EDUCATION-

The UAE launches its first PPP-built schools in Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio) inaugurated three schools in Zayed City that were built under a public-private partnership (PPP) model for the first time in the UAE, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The K-12 schools, which have a capacity for nearly 5.4k students, were built by a consortium led by Australian investor Plenary Group and Belgian construction firm Besix Group.

Adio has more educational PPP projects in the works: Adio and Khalifa University of Science and Technology awarded a student accommodation project in July to KUnnected Living, a consortium led by Plenary Group, Besix, and Abu Dhabi-based investor Mazrui International. The project is the largest student accommodation project in the GCC developed under a PPP model.

LOGISTICS-

China’s ZPMC supplying AD Ports with equipment for Angola + Congo terminals: Abu Dhabi Ports Group awarded China’s Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries AED 420 mn supply contracts for new crane equipment to be deployed at its Republic of Congo New East Mole Terminal in Pointe Noire and Angola Luanda Terminal, according to a statement.

Background: AD Ports Group inked a 30-year concession agreement with the Republic of the Congo to manage and operate the multipurpose New East Mole Terminal at Congo’s The firm also secured a 20-year concession with Angola’s Luanda Port Authority in April to operate and upgrade the Luanda multipurpose port terminal. AD Ports’ concession at the terminal is extendable for a further 10-year period.

EVs-

China’s Newrizon partners with Savvy to facilitate its entry into the Middle East: Chinese electric truck manufacturer Newrizon plans to expand into Middle East markets through its partnership with Abu Dhabi-based mobile EV charging solutions provider Savvy Charging Technologies, which aims to integrate its charging specifications into Savvy’s charging network, according to a statement.

ESPORTS-

US-based esports coaching platform Gosu Academy launched its services in the UAE, expanding its presence in the Middle East after its Saudi launch, according to a statement. Gosu was established in 2021 and has trained over 14k students to date.

CAPITAL MARKETS-

Naqdi secures SCA’s license: UAE-based trading platform Naqdi Securities andCurrencies Brokers obtained a license from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), allowing it to expand its product offerings and its client base, according to a statement.

REAL ESTATE-

Abu Dhabi to get its first W Hotels: Taraf Holding, the real estate development arm of Yas Holding, partnered with Marriott International to launch W Residences Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island, the first W Hotels -branded residence in the emirate, a statement showed.

TOURISM-

Healthtrip expands into the UAE: UK-based medical tourism platform Healthtrip launched its services in the Middle East with new offices in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, according to a statement. Backed by several UAE investors including Humania Capital, D-One Investment, and NB Ventures, Healthtrip has partnered with 1.5k hospitals globally and has served over 65k customers from 38 countries.

ECOMMERCE-

Dubai CommerCity signed an MoU with eBay allowing e-commerce businesses in the freezone to access eBay’s marketplace, connecting them with 132 mn buyers across 190 countries, according to a Dubai Media Office statement. The partnership aims to boost the supply of high-demand products from the UAE, such as auto parts and luxury goods. In addition, eBay will roll out training programs and workshops for businesses, as well as a complimentary three-month eBay Basic store subscription.

FINTECH-

Digital assets exchange application Fasset launched Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain for real world asset ownership, called IOWN, supporting a range of real world assets, including commodities, real estate, stocks, and bonds, according to a press release. The platform will serve as a primary blockchain for Web3 Islamic finance projects from the Islamic Digital Assets Center at Labuan International Business and Financial Center, aiming to democratize access to finance by targeting 30 mn asset owners in emerging markets by 2030.

ICYMI- Fasset went live in the UAE in April after the company was granted a Virtual Asset Service Provider license by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.

DEBT-

PDS taps HSBC Middle East for a credit facility to accelerate its sustainability goals: Indian fashion infrastructure firm PDS inked a five-year agreement with Dubai-based HSBC Bank Middle East for a trade financing facility focusing on sustainable finance goals, according to a statement (pdf). The facility incorporates environmental targets, including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater consumption, with sustainability key performance indicators standardized and approved in both the UAE and Hong Kong.

MANUFACTURING-

Habib Rice sets up shop in Sharjah: Pakistani manufacturer of rice-based starch sugar and proteins Habib Rice Products launched a new subsidiary in the Sharjah Airport International Freezone, according to a statement.

SUSTAINABILITY-

Clean Rivers teams up with UNDP to clean Indonesian rivers: UAE-based non-profit Clean Rivers partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to remove 5k tons of plastic from six Indonesian rivers over three years, according to a statement. Funded by Clean Rivers through a USD 20 mn UAE pledge, the project aims to boost waste management in Java and Bali.

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