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Dubai wagers on AI to grow its longevity ecosystem
Dubai-based healthcare company Longevium has closed its first funding round, raising USD 7 mn to build a Longevity AI Research Lab at Dubai Science Park, according to a press release. The release doesn't name the investors. The lab, scheduled to open in 4Q 2026, will function as a dedicated R&D hub rather than a clinic — developing AI-powered tools for biological age assessment, digital twins, early disease detection, and regenerative medicine.
Background: Longevium already runs three Dubai clinics — in Jumeirah 3, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and Jumeirah Village Circle — staffed by close to 100 physicians and specialists who've treated more than 30k patients.
Spinneys raises Saudi unit stake to 70%
Dubai-listed retailer Spinneys will increase its stake in its Saudi subsidiary, Spinneys KSA, to 70% after acquiring an additional 20% shareholding from Saudi-based Abdul Mohsen Abdul Aziz Al Hokair Holding for USD 4.8 mn (SAR 18 mn), as per a press release. The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, ramps up the grocer’s commitment to one of its fastest-growing markets.
Why it matters: Formed in 2022, Spinneys KSA is a key pillar of the company's regional expansion plans. The retailer opened two stores in Saudi Arabia over the past year, and expanded its footprint to Kuwait last summer.
Dubai pushes autonomous logistics closer to reality
Dubai is putting a joint venture behind its autonomous-logistics ambitions. SHIFFT — a new tie-up between the Dubai Future Foundation and UK self-driving firm Oxa — is targeting a first commercial rollout of driverless vehicles across the emirate's ports and airports before the end of 2027, according to a press release.
Autonomous logistics is gaining traction in the UAE: The Abu Dhabi Investment Office inked a raft of commercial deployment agreements for autonomous mobility tech in November 2025, including for logistics plays, while UAE-based autonomous delivery startup CargoX raised USD 250 mn this past June.
