REAL ESTATE-

Dar Global, Trump Organization partner to tokenize hotel project: Dar Global, the Dubai-based luxury developer and international arm of Saudi Dar Al Arkan, is partnering with the Trump Organization to build an 80-villa Trump International Hotel Maldives, in what they say is the world’s first tokenized hotel development project, according to a press release. The resort, located 25 minutes by speedboat from the capital Malé, is slated to open by end-2028, and marks the Trump brand’s entry to Maldives.

SOUND SMART- Tokenization typically allows real assets to be divided into digital shares using blockchain technology, enabling investors to purchase fractional exposure via tokens. In this case, the token structure applies to the development stage rather than a completed property, according to Bloomberg.

REMEMBER- Dar Global is already working with the Trump Organization on a series of projects across the Gulf, including the Trump Towers in Dubai and Jeddah.

STARTUPS-

UAE-based, women-focused healthtech platform Nabta Health secured USD 2 mn in a pre-series A funding round, bringing its total to USD 4.5 mn, according to a press release. Nabta will use the capital to work with new partners, expand its testing and diagnostic offerings, and boost clinical infrastructure by collaborating with local hospitals.

About Nabta: Founded in 2017 by Sophie Smith (LinkedIn), the platform focuses on healthcare solutions for women’s health, including menstrual health, pregnancy, postpartum care, and PCOS. Operating on a hybrid model, the platform combines digital, at-home, and in-clinic care services for customers.

BUSINESS-

#1- DMCC rolls out a new center for luxury product market: Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) has launched DMCC Luxury Innovation Center (DLIC) in partnership with global research hub OriginalLuxury, according to a press release. The center is located in Almas Tower — also home to Dubai Diamond Exchange — and will focus on working with players in the gold and precious metals and stones sectors, from luxury brands to tech firms. DLIC’s offerings are set to include authentication tools, AI-powered tracing systems, licensing solutions, as well as networking sessions and workshops.

ICYMI- The DMCC is expanding its international business district, drawing in international companies across key markets and welcoming roughly 1.1k new firms in 1H 2025. Currently, some 1.5k firms in the gold and precious metals sector, along with 1.4k in diamonds and precious stones, are part of DMCC.

#2- Demeter Tactical Investment opens ADGM office: US-based investment advisory firm Demeter Tactical Investments launched its UAE office in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), after securing a permit, according to a press release. John Hensel (LinkedIn) will lead the new office as senior executive officer and senior vice president of Middle East markets.

SUSTAINABILITY-

#1- Taqa + Sdeira Group partner on major retrofit project: Taqa Energy Services, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), inked an agreement with AD Ports subsidiary Sdeira Group to develop one of the largest retrofit projects enhancing energy and water efficiency in Abu Dhabi, according to a press release.

The details: The project will retrofit Aryam ICAD Residential City in Abu Dhabi’s Mussafah industrial district over 14 months, modernize heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, and implement energy and water monitoring and management systems. Annually, It is expected to cut 17k tons of CO2 emissions, save 36 GW hours of electricity consumption, and reduce water usage by over 616k cbm.

#2- EtihadWE and EPointZero explore energy collaboration in northern emirates: Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has partnered with IHC-owned energy platform EPointZero, 2PointZero’s energy platform, to explore gas, renewables, and storage projects across the northern emirates, according to a press release.

A closer look: The agreement will see the two explore possible sites, investment models, and financing structures for projects, as well as conduct feasibility studies and due diligence ahead of any formal project launches or agreements. EtihadWE’s infrastructure arm — Emirates Utilities Development Company — will lead project development.

REMEMBER- In its efforts to improve sustainability and efficiency in the northern emirates, EtihadWE announced in October it is installing smart water meters across homes in the region to reduce leakages and boost efficiency.

#3- Noatum Maritime partners with Siemens + GPT on offshore energy projects: Noatum Maritime, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, inked an agreement with Siemens Energy and Green Parrot Tech (GPT) to explore investments in the offshore renewable energy sector, according to a press release. Under the agreement, the firms will collaborate on comprehensive, cost-efficient solutions for renewable energy developers to support emission reduction targets. They will also explore initiatives in floating power plants and regasification units.

HEALTHCARE-

Dubai-based hospital, clinic, and pharma operator Aster DM Healthcare has secured AED 265 mn in financing from EmiratesDevelopmentBank to build two new multi-speciality hospitals in Dubai, with scope for additional upsizing to support further expansion, according to a press release.

Where will the money go? The facilities will add 250+ beds and capacity to treat more than 560k patients a year. The new sites — due to break ground in 2026 — will house over 675 clinicians once fully commissioned.

REMEMBER- Aster DM Healthcare has been expanding in the Gulf: The firm finalized the separation of its Gulf and India business units last year, selling stakes in each unit to expand in both regions under independent entities.

AVIATION-

Abu Dhabi Aviation, MLG partner on eVTOL rollout: Abu Dhabi Aviation Group and Advanced Mobility Hub, a Multi Level Group (MLG) unit, signed an MoU to develop advanced air mobility projects in the UAE, including passenger and cargo operations using electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The partnership covers vertiport development, training programs, and R&D to localize technology and build national expertise.

Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Abu Dhabi-based Global Air Navigation Services (GANS) signed an MoU to accelerate advanced air mobility and modernize the emirate’s airspace, according to a press release. Announced at DRIFTx 2025, the collaboration will see the two firms work on airspace design and management, regulatory readiness, and technical integration of emerging mobility technologies like drones and eVTOLs.

The initiatives align with Abu Dhabi’s wider autonomous mobility push. The emirate is already testing fully driverless robotaxis, piloting autonomous delivery vehicles in Masdar City, preparing to certify air taxis by 3Q 2026, and has more than 10 vertiports in the pipeline. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office also partnered with Aridge to fast-track flying-car testing and certification.

Tags: