Edge, Barzan Holdings establish defense JV in Qatar

Edge finalizes defense JV with Qatar’s Barzan: Abu Dhabi defense conglomerate Edge and Qatari state-owned Barzan Holdings are establishing a joint venture to develop advanced defense technologies, according to a press release. The agreement formalizes an MoU inked between the two state firms last year for co-development programs and production, although no further details were given then, or in this latest announcement.

Our take: The Emirati defense firm has been actively sowing out defense bays across the globe. Edge recently entered Europe’s manufacturing industry, teaming up with Spain’s Indra Group to roll out a new defense manufacturingunit, following agreements with Turkey and a possible defense package with Israel. Further east, the UAE just inked a defense partnership agreement with India.

Calidus signs local production agreement

Calidus + US defense tech firm boost local production of UAS: UAE-based defense technology firm Calidus and US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems inked an MoU to locally produce two unmanned aircraft, the MQ-9B and the Gambit Collaborative Combat Aircraft, state news agency Wam reports.

UAE defense pivots to unmanned systems

The Tawazun Council for Defense Enablement signed AED 879.8 mn in defense contracts on the opening day of Umex and SimTex 2026, Wam reports. Day-one spending leaned toward autonomous air and maritime platforms, underscoring a procurement push to scale local capability in drones, autonomous logistics, and maritime robotics rather than refresh legacy kit.

Where the money went:

  • State defense firm Edge took the lion’s share, securing AED 28.9 mn to develop Scorpio S and Scorpio M unmanned vehicles; AED 22 mn to convert a gyrocopter into an unmanned logistics aircraft; and AED 661.2 mn for Anavia HT-100 unmanned helicopters;
  • Abu Dhabi-based Diveco International added AED 167.7 mn with a contract to supply remotely operated vehicles, extending the focus into subsea and maritime autonomy.

Dubai Holding expands its global footprint

Dubai Holding acquired Jumeirah Mallorca, adding a fully operational five-star resort in Spain to its global portfolio, according to a press release. The 121-key property already operates under its portfolio brand Jumeirah, which will continue to manage it following the takeover. The holding firm has earmarked more capital to invest for upgrades, and the latest addition brings its hospitality ownership portfolio to 34 hotels and resorts, including five in Europe.

BACKGROUND- Jumeirah has been steadily expanding in Europe. In 2019, Capri Palace Jumeirah in Italy became the brand’s Mediterranean anchor, followed in 2021 by the reopening of Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London. Later on in 2023, Dubai Holding acquired the historic Hotel Le Richemond in Geneva, marking Jumeirah’s entry into the Swiss ultra-luxury market.

CE Ventures joins funding round for US biotech

CE Ventures participates in USD 55 mn US biotech funding round: CE Ventures, the venture capital arm of UAE-based Crescent Enterprises, participated in a USD 55 mn Series A funding round for Think Bioscience, a US-based biotechnology firm, according to a press release. The capital will be used to accelerate the development of Think Bioscience’s lead drug candidates and scale its capabilities in identifying new bioactive compounds. The biotech firm uses small-molecule therapeutics and synthetic biology to treat otherwise hard-to-treat diseases.

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