LOGISTICS-

GFH’s Manrre REIT starts work on Jafza logistics facility: GFH Partners Manrre REIT and Dubai-based developer Palmon Group have broken ground on a high-bay, temperature-controlled logistics facility in the Jebel Ali Freezone (Jafza), Trade Arabia reports. Construction of the facility — which will have a built-up area of 144k sq ft in Jafza North — is slated for completion in 1Q 2027, with leasing talks underway with a regional logistics provider.

The players involved: GFH Partners, the Dubai-based global asset management arm of Bahraini GFH Financial Group, acquired logistics and industrial asset fund Manrre REIT at the start of the year for USD 75.5 mn. Manrre REIT was established in 2018 by Palmon, who is also the fund’s development manager.

REAL ESTATE-

Eshraq divests AED 264 mn of land on Al Reem Island: ADX-listed private equity firm Eshraq Investments inked several sale and purchase agreements (SPAs) to sell land plots worth a total AED 264 mn on Abu Dhabi’s Al Reem Island, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The plots were snapped up by Blue Lake Properties and Abu Dhabi-based Al Ain Properties.

The transaction comes as part of Eshraq’s broader land monetization program, with the land seeing more investor interest after ADGM was expanded to Al Reem Island. The firm is also looking to transition its legacy portfolio assets, including by developing, swapping, or selling land plots.

TECH-

DMCC partners with South Korea on AI collaboration and startups: The Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) inked a strategic partnership with South Korea’s National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) to expand cooperation on tech and startups, according to a press release. The agreement was made during DMCC’s Made for Trade Live roadshow in Seoul.

The details: The partnership will see the two collaborate on artificial intelligence and information and communication technology, as well as help Korean startups scale through Dubai by offering access to capital, as well as market entry and integration guidance. DMCC is already home to more than 110 South Korean companies.

RETAIL-

India’s retail tech firm Fynd opened its first overseas office in Dubai CommerCity, kicking off its expansion into the GCC, Africa, and Southeast Asia, according to a press release (pdf). Backed by Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries, the AI-native platform will serve as its regional HQ and customer experience hub.

The local partner: Fynd tapped Dubai-based Yavi Technologies to lead regional operations, compliance, and merchant support. The firm will target retailers with complex omnichannel needs while growing its partner network.

REGULATION-

ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority signed an MoU with Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) at the Belt and Road Summit, according to Zawya Projects. The agreement is designed to strengthen and align regulatory oversight of collective investment scheme managers active in both markets, in a bid to ease entry for asset managers as well as bolster investor safeguards and capital flow between Asia and the Gulf.

ICYMI- SFC also signed an MoU with the Dubai Financial Services Authority earlier this week to enhance oversight of collective investment scheme managers.

BUSINESS-

B2Prime secures DFSA approval to join DIFC: Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) authorized institutional broker and liquidity provider B2Prime to operate from Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), according to a statement. The license allows the firm’s B2B Prime Services MENA unit to manage client assets and act as agent and principal in investments.

B2Prime’s expansion drive: The firm is already licensed in Cyprus, South Africa, Mauritius and the Seychelles. Its DIFC base will be its regional hub for the Mena region from which it will target financial institutions, banks, hedge funds, and global asset managers.

AVIATION-

MBRAH expands private aviation in Dubai: Dubai South’s aerospace platform Mohammedbin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) is launching a 769-meter-long Private Aviation Boulevard, next to Dubai’s private aviation terminal, Al Bayan reports. The development will target surging demand for private aviation, looking to attract global airlines and luxury retail brands. Construction is already underway, with initial phases slated for a 2026 delivery.

About the project: The development will include 16 buildings with a total developmental area of 204k sqm. The first building, Aviation One, is already under construction and will house leading aviation industry companies.

SPACE-

Dubai’s MBRSC inks space cooperation pact with Colombia: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) has inked an MoU with Colombia’s Corporación Autónoma Regional de Cundinamarca and the Colombian Space Agency to expand collaboration in space science and tech, according to a press release. The framework covers joint research, innovation, data exchange, and capacity building, with an emphasis on knowledge transfer and project-based cooperation.

ICYMI- MBRSC’s other int’l partners it has previously inked agreements with include Italian-French firm Thales Alenia Space, Nasa, and US-based Firefly Aerospace.

DEFENSE-

Edge unit signs defense contract with India’s Kalyani: Abu Dhabi-based MP3 International, a subsidiary of state-owned defense firm Edge Group ’s Gradeone, signed an agreement with India’s Kalyani Strategic Systems to supply the UAE with large-caliber 155 mm howitzer barrels, a type of artillery weapon, according to a press release. The agreement is set to boost the UAE’s long-range artillery capabilities.

About the subsidiary: MP3 specializes in manufacturing products for sectors like defense, security, and law enforcement.

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