M&A-

Sharjah launches gov’t-backed M&A platform: The Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) has launched Sharjah AcquireHub, the region’s first government-backed platform dedicated to facilitating M&A activity in the emirate, according to a press release. Developed in partnership with Transworld Business Advisors, the platform targets the UAE’s mid-market segment.

How it works: The digital platform connects investors with SMEs, entrepreneurs, and local businesses seeking exits, capital, or restructuring. It offers end-to-end support for buyers and sellers, including listings, advisory, and post-transaction assistance. Transworld, which closed over 2.5k global transactions in 2024, will also run M&A readiness workshops, matchmaking programs, and international roadshows.

The launch comes amid a pickup in regional M&A activity, with 701 transactions worth USD 92.3 bn recorded in 2024, according to a previous EY MENA M&A report.

LOGISTICS-

#1- Lalamove sets up shop in Dubai: Hong Kong-based delivery service provider Lalamove has started operating in Dubai, its 14th global market, as part of a push to expand across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, according to a press release. The delivery service will cover Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, with COO Paul Loo identifying the UAE as a trading and logistics hub.

About Lalamove: Founded in 2013, Lalamove provides logistics solutions for SMEs, connecting users with drivers and vehicles suited for small to large shipments, including 1-ton and 3-ton trucks. The company provides real-time tracking and aims to reduce costs for smaller businesses.

#2- Adnoc LTS adds new LNG carrier: Adnoc Logistics and Services has added Al Rahba to its fleet, the second of six liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers ordered from China’s Jiangnan Shipyard, according to a disclosure (pdf). With a 175k-cubic-meter capacity, the vessel is equipped with dual-fuel engines that aim to slash methane emissions by up to 50% compared to older vessels.

ICYMI- Adnoc received the first of six LNG carriers last November and the remaining vessels are set to be delivered throughout 2025 and 2026. The contract was agreed upon in 2022 and is part of a broader expansion strategy that has seen Adnoc place an order worth USD 1.9 bn for 11 dual-fuel low carbon carriers in July 2024 from Jiangnan Shipyard.

#3- Emirates Post, Aramex launch retail logistics partnership: Emirates Post, the postal arm of 7X and the UAE’s official postal service, has partnered with UAE-based logistics provider Aramex to offer its domestic and international shipping services through select Emirates Post branches, according to a post on LinkedIn picked up by Gulf News. The pilot phase includes support for specialized shipments, including hazardous goods, as well as parcel pickups and returns. The rollout will expand nationwide, with no timeline disclosed.

The bigger picture: This comes amid an Emirates Post push to transform its branches into multi-service logistics hubs and follows a similar tie-up with FedEx, which earlier this month opened 68 authorized shipping centers at Emirates Post branches to provide walk-in international shipping services.

MANUFACTURING-

MT Group expands manufacturing footprint in Abu Dhabi: European EPC contractor MT Group is launching a large-scale valve manufacturing facility and forging unit in Abu Dhabi, according to a statement. The plants, to be built by its subsidiaries MT Okay and MT Yinglu, mark the second phase of its supply chain expansion. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is also backing the expansion.

The details: With a AED 200 mn investment ticket, the 11.5k sqm manufacturing plant will produce valves for the energy, water, and infrastructure sectors. Construction is underway on the 12k sqm forging unit, which will produce components for the industrial and energy sectors.

In other valve news: Last week, NMDC Logistics signed an MoU with China’s Jiangsu Huaying Valves to explore a joint venture for a UAE-based valve manufacturing and distribution facility for the energy sector. NMDC Group’s logistics arm NMDC LTS also recently signed an MoU with Chinese valve manufacturer Chaoda to establish a joint venture (JV) for valve assembly and distribution in the UAE.

BANKING-

UAE and Azerbaijan central banks to share financial regulatory practices: The Central Bank of the UAE has inked an MoU with Azerbaijan’s Central Bank on knowledge sharing in financial sector practices, according to a press release (pdf). The agreement facilitates the exchange of information on banking and ins. supervision, regulatory practices, licensing processes, payments systems, and financial infrastructure. The two institutions will collaborate on joint research, training programs, and staff working visits.

DIGITIZATION-

Emirates NBD, Dubai Directorate partner on digitization: The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Office in Dubai has signed a MoU with Emirates NBD to digitize procedures linking residency and banking services, Wam reports. The partnership will ease customer processes, integrate banking and residency systems, and improve operational efficiency.

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