INVESTMENT-

KKR sets up shop in ADGM: US private equity firm KKR opened a new office in ADGM in a bid to strengthen its UAE footprint and on-ground presence in the GCC region, according to a press release. The new office will target investment and capital flows across the Gulf, and will be headed by Julian Barratt-Due (LinkedIn).

ICYMI- KKR recently tapped retired US army general and former CIA director David Petraeus as chair of KKR Middle East. At the time it was reported KKR was building a team to operate out of Dubai, where the firm has an established presence since 2009. Its recent regional moves include acquiring a minority stake in Adnoc Gas Pipeline Assets, as well as an investment in Gulf Data Hub at the start of the year.

FAB launches fine art investment platform: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) launched a platform allowing its clients to invest in and directly own museum-grade fine artwork, according to a press release. The platform, launched in collaboration with Opera Gallery Group, also offers concierge services and financing options within a regulated framework managed by the bank. The move looks to position art as a wealth management tool and source of liquidity, and falls within FAB’s plan to diversify client assets.

The art world is increasingly on Middle East investors’ radar, with Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund ADQ acquiring a minority stake in UK-based auction house Sotheby’s as part of a USD 1 bn investment alongside telecom b’naire Patrick Drahi.

CRYPTO-

UAE approves first regulated, AED-backed public stablecoin: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) gave digital bank Zand the green light to issue Zand AED — the country’s first regulated, multi-chain, AED-backed stablecoin available on public blockchains, according to a statement. The token is backed 1:1 with AED reserves held in segregated accounts and issued by the CBUAE-supervised Zand Trust, which is rated BBB+ by Fitch. It will run on multiple public blockchains and enable AED-denominated settlements for payments, tokenization, and institutional digital-asset transactions.

More AED stablecoins coming: Zand AED adds to a growing pipeline of AED-pegged stablecoins in the UAE. IHC, ADQ, and First Abu Dhabi Bank are all planning a CBUAE-regulated AED stablecoin on the ADI blockchain, while AE Coin became the first AED-pegged stablecoin to receive full regulatory approval in ADGM last December. Phoenix Group and Tether are also developing an AED stablecoin.

FINANCE-

DIFC launches new family wealth initiatives: Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) inked several partnerships and initiatives to advance family wealth management, according to a press release. These include:

  • A NextGen Leadership Program starting in early 2026 offering training and mentorship to future family business leaders;
  • a digital platform with access and information on modules, events, and other integrated services;
  • partnering with Dubai Land Department to streamline access to real estate ownership, as well as with banks including our friends at Mashreq, as well as Standard Chartered and Emirates NBD, to provide personalized financial solutions for family offices;
  • partnering with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs to facilitate golden visas;
  • and setting up an Advisory Council to provide strategic advice and consultancy services.

BACKGROUND- The move comes as the number of regional and international family wealth offices setting up in DIFC continues to rise — up 73% y-o-y to 1k in 1H 2025— as the UAE positions itself as an alternative for HNWIs seeking to skirt high-tax environments. The Center launched a dedicated directory of family business advisors over the summer, aiming to make consulting services more accessible for family offices.

DEBT-

Emirates NBD joints MoF’s retail sukuk initiative: The Finance Ministry signed its second agreement under the Retail Sukuk initiative with Emirates NBD, allowing UAE citizens and residents to invest in fractional UAE Treasury Bonds and Islamic Treasury Sukuk starting from AED 4k via the bank’s digital platform, according to a press release. The app will handle onboarding, KYC, primary subscriptions, secondary-market trades, and provide basic investor education tools.

BACKGROUND- The program launched in October, opening up T-Sukuk to retail investors for the first time, with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank named as the first participating bank. It aims to widen the investor base, giving individuals access to government-backed sukuk.

SPACE-

#1- Madari + South Korea’s Innospace will launch AI space data centers by 2026: UAE-based Madari Space and South Korea’s Innospace inked an MoU to explore joint development of space-based data infrastructure, including space data centers in the UAE, Space and Defense reports. It is aiming to launch its first orbital data center by 2026 in partnership with Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center and the United Nations for Outer Space Affairs, as demand for secure, AI-powered data processing and storage in low-Earth orbit rises.

We knew this was coming: The Abu Dhabi-based startup’s CEO Shareef Al Romaithi recently announced plans to launch data centers in low-Earth orbit, anticipating rollout by 3Q 2026. Al Romaithi also said Madari has been targeting governments and businesses with space operations for backup data storage alternatives.

#2- MBRSC, DIFC partner on SpaceTech platform: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) and DIFC’s Innovation Hub will set up a joint platform to boost the commercialization of space technologies, according to Dubai Media Office. The two entities will launch a platform called Space for Earth Labs to connect space-focused startups with government bodies and financial institutions, with a focus on the Global South, and also help with licensing and accelerator programs.

First up: The two have opened submissions for the Geospatial Accelerator, which offers startups licensing, mentorship, soft-landing support, and access to their network of partners, as well as sector-specific resources like satellite imagery and data resources.

AVIATION-

Tim Aerospace opens MRO hangar in MBRAH: Dubai-based aircraft maintenance provider Tim Aerospace has launched an MRO hangar at the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) in Dubai South, according to Dubai Media Office. The hangar is designed to accommodate up to 12 narrow-body or five wide-body jets — excluding the Airbus A380 — and will provide aircraft base maintenance for commercial passenger and cargo aircraft.

A long time coming: MBRAH and Tim Aerospace inked the initial agreement back in 2023 and broke ground on the hangar’s construction last year.

LOGISTICS-

Talabat taps K2 for drone delivery trials: DFM-listed Talabat inked an MoU with Abu Dhabi-based autonomous tech firm K2 to test commercial drone deliveries for food and groceries, according to a press release. The pilot will explore a drone-to-station delivery model, aiming to improve efficiency in high-demand areas, reduce carbon emissions, and scale smart last-mile delivery solutions. The two previously inked an agreement to collaborate on the pilot scheme earlier this month.

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