Dubai property boom shows no signs of slowing down

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

THIS MORNING: UAE’s IPO in 1Q 2024 raised the most proceeds in the region in 1Q 2024 + snapshot of our e-commerce scene in 2023

Good morning, friends, and happy FRIDAY. We close out what has been a particularly busy week with yet another busy issue. We have another update on Sidara’s play to acquire Wood Group, a new ETF from Lunate, and an update on Adnoc’s oil production.

Also: We have more data indicating that the Dubai property boom is far from over, as well as analysis from S&P Global on why GCC banks are set to benefit off of higher-for-longer rates.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS-

#1- ☀️ WEATHER- It’s another hot, sunny weekend, with the mercury hitting 40°C today in Dubai and a cooler 36°C in Abu Dhabi, with overnight lows between 29-31°C. Tomorrow will see both emirates cool down slightly, with temperatures peaking at 38°C in Dubai and 36°C in Abu Dhabi.

On Sunday, expect temperatures to cool down further to 36°C in Dubai and 31°C in Abu Dhabi.

#2- Car rental companies can now get technical inspections in Dubai under a new initiative launched by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), according to a statement. The initiative targets light vehicles in the car rental business in its initial phase, and will be rolled out to other types of commercial vehicles at later stages.

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DATA POINTS-

#1- The UAE led IPO activity in the Mena region in terms of proceeds in 1Q 2024, with Parkin Company’s debut on the DFM raising USD 429 mn — the highest proceeds in the region for the quarter — accounting for 37.2% of total regional IPO value, according to the latest Mena IPO Eye (pdf) report from EY.

Mena stock markets saw a total of 10 listings raise USD 1.2 bn, all of them in the GCC, during the quarter. While volumes remained robust y-oy, proceeds dropped 66% y-o-y compared to 1Q 2023.

Saudi Arabia had the lion’s share of IPO activity with nine out of a total 10 debuts in the region on Tadawul and Nomu in 1Q 2024, raising USD 724 mn in proceeds.

Looking ahead: IPO activity is set to accelerate further, with 25 private companies and 10 funds announcing that they intend to go public this year.

REMEMBER- Our IPO pipeline for the year is looking healthy: Supermarket chain operator LuLu Group International is reportedly gearing up for listing in Abu Dhabi, with a possible dual listing on the Riyadh Stock Exchange. Edtech firm Alef Education has also already tapped banks to advise on its planned ADX IPO, while Etihad Airways’ highly anticipated listing — which could become the first by a Gulf carrier — could take place by year’s end.

#2- The e-commerce market here at home reached USD 7.5 bn (AED 27.5 bn) in 2023, driven by a “tech-savvy Gen Z and millennial population,” strong government support in regulations, and substantial investments in digital infrastructure, according to Dubai South-based e-commerce zone EZDubai’s latest e-commerce report (pdf). This gives the UAE a 26% e-commerce market share in the region, following Saudi Arabia, which holds a 30% share.

Apparel and footwear contributed the largest value during the period at USD 2.4 bn, followed by consumer electronics, which pooled USD 1.9 bn, and media products, at USD 1.7 bn.

The market is projected to hit USD 13.3 bn (AED 48.8 bn) by 2028, with e-commerce penetration expected to grow by nearly four percentage points to 15.3%, compared to 11.4% in 2023, the report adds.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Alpha Dhabi seeks shareholder approval to shed assets: Alpha Dhabi’s general assembly is set to meet on 10 June to hold a shareholder vote on the sale of a 49% stake in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Alpha Dhabi Construction Holding, to Abu Dhabi state investor ADQ, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf).

Shareholders will also vote on selling three Alpha Dhabi-owned hotel businesses to the National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels PJSC (NCTH) in exchange for newly issued shares in NCTH. The targeted businesses for sale include ADH Hospitality, Murban (BVI) Holding, and Hill View Resorts in the Seychelles.

#2- Limitless to pay final AED 300 mn settlement to Deyaar this month: Dubai-based property developer Deyaar Development is set to receive the final AED 300 mn payment — the second of a larger AED 500 mn settlement agreement — from real estate developer Limitless this May, Deyaar CEO Saeed Al Qatami told Al Bayan. The final settlement payment is expected to increase Deyaar’s liquidity to AED 1.7 bn from AED 1.4 bn, according to Al Qatami.

Background: Deyaar received the first AED 200 mn payment in 2022, after the settlement was approved in 2021 following a court ruling over a land dispute between the two developers, obligating Limitless to pay AED 412 mn to Deyaar, in addition to a compensation of some AED 61 mn.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

It’s a slow day in the global press, with only OpenAI, Putin and Xinping’s meeting yesterday, and The Trump’s hush-money trial making headlines.

OpenAI struck an agreement with Reddit to use content from the social media platform for ChatGPT, marking the latest in the company’s pursuit of more content. (Read: The company is fighting lawsuits with the New York Times and Microsoft over copyright infringement claims.)

Reddit struck a similar agreement with OpenAI’s AI rival, Google, worth USD 60 mn earlier this year.

Market reax: Reddit’s shares soared 11% in after hours trading following the announcement.

The story is leading most front pages: Reuters | Financial Times | The Verge | CNBC.

IN OTHER AI NEWS- Two voice actors in the US are suing an AI startup for illegally using their voices in their tech, Reuters reports.

IN THE WORLD OF POLITICS-Russian President Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping are banding together against “destructive and hostile” US actions aiming to “contain” both countries. The two countries also vowed to deepen their economic partnership, and warned of increased risks from spiraling tensions between nuclear powers, accusing the US specifically of deploying nuclear missiles around the world that threaten their security. (Bloomberg | FT | The Guardian)

PLUS- Donald Trump’s attorneys cross-examined Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen yesterday in what was said to be a heated day in court as the hush-money trial continues. The trial is now nearing its end, with closing arguments expected as early as next Tuesday. Read the takeaways from yesterday on CNN here.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEK-

#1- TheMiddle East Petroleum and Gas Conference is set to take place from Monday, 20 May to Wednesday in Dubai. Hosted by the Emirates National Oil Company and organized by the S&P Global Commodity Insights, the theme of the conference is “Evolving Core Energy Markets within a Sustainable Landscape.”

#2- The International Exhibition of National Security and Resilience2024 Conference is happening on 21-22 May 2024 at Adnec Abu Dhabi, coinciding with the International Exhibition of National Security and Resilience, Wam reports. The conference is set to gather top CEOs, leaders, and experts from different fields to discuss security challenges and promote strategic partnerships.

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

The Dubai Business Forum in Beijing, China is set to take place between 21-22 August, Wam reports. Hosted by Dubai Chambers, the event aims to attract foreign direct investments by presenting investment prospects.

TheTiE Women MENA Programme 2024 is now accepting applications until June 2024.The program supports women entrepreneurs across the region with mentorship, financial advice, workshops, and pitch coaching. Winners can earn up to USD 50k at the global finals and USD 25k at the finals in Dubai.

The Global Prompt Engineering Championship, the world’s biggest AI prompt challenge, will take place next week, from 20-21 May, at the Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future. The championship's final stage features 30 participants from the fields of art, literature, and coding, selected from thousands worldwide, writes Wam. They will be competing for a grand prize of AED 1 mn.

Check out our full calendar on the web for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events, national holidays and news triggers.

Wood Group rejects higher takeover bid from Sidara

Wood Group turns down Sidara’s revised takeover bid: British oil services and engineering firm Wood Group has rejected a higher acquisition bid from Dubai's Sidara made a week earlier, according to a bourse disclosure on Wednesday.

REFRESHER- Sidara had submitted a preliminary offer on 8 May to buy the consultancy firm at GBP 2.05 per share, which was rejected by Wood’s board, which said that it “fundamentally undervaluing Wood and its future prospects.”

The new bid: Sidara submitted a revised bid of GBP 2.12 per share, marking a 3% upwards revision from its previous bid, and valuing the company at GBP 1.47 bn.

The rationale: Despite the 3% increase, Wood Group's board unanimously felt that the offer still undervalued the company.

Sidara still has a chance: Sidara has until 5 June to submit another offer or withdraw its bid.

Wood is not in the best position: Last month, shareholder Sparta Capital Management urged Wood to consider listing in the US or selling the company after negotiations with buyout group Apollo to buy the company fell through. Apollo’s bid — which it withdrew last month — had valued the company at GBP 1.66 bn at the time. Wood’s shares had fallen about 25% over the past year, according to Bloomberg, giving it a market value of GBP 1.1 bn.

Market reax: Wood’s shares closed up 1% at GBP 1.87 on Wednesday.

Advisers: JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley serve as joint financial advisers and corporate brokers to Wood.

Lunate launches Japanese ETF

Lunate launches its third ETF this year: Abu Dhabi’s Lunate Capital is launching a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracking Japanese stocks, according to a press release. The ETF — dubbed Chimera S&P Japan UCITS — is set to debut on the ADX on 29 May, and tracks the S&P Japan BMI Liquid 35/20 Capped Index, allowing investors to access 30 of the most liquid Japanese stocks listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, according to the statement.

Investors can subscribe to the fund until Thursday, 23 May through four authorized participants — EFG-Hermes, Arqaam Securities, International Securities, and BHM Capital — and the ADX eIPO portal.

Japanese equities are having a good year: “The Japanese equities market has proven to be resilient, seeing a rally early this year and reinvigorated interest especially among international market participants who are seeking diversified exposures through indexing,” Michael Mell, Global Head of Custom Indices at S&P Dow Jones Indices, said.

Lunate is on an ETF roll: The new ETF marks the fourth to offer access to Asian markets, according to Lunate Partner Sherif Salem. Lunate and JPMorgan Chase introduced the first bond exchange-traded fund (ETF) for the UAE’s bond market in March. The index will cover investment-grade issuances with a face amount of at least USD 500 mn. The company also launched its India ETF earlier this year on the ADX, tracking the performance of Shariah-compliant Indian stocks.

Adnoc to kick off gas production at Ras Al Sadr

Adnoc to kick off production at Ras Al Sadr: The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) is preparing to resume gas production in Abu Dhabi’s Ras Al Sadr seven months after the oil giant discovered oil and gas reserves at the field, state news agency Wam reports. Adnoc had discovered the deposits by running a 3D mega-seismic survey and by using AI to locate the oil and gas resources.

About the field: Currently developed jointly by Adnoc and Japanese oil and gas producer Inpex’s subsidiary, Jodco, the field has a daily production capacity of producing up to 100 mn standard cubic feet of gas — which it says is equivalent to the size of Sweden’s daily gas needs. The field is expected to reach full production capacity by 2026.

Background: While Ras Al Sadr was the first survey well drilled in the UAE in the early 1950s, it was initially deemed a “dry hole,” with the first commercial gas discoveries coming from the Bab field.

ICYMI- The Sharjah Petroleum Council also discovered new gas reserves in “promising economically viable quantities” in the Al Hadiba field last week.

REMEMBER- Adnoc wants to boost its crude oil production capacity to 5 mn bbl/d by 2027. It said it raised its crude oil production capacity to 4.85 mn barrels per day (bbl / d) from 4.65 mn bbl/d earlier this month, amid speculations over Opec’s next moves and whether it plans to extend supply cuts that it implemented to stabilize the market.

The Dubai property boom continued in 1Q 2024 –CBRE

Where real estate prices went in 1Q 2024, according to CBRE: The average prices of residential apartments in Dubai surged by 20.4% during 1Q 2024, while Abu Dhabi's average apartment prices saw a more moderate increase of 4.3% y-o-y, according to UAE Real Estate Market Review Q1 2024 (pdf) by commercial real estate agency CBRE. Average villa prices in Dubai increased by 22.1%, much higher than Abu Dhabi’s 2.3% increase during the period.

Dubai’s rentals have shot up: Dubai experienced accelerated rental growth in 2024, with average residential rents increasing by 21.2% y-o-y in March, up from 20.4% the previous month. Apartment rental rates rose 22.1% while villa rental rates rose 14.5%.

Abu Dhabi’s rentals weren’t as high: The residential rental market in Abu Dhabi saw a decline in 1Q 2024, with a 10.9% y-o-y drop in rental contracts driven by a 15.5% decrease in renewals and a 2.4% decrease in new registrations. Average apartment rents rose by 4.5%, while villa rents increased by 1.1%.

REFRESHER- Real estate consultancy JLL had pegged the increase in sales prices and rentals in Dubai at 21% y-o-y during the quarter. According to JLL, Abu Dhabi experienced less inflated price hikes, with sales prices increasing by 7% y-o-y, and rental rates by 4% y-o-y. Apartment rentals and sales prices for villas both surged 22% y-o-y, indicating robust demand for both types of properties.

Unit deliveries are looking healthy in both Emirates: Dubai saw 6.5k units delivered in 1Q 2024, mainly in Meydan One, Jumeirah Village Circle, and Al Furjan, while an additional 46k units are expected throughout the year, primarily in District Seven, Damac Lagoons, and Business Bay, though delays are anticipated. Meanwhile Abu Dhabi received 80 units in Al Raha Beach in Q1, with 8.6k more expected by year-end, mainly in Yas Island, Al Sowwah, and Al Shamkha.

Dubai’s residential sales are expected to continue their upward trajectory, albeit with a more moderate increase. Dubai’s residential sales transactions above AED 5 mn rose 27.2% y-o-y , while those above AED 10 mn surged 42.5% y-o-y, with off-plan sales continuing to dominate. However, traditional prime and super-prime locations experienced declines, with prime transactions dropping by 2.1% and super-prime transactions decreasing by 16.5%.

RETAIL AND HOSPITALITY-

The size of Abu Dhabi's retail rentals market witnessed an 8.1% slowdown in 1Q 2024, while Dubai saw a marginal 0.2% uptick, with the report taking stock of increased interest in Dubai’s prime segment, with demand outweighing supply.

Both cities experienced rental growth, with Abu Dhabi's rents rising by 14.7% and Dubai's by 10.5% in 1Q 2024.

ON THE HOSPITALITY SIDE- Abu Dhabi’s hospitality sector saw robust growth with hotel guests increasing 22% y-o-y during 1Q. Dubai also welcomed 5.18 mn international visitors, marking a 10.9% y-o-y increase.

OFFICES AND INDUSTRIAL-

Dubai saw a 35.8% y-o-y surge in office rental registrations in 1Q 2024 driven primarily by SME demand, while core business district areas showed slower growth, according to CBRE. Abu Dhabi saw a 9.1% y-o-y in total office rental contracts, mainly fueled by government-linked entities.

The UAE’s industrial real estate market fared well in 1Q 2024 despite limited stock, according to the report. Abu Dhabi witnessed a 4.7% y-o-y increase in rental registrations, driven by a 9% rise in new contracts, notably from the manufacturing sector. Similarly, Dubai saw a 3.2% y-o-y increase in rental registrations.

Limitations in infrastructure and a shortage of new construction projects contributed to the limited stock, and prompted a more landlord- favored market with limited tenant incentives.

Foot-dragging by the Fed on rate cuts is good news for GCC banks –S&P Global

The profitability of GCC banks is on track to remain robust this year thanks to the US Federal Reserve delaying interest rate cuts, S&P Global said in a report. The monetary tightening cycle has served banks in the Gulf, where central banks mirror rates due to their currencies being pegged to the USD, S&P notes. Banks’ asset quality is also expected to remain strong on the back of “supportive economies, contained leverage, and a high level of precautionary reserves.”

In context: The Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged earlier this month, with Fed boss Jay Powell making it clear that the central bank is in no hurry to start cutting rates after a surprise uptick in US inflation this year. “It is likely to take longer for us to gain confidence that we are on a sustainable path down to 2% inflation,” Powell said. “I don’t know how long it will take.”

By S&P Global’s math: Cutting rates by 100 basis points would trim rated Gulf banks’ net income by c. 9%, S&P Global said, basing its calculation on banks’ disclosures at year-end 2023. However, lower interest rates help banks slash unrealized losses that have been accumulated throughout the past years, S&P Global said, estimating these losses at c. USD 2.8 bn.

Expect the GCC bank profitability to take a hit in 2025, as the Fed could start cutting rates in December, S&P Global said. However, the report sees some factors helping to alleviate the impact on banks’ bottom lines, including a repositioning of banks’ balance sheets through fixing interest rates at current levels or swapping variable rates for fixed ones before the Federal Reserve starts cutting rates. It also sees deposit migration to interest-bearing instruments in some of Gulf markets helping weaken the impact.

Other factors include a forecast lower cost of risk for lenders, with S&P Global seeing firms having “additional breathing room that could help their creditworthiness and ultimately reduce banks' provisioning needs” due to banks repricing corporate loans on the back of the potential interest rate cuts. It also sees higher volumes of lending make up for lower margins, especially in Saudi which is seeing growth in lending volumes due to its diversification plan.

Some will be impacted more than others due to interest rate cuts: S&P Global sees Gulf banks with high volumes of corporate lending more likely to be at risk than their peers as they reprice loans. It said the “most vulnerable bank” in its sample is expected to have c. 30% of its net income shaved with every 100 bps cut in rates.

Rent now pay later platform Keyper bags USD 34 mn in pre-series A funding

Keyper secures funding: Dubai-based rent-now-pay-later startup Keyper secured USD 4 mn in equity in a pre-series A funding led by Beco Capital and Middle East Venture Partners, according to an Abu Dhabi SME Hub statement. The startup also received funds from existing investors Vivium Holding, Jabbar Group, Signature Developers; new investors Annex Investments, Pin Investment, Al Qahtani Investment; as well as other other strategic angel investors.

The startup is also set to receive an additional USD 30 mn in sukuk financing from global asset manager Franklin Templeton Investments under a newly inked term sheet, bringing its total capital raised to date to over USD 40 mn.

Where the money is going: Keyper will use the funds to scale its rent now pay later (RNPL) solution, with the sukuk financing enabling landlords to receive annual rents upfront while allowing tenants to pay rent in monthly installments via credit/debit cards and other digital methods. The startup also plans to advance partnerships in fintech, payments, and tenant screening, and expand its platform to Abu Dhabi.

Background: Keyper and central bank-regulated marketplace Direct Debit recently partnered to launch the country’s first digital rental payments platform, which integrates its RNPL service.

About Keyper: Founded in 2022 by Omar Abu Innab (LinkedIn) and Walid Shihabi (LinkedIn), Keyper offers digital rental payment and management solutions for tenants and property management for landlords. It has onboarded over 3k residential units worth some USD 2 bn in 2024, and has processed some USD 10 mn in annual rent payments, over USD 1 mn of which were facilitated through its RNPL product.

OTHER STARTUP NEWS-

Eyewa bags more funding: Dubai-based eyewear startup has secured an undisclosed funding amount from US private equity firm General Atlantic, with the investment made earlier this year, Menabytes reports. The startup previously raised USD 21 mn in June 2021 in a series B funding round led by Kingsway and Nuwa Capital.

About Eyewa: Founded in 2017 by Mehdi Oudghiri (LinkedIn) and Anass Boumediene (LinkedIn), the startup is the largest online eyewear retailer in the region, offering products from both its in-house brands and international fashion brands. Eyewa has expanded into the retail sector with over 120 stores, including 100 in Saudi Arabia, and its first store in Dahran.

AND- Cleantech startup Airwater Co. also raised an undisclosed amount of funding from Abu Dhabi-based venture capital firm Tau Capital, it said in a statement. The startup will use the funds to scale manufacturing, infrastructure, and distribution, focusing on large commercial and industrial atmospheric water generation facilities.

About Airwater: Founded in 2018, the startup offers global air-to-water technology to a client base including Hilton Hotel Group, Accor Group, Saudi Arabia’s Neom, and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

Amanat Holdings, Agility, Waha Capital, and more report 1Q 2024 earnings

AMANAT-

Amanat Holdings’ bottom line rose 9% y-o-y to AED 48.3 mn in 1Q 2024, partially impacted by the introduction of corporate tax in the UAE, the company said in its earnings release (pdf). The Dubai-based investment firm’s net income before tax and zakat during the period came in at AED 53.6 mn in, up 18% y-o-y. Amanat booked AED 223.6 mn in revenues, climbing 21% y-o-y during the quarter.

Breakdown: Amanat’s revenues from its education investments rose 24% y-o-y to AED 123 mn, due to an uptick in school enrollments, while revenues from its long-term care segment climbed 19% y-o-y to AED 90.1 mn, driven by the company’s Sukoon acquisition in April last year.

WATCH THIS SPACE- An IPO for its education platform? The company is looking to carve out its education platform into its own holding company and tap advisors to list it on a GCC stock exchange, according to the earnings release. The aim is to “capitalize on its strong financial performance, market positioning and growth trajectory, and realize significant value for our shareholders,” Amanat Chairman Shamsheer Vayalil said.

What about the healthcare platform? Amanat had reportedly tapped EFG Hermes and First Abu Dhabi Bank for a listing of its healthcare unit as soon as this year that could potentially raise some USD 200 mn. A company representative declined to comment on the transaction and on the plans for the education platform’s IPO.

Looking ahead: “We will continue to deliver growth by increasing student enrollments in the UAE, expanding our Special Education Needs footprint in KSA and increasing bed capacity at our long-term care platform in the UAE and KSA,” Amanat CEO John Ireland said.

AGILITY-

Kuwaiti logistics firm Agility reported a 323.1% y-o-y surge in net income to USD 30.5 mn in 1Q 2024, according to an earnings release. The company’s revenue rose 5.6% to USD 979.4 mn during the quarter.

The breakdown: Its Dubai-based fuel logistics arm saw revenues decline 8.4% y-o-y, as contracts ended and the company sold a number of vessels. On the other hand, Menzies Aviation, its aviation unit, saw a 14.4% revenue increase to USD 576.9 mn due to higher flight and cargo volumes and new contracts. Agility Logistics Parks (ALP) recorded 22% revenue growth to USD 12.7 mn driven by increased warehousing demand in Saudi Arabia.

Remember: Agility listed its operations and assets management unit, Agility Global, on the ADX in a technical listing earlier this month. Agility might also sell Dubai-based Tristar after plans to list the company on the Dubai Financial Market stalled back in 2021 due to a lack of investor demand. The company had planned to sell 24% of its shares in the IPO.

WAHA CAPITAL-

ADX-listed investment manager Waha Capital’s net income increased 90% y-o-y to AED 281 mn in 1Q 2024, according to the company’s earnings release (pdf). The parent company of Waha Investments and Waha Land’s net operating income grew 73% y-o-y to AED 418 mn during the quarter.

AL SAGR NATIONAL INS. COMPANY-

Al Sagr in the red: Al Sagr National Ins. recorded a net loss of AED 48 mn in 1Q 2024,compared to a bottom line of AED 7.1 mn during the same period last year, according to its financial statements (pdf). The insurer saw its revenues surge 41% y-o-y to AED 244.1 mn during the quarter.

AL BUHAIRA NATIONAL INS.-

Al Buhaira National Ins. Company narrowed its net losses to AED 7 mn in losses during 1Q 2024, down from a net loss of AED 18 mn during the same period last year, according to its financial statements (pdf). The firm’s ins. revenue rose 27% y-o-y to AED 335.4 mn during the quarter.

Bank of Sharjah has a new head of treasury

The Bank of Sharjah appointed Damian White (LinkedIn) as its new head of treasury, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). White has over 23 years of treasury and investment experience across Australia, Europe, and the Mena region, heading treasury at the National Australia Bank, Lehman Brothers, Al Rajhi Bank, Noor Bank, and GFH.

E& registered the world’s fastest recorded internet speed

Telecom provider e& registered the world’s fastest recorded speed of 30.5Gbps on its live 5G network, showcased at the Samena Leaders’ Summit 2024, Wam reports. The achievement paves the way for their 6G era by 2030.

The World Hydrogen 2024 Awards recognized Director at the Energy and Infrastructure Ministry, Nawal Al Hanaee as the “Hydrogen Person of the Year” for her significant contributions to the UAE's hydrogen industry, according to a ministry statement.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) received two awards from the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat for its Uptown Tower, including the award of excellence for best tall building and an award of excellence for construction, according to the Dubai Media Office. The 81-storey tower stands at 340 meters tall.

AD Ports to upgrade Bangladesh’s Chittagong ports

LOGISTICS-

AD Ports to upgrade Bangladesh’s Chittagong ports: AD Ports inked an MoU withBangladesh’s Chittagong Port Authority yesterday to explore the development and operation of the multi-purpose port in Chittagong, it said in a statement. The agreement seeks to ramp up trade volumes in Bangladesh, with 90% of Bangladesh’s international trade conducted through Chittagong ports.

SPACE-

The UAE's latest satellite, MBZ-SAT, is slated to be launched aboard a SpaceX rocket after October 2024, as approved by Dubai Crown Prince Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum during his visit to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Wam reports. Developed entirely by Emirati engineers, the satellite's final launch preparations will commence once the current environmental testing phase is completed.

TECH-

Data analytics firm Presight inked a partnership agreement to drive AI projects and integration forward in the region through cooperation on AI data securityand privacyaccording to a disclosure (pdf).

AVIATION-

#1- dnata to upgrade GSE fleet: Air travel services provider dnata signed agreements with eight international ground support equipment manufacturers valued at USD 210 mn to boost the efficiency of its global vehicle network at the Airport Show, according to a press release. The Emirates subsidiary has already committed USD 29 mn worth of orders, which will see it receive deliveries over the next five years. The contracts also include an agreement to invest USD 100 mn to upgrade its Dubai ground source equipment fleet.

#2- Indian national carrier IndiGo has launched daily flights to Chandigarh and Kannur in India, set to take off from Zayed International Airport, Wam reports. IndiGo also resumed daily operations to Lucknow.

#3- Emirates is set to resume flights to Nigeria starting 1 October with daily flights between Lagos and Dubai, it said in a statement. The airline’s SkyCargo division will also offer over 300 tonnes of bellyhold cargo capacity in and out of Lagos weekly, in a bid to support trade between the UAE and Nigeria.

BUSINESS-

New holding company Hattan established by Al Ghurair family: BusinessmenAbdul Aziz and Saood Al Ghurair have established a new holding company, Hattan, which will be the parent company of Masafi for beverages, real estate developer Ned Properties, and Raas Real Estate for leasing, along with a number of other companies in retail, real estate, and investment, Gulf News reports.

STARTUPS-

startAED+ DoH unveil healthcare startup incubator: Abu Dhabi-based accelerator startAD and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health (DoH) are launching a startup incubator geared at supporting healthcare and life sciences startups, dubbed HealthX, Wam reports. Over a two-year period, the program will offer the 30 startups training, personalized support, market insights, access to regulatory resources, collaborative research opportunities, business support, mentorship, and networking with key players like DoH, NMC Healthcare, Burjeel Holdings.

Now open for applications, the incubator will accept 30 global and local pre-seed to series B startups in the areas of healthcare, including genomics, neurodegenerative disease, advanced therapeutics, drug discovery, mental health, and assistive technology.

FINTECH-

London-based digital finance platform United Fintech expanded its presence in the UAE with a new DIFC office, according to a press release. United Fintech’s partner company, Athena, spearheaded the expansion given the UAE’s emerging role as a global fintech hub. Rasmus Bagger, CCO at United Fintech, will be in charge of the Dubai office's operations.

M&A-

Ajman’s government has raised its stake in Ajman Bank up to 26.2%, up from 28.4%, Argaam reports.

TRANSPORT-

#1- Abu Dhabi Mobility met with a delegation from the Zhuzhou Municipal Government to explore boosting cooperation on smart transport, according to a statement.

#2- Dubai Taxi has extended its operational agreement with taxi booking app Halafor an additional year, allowing it to maintain operational exclusivity for taxis on the Hala platform until the end of 2025, it said in a DFM disclosure (pdf). The updated agreement also includes upgrades to driver benefits and operational processes.

HEALTHCARE-

Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training has partnered with the Nafis Emiratisation program to train 450 Emirati women to work as nurses and emergency medical staff, according to a statement from the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

Chinese investment in north Africa, eastern Europe, central Asia more than double that of US and Germany combined

Chinese FDI accounted for almost 39% of the total greenfield investments in 2023of the 36 countries in which the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) operates, jumping up from 5.1% in 2022, the EBRD said in its latest Regional Economic Prospects report (pdf).

“China is dwarfing FDI from Germany and the US,” the EBRD’s chief economist Beata Javorick told the Financial Times. The world’s factory put forward more than twice as much investment last year than the US and Germany combined, who each accounted for less than 8% of total investment.

The sudden splurge in investment may be more about circumventing US trade barriers than anything else: “China has tried to diversify production locations in terms of potential trade barriers,” Javorick told the salmon-colored paper. The Biden administration continued ramped-up trade tariffs on Chinese goods inherited from the previous administration and this week imposed additional tariffs on a further USD 18 bn worth of Chinese imports.

MARKETS THIS MORNING-

Asia Pacific markets are mixed this morning ahead of key economic data from China, which came out shortly before we hit “send” on the issue this morning, and mulled Singapore non-oil exports data. Meanwhile, Wall Street futures are solidly in the green after the Dow Jones broke the 40,000 mark for the first time.

ADX	9,039	+0.2% (YTD: -5.6%)
DFM	4,085	-0.2% (YTD: 0.6%)
Nasdaq Dubai UAE20	3,510	-0.1% (YTD: -8.6%)
USD : AED CBUAE	Buy 3.67	Sell 3.67
EIBOR	5.0% o/n	5.5% 1 yr
TASI	12,198	+0.8% (YTD: +1.9%)
EGX30	26,142	+3.3% (YTD: +5.0%)
S&P 500	5,297	-0.2% (YTD: +11.1%)
FTSE 100	8,438	-0.1% (YTD: +9.1%)
Euro Stoxx 50	5,072	-0.6% (YTD: +12.2%)
Brent crude	USD 83.57	+0.4%
Natural gas (Nymex)	USD 2.51	+0.7%
Gold	USD 2,382	-0.2%
BTC	USD 65,208	-1.23% (YTD: +47.6%)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The ADX rose 0.2% yesterday on turnover of AED 1.1 bn. The index is down 5.6% YTD.

In the green: Foodco National Foodstuff (+12.5%), Agility Global (+7.0%) and Manazel (+4.5%).

In the red: Palms Sports (-10.0%), Aram Group (-7.4%) and Emirates Stallions Group (-3.8%).

Over on the DFM, the index fell 0.2% on turnover of AED 396.4 mn. Meanwhile Nasdaq Dubai closed down 0.1%.

CORPORATE ACTIONS-

Abu Dhabi National Takaful Co. approved a dividend payout of AED 31.5 mn for 2023, equivalent to 30 fils per share, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf).

Arab League calls for deployment of UN peacekeepers to Occupied Palestine

Arab League Summit calls for deployment of UN peacekeepers to occupied Palestine: Arab Leaders concluded discussions in yesterday’s Arab League Summit in Bahrain with a declaration calling for the deployment of UN peacekeepers in the occupied territories, and the “[convening of] an international conference under the auspices of the United Nations, to resolve the Palestinian issue on the basis of the two-state solution,” Wam reports. Aside from calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the forced displacement of the Gaza population, the declaration also addressed the situation in Libya, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

ALSO FROM THE SUMMIT- UAE, Kuwait talk boosting ties + Middle East tensions: Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met with newly appointed Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Sabah on the sidelines of the summit to discuss growing bilateral relations, according to the Dubai Media Office. The leaders discussed cooperating in new sectors and empowering the private sector in both countries.

UAE, Poland to ramp up economic relations: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development inked an agreement with the Polish province of Lubelski to promote trade and investment between the UAE and Poland, focusing on Abu Dhabi and the Lubelski District, according to an X post by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.

The agreement targets cooperation in food industries, machinery, cars, aviation, and information technology sectors, and will see a commercial representative office for Lubelski Governorate established in Abu Dhabi, Al Etihad reports. Poland’s Lubelski District will also organize economic missions and exhibitions to promote direct business activities with Emirati entrepreneurs.

OTHER DIPLOMACY NEWS-

Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Energy and InfrastructureMinistry Sharif Al Olama met with government officials and people in the private sector from Japan, Morocco, Oman, and the Netherlands to cooperate in clean energy and hydrogen on the sidelines of World Hydrogen 2024 summit. (Statement)

My Morning Routine: Alexander Koltsov, CEO of Amsaan Accessible Tours

Alexander Koltsov, CEO of Amsaan Accessible Tours: Each week, My Morning Routine looks at how a successful member of the community starts their day — and then throws in a couple of random business questions just for fun. Speaking to us this week is Alexander Koltsov (LinkedIn), CEO of Amsaan Accessible Tours. Edited excerpts from our conversation:

I’m Alexander Koltsov, the CEO of Amsaan Accessible Tours. I have a deep background in leisure, travel, and tourism, and I’m known for my expertise in negotiation, tour operations, and event management, with a focus on driving business development.

My role revolves around crafting our company’s tourist offerings, negotiating with service providers, and ensuring optimal prices. I lead the team and report to the board of directors, overseeing management and brand development. I focus on nurturing talent, driving performance, and ensuring our brand resonates not only with our client base but also with business representatives who are willing to open their doors to deaf travelers.

Amsaan Accessible Tours was born from firsthand experiences witnessing the challenges faced by deaf travelers. Our mission is to make travel accessible to everyone, without exception. We are already creating inclusive tours that are 100% guided by a deaf team using sign language. This makes travel for deaf tourists unforgettable, highly safe, and comfortable. On the other hand, we also raise society’s awareness of existing accessibility issues and the importance of barrier-free environments in the modern world.

Sustainable tourism is the biggest trend in the industry right now, captivating attention with initiatives to minimize environmental impact, promote cultural engagement, and support local economies, including eco-friendly accommodations and community-focused experiences.

My mornings kick off with a brisk walk or a quick workout to get my blood flowing and boost my energy levels. After that, I take a few moments for mindfulness or meditation to center myself and set a positive tone for the day ahead.

Afterward, I dive into my day by checking emails and reviewing my calendar to prioritize tasks. [I usually have a] cup of coffee or tea while I jot down the top three priorities for the day on a sticky note, keeping things focused and manageable. Once I’ve mapped out my morning tasks, I dive right in.

I try to limit distractions during this time to maintain momentum. Throughout the morning, I also make sure to take short breaks to stretch, hydrate, and recharge as needed.

By mid-morning, I’ve usually knocked out the most important items on my to-do list. This sets a positive tone for the rest of the day and gives me a sense of accomplishment. Before I dive into meetings or calls, I take a moment to review my goals so I can stay aligned with my

priorities.

A typical workday for me is a blend of strategic planning, collaboration, and proactive communication. I begin by reviewing my priorities and setting clear objectives for the day ahead. Throughout the day, I engage in strategic planning sessions to align our team’s efforts with our long-term goals and objectives.

Collaboration is key in my role, so I spend a significant portion of my day working closely with team members, brainstorming ideas, and problem-solving. Whether it’s developing new tour packages, refining our marketing strategies, or addressing operational challenges, I’m actively involved in finding solutions and driving progress.

Communication is at the core of everything we do, so I make sure to stay in constant contact with our team members, stakeholders, and partners. Whether it’s through meetings, emails, or calls, I ensure that everyone is on the same page and that we’re all working towards our shared vision.

As the day progresses, I also dedicate time to address any unexpected issues that may arise. By the end of the day, I take stock of our accomplishments and identify any areas for improvement. In the evenings, I enjoy quality time with family, cultural experiences like theater and concerts, travel adventures, and indulging in my hobby of numismatics.

What’s next for me? I’m committed to ongoing growth and development. I want to continue to explore opportunities for education, career advancement, and industry leadership, while staying updated on emerging trends and best practices.

I advise people to study foreign languages. This advice, received from a mentor, taught me the value of language skills in personal and professional growth.

CALENDAR

MAY

16-19 May (Thursday-Sunday): Acres Real Estate Exhibition, Dubai World Trade Centre.

18 May (Saturday): Expo 2020 Dubai Museum opening, Expo City Dubai.

18-26 May (Saturday-Sunday): Abu Dhabi Comedy Week, Abu Dhabi.

19 May (Sunday): InvestopiaEurope, Milan.

19 May (Sunday): RTA’s Deadline for bids to design and build Dubai Metro's Blue Line.

20-22 May (Monday-Wednesday): Middle East Petroleum & Gas Conference, Dubai.

20-21 May (Monday-Tuesday): The Global Prompt Engineering Championship, Dubai.

21-23 May (Tuesday-Thursday):International Exhibition for National Security & Resilience, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

24-25 May (Friday-Saturday): Baby Expo, Dubai World Trade Centre.

27-29 May (Monday-Wednesday): Arab Media Forum, Dubai.

30 May (Thursday):Abu Dhabi Family Office Summit, Saadiyat Rotana Resort, Abu Dhabi.

JUNE

1 June (Saturday): Deadline for TiE Women MENA Programme 2024 applications.

2-4 June (Sunday-Tuesday): The World Air Transport Summit and International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s annual general meeting, Dubai.

4-6 June (Tuesday-Thursday): The Hotel Show, Dubai World Trade Centre.

4-6 June (Tuesday-Thursday): INDEX, Dubai World Trade Centre.

4-6 June (Tuesday-Thursday): WORKSPACE, Dubai World Trade Centre.

4-6 June (Tuesday-Thursday): Leisure Show, Dubai World Trade Centre.

5 June (Wednesday): Deadline for Sidara to resubmit or withdraw its takeover bid to John Wood Group.

5 June (Wednesday): The Optimism Forum, Cairo, Egypt.

10 June (Monday) Alpha Dhabi holds shareholder vote on the sale of a 49% stake in Alpha Dhabi Construction to ADQ.

15 June (Saturday): Arafat day, national holiday.

16-18 June (Sunday-Tuesday): Eid Al-Adha, national holiday.

Signposted to happen sometime in 1H 2024:

Spinneys inaugurates its first store in KSA

JULY

7 July (Sunday): Islamic new year, national holiday.

AUGUST

21-22 August (Wednesday-Thursday): Dubai Business Forum in Beijing, China.

SEPTEMBER

9-11 September (Monday-Wednesday): World Utilities Congress, Abu Dhabi.

28-30 September (Saturday-Monday): World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) Biennial General Meeting, Abu Dhabi.

OCTOBER

30-1 November (Wednesday-Friday): World Cities Cultural Summit, Dubai.

NOVEMBER

11-14 November (Monday-Thursday): ADIPEC, Abu Dhabi.

11-14 November (Monday-Thursday): ADIPEC Maritime and Logistics Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi.

11-14 November (Monday-Thursday): ADIPEC Decarbonisation Accelerator, Abu Dhabi.

27-28 November (Wednesday-Thursday): RAK Energy Summit, Al Hamra International Exhibition and Conference Centre, Ras Al Khaimah.

DECEMBER

2-3 December (Monday-Tuesday): National Day, public holiday.

5-8 December (Thursday-Sunday): Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit.

9-10 December (Saturday-Sunday): The Bitcoin Mena Conference, Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi.

10-12 December (Tuesday-Thursday): Middle East Business Aviation, Dubai World Central.

Signposted to happen sometime before the end of the year:

Spinneys inaugurates three more stores in KSA

Signposted to happen in 2025:

6-11 April (Sunday-Friday): Geo-Spatial Week 2025, Dubai.
3-4 June (Tuesday-Wedneday): Make-A-Wish International’s Global Wish summit, Abu Dhabi.

Signposted to happen sometime in 2028:

Abu Dhabi to host the 47th Chess Olympiad

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