MANUFACTURING-

China’s Lianhe Sowell plans USD 132.5 mn AI robot base in UAE: Nasdaq-listed industrial robotics solutions provider Lianhe Sowell International Group signed a USD 105 mn non-binding financing term sheet with European investment fund Excellent Capital Investments (ECI) to establish its first AI robot manufacturing and R&D hub in the UAE, according to a press release. The total investment is valued at USD 132.5 mn, with Lianhe Sowell, which operates primarily in China, contributing 20% and ECI covering the remainder through structured credit.

What to expect: Construction of the facility is expected to take 18 months and produce several thousands of AI robots annually. The project will also include a robotics training and certification center, creating over 2k skilled jobs and supporting the UAE’s Industry 4.0 strategy across sectors including automotive, aviation, and construction.

CRYPTO-

Selini Capital enters Dubai with Vara license: Global digital asset trading firm Selini Capital secured a Virtual Asset Service Provider license from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (Vara), according to a press release. The license enables the firm to offer its broker-dealer and over-the-counter trading services to investors globally. The firm’s Dubai entity will also be its regional base as it looks to scale up its regional offerings.

Why Dubai? The firm cited the emirate as being at the forefront of the digital asset sector, the press release stated, with Vara-licensed firms logging over AED 2.5 tn in trading volumes so far this year.

M&A-

Multiply’s EDC completes 22.5% takeover of Mwasalat: Multiply Group’s ADX-listed subsidiary Emirates Driving Company (EDC) completed its acquisition of a 22.5% stake in Abu Dhabi-based fleet operator Mwasalat Holding, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The takeover, initially agreed upon in July, includes an option for the training institute to increase its shareholding capacity to 50.6%, subject to regulatory approval and conditions.

A recap: Mwasalat operates a fleet of public buses, taxis, school transport, and corporate hire vehicles, and saw a topline of AED 650 mn last year. EDC is currently looking to expand its public transport services and also acquired a 51% stake in Excellence Premier Investment, which operates delivery, limousine, and auto workshop services in Dubai, last year for AED 153 mn.

LOGISTICS-

Amazon launches 15-minute delivery in the UAE: Amazon has rolled out Amazon Now in the UAE, slated to deliver its fastest times yet with packages arriving in 15 minutes, according to a press release. The service relies on micro-fulfillment centers located close to key residential areas to avoid traffic and cut down delivery times.

But at what cost? The service is open to all customers, and those subscribed to Amazon Prime can get Amazon Now at no charge for orders over AED 25 or pay AED 6 for delivery on baskets below AED 25.

For those of us suited to a more leisurely pace, Amazon also now has a 2-hour delivery option when buying products from more than 30 categories.

EVs-

Tierra Tech rolls out a battery-swapping facility in Abu Dhabi: EV startup Tierra Tech has launched its first electric motorbike battery-swapping facility in Abu Dhabi, with Adnoc Distribution providing infrastructure support, according to a press release. Located at one of Adnoc’s flagship service stations, the station marks the entry of battery swapping in the capital, designed to serve delivery riders using battery-powered bikes.

The technology enables riders to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones within seconds, cutting downtime, reducing emissions, and supporting the emirate’s effort of transitioning away from traditional fuel-powered vehicles. This move comes as Abu Dhabi plans to transform 50% of its vehicles into EVs by 2040.

BIOTECH-

Abu Dhabi’s tech startup ecosystem Hub71 launched Hub71+ Life Sciences, a specialist platform designed to help biotech, medtech, and digital health startups scale from research to commercialization, according to a statement. The program connects founders with regulators, hospitals, investors, and industry partners to accelerate clinical validation and market access. Hub71 has launched similar platforms for other emerging sectors like Hub71 + AI and Hub71 + Digital Assets.

Who’s involved: The initiative is backed by Abu Dhabi’s Health Department, the Emirates Drug Establishment, and Abu Dhabi Investment Office’s Helm cluster as founding partners, with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Ultrahuman among anchor partners. 12 partners in total will work with startups.

REMEMBER- UAE biotech is on the rise: Abu Dhabi’s biotech sector continues to attract investor interest, with Abu Dhabi-based women’s health startup Ovasave raising USD 1.2 mn in pre-seed funding, and BioSapien extending its pre-Series A round to over USD 8 mn. The Mena healthcare services market is projected to reach USD 412 bn by 2032, underscoring growing regional investment in health innovation

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