INVESTMENT-

Botim rolls out O Gold’s gold investment feature: O Gold, the UAE’s fractional gold and silver ownership app, has integrated its fractional gold investment service into fintech and communications app Botim, according to a press release (pdf). The feature lets Botim’s 8.5 mn UAE users buy and sell digital gold from as little as 0.1g, with an annual yield of 3% in grams under O Gold’s leasing program. This makes Botim the first MENA fintech to offer in-app gold trading.

REMEMBER- O Gold rolled out a micro gold leasing program in February with US-based Monetary Metals, lowering the entry point to 0.1g and offering up to 16% annual returns with monthly gold payouts and flexible withdrawals.

The move is the latest in a series of upgrades for Botim: Backed by Astra Tech, the app previously partnered with Mbank to issue the UAE’s Jaywan cards, teamed up with 7X to add payroll, remittances, and AI verification tools, and rolled out products including SME payroll, National Bonds investment services, and send now, pay later remittances — as it evolves into a superapp.

AUTOMOTIVE-

Al Futtaim + Ashok Leyland partner on commercial vehicle distribution in Qatar: UAE-based conglomerate Al Futtaim sealed an agreement with Indian automotive manufacturing giant Ashok Leyland — a flagship of the Hinduja Group — to distribute its vehicles in Qatar, according to a press release. Famco Qatar, a subsidiary of Al Futtaim, will bring the brand’s lineup, including buses and heavy-duty trucks, to the market.

HOSPITALITY-

UAE’s Leva Hotels to redevelop Zimbabwe landmark: Dubai-based Leva Hotels signed an agreement with Revitus Property Opportunities REIT to redevelop Harare’s Chester House into a 117-key hotel — Ekono by Leva, according to a press release. The project, which marks Leva’s first entry into Southern Africa, will convert the 10-story building into a three-star property.

IN CONTEXT- Listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange since December 2023, Revitus is looking to grow its portfolio with Chester House as its first property slated for redevelopment.

TECH-

Borouge pilots AI control room with Yokogawa: Petrochemicals firm Borouge is working with Yokogawa UAE Industry on a proof-of-concept to introduce AI-powered autonomous control room operations at its Ruwais petrochemicals complex, according to a company statement. The project will use AI to analyze plant data, predict anomalies, and reduce unplanned shutdowns, with the aim of boosting operational efficiency.

Bigger picture: The initiative is part of Borouge’s wider digitalization and technology program, which targets USD 575 mn in value generation in 2025. By mid-year, the company said it had already delivered USD 307 mn toward that goal.

BUSINESS-

UAE, Angola set up joint business council: The UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Angola’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an MoU to establish the UAE-Angola Business Council during a delegation visit to Luanda, Wam reports. The council will promote investment and trade ties, with plans to organize joint exhibitions, trade missions, and programs in priority economic sectors identified by both sides.

ICYMI- The move follows the trade and economic partnership agreement signed with Angola earlier this week, which saw several MoUs with UAE firms including Dubai Investments, Space42, and AD Ports in logistics, manufacturing, and space.

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