Adnoc to wrap up Fertiglobe acquisition this week

1

WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

THIS MORNING: AirCarbon Exchange exits Abu Dhabi + US approves potential USD 1.2 bn arms sale to UAE

Good morning, lovely people. We start the week with an M&A and investment-heavy issue as Adnoc gears up to close its acquisition of Fertiglobe this week. With all approvals secured, the acquisition will boost Adnoc’s stake in the ammonia-focused joint venture.

(Parenthetically” You can thank the Fertiglobe transaction for Friday’s bumper AED 14 bn turnover on the ADX, with 44 block trades of Fertiglobe shares accounting for nearly AED 13.3 bn worth of that figure.)

AND- DP World is moving forward with a GBP 1 bn investment at the London Gateway after resolving its dispute with UK officials. Further afield, Damac ramps up AI-driven investments, committing USD 1 bn to establish data centers in Thailand.

MEANWHILE- Happy Thanksgiving to our Canadian readers.

WEATHER- We’re in for another cloudy week, with the National Center of Meteorology forecasting (pdf) light to moderate winds over eastern and northern areas, along with a chance of rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday. Temperatures today will hit 39°C in Dubai, with an overnight low of 31°C, and 35°C in Abu Dhabi, before cooling to an overnight low of 31°C.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- US approves potential arms sale: The US State Department greenlit a sale of weapons to the UAE valued at up to USD 1.2 bn, Bloomberg reports. The package includes guided-rocket systems and long-range missiles along with training and support for both systems. Diplomats also signed off on a USD 1 bn sale to Saudi Arabia.

Remember: The UAE was designated a major US defense partner in September during President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s meeting with President Joe Biden. The two leaders discussed potential investments in US defense systems.

#2- AirCarbon Exchange to close Abu Dhabi operations: AirCarbon Exchange will close its Abu Dhabi operations on October 25, just a year after launching trading in the region, Bloomberg reports. The company will phase out its regulated exchange and clearing operations in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) but will retain its technology center and regional marketing team in the city, according to a company statement. ACX plans to refocus its efforts on Singapore, its headquarters.

The rationale: Low demand for carbon credits in the region, Bloomberg suggests, given there’s no regulatory imperative to buy emissions offsets and some companies remain concerned they’ll be accused of greenwashing if they go for voluntary purchases. Mubadala acquired a stake in ACX in November 2022.

#3- BRIEFLY NOTED-

UAE to invest in Nigeria’s tech startup scene? The UAE is considering partnering with the Nigerian government to invest in the sector, Nigerian newspaper Punch quotes Dubai Future Foundation CEO Khalfan Belhoul as having said.
Sovereign wealth fund Mubadala has trimmed its stake in Canadian gold miner Equinox Gold by more than half, retaining a 4.2% stake, Charlie Tian’s GuruFocus News reports. Mubadala invested USD 130 mn in Equinox Gold in 2019, acquiring 18% of the company.
e& UAE set a new global record as it hit an aggregated speed of 62 Gbps on its 5G-advanced network, Wam reports.

HAPPENING TODAY-

#1- Gitex Global kicks off today and runs through to Friday at the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Harbor. The event gathers leaders from large tech firms, as well as government representatives, emerging startups, investors, and corporate buyers to showcase the latest innovations in technology, including AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

#2- Happening alongside Gitex is Expand North Star, which kicked off yesterday and runs until Wednesday at the Dubai Harbor. The event will also include an AI startup competition — DMCC x AGCC: Global AI Challenge - Sustainability Edition — to identify innovative AI solutions that contribute to sustainability in the GCC region.

FintechSurge is also taking place alongside Gitex, bringing together over 12k investors and 100 exhibitors, serving as a platform for fintech firms to showcase their innovations. The Future Blockchain Summit is also taking place as part of the event until Wednesday.

#3- The IEEE /RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS2024) begins today and runs through Friday at Adnec Center Abu Dhabi — its first time in the Middle East. Hosted by Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the annual robotics conference will be attended by researchers, academics, and global industry professionals.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK-

#1- SuperBridge Summit will be held on 15-16 October at One Za’abeel in Dubai. Organized by the Dubai World Trade Center and Gitex, the event will gather business leaders, investors, and policymakers from Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East to discuss AI, innovation, and manufacturing in emerging markets.

#2- Minister of State for Entrepreneurship Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei is leading a UAE delegation to Japan this week to participate in the Ceatec exhibition from 15-18 October, according to a press release. On the agenda: entrepreneurship, SMEs, technology, and innovation.

#3- The Sharjah International Conference on AI & Linguistics will take place on Thursday and Friday at the American University of Sharjah.

DATA POINTS-

#1- The combined bottom line of the UAE's largest banks is projected to rise 10% y-o-y in 3Q 2024, hitting AED 15.9 bn, according to a CNBC Arabia survey of analysts. Emirates NBD is expected to lead the pack with an estimated AED 6 bn, followed by First Abu Dhabi Bank at AED 4 bn. ADIB (AED 2.3 bn), ADCB (2.07 bn) and Dubai Islamic Bank (AED 1.5 bn) will round out the top five.

#2- Some 45 new projects have launched in Abu Dhabi so far this year, Al Etihad reports, citing data from the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport’s Dari platform. The breakdown:

33 residential developments with a combined 9.3k residential units
12 are mixed-use projects.

The most-active developer: Aldar Properties, with eight projects and 3.3k residential units.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS-

#1- Dubai launches startup guide for entrepreneurs: The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy’s Dubai Startup Guide provides information on setting up businesses in the emirate, according to a Dubai Media Office statement.

#2- UAE residents will only be able to access the Human Resources and Emiratisation Ministry’s platforms through a UAE Pass account from 18 October, the ministry said in a post on X.

#3- Beneficiaries of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority loan programs can now digitally track construction progress and estimate costs on a new platform launched by Teyaseer, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The platform offers no-cost design tools to customize location, style, layout, and finishing options.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

It’s a quiet morning on global business front pages, but that should change as the week grinds on.

Is Trump just horsing around about allowing the greenback to weaken? A top Trump economic advisor says The Donald is merely posturing about weakening the USD and turning away from global trade. Hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, who some pundits think could be the Republican’s pick for Treasury Secretary, made the remarks in a conversation with the Financial Times, telling the salmon-colored paper that Trump wants the greenback to “remain the world’s reserve currency” and that he’s using the threat of tariffs “as a negotiating tactic.”

In security news: The US has sent Israel advanced anti-missile systems and 100 troops to ru

n them as tensions between Tel Aviv and Tehran continue to boil. In Asia, China has begun large military exercises around Taiwan — the war games come as observers spell out worries that disruptions to busy South China Seas shipping lanes could further snarl global shipping.

MORNING MUST READ- One of the world’s top AI researchers thinks “AI is as dumb as acat” — that current models are “far from rivaling the intelligence of our pets, let alone us.” Christopher Mims’ sit-down with the Meta researcher offers a broad and reasonably balanced view on the state of the art (and hysteria) about artificial intelligence.

SIGN OF THE TIMES- Global accounting giant EY is blaming a slump in private equity and M&A activity for its decision to delay “start dates for new graduates hired for its elite strategy adviser Parthenon” in the United States.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK internationally:

International Monetary Fund boss Kristalina Georgieva will speak this coming Thursday on the global economy and her organization’s priorities ahead of next week’s World Bank and IMF General Meetings, which formally get underway a week from today.
Interest rate watchers will keep a close eye on consumer inflation data from India (today), Canada (tomorrow), the UK (Wednesday), and Japan (Friday);
Turkey’s central bank will meet on Thursday to set interest rates. Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia do the same on Wednesday.
Earnings season continues, with major institutions set to report this week including Ashmore, Bank of America, Citi, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Blackstone, Netflix, and Schlumberger.

***

You’re reading EnterpriseAM UAE, your essential daily roundup of business, economics, and must-read news about the UAE, delivered straight to your inbox. We’re out Monday through Friday by 7am UAE time.

EnterpriseAM UAE is available without charge thanks to the generous support of our friends at Mashreq.

Were you forwarded this email? Tap or click here to get your own copy of EnterpriseAM UAE.

Want to send us a story idea, request coverage, ask for a correction, or otherwise get in touch? Reach out to us on UAE@enterpriseAM.com .

DID YOU KNOW that we also cover Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the MENA climate and logistics industries?

***

MARKET WATCH-

Opec+ is prioritizing high oil prices over market share amid weak demand and rising output from non-member oil producers, Salih Yilmaz, senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, told Asharq Business (watch, runtime, 8:28). Opec+ does not anticipate long-term market share issues as high-cost producers are expected to exit the market by 2030, Yilmaz said, nodding to share recently accumulated by US shale operations.

Survey insights: Some 70% of respondents see Opec+ maintaining its price-supporting strategy, while 72% do not expect Opec+ to pursue market share growth at the expense of prices into 2025, according to a recent Bloomberg Intelligence survey.

REMEMBER- Opec+ initially planned to start phasing out production cuts in October, but later scrapped the plans as the price of oil sagged. The UAE is set to raise production in 2025, after Opec+ granted it a higher production quota of 3.5 mn barrels per day in 2025, up from the current 2.9 mn.

What to watch for next: Oped will release its October oil market report today, while the IEA will follow suit tomorrow.

Adnoc gets approvals to acquire OCI Global’s stake in Fertiglobe

Adnoc to finalize Fertiglobe acquisition this week: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has secured all necessary approvals to acquire Netherlands-based chemical producer OCI Global’s 50% +1 stake in their joint venture Fertiglobe, it said in an ADX disclosure (pdf). The transaction, which was originally unveiled in December 2023, is now set to close on Tuesday, 15 October, after which Fertiglobe’s management plans to host a conference call for investors and analysts to outline future growth strategies.

Background: The two companies signed a binding agreement for the sale of OCI’s stake in Fertiglobe in December. The transaction will see Adnoc’s stake in Fertiglobe increase to 86.2%, with the remaining in freefloat on the ADX. Fetiglobe shares were priced at an 8% premium at the time at AED 3.20 (c.USD 0.87) per share. The company’s stock closed last week at AED 2.73, up 10.1%.

Fertiglobe is positioning itself as a major global ammonia player: Fertiglobe sent the world’s first ISCC PLUS-certified green ammonia shipment to India from its electrolyzer facility in Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone in December. The company recently secured a EUR 397 mn offtake agreement from the German government’s H2Global program to supply green ammonia to the EU from its Egyptian facilities between 2027 and 2033, and signed a shareholder agreement to construct a facility to produce some 1 mn tons of low-carbon ammonia annually in the UAE alongside Adnoc-ADQ JV Ta’ziz, GS Energy, and Mitsui. The company is currently studying another green hydrogen project in the UAE in collaboration with Masdar and Engie.

It’s likely not the end of the Adnoc / OCI partnership: They’re reportedly exploring the import and distribution of ammonia in the EU and are also looking into joint investments in North America.

DP World to commit GBP 1 bn to London Gateway after resolving UK spat

DP World’s UK row resolved: DP World will confirm at a London investment conference today that it is committing GBP 1 bn (c. USD 1.3 bn) in investments to the DP World-operated London Gateway, Bloomberg reports, citing a source familiar with the matter.

What happened? A report on Friday had said DP World was putting the plan on hold after UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner criticized the port operator’s employment practices and called for a boycott of DP World subsidiary P&O Ferries.

Starmer walks it back: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer rebuked Haigh and Rayner, saying theirs was not “the view of the government” — and DP World welcomed the PM’s intervention. “Following constructive and positive discussions with the government, we have been given the clarity we need,” DP World said in a statement on Saturday.

A boon for London Gateway’s operations: London Gateway — which boasts three berths with a four set to open within weeks — would see the addition of two more berths, increasing the port’s capacity by 50% and bringing DP World’s total workforce there to 1.6k from 1.2k. The expansion would strengthen London Gateway’s position to take over Felixstowe as the UK’s busiest container facility by 2030.

BACKGROUND- DP World is investing AED 2.1 bn to expand London Gateway, Dubai’s First Deputy Ruler Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said in a statement back in August. Construction work on the London Gateway expansion project — which will handle around 55% of the UK’s Southeast cargo — launched nearly two years ago.

Damac’s Edgnex commits USD 1 bn for Thailand data centers

Damac ramps up AI investments in Thailand: Dubai-based conglomerate Damac Group will invest some USD 1 bn in data centers in Thailand through its unit Edgnex, Bloomberg reports, citing a company statement. The company first telegraphed the move back in June.

The details: The investment will be funneled into three to four data center projects, which Edgnex will carry out through a joint venture with Thai data service provider Proen Corp. The first of the data centers is slated to go online in downtown Bangkok by March 2025, launching with an initial capacity of 5 MW, with plans to expand to 20 MW.

Driving the investment: Damac sees growing demand for data center capacity after the Thai government beefed up digital economy initiatives. “As the demand is cooking up and growing, we will be looking to launch [AI infrastructure in the region] — it’s a gradual process,” Damac founder Hussain Sajwani told the business information service.

Damac has more planned for Thailand: It has pipeline of some 100 MW of future data center capacity, Sajwani said, adding that potential clients could include hyperscalers, AI-related businesses, and government agencies. Damac also plans to invest in high-end residential projects in Thailand.

Data centers have been on Damac’s radar: The conglomerate said in June that it plans to invest USD 1 bn in data centers through Edgnex over the next few years in response to the global demand for digital infrastructure. Sticking to its promise, the company officially earmarked the amount a month later in July.

Edgnex has been busy: Edgnex is investing some USD 600 mn in data centers in Saudi Arabia, split between Dammam and Riyadh, slated to go online next year. It also signed an MoU with Salam, Cinturion, and Jeddah’s Emaar, the Economic City to develop a digital infrastructure hub in the city. The company also earmarked USD 100 mn alongside telecoms operator Vodafone Turkey to establish a new 6 MW data center in Izmir, Turkey, also set to go online next year.

UAE Cabinet gives a green light to international AI policy

The UAE Cabinet approved the country’s international policy on artificial intelligence, according to a Cabinet Affairs Ministry statement.

In a nutshell: The policy is designed to ensure that the UAE actively helps shape global standard and guidelines for the industry on everything from joint research and responsible use to sanctions for countries that create harmful or destabilizing AI tools.

The country has been pursuing the policy all year long, with AI Minister Omar Al Olama having planted a flag back in February when he said the UAE is going to emerge as the world’s hub for pragmatic AI regulation. Cabinet also approved a new AI charter on the ethical use of AI last June.

More on Etihad’s plan capture long-haul market share. Plus: Lunate, infrastructure, and mn’aires.

It was a relatively busy weekend for the UAE in the global press.

UP FIRST- The Financial Times looked into Etihad Airways’ plan to capitalize on Dubai Airport’s congestion to drive more long-haul flights to its Abu Dhabi home base, especially with Emirates’ executives announcing running out of space there. FT interviewed Etihad’s chief executive Antonoaldo Neves on the airline’s future operational plans and potential IPO.

The salmon-coloured paper also dove into recent developments at Abu Dhabi-based asset manager Lunate, which has already committed some USD 5 bn worth of capital this year to a range of investments. The company plans to deploy between USD 8 to 10 bn annually and recently acquired a minority stake in US healthcare firm Linden Capital Partners. The piece also touches on Lunate’s plans to potentially acquire a stake in US-based private credit firm HPS Investment Partners.

SOUND SMART- Lunate, set up in January, manages money for UAE sovereign fund ADQ, among others. It is owned by Royal Group’s Chimera Investments and its three managing partners.

ALSO- A Bloomberg Opinion column tracks the UAE’s success in capturing a significant share of the mn’aires leaving the UK, China, and India. Some 6.7k mn’aires will move to the UAE this year, by one estimate, prompting the columnist to wonder whether talk of an exit tax on wealthy folks leaving the UK could become part of the public conversation.

AND- Bloomberg’s CityLab writes that “ Dubai’s allure to expats is weighing on the city’s infrastructure,” noting that some 400k people have moved here since the pandemic. That’s putting pressure on schools, roads, and public transport, the authors write.

Mashreq launches digital platform for Kuwaiti corporates

BANKING-

Our friends at Mashreq launched Mashreq Neo Corp , a new digital banking platform for corporate clients in Kuwait, offering cash management solutions as well as import and export trade services, according to a press release. The platform also allows integration with businesses’ customer apps, e-commerce websites, supply chains, and industry ecosystems through web banking, APIs, and cloud-based architecture.

NEO CORP set to hit more of the Gulf: Mashreq said it plans to roll out the digital banking platform across other Gulf countries in the coming months.

RAIL-

Hafeet Rail inked a contract with Progress Rail for 27 state-of-the-art heavy-haul freight locomotives for the Oman-UAE railway project, according to a press release. Progress is a subsidiary of US-based Caterpillar.

Details: The locomotives are designed for the region’s harsh environment. Each train will span c. 2 km and be configurable to transport freight cargo, including bulk materials, containers, petrochemicals, metallic products, and other industrial goods.

AND- Hafeet tapped Systra for project consultancy: Hafeet enlisted French engineering and consultancy firm Systra to deliver engineering and administrative consultancy services for the project, Wam reports. Systra will provide technical support, which includes managing contracts, and monitoring contractor and supplier performance. Systra is also tasked with supervising all phases of project execution.

BACKGROUND: Hafeet Rail secured USD 1.5 bn in debt financing last week from a consortium of banks to support the railway project.

FINANCE-

UK-based asset manager Gemcorp Capital has received regulatory approval to operate in the Abu Dhabi Global Market, it said in a statement. Gemcorp to double down on emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The company was said in March to be looking to open a regional office here.

MOVES- Lord Edward Udny-Lister, the former chief of staff at 10 Downing Street, will be chair of the new Abu Dhabi entity, while Gaj Wallooppillai (LinkedIn) will serve as head of Middle East.

LOGISTICS-

Agility Logistics Parks to expand Riyadh operations: A subsidiary of the ADX-listed logistics firm Agility Global is gearing up for a SAR 250 mn (AED 245 mn) expansion at Agility Logistics Parks’ warehousing complex in Riyadh, according to a disclosure to the ADX. The expansion will add 100k sq m of storage capacity to the complex, bringing its total available space to 551k sqm. The first phase of the expansion will be operational in 1Q 2025.

TRADE-

Dubai, Turkish commerce chambers partner to boost cross-border trade: Dubai International Chamber signed seven MoUs with several industrial and commercial chambers in Turkey to launch trade missions and business events to attract businesses in both regions, Wam reports. The agreements, which came during the UAE’s trade mission in Turkey, also cover exchanging information and mulling potential cooperation in business and investment policies.

CRYPTO-

OKX launches in UAE with AED banking access for crypto trading: Crypto exchange OKX launched services in the UAE, offering AED banking access for spot trading and other crypto services, the company said in a press release. The platform, which recently secured a full operating license, is now available to both retail and institutional investors.

TRANSPORT-

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority awarded a AED 600 mn contract for the Oud Metha and Al Asayel road upgrade, part of the Sheikh Rashid Corridor project, Wam reports. The successful bidder was not named. The project aims to improve traffic flow and connectivity by constructing four intersections, 4.3 km bridges, and 14 km roads. By 2030, the corridor will serve over 420k people, increase Oud Metha street’s capacity by 50%, and cut travel time by 75%, the state news agency said.

FOOD-

UAE to host the Middle East's Regional Center of Excellence for Transforming Food Systems: The UAE will host the first Regional Center of Excellence for Transforming Food Systems in the Middle East, supported by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UAE's Climate Change Ministry, according to a press release (pdf). This initiative aims to bolster food security across the region.

Middle East private equity and venture capital investments surge in 3Q 2024

Middle East private equity and venture capital investments hit USD 2.3 bn in 3Q 2024 surpassing the previous quarter’s USD 2.2 bn, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data. The third-quarter figure is also nearly double the USD 1.2 bn in PE and VC investments across the region in 1Q 2024. However, 2024 is expected to fall short of last year's USD 11.6 bn, due to ongoing regional conflicts, S&P said.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

Where the money has been flowing: Israel led the region with 150 transactions, followed by the UAE (70), and Saudi Arabia (47).

The UAE locked in two of the largest agreements this year: Lunate and Olayan Financing’s USD 735 mn acquisition of a 49% stake in ICD Brookfield Place. Additionally, Silver Rock Group invested USD 325 mn in UAE-based generative AI firm Pathfinder Global.

Also on the list of the top 10 investments of the year: Apollo Global Management’s USD 600 mn investment in Vale Oman Distribution Center (Oman); Gulf Islamic Investment’s USD 160 mn investment in Abeer Medical (Saudi Arabia); MNT-Halan’s USD 157.5 mn funding round (Egypt); and e-commerce app Salla’s USD 130 mn pre-IPO round (Saudi Arabia).

The standout sectors: Technology, media, and telecommunications led with USD 2.2 bn in investments across 124 agreements, followed by real estate (USD 752 mn) and industrial sectors (USD 741 mn).

Renewable energy investments have particularly slowed as regional instability and challenges in green hydrogen and carbon capture projects deter investors. “[The] future of hydrogen is limited by time and cost because its main application is in hard-to-abate industries like aviation, shipping and manufacturing of steel and cement,” Ian Palmer, an oilfield engineer and partner at Higgs-Palmer Technologies, wrote in an email to Market Intelligence.

MARKETS THIS MORNING-

Asian markets are mixed this morning as investors digest a weekend briefing from China’s finance ministry at which officials said they would “significantly increase” government debt issuances. Finance Minister Lan Foan was light on detail that investors hoped would make it easier to quantify how Beijing planned to bolster its growth outlook.

Futures suggest US equities may come under a bit of selling pressure at the opening bell, as will the FTSE 100 and Euro Stoxx 50. The big catalyst for share movement this week: Sentiment attendant to earnings season…

ADX	9,261	+0.1% (YTD: -3.3%)
DFM	4,441	+0.1% (YTD: +9.4%)
Nasdaq Dubai UAE20	3,754	-0.2% (YTD: -2.3%)
USD : AED CBUAE	Buy 3.67	Sell 3.67
EIBOR	4.6% o/n	4.2% 1 yr
TASI	12,069	+0.6% (YTD: +0.9%)
EGX30	29,954	-2.6% (YTD: +20.3%)
S&P 500	5,815	+0.6% (YTD: +21.9%)
FTSE 100	8,254	+0.2% (YTD: +6.7%)
Euro Stoxx 50	5,004	+0.7% (YTD: +10.7%)
Brent crude	USD 79.04	-0.5%
Natural gas (Nymex)	USD 2.63	-1.6%
Gold	USD 2,676	+1.4%
BTC	USD 62,718	-0.5% (YTD: +49.2%)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The DFM rose 0.1% on Friday on turnover of AED 250.3 mn. The index is up 9.4% YTD.

In the green: Dubai Ins. Co. (+15%), National General Ins. Company (+15%) and Emirates Reem Investments Company (+14.8%).

In the red: Ekttitab Holding Company (-3.2%), Amlak Finance (-2.0%) and Al Salam Sudan (-2.0%).

Over on the ADX, the index rose 0.1% on turnover of AED 14.3 bn. Meanwhile Nasdaq Dubai closed up 0.1%.

CALENDAR

OCTOBER

7-14 October (Sunday-Monday): ADNH Catering’s retail subscription period.

7-15 October (Sunday-Tuesday): ADNH Catering’s institutional subscription period.

13-16 October (Sunday-Wednesday): DMCCxAGCC: Global AI Challenge *Sustainability Edition, Dubai.

13-16 October (Sunday-Wednesday): Expand North Star, Dubai Harbour.

13-16 October (Sunday-Wednesday): Fintech Surge, Dubai Harbour.

13-16 October (Sunday-Wednesday): Future Blockchain Summit, Dubai Harbour.

14-18 October (Monday-Friday): IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, Adnec Centre, Abu Dhabi.

14-18 October (Monday-Friday): Gitex Global, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Harbour.

15-16 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): SuperBridge Summit 2024, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.

16 October (Wednesday): ADNH Catering’s final share price to be announced.

18-19 October (Friday-Saturday): World Biohack Summit 2024, JW Marriott, Dubai Marina.

20-23 October (Sunday-Wednesday): The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi.

20-24 October (Sunday-Thursday): The NBE Egyptian Super Cup, Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium and Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

21-22 October (Monday-Tuesday): Port Development MEA Forum, Dubai.

21-22 October (Monday-Tuesday): Roads, Bridges, Tunnels MENA Conference, Dubai.

21-22 October (Monday-Tuesday): The Alternative Investment Summit, Dubai.

23 October (Tuesday): ADNH Catering’s shares begin trading on ADX.

24 October (Thursday): Game Changers - Dubai Real Estate Summit, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai.

24-27 October (Thursday-Sunday): International Sports Medicine Conference, Dubai.

26 October (Saturday): UFC 308: TOPURIA vs HOLLOWAY, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi.

26-27 October (Saturday-Sunday): International Conference on Tourism, Transport, and Logistics, Dubai.

27-30 October (Sunday-Wednesday): IEEE - International Conference on Image Processing, Adnec Centre, Abu Dhabi.

28-29 October (Monday-Tuesday): MENA Climate Proof Forum, Dubai.

29-31 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Sharjah International Conference in Biotechnology (SICBiotech), University of Sharjah.

29 October-2 November (Tuesday-Saturday): Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week, Abu Dhabi.

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

30 October (Wednesday): Connected Construction Conference, Museum of the Future, Dubai.

30-31 October: Sixth edition of Binance Blockchain Week, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai.

NOVEMBER

3-10 November (Sunday-Sunday): Dubai Premier Padel P1, Dubai Dutyfree Tennis Stadium, Dubai.

4-7 November (Monday-Thursday): Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC), Abu Dhabi.

4-7 November (Monday-Thursday): ADIPEC Maritime and Logistics Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi.

4-7 November (Monday-Thursday): ADIPEC Decarbonisation Accelerator, Abu Dhabi.

5-7 November (Tuesday-Thursday): 2024 EMEA Stakeholder Conference, Dubai.

6 November (Friday): World Finance Forum, Dubai.

6-8 November (Friday-Sunday): UAE BioTech Symposium, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.

6-17 November (Friday- Sunday) Sharjah International Book Fair, Expo Center Sharjah, Sharjah.

11 November (Monday): Dubai Diamond Conference, Jafza One Convention Centre, Dubai.

11-12 November (Monday-Tuesday): META Cinema Forum, Dubai.

13 November (Wednesday): Registration deadline for Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy’s App Olympics.

13-14 November (Wednesday-Thursday): Lease Conference Dubai 2024, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Dubai.

15 November (Friday): Tax amendments that exempt crypto and investments through fund managers from VAT to take effect.

18-20 November (Monday-Wednesday): Fastmarkets Middle East Iron & Steel 2024, Dubai.

19-20 November (Tuesday-Wednesday): Dubai Future Forum.

20-22 November (Wednesday-Friday): Xpanse Abu Dhabi, Adnec Centre, Abu Dhabi

22-23 November (Friday-Saturday): Global Meet on Electronics & Electrical Engineering (GMEEE), Dubai.

22-24 November (Friday-Sunday): Michelin Guide Food Festival, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.

23 November (Saturday): Wireless Festival Middle East, Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi.

23-24 November (Saturday-Sunday): Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, SailGP Race Stadium.

26-27 November (Tuesday-Wednesday) Global Food Security Summit, Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi.

26-28 November (Tuesday-Thursday) Global Media Congress 2024, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

26-29 November (Tuesday-Friday): Big 5 Global, Dubai World Trade Centre.

26-27 November (Tuesday-Wednesday): Global Women’s Forum Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

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

28 November-1 December (Thursday-Sunday): Spartan World Championship, Al Wathba Desert, Abu Dhabi.

30 November (Saturday): Football Legends Cup, Al Maktoum Stadium Al Nasr Sports Club, Dubai.

Signposted to happen ahead of ADIPEC:

Changemakers Majlis, Abu Dhabi.

DECEMBER

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

4-5 December (Wednesday-Thursday): Sport Impact Summit, The Palm, Dubai.

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

8-12 December (Sunday-Thursday): International Desalination and Reuse Association World Congress, Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi.

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

9-12 December (Monday-ThursdayTuesday): Abu Dhabi Finance Week, Abu Dhabi.

9-12 December (Monday-Thursday): World Conference on Desalination and Water Re-use 2024, Adnec Centre, Abu Dhabi.

9-12 December (Monday-Thursday): IEEE International Conference on Data Mining 2024, Adnec Centre, Abu Dhabi.

10-12 December (Tuesday-Thursday): Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA Conference), Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

10-12 December (Tuesday-Thursday): The Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association Show, Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai.

11-13 December (Wednesday-Friday): European-Arab Medical Congress, Abu Dhabi.

14-21 December (Saturday-Saturday): World Schools Festival, Abu Dhabi

16-20 December (Monday-Friday): AIMS Conference 2024, Adnec Centre, Abu Dhabi.

6 December-12 January: Dubai Shopping Festival.

Signposted to happen sometime in December:

UAE-China Summit, Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, Abu Dhabi.

JANUARY 2025

1 January (Wednesday): ADGM to slash licensing fees for retail and non-financial firms, and hike fees for finance firms.

9-13 January (Thursday-Monday): International Renewable Energy Agency Youth Forum, Abu Dhabi.

11-13 January (Saturday-Monday): International Renewable Energy Agency Assembly, Abu Dhabi.

14-16 January (Tuesday-Thursday): World Energy Summit, Abu Dhabi.

14-16 January (Tuesday- Thursday): The Light + Intelligent Building Middle East exhibition, Dubai.

20-22 January (Saturday-Monday): FESPA Middle East, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.

FEBRUARY 2025

1-8 February (Saturday-Saturday): The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, Zayed Sports City's International Tennis Centre.

2-3 February (Sunday-Monday): L’Etape Dubai cycling race, Dubai.

3-6 February (Monday-Thursday): Medlab Middle East, Dubai World Trade Center.

16 February-1 March: Dubai Dutyfree Tennis Championships, Dubai Dutyfree Tennis Stadium in Al Garhoud.

24-25 February (Monday-Tuesday): World Passenger Experience Forum, Dubai.

24-26 February (Monday-Wednesday): Connecting Hydrogen MENA, Dubai.

Signposted to happen sometime in 1Q 2025:

The first eight fronds of the Palm Jebel Ali will be site-ready, allowing for the commencement of villa infrastructure and civil works.

APRIL 2025

6-11 April (Sunday-Friday): Geo-Spatial Week 2025, Dubai.

7-9 April (Monday-Wednesday): AIM Investment Summit, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center

14-16 April (Monday-Wednesday): Dubai Woodshow’s 21st Edition, Dubai World Trade Center

14-16 April (Monday-Wednesday): IPS congress, Dubai World Trade Center.

16-18 April (Wednesday-Friday): World Future Energy Summit,Abu Dhabi National Exhibition, Abu Dhabi.

28 April-1 May (Monday-Thursday): The Arabian Travel Market 2025, Dubai World Trade Center

Signposted to happen sometime in April:

Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi

MAY 2025

6-7 May (Tuesday-Wednesday): Global Ports Forum, Dubai.

26-28 May (Monday-Wednesday): Arab Media Summit, World Trade Center, Dubai.

OCTOBER 2025

27-29 October (Monday-Wednesday): Asia Pacific Cities Summit, Dubai Exhibition Center.

Signposted to happen sometime in 2025:

The Middle East Electric Vehicle Show, Expo Center Sharjah.
e& will complete Adnoc’s private 5G network.
Executive Committee Meeting (EXCOM 2025) conference of the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organisation (WeGO)
The International Civil Aviation Organization’s Global Implementation Support Symposium, Abu Dhabi.

Signposted to happen sometime in the fall of 2025:

2025 Games of the Future, Dubai.

Signposted to happen sometime in 2026:

The UAE to host the Arab Competition Forum
Dubai to host the Arab Actuarial Conference
United Nations Water Conference 2026, UAE

Signposted to happen sometime in 2028:

Abu Dhabi to host the Chess Olympiad.

Signposted to happen sometime in 2029:

Dubai to host the International Conference on Computer Vision.

Sections

About

Privacy & Support

Get EnterpriseAM daily