LOGISTICS-

Aldar buys Kezad logistics assets from AD Ports for AED 570 mn: Abu Dhabi-based Aldar Properties acquired two Grade A logistics and industrial facilities in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad) from AD Ports Group for AED 570 mn, according to a statement (pdf). The sale comes as AD Ports continues to monetize non-core assets, with proceeds set to go toward deleveraging its balance sheet. It also sold AED 2.5 bn worth of land in Al Mamoura to Mira Developments in October.

About the sites: The assets — leased to e-commerce outfit Noon and UK-based fiber optic solutions provider Emtelle — span 136k sqm and were developed under 50-year Musataha agreements. Noon’s facility, completed in March 2025, is the UAE’s largest e-commerce hub, while Emtelle’s site, finalized in June 2024, ranks among the world’s biggest fiber optic manufacturing plants.

The acquisition comes as part of Aldar’s push to scale its logistics portfolio in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Earlier this year, the developer bought AED 530 mn in warehouse assets at Almarkaz Industrial Park, after having invested AED 1 bn in several facilities in 2024 — including the 7 Central Logistics Hub in Dubai Investment Park and a 144k sqm logistics park with DP World in Jebel Ali. It also agreed to develop new logistics facilities in Dubai South under a JV agreement last year.

M&A WATCH-

DataCamp acquires UAE’s Optima to expand in the Middle East: US- and London-based edtech firm DataCamp acquired Dubai-based AI learning platform Optima for an undisclosed amount, marking its first major expansion into the Middle East, according to a press release. Founded in 2021 by Yusuf Saber (LinkedIn), Optima develops AI-native adaptive learning technology that tailors lessons and feedback in real time for enterprises and individual learners.

What’s next: Saber will join DataCamp as chief AI officer, based out of the UAE, with Optima’s team integrating into the company. The acquisition will also launch DataCamp Classrooms in the UAE, giving educators and students access to more than 500 interactive courses on data and AI skills, including Python, SQL, Power BI, and Machine Learning, at no cost.

By the numbers: The company has 18 mn users and a B2B business with 6k customers, serving companies including Google, Uber, Nike, and Pfizer. It expects to cross USD 100 mn in annualized recurring revenue before the end of next year, the statement saod.

MANUFACTURING-

Phillips Middle East launched its first manufacturing tech center of excellence in Dubai Silicon Oasis, according to a press release. The USD mn-scale facility spans 5k sq ft and integrates Philips’ additive and subtractive manufacturing technologies under one roof — serving manufacturers across sectors like aerospace, defense, automotive, oil and gas, medical, and education.

The center aims to address the region’s reliance on imported parts and original equipment manufacturers by providing modular, on-site manufacturing systems that enhance supply chain resilience and enable localized production. The firm plans to expand local hires over the coming year, the statement said.

ENERGY-

NMDC Energy, Baker Hughes to localize offshore energy products in Saudi: Abu Dhabi-based National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC) inked an MoU with US oil field services firm Baker Hughes to localize offshore products and services in Saudi Arabia to serve wider energy markets in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and India, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The collaboration will see NMDC Energy use its fabrication and yard facilities in the Kingdom to supply the offshore market — with projects including a logistics base for offshore pipeline systems and an emergency pipeline repair system.

REMEMBER- NMDC Energy signed another agreement with Baker Hughes at Adipec 2025 to localize gas technology products such as gas compression stations and LNG modularization units in Saudi Arabia to serve the regional market. The firm launched its AED 200 mn fabrication yard facility in Saudi Arabia’s Ras Al Khair Special Economic Zone earlier this year as it pushes to scale its EPC unit operations across the Middle East, India, and Taiwan, with plans to enter markets in Europe, North and West Africa, and Southeast Asia.

CONSTRUCTION-

Abu Dhabi inks seven infrastructure MoUs in Singapore: The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Center (Adpic) signed seven MoUs with major Singaporean construction, engineering, and architecture firms to advance smart city planning, modular construction, and sustainable infrastructure across Abu Dhabi’s USD 54 bn project pipeline, according to Abu Dhabi Media Office. The agreements were signed during the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit Singapore Roadshow.

The partnerships are with:

  • BCA International for green standards and infrastructure;
  • Surbana Jurong for master planning and urban development;
  • Meinhardt Group for engineering consultancy;
  • CPG Corporation for infrastructure design and delivery;
  • RSP Architects for design collaboration;
  • Tech Onshore MEP Prefabricators for advanced MEP systems;
  • and Singapore Institute of Architects for design and professional exchange.

AUTOMOTIVE-

#1- Rox Motor rolls out regional HQ in Abu Dhabi: China-based luxury hybrid and electric vehicle manufacturer Rox Motor established its regional headquarters in the UAE capital, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Investment Office, according to a press release. The regional base will manage sales, after-sales, and future localization initiatives for industry and supply chains. Rox Motor plans to expand its local operations to include marketing, R&D, and design, with plans to integrate Arabic language models into its smart cockpit systems and autonomous driving features.

BACKGROUND- This move comes as part of Abu Dhabi’s broader push to strengthen its advanced mobility sector and establish an integrated automotive ecosystem. Chinese Geely-backed mobility tech company CaoCao also launched its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi this week, marking its entry into the Middle East.

#2- Multiply Group’s ADX-listed subsidiary Emirates Driving Co. (EDC) signed a series of agreements with local technology firms during the DriftX exhibition to support the UAE’s shift toward intelligent and sustainable transport, according to a press release.

Among the new partnerships:

  • An MoU with K2 to promote innovation and automation in the transportation system;
  • A joint venture — ChargePoint — with electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure firm Vcharge to roll out EV charging infrastructure across the UAE;
  • An MoU with EV tech firm Drive Terra focused on attracting investments to develop EV battery-swapping sites;
  • an MoU with Performative Labs, a UAE firm that specializes in AI-driven computer vision technologies, to automate its driver training and testing systems.

MOBILITY-

#1- The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport launched an autonomous vehicles (AV) integrated testing, operations, and management system to oversee all phases of AV testing and operations in the emirate, according to a statement. The new system covers all stages from registration, application, permissions, trials, and data analysis to full commercial operation.

On the cards: In the short-term, the platform will review applications to assess companies’ readiness and issue permits across structured testing phases. It will also integrate a suite of smart tools to map out end-to-end operations management — including real-time vehicle tracking and instant shutdown options when any operational fault is observed.

This comes at a crucial time for the UAE’s autonomous mobility ambitions — with Abu Dhabi Mobility expanding its self-driving taxi rollout, and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority kicking off open-road pilot testing for driverless taxis in Jumeirah and Dubai Silicon Oasis, targeting a commercial launch by 1Q 2026.

#2- Glydways to bring autonomous transit systems to the UAE? The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio) signed a strategic partnership with US-based automated transit network developer Glydways to explore deploying its autonomous electric transit systems across Abu Dhabi, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. This will include a pilot project which will see the company use AI-powered driverless vehicles operating on dedicated guideways for zero-emission, on-demand urban mobility.

More to come: The partnership — part of Adio’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries cluster — will include feasibility studies, regulatory framework development, and plans for a regional manufacturing and assembly hub in Abu Dhabi to serve the wider Middle East.

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