FINTECH-

#1- Now Money strikes up two partnerships to provide financial services to GCC migrant workers: Dubai-based digital payroll fintech Now Money has inked two separate partnerships with payments provider Network International and Commercial Bank International (CBI) to provide accessible financial services to migrant workers in the GCC, according to a press release. Under its partnership with CBI, Now Money will use the bank’s banking infrastructure to expand its product offerings. The partnership with Network will see Now Money use Network’s payment processing platform to offer faster and more secure transactions for its users.

#2- Aramex SME merchants can now secure working capital financing within 48 hours via Mena revenue-based financing platform FlapKap, after Aramex inked an agreement with FlapKap to streamline logistics and operational processes for UAE-based SMEs, according to a pressrelease.

CAPITAL MARKETS-

#1- Global equity and brokerage firm Bernstein opened a new office in Dubai as part of its expansion in the region, Al Bayan reports. The expansion will be led by William Ashworth (LinkedIn), appointed as managing director of global execution sales, and Yasmine Rassem (LinkedIn), director of global research sales, according to Trade News. Bernstein plans to expand its coverage of MENA-listed equities beyond energy, financials, and logistics.

#2- The ADX and Armenia’s exchange link up: The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Armenia Securities Exchange (AMX) struck an agreement to boost cooperation, according to a statement on the AMX website. The ADX and AMX will collaborate on exchanging technology and trading best practices, offering investor education, and promoting market development.

The MoU also sets the AMX up to be integrated into ADX’s cross-market trading platform Tabadul, Wam reports. Tabadul already includes the ADX, Bahrain Bourse, Muscat Securities Market, Astana International Exchange, and most recently, Kazakhstan Stock Exchange.

CRYPTO-

Bybit to advise DMCC on crypto ecosystem: The Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) has extended its partnership with crypto exchange Bybit to July 2025 and tapped it for advisory services, according to a press release. Under the extended partnership, Bybit will act as DMCC’ ecosystem and advisory partner, providing guidance to the freezone’s crypto center towards achieving its goal of transforming Dubai into a crypto and Web3 hub. The partnership will see the two entities co-host two events in 2024: a global Web3 innovation hackathon and a conference to showcase the emirate’s leading role in the crypto space.

SUSTAINABILITY-

Etihad Rail launched a new Sustainable Finance Framework, crafted with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Standard Chartered Bank as key advisors and validated by Det Norske Veritas, Wam reports. The new framework ties future financing to ESG objectives, focusing on clean transportation, green buildings, and pollution control. It incorporates green loan and bond principles, sets fund allocation criteria, and establishes project evaluation and reporting mechanisms.

CUSTOMS-

Abu Dhabi Customs enhances inspection efficiency with AI: Abu Dhabi Customs has added AI-enabled inspection devices at Khalifa Port and Zayed Port, geared towards accelerating inspection processes and cutting customs clearance time, according to a statement. The new inspection equipment includes two devices for scanning bags and parcels, two devices for scanning containers and trucks at Khalifa Port, and one for scanning containers at Zayed Port, each with an operational capacity of 120 trucks per hour.

AVIATION-

dnata to deliver inflight catering for Thai Airways flights from Milan: Dubai-based air travel services provider dnata has secured a multi-year contract with Thai Airways to provide inflight catering for the airline’s flights from Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy to Bangkok, according to the Dubai Media Office. The agreement will see dnata prepare and supply over 200k meals annually for the daily flights.

BUSINESS-

AKM Global sets up shop in Dubai: Indian tax advisory and accounting firm AKM Global launched a new office in Dubai in a bid to expand in the Middle East following the UAE’s recent introduction of 9% corporate tax, it said in a statement. The office will offer taxation and advisory services, including expertise in international tax planning, transfer pricing, tax advisory services, and due diligence, with Yeeshu Sehgal (LinkedIn) leading operations.

MARITIME-

Dubai-based Grandweld Shipyards delivered its GrandSuperior design-based vessel, dubbed FNSA 7, to Fujairah National Shipping, according to a pressrelease. The vessel — which is equipped with a real-time remote monitoring system and digitalization package — aims to maximize operational effectiveness while minimizing environmental impact.

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