as China-Arab trade topped USD 400 bn in 2024, up from just USD 36.7 bn twenty years before. At the forum, USD 5.9 bn in new agreements were signed across sectors including energy, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT-

Solutions+ and Serco expand IFM venture: Mubadala-owned consultancy Solutions+ and UK-based services firm Serco are scaling up their joint venture, Khadamat Facilities Management, into a consolidated national operator for integrated facilities management (IFM), according to a statement. The expansion will see IFM contracts from both companies rolled into Khadamat, which will also serve as the platform for future agreements. Service delivery will focus on sectors including healthcare, transport, real estate, and government infrastructure.

The rationale: The restructuring aims to streamline operations and build local capabilities, while advancing Emiratization and long-term infrastructure goals. “By combining our digital-first approach with Serco’s international IFM expertise, we are setting a new benchmark for integrated service excellence,” Solutions+ Managing Director Nasir Al Nabhani said.

Serco’s UAE footprint is growing: The company recently secured a five-year, AED 495 mn contract extension with Dubai Airports until 2030, covering guest services at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports.

CAPITAL MARKETS-

More global firms look to ADGM: US quantitative trading firm Jane Street Group applied to establish operations in ADGM, according to regulatory filings, Bloomberg reports. The move marks the company’s first physical presence in the Middle East as it eyes expansion after last year saw it bring in USD 20.5 bn in trading revenues.

Not the only one: German asset manager firm DWS Group, with USD 1.2 tn in assets under management, is also looking to set up shop in ADGM, the news outlet reported citing sources familiar with the matter. The firm’s Middle East and Africa head of coverage Joe Kiwan will relocate from Paris to lead the new office. Initial staffing will include three sales specialists, with plans for future expansion.

PROPTECH-

Coralytics AI partners up with US and France on proptech platform: UAE-based AI firm Coralytics entered a three-party agreement with France’s National Union of Real Estate Professionals (SNPI) and US tech firm RealtyFeed to develop an AI-powered platform for real estate professionals, according to a press release. The collaboration will focus on creating standardized solutions for property listings that comply with Real Estate Standards Organization protocols, and will be initially deployed in the French real estate market.

REAL ESTATE-

#1- Manam launches AED 175 mn Dubai residential project: Oman-based real estate firm Manam began construction on Manam Pearl, an AED 175 mn residential tower in Dubai’s Al Furjan district, Khaleej Times reports. The 17-story project will contain 77 apartments and is Manam’s second major Emirati project following its AED 40 mn Manam Prime project in Dubai South. The company is also planning a third development in Al Jaddaf worth AED 225 mn.

#2- Shamal taps Khansaheb for AED 1 bn contract: Dubai-based investment firm Shamal has appointed Khansaheb Civil Engineering as the main contractor for Dubai Harbour Residences in a transaction valued at over AED 1 bn, according to the Dubai Media Office. Foundation and beachfront formation works on the seafront residential district are already complete, with Khansaheb now set to begin main construction, working alongside the project’s development partner Dubai-based H&H.

DEBT-

#1- Fitch affirms Emaar Properties’ BBB rating: Fitch Ratings maintained Emaar Properties’ long-term issuer default rating at BBB, with a stable outlook, according to a rating commentary. The decision reflects the firm’s consistent performance across business units, strong order book, robust four-to-five year project pipeline, and solid netcash position at the end of last year. The firm recently received an upgraded rating to BBB+, from BBB earlier, from S&P Global, while Moody’s raised Emaar’s rating to Baa1 from Baa2 with a stable outlook.

#2- Al Farwaniya Project Development secures additional financing for Reem Mall: Al Farwaniya Project Development, the developer of Al Reem Mall, secured a USD 100 mn incremental credit facility for the mall’s refinancing program, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The new commitment expands AFPD’s existing multiyear credit facility guaranteed by Agility Global. Proceeds will partially repay a short-term facility provided by an Agility Global subsidiary.

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