AVIATION-

DAE snaps up 10 newbuilds: Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has onboarded 10 new Boeing 737-9 aircraft from United Airlines under a purchase-lease back agreement, according to a statement. The carriers are scheduled for delivery between August 2025 and February 2026. The move brings DAE’s fleet to a total of 750 carriers valued at USD 22 bn — following its acquisition of Ireland-based Nordic Aviation Capital for an enterprise value of USD 2 bn in May. The value of the investment was not disclosed.

DAE has been working to upgrade its fleet: DAE inked agreements to offload 75 air carriers — with US-based aircraft lessor Azzora taking over 49 jets back in May. Prior to this, the aircraft-leasing company acquired 17 used aircraft for USD 1 bn in March. DAE is committed to acquiring a further 100 aircraft from the likes of Airbus, Boeing, and ATR.

The aircraft lessor also signed a USD 300 mn three-year unsecured term loan with the Bank of China last month to support liquidity as it looks to maintain an efficient fleet.

ENERGY-

Enec + Hyundai to explore nuclear energy collaboration: The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (Enec) and South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering and Construction inked an MoU to explore international nuclear energy projects, according to a press release. Hyundai E&C was the lead contractor in the construction of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.

Enec is in the process of global expansion, having been in talks to develop projects worldwide — currently focused on the US, the Global South, Europe, and the Philippines. It inked an MoU this week with US-based nuclear power firm Westinghouse Electric to assess collaboration on advanced nuclear energy projects in the US.

FINTECH-

Lean secures CBUAE preliminary approval for Open Finance Framework: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) granted in-principle approval to Saudi-based fintech infrastructure provider Lean Technologies to operate under its Open Finance Framework, according to a press release (pdf). Lean will provide instant account-to-account payments, lending solutions, and financial management tools through its platform.

Lean’s been expanding its UAE footprint, partnering with Egyptian fintech startup MoneyHash back in May for account-to-account (A2A) payments for UAE digital and e-commerce businesses, and with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s Adib Ventures last year.

ICYMI- Pay10 was the first firm to be authorized under the CBUAE’s Open Finance Framework in April, with the regulation aiming to standardize secure cross-sector data sharing and transactions.

CRYPTO-

OKX launches crypto offerings for retail investors: Global crypto exchange OKX launched its regulated retail derivative products in the UAE — including futures, perpetual contracts, and options — through a pilot framework regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (Vara), according to a press release.

Why this matters: This marks the first time that regulated crypto retail derivatives are being offered to retail investors in the UAE under a regulated system. OKX secured a virtual asset service provider from Vara last year.

REAL ESTATE-

#1- Amaal partners with IOPn on property tokenization: Ayana Holding’s real estate development arm Amaal partnered up with blockchain firm IOPn to develop tokenized property solutions, according to a press release. The firm confirmed its inaugural tokenization project will involve the AED 1.8 bn Mansory Residences development, currently scheduled for completion in 4Q 2028.

Tokenization’s been gaining traction in the UAE property market, after Dubai Land Department launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenization project in March. Ripple partnered with Ctrl Alt earlier this month to provide custody infrastructure for the project, while Toyow partnered with India’s Nisus Finance to tokenize some USD 500 mn worth of real estate assets. Damac Group also announced plans in January to tokenize at least USD 1 bn worth of assets in partnership with Mantra.

#2- Binghatti launches AED 2.1 bn Dubai residential project: Dubai-based real estate developer Binghatti Properties has launched a new AED 2.1 bn residential development in Dubai’s Jumeriah Village Triangle, Arabian Business reports. The Binghatti Flare development will consist of two residential towers containing 1.4k units, and will include Dubai’s first artificial sandy beach and more than 20 amenities including infinity pools, sports facilities, and family areas.

BUSINESS-

Baron Capital set up shop in DIFC: New York-based asset management firm BaronCapital established a new office in the Dubai International Financial Center operating under a DFSA securities license, according to a press release. The firm appointed Rabih Sultani (Linkedin) as senior executive officer for its first regional office, which will provide investors with direct access to Baron Capital’s investment products and services. The firm also plans to further expand across Gulf countries in coming years.

TECH-

Abu Dhabi police taps Presight for AI solutions: G42-backed data analytics firm Presight AI inked a strategic cooperation agreement with the Abu Dhabi Police General HQ to develop artificial intelligence platforms, according to a press release. Abu Dhabi Police will use Presight’s AI-policing suite, which uses data analytics, generative AI, and AI agents in its systems. The tie-up will use the suite for digital forensics, real-time threat detection, and predictive analytics, the statement read.

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