Bluefive Capital turns to Oman, aircraft, and a USD 1 bn fund

Bluefive Capital launches aircraft leasing unit in Muscat: Abu Dhabi-based private equity firm Bluefive Capital rolled out a Muscat-based aircraft leasing and asset management platform, Bluefive Leasing, in partnership with an unnamed Omani sovereign institution, according to a press release. The venture is one of the first dedicated aircraft leasing entities in the GCC and aims to capitalize on rising air travel demand across the region.

The details: The platform will manage a diversified portfolio of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. Fundraising for its first investment vehicle, BlueFive Wings Fund I, is targeting over USD 1 bn for commercial aircraft assets. The platform will be based out of its new Oman office, which was established in October.

Ascentium acquires ADGM-licensed Clara

Legaltech startup Clara gains international market access via Ascentium: Singapore-based business services platform Ascentium acquired ADGM-licensed legaltech startup Clara, according to a press release. The acquisition significantly expands Ascentium’s foothold in the Middle East, providing global businesses with a gateway to the region through Clara’s ADGM and DIFC footprints.

And for Clara: With Ascentium’s platform, Clara gains access to a significantly expanded international market of over 60k clients. It’ll also get an operational leg-up, boosting its core offering of providing regulatory expertise to SMEs, government-related entities, VC firms, and investors.

Singapore’s CapitaLand Investment rolls out a DIFC office

Another asset manager plants its flag in DIFC: Singapore-based asset manager CapitaLand Investment (CLI) is launching a new office in Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), according to a press release. The new outpost looks to extend the firm’s investment advisory services to institutional clients in the UAE, managing diverse asset classes across logistics and industrial, lodging and living, offices, and data centers.

UAE links into Hong Kong’s bond plumbing

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has joined Hong Kong’s Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) — the city’s central securities depository for debt instruments — linking the UAE more directly to Chinese mainland bond markets, state news agency Wam reports.

Why it matters: The CMU clears and settles fixed-income securities and anchors Hong Kong’s offshore RMB-denominated infrastructure, making it a key gateway into China’s debt markets. The connectivity gives UAE-based investors “more direct and cost-effective access” to Chinese mainland capital markets and financial assets, Reuters cites the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) as saying.

More in the pipeline: The move follows wider discussions between the CBUAE and HKMA covering cross-border debt connectivity, digital assets and tokenization, central bank digital currencies, stablecoin regulation, and supply chain finance.

Beyond brings AED 25 bn build to RAK

Dubai-based real estate developer Beyond Developments is launching an AED 25 bn mixed-use project in Ras Al Khaimah’s Marjan Beach named Evermore, according to a press release. The firm is working with state-backed developer Marjan on the plan, which the latter said would be the second-largest project in its portfolio.

The details: Beyond — which is part of development group Omniyat — says the build’s total value will come in at upwards of AED 25 bn and include over 7 mn sq ft of total floor area. The Evermore project will include residential, hospitality, retail, and leisure facilities.

Tags: