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Edge, Spain look to localize weapons production with USD 1.5 bn pipeline
The UAE is doubling down on localizing advanced weapons manufacturing — this time with a European partner and a USD 1.5 bn pipeline in sight: UAE defense heavyweight Edge signed an agreement with Spain’s EM&E Group, a Madrid-based defense engineering firm known for remote weapon stations and advanced military electronics, to explore launching a UAE-based joint venture, according to a statement.
What we know: The proposed JV would supply remote weapon systems to the UAE and priority export markets, eyeing expansion into co-developing additional defense platforms. It is backed by an estimated USD 1.5 bn commercial pipeline, though no breakdown of specific programs or timelines has been disclosed.
Edge has been partnering up left, right, and center with firms in Europe and the US, including a USD 200 mn joint venture with US-based defense tech firm Anduril, which aims to develop and produce autonomous systems for civil and defense operations in the UAE. It also linked up with Spanish information technology company Indra Group to set up a defense manufacturing entity in Spain, targeting loitering munitions and smart weapons.
Dubai Industrial City is getting a new ready-mix concrete manufacturing facility
Alas Emirates Ready Mix is setting up a production facility in Dubai Industrial City: Abu Dhabi-based ready-mix concrete supplier Alas Emirates Ready Mix is launching a 160k sq ft concrete manufacturing facility in Dubai Industrial City, according to a press release. The facility is expected to achieve a production capacity of 400 cbm per hour, with construction set to be completed by 3Q 2026. The company currently operates 13 batching plants across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Mafraq, Yas Island, Riyadh City, Kizad, Khalifa Port, and Zayed Port.
Barakat Group breaks ground on GCC’s first dedicated baby food manufacturing facility
Barakat Group expands into infant nutrition with AED 150 mn Kezad plant: UAE-based food producer Barakat Group broke ground on a AED 150 mn baby food manufacturing facility in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad), according to a press release. Barakat is working on the project through a joint venture with Pure Baby Food Industries, aiming to tap into a market gap for locally produced, halal-certified protein baby food. The 10k sqm facility is expected to produce 90 mn units of baby food products annually, specializing in fruit, vegetable, meat, and fish.
Payrails to set up HQ in Dubai
Payrails consolidates enterprise payment system with Dubai base: Berlin-based financial operating system Payrails is opening a Middle East headquarters in the Dubai International Financial Center, according to a press release. The regional base aims to provide full payment lifecycle management as well as infrastructure for large-scale enterprises with multi-market operations. Its offerings include provider routing, automated reconciliation, and dispute management.
IN CONTEXT- The expansion builds on the firm’s existing regional footprint, where it already serves major merchants including Careem and Majid Al Futtaim.
