INVESTMENT-

ADIB Capital launches European logistics-focused fund: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s (ADIB) asset management arm ADIB Capital launched a new Sharia-compliant investment vehicle for logistics assets across Germany and Western Europe, according to a press release. The ADIB European Logistics Fund I will focus on ESG-compliant logistics infrastructure, including warehouses. The size of the fund was not disclosed.

INFRASTRUCTURE-

The UAE has some AED 421 mn worth of water-saving projects underway across the country, including the construction of 20 new water facilities and expansions of three existing dams in 12 areas, Khaleej Times reports, citing details disclosed during the latest Federal National Council’s (FNC) session. The projects mark the first phase of an initiative to develop water-saving infrastructure, focusing on the eastern and northern coastal regions, after unprecedented rains in April last year.

How it’s going: Three specialized consultants were appointed to study the basins along the northern and eastern coasts to assess hydrological conditions, FNC member Naema Al Sharhan said. The study aims to develop innovative solutions to mitigate flood damage — including sustainable water facilities such as dams, water barriers, canals, and lakes.

STARTUPS-

#1- Mintiply Capital + Fuel Venture Capital team up to back early-stage startups in the UAE: Homegrown advisory firm Mintiply Capital partnered with US-based Fuel Venture Capital to launch a special purpose vehicle (SPV) targeting early-stage startups in the GCC region, with a focus on the UAE, according to a press release.

#2- Farm To Plate expands into Eswatini: Dubai-based agri-tech firm Farm To Plate partnered with the Royal Science and Technology Park in Eswatini to modernize the Southern African country’s agri-food sector with advanced supply chain tools, marking its first venture into Eswatini, according to a statement from the Dubai International Chamber.

MARITIME-

Dubai saw its first liquified natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation, which was carried out by the Dubai Ports Authority, for a cruise ship at Dubai Harbor, according to the Dubai Media Office. The emirate is currently developing a fuel bunkering regulation for port operators and LNG suppliers, and aims to expand alternative fuel bunkering services across the emirate, the authority’s CEO Ibrahim Al Blooshi said.

TRANSPORT-

China’s Keeta Drones and the UAE’s Civil Aviation Authority are working together to assess drone operation zones for delivery services, including infrastructure, airspace, and safety requirements, according to a statement. The authority will support Keeta Drones by coordinating with government entities to speed up the establishment of new drone flight paths.

REMEMBER- Keeta Drones helped launch the Middle East’s first drone delivery system at Dubai Silicon Oasis last month, along with the Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, and Dubai Future Foundation.

E-COMMERCE-

Users of MEA-focused commerce automation platform Apaya will now be able to access Telr’s payment solutions following its integration into Apaya’s no-code platform, according to a statement from Apaya. The move will allow merchants to use Telr’s anti-fraud tools, in addition to intelligent routing and next-day settlement.

LOGISTICS-

Aramex adds electric trucks to its fleet: Aramex deployed the first commercial electric trucks in the UAE in partnership with Admiral Mobility, adding a fleet of eight-ton Farizon electric trucks, according to a press release. Aramex previously added e-bikes and electric vans to its last-mile delivery fleet in the UAE in a bid to make 98% of its fleet EVs by 2030.

CLIMATE FINANCE-

UAE to back climate efforts in Brazil: The UAE pledged USD 40 mn to support environmental programs in Brazil, through the Erth Zayed Philanthropies, state news agency Wam reports. The funding will target projects aimed at boosting sustainable livelihoods for indigenous communities in the Amazon and addressing plastic pollution. Contributions come from key UAE entities, including the Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable Foundation, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, and Clean Rivers.

Background: President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan launched the Erth Zayed Philanthropies in October to support humanitarian and philanthropic efforts that support livelihoods, sustainable development, and social and environmental improvements.

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