EVs-

Parkin + e&’s charge&go to launch 200 EV chargers in Dubai: Dubai’s public park operator Parkin is launching 200 ultra-fast direct current (DC) charging stations, according to a press release (pdf). Scheduled to roll out this October with an initial phase focused on 20 stations in busy locations, it will later reach 200 EV chargers by the following October. The agreement — in collaboration with charge&go, a subsidiary of e&’s Etisalat Services Holding (ESH) — will offer a park-and-charge service, bookable on Parkin’s app.

Why it matters: The new charging network will cut EV charging time to under 30 minutes. The stations will be built in public and private locations, including retail and leisure hubs, and high-population residential areas.

EV charging infrastructure is getting a boost this year: Adnoc Distribution is planning on rolling out 200 fast-charging points this year, and state-owned UAEV eyeing a network of 10k chargers by 2030.

FINANCIAL SERVICES-

#1- EIF partners with Emirati financial firms on AI: The Innovation Hub of the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) signed an MoU with AI firms Presight and Core42, as well as HSBC and Al Maryah Community Bank, to pilot the use of generative AI in the financial services sector, according to a press release (pdf). The firms will collaborate on research and controlled AI assessment pilots to see how AI can be used to improve operational efficiency in banking and cybersecurity capacities.

ICYMI- Last month, EIF signed another MoU with licensed financial firms including First Abu Dhabi Bank and Haifin — an e& enterprise company — to digitalize bank guarantees, it said in a press release at the time.

#2- Australia’s VT Markets secures SCA license: Australia-based global multi-asset broker VT Market secured a category 5 license from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) for its Dubai branch, according to a press release. The license comes as VT Markets looks to expand its global reach, with a current presence in over 160 countries.

#3- MultiBank opens Abu Dhabi office: Global financial derivatives broker MultiBank Group is setting up a new office in Abu Dhabi to serve retail and institutional clients, according to a statement. The company serves over 2 mn clients through 25+ offices worldwide under 17 regulatory licenses, including headquarters in Dubai. The move follows its February launch of CFDs on shares listed on DFM- and ADX-listed shares via its app and MetaTrader 5. In May, it also signed a USD 3 bn agreement with local developer MAG and blockchain firm Mavryk to list real estate assets on a regulated digital assets marketplace.

CONSTRUCTION-

Dutch marine contractor Van Oord was awarded the land reclamation contract for NaïaIsland Dubai, the new 13-hectare private development off Jumeirah’s coast announced earlier this month by Shamal Holding, according to a statement. Work includes reclaiming over 28 mn cubic meters of sand, placing 4.3 mn tonnes of rock, and building marine infrastructure such as quay walls and culverts, in addition to completing coastal protection works.

The timeline: Land reclamation is due for completion in 1H 2027, with the full development set to open in 2029. Shamal and Van Oord previously collaborated on works for Dubai Harbor.

TOURISM-

Shurooq invests AED 300 mn in eco-retreats: The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) invested over AED 300 mn in the Sharjah Collection, a portfolio of seven eco-retreats offering 154 units across the emirate, Wam reports. Locations span coastal mangroves, desert dunes, mountain valleys, and heritage villages, with new additions including Nomad, a 20-unit solar-powered trailer retreat in Kalba set to launch in 4Q 2025.

REMEMBER- Shurooq recently expanded its wider hospitality portfolio to AED 850 mn, with upcoming projects including the Nomad Hotel in Kalba and two Lux-operated properties in Khorfakkan and Sharjah Safari slated to open in 1H 2026. The tourism push comes as Sharjah saw an 11% y-o-y uptick in visitor numbers last year.

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