CAPITAL MARKETS-

CBUAE, Dubai Finance cooperate on bonds: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and Dubai’s Finance Department (Dubai Finance) signed an MoU to support the development of the country’s capital markets, according to a statement (pdf). Under the agreement, Dubai Finance will issue AED-denominated government bonds, and the two sides will also cooperate on fintech, payment systems, and a central bank digital currency platform.

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REMEMBER- CBUAE plans to launch the blockchain-backed Digital AED in 4Q 2025 as a recognized payment method, issued through licensed institutions for retail, wholesale, and cross-border transactions.

M&A WATCH-

#1- Careem takes minority stake in Swapp: Dubai-based ride-hailing and delivery app Careem acquired a minority stake in UAE-based car rental and subscription platform Swapp — already integrated into the Careem Everything App since 2022 as Careem Car Rental, according to a press release. The size and value of the stake were not disclosed.

What’s next: Swapp will use the funds to expand its regional footprint, roll out multi-month rental packages, and speed up fulfillment times. The agreement will also support new features like instant KYC onboarding, one-hour car delivery, on-demand vehicle swaps, lease-to-own options, and an expanded electric vehicle fleet.

#2- Ducab acquires Oman’s National Cable Factory: Dubai Cable (Ducab) bought the National Cable Factory in Salalah for an undisclosed sum, expanding its regional footprint, state news agency Wam reports. The agreement links Oman’s manufacturing and export base with Ducab’s UAE operations to bolster energy infrastructure and high-value exports.

REMEMBER- Ducab entered 20 new markets last year and was recently awarded a contract to supply over 40k km of building wires and 15k km of fire-resistant cables for emergency power continuity at Hong Kong’s state-backed Acute Hospital.

INFRASTRUCTURE-

Dubai’s public parking operator Parkin will develop 3.1k paid parking spaces in Dubai Sports City and manage the spaces for a 10-year period, according to a DFM disclosure (pdf). Building will kick off later this year and is slated for completion in 4Q 2026. Parkin earmarked between AED 18-20 mn in capex for the project, which it expects to bring in revenues of AED 40-50 mn and hit profitability after four years. Parkin will also manage the maintenance costs for the project’s parking spaces, footpaths, and roads.

STARTUPS-

Dubai’s Aydi secures USD 7.5 mn to scale AI agronomy assistant Orth: UAE-based agritech and farm management platform Aydi raised USD 7.5 mn in seed funding to launch Orth, its AI-powered farm assistant, according to a press release (pdf). Dubai’s Cotu Ventures and Nuwa Capital took part in the capital raise, joined by Egypt’s Daltex, Magrabi Agriculture, and Foundation Ventures. Aydi is active in more than 15 countries and has offices in Cairo, Madrid, and Dubai.

Orth? Aydi’s primary offering, Orth, is touted as an agronomy assistant that uses satellite imagery and predictive analysis to give farmers real-time advice and troubleshooting to improve their agriculture operations. The firm will use the capital to launch and scale up Orth, which it says can boost yields and efficiency by over 20%, and introduce it to global markets as a full operating system.

UTILITIES-

Aldar + EHC Investment set up utilities JV: Aldar Estates, the real estate services arm of Aldar Properties, formed a joint venture with Abu Dhabi-based EHC Investment’s energy arm Emirates International Gas to launch CoreLynx, according to a press release. The company will handle utility services across Aldar’s communities, including centralized gas distribution, retrofits to existing and new developments, and advanced fire safety systems.

ICYMI- ADX-listed Aldar raised its stake in Aldar Estates to 82.55% last week after acquiring Modon Holding’s 17.45% indirect stake.

FOOD-

Al Seer + Food Tech Valley to develop food logistics hub: FMCG distributor Al Seer Group signed a partnership agreement with Dubai government-backed food innovation center Food Tech Valley to co-develop a food logistics and distribution facility, according to a press release. The facility aims to streamline food distribution in the Emirates and boost its food security infrastructure and supply chain resilience, by using both cold chain and ambient systems.

ICYMI- Food Tech Valley recently partnered with newly formed Al Ain Farms Group to develop another logistics hub in Dubai to bolster food security and supply chains.

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