TRANSPORT-

AMH and AD ports Group partner up to launch first vertiport: Tech conglomerate Multi Level Group subsidiary The Advanced Mobility Hub (AMH) and AD Ports Group signed an agreement to launch the UAE's first pilot vertiport at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Port Zayed in a bid to boost air tours and logistics services using eVTOL aircraft, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

Remember: The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) granted operational approval for the country’s inaugural vertiport back in April, after publishing the world’s first national regulation related to vertiports — covering their design and operational requirements — in December 2022. The authority has since announced a plan to launch air taxis by 1Q 2026.

ALSO- Adnoc, AD Ports Group, AMH’s parent Multi Level Group, and e& signed a collaboration agreement to explore the use of eVTOLs in the logistics sector for cargo transport, according to a separate statement from the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The agreement will involve work from Multi Level Group subsidiaries under the Advanced Mobility Hub (AMH) umbrella, including Wings Logistics, who will provide drone services, Space Falcon for drone surveillance, and Vertihub and its subsidiary Unified Aviation for infrastructure operations and port audits, as well as ground support and operational services for airports.

TECH-

Abu Dhabi to boost cooperation with US tech giants: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Microsoft’s president Brad smith to discuss potential partnerships in AI, energy, and climate sectors, according to a statement from the Abu Dhabi Media Office. Held on the sidelines of the Enact Majlis, the meeting highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Adnoc, Masdar, G42, and Microsoft, to power Microsoft’s data centers with renewable energy.

State-owned AI firm G42 Chairman Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan also met with Google and Alphabet’s president Ruth Porat to discuss future partnerships aimed at driving digital transformation, focusing on the potential application of AI and advanced tech, Al Nahyan said in an X post.

Remember: Microsoft is a key AI partner for the UAE,  with the company investing USD 1.5 bn in G42, and pledging to set up artificial intelligence centers in Abu Dhabi.   

STARTUPS-

A new tech incubator in town: Tech startup incubator Soul launched in Umm Al Quwain FreeTrade Zone to back local and international entrepreneurs’ expansion across the UAE and GCC, according to a press release. Soul targets sectors like AI, blockchain, fintech, edtech, proptech, regtech, and robotics. The incubator’s services include mentorship, help with market access, minimum viable product validation, and access to funding channels.

AVIATION-

#1- Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) inked lease agreements with China’s Hainan Airlines for four new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, according to a press release. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 4Q 2025 and 1Q 2026.

#2- RoyalJet taps into Asian market: Abu Dhabi-based charter airline RoyalJets launched operations for its Bombardier Global 5000 (A6 RJD) aircraft from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in a bid to meet the growing demand for private charters in the Asia-Pacific region, according to a press release. The luxury aircraft accommodates up to 13 passengers.

MANUFACTURING-

Baker Hughes opens an SPC center in Abu Dhabi: US-based energy technology company Baker Hughes inaugurated a surface pressure control (SPC) headquarters and manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi, according to a press release. The facility — developed in collaboration with oilfield services firm Al Ghaith Energy — will provide equipment to clients in the Middle East and beyond and is expected to improve supply chain logistics, reduce shipping times, and create over 100 local jobs. The first product from the facility is slated to be delivered by the end of the year.

FX-

Multibank’s clients can now access trading accounts through Al Ansari’s branches: Foreign exchange company Al Ansari Exchange partnered with Multibank’s financial services arm MEX Global to enable Multibank’s customers to perform deposits and withdrawals from their trading accounts at Ansari’s 260 UAE-based branches, according to a DFM disclosure (pdf).

AUTOMOTIVE-

VentureOne launches platform for turning conventional vehicles autonomous: VentureOne, the Advanced Technology Research Council’s commercialization arm, launched the SteerAI mobility system which rewires traditional vehicles to become autonomous, according to a statement from VentureOne. The system, which will initially target vehicles in the logistics and defense sectors, includes hardware and software kits, as well as a fleet management platform.

ENERGY-

It’s a wrap on phase two of Snoc’s gas storage project in Moveyeid: Sharjah National Oil Corporation (Snoc) completed the second phase of its underground gas storage project in the Moveyeid field, Wam reports. The project’s pilot phase started in 2017, with the second phase kicking off in 2021 to expand storage capacity.

INVESTMENT-

Dubai Chambers signed an MoU with the Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC), offering tailored business setup support packages for companies attracted by Dubai Chambers, particularly those in cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, and gaming, according to Wam. Participating companies will also gain access to DMCC's knowledge series events and complimentary services from its compliance hub and tax clinics.

ELECTRICITY-

Telecom giant du launched a new initiative to recycle all lead-acid batteries used in its operations in partnership with Dubatt, the UAE's first battery recycling plant in Dubai Industrial City, according to a press release. The initiative aims to promote responsible resource management in the telecom sector and reduce emissions.

BUSINESS-

Global booking and business automation platform Altegio expanded its operations into the UAE, according to a press release. The platform offers over 30 management tools designed to automate up to 80% of business operations, including financial and inventory management tools, data analytics, and an online booking widget.

SUSTAINABILITY-

Gov’t buildings to cut energy, water use: The UAE's Energy Ministry inked an agreement with Germany’s Siemens to reduce energy and water consumption across federal buildings, Wam reports. Siemens will fund, install, test, and operate retrofit systems in buildings with high water and energy needs, aiming for a 27% reduction compared to the average use of the last three years.

AGRICULTURE-

Agro-food trader Invictus Investment Company expanded into Jordan, the Netherlands, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, according to a press release (pdf). The Dubai-based company also added two sunflower and rapeseed meal to its portfolio, bringing its total offerings to over 30 products.

ALSO- Invictus added Spain and Tunisia to its freight services network and registered its first export to Brazil.

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