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Agriculture
Electronics manufacturer Maser Group deepens UAE presence in Africa with USD 1.6 bn investment
The group is targeting farmland and data centers in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya over the…
Maalexi CEO on the problems facing small farmers, tokenizing agricultural assets, and the importance of taking risks
It can take up to 60 for an exporter to be paid, creating a gap…
THIS MORNING: UAE bond yields spike amid global bond rout + Abu Dhabi’s L’Imad is now the owner of McLaren stake
Plus: FAB expands to Turkey, and into wearable payments tech
Masdar to power farming with solar, Biobank links up with Astrazeneca, Jotun goes long-term, Abu Dhabi backs Bain, and GSU + China partner on energy
Masdar linked up with Elite Agro Holding for the region’s first agricultural PV project
Automotive
THIS MORNING: More force majeure declared + G7, IEA eye emergency oil taps
PLUS: DIFC just delivered more space
Car sales set to take a hit as war dampens consumer spending and prices spike
Car prices are set to surge as ins. costs and risk premia rise, but the…
THIS MORNING: New seven stations announced for Etihad Rail + Apollo Go gets driverless trial permit in Dubai
Plus: Philippines and the UAE to sign comprehensive economic partnership agreement next week
THIS MORNING: Tesla’s full self-driving system to launch in the UAE next month? + ADGM approves another stablecoin
Plus: GCC's real GDP to expand by 4.4% in 2026 -Oxford Economics
Banking
SIB’s net income rises 19.4% y-o-y in 1Q 2026
Income from Islamic financing and sukuk grew 14.4% y-o-y to nearly AED 1.1 bn
CBD moves to clear debt, ePointZero moves into India’s renewables, Al Habtoor makes AED 5 bn vote of confidence in Dubai
The debt delist comes as banks brace for a liquidity crunch
Adia-backed USD 18.3 bn Hologic buyout completed, UAE + Bahrain ink AED 20 bn currency swap, UK’s MHA makes UAE acquisition
The Hologic buyout marks the largest medical services takeover in nearly 20 years
Mashreq launches non-resident accounts for Egyptians in the UAE
The Central Bank of Egypt has allowed Mashreq to use its KYC protocols in the…
Capital markets
THIS MORNING: Operations are back on at Dana Gas’ Khor Mor + CMA issues virtual assets framework
Dubai’s healthcare freezone is the latest to see support measures
A wobbly ceasefire puts spanner in EM equities’ recovery
Stock markets were seeing a rally in the wake of the ceasefire news
UAE equities catch a break after ceasefire announcement
Investors piled into the most war-sensitive asset class, with real estate leading gains on both…
UAE IPOs slip into wait-and-see mode as war hits execution
The DFM is currently more exposed than the ADX “due to its higher retail flows…
Climate
Abu Dhabi’s Khazna solar project awards EPC contract to China’s SEPCO3
Plus: Dubai is getting a new car trading hub
Dubai’s Bybit sets up EU HQ in Vienna
Egypt’s Madinet Masr expands to UAE, UAE signs three-way push for agriculture, upskilling, and investment…
THIS MORNING: Adnoc to sell stake in Adnoc Gas? + Four-day weekend confirmed
Plus: UAE ranks fifth in the world for AI
Climate change behind the intensity of last week’s storm
PLUS: How G42 fits into the US-China tech race
Commodities
THIS MORNING: UAE-backed Indian telecoms giant in talks with investors for IPO + Are oil refiners using AED to avoid using USD?
Plus: Abu Dhabi is clamping down on price gouging as supply chain disruption continues
THIS MORNING: Have you booked your staycation yet?
From oil to food supply chains, disruptions are causing countries to look for fallback strategies
THIS MORNING: Markets close in green for first time since war began + DP launches land bridge to bypass port disruption
Plus: The UAE’s tourism sector is the most exposed in the Gulf
Mubadala buys into Egypt concession, Emirates NBD diversifies into silver, and Abu Dhabi-Swiss JV looks to sovereign cloud and AI infrastructure
Mubadala Energy acquired a 15% interest in Egypt’s Nargis Offshore Concession from Italy’s Eni
Construction
EmCoin rolls out multi-asset investment platform + South Korea’s Ssangyong secures USD 250 mn Dubai build
The platform allows users to invest in crypto, foreign exchange, and more
UAE projects slip but pockets of growth keep it ahead of other GCC markets
The UAE overtook Saudi Arabia as the GCC’s largest projects market, rising to a 41.3%…
Modon awards Orascom Construction a development contract for district in Ras El Hekma
Plus: Dubai’s design hub is getting a residential upgrade
Abu Dhabi developer acquires marina construction firm as more developers expand infrastructure capabilities amid property boom
Plus: Modon divests stake in Icon Hotel to ADQ
Crypto
Leading the regional hub of one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges
Bybit’s current MENA head quit his PhD years ago
Dubai moves to regulate crypto’s riskiest trades, and the market is already testing it
Dubai’s framework brings crypto derivatives under strict rules, from leverage caps and client checks to…
Dubai Residential REIT bulks up portfolio, MovitOn secures funding, and another crypto firm secures a license
The additions come as it plans to add 220 units to its portfolio by 2Q
Serena Sebastiani on her journey from the Big Four to fintech
Sebastiani was always embedded in the crypto sector, supporting it on the regulatory side, advising…
Development finance
ADFD lends AED 376 mn loan for Tajikistan hydroproject
ADFD’s Rogun loan adds to the UAE’s growing investment footprint in Tajikistan and Central Asia
THIS MORNING: IMF sees MENA growing 3.9% in 2026
Plus: AD Ports eyes Nigeria’s ports
FAB, Afreximbank offer USD 1 bn for Nigeria coastal road
The project benefits from a credit ins. wrapper from the Islamic Corporation for the Ins.…
ADFD to boost Mauritania’s water security
The project is expected to serve around 500k people in Mauritania’s Kiffa city and surrounding…
E-commerce
Borouge control locks in ahead of merger finish line, Talabat picks up rent, Rakbank and Network International finalize agreement
ALSO- Talabat is cutting one of F&B’s biggest costs by offering 100 no-rent cloud kitchens
UPDATE: AWS signals its Mideast services aren’t coming back online soon after taking three drone strikes
Amazon is telling clients to move services out of the Middle East for now
Amazon’s local rival noon gets USD 500 mn backing
The newly raised capital and a potential IPO could fuel noon’s expansion and automation
Brics’ NBD’s list USD 50 bn note program on Nasdaq Dubai + Several firms join new FIDA cluster in Abu Dhabi
ALSO- An agentic AI platform for lawyers raises pre-seed round
Education
War shakes up student confidence in the India-UAE education corridor
Deferrals rise and applications may see a dip as Indian students reassess safety risks in…
THIS MORNING: Global PE firm pushes ahead with ADGM expansion + IGCSE, A-level exams also scrapped
Plus: Opec+ will likely go for another supply hike on Sunday
Jafza gets a new manufacturing facility, Nord Anglia expands in Dubai, and Mashreq rolls out new mobile service
Amarak Chemicals launched a fully automated plant in Jafza to add 60k tonnes per year…
The Egypt Education Platform is building a university in Noor City
EEP will also manage two schools in the East Cairo development
Energy
Can the Gulf just snap back its energy system?
The potential bill for repairing energy infrastructure across the Gulf stands at USD 25 bn
Industrial and oil and gas facilities targeted over the weekend + Oracle building also sees minor damage
Borouge, Oracle, and Habshan all saw some damage from Iranian attacks
THIS MORNING: EGA could need a year to restore full production at Al Taweelah + The UAE is now the 9th top goods exporter
Plus: Opec+ opts for a supply hike
Moody’s reaffirms UAE’s Aa2 rating despite regional headwinds
This rate is driven by the economy's high per-capita income, robust institutions, and effective policymaking
Finance
Finreon opens DIFC office, Etihad expands China routes, Sobha enters Abu Dhabi with AED 40 bn plan, and more Tasreef work completed
The new opening comes after regulators rolled out support measures for DIFC firms
THIS MORNING: Al Jaber wraps energy diplomacy spree in Washington + Gulf in for a USD 25 bn repair bill for damage to energy infrastructure, Rystad Energy says
Plus: Dubai makes top 10 global financial centers
THIS MORNING: Standard Chartered-backed firm plans shariah-compliant wealth management firm + Paramount’s bid for Warner Bros. is in the spotlight
Plus: Abu Dhabi opens two new bridges
Amlak offsets losses in 2025 earnings
Property sales from its Ras Al Khor plots gave an AED 2.1 bn boost
Fintech
2Africa is here, as is crypto-denominated ins. + InvestSky expands to Saudi, and Khazna expands into ops
Plus: Smart commerce platform ThrowMeNot raised USD 550k in a pre-seed round
What Dubai crypto firms should expect now that crypto suitability is their responsibility
The new amendments allow regulated firms to expand faster across crypto asset classes, though the…
Botim founder’s new fintech venture raises the largest seed round the region has seen thus far
The capital will drive faster product development and streamline licensing and regulatory approvals
Oson rolls out DIFC headquarters
The company plans to enter the cross-border payment market between Central Asia and Middle East
Food
Titan and Mercedes-Benz link up, Kezad makes metal play, Emirati startups secure funds, more defense, and SAF One taps India’s Tata
UAE steps up its downstream EV contributions with a multi-year lithium supply agreement with Mercedes-Benz
Dubai expands as industrial, commercial space hits near-capacity
The 29 mn sq ft mega-food facility aims to strengthen global supply chains and trade…
UAE-India agreement blitz
Covering energy, defense, space, food trade, investment, and advanced technology, the agreements underpin a push…
Gems’ advisory arm to help set up school in Cyprus + Geely-backed Cacao, VFX firm open up Middle East HQ in Abu Dhabi
Plus: SmartCrowd launches first crowdfunded property in Abu Dhabi
Healthcare
Medical faculty’s practice rules change, Presight continues expansion in Africa, a new ADGM-based tokenization-focused JV, and MBRIF extends support to Fragrance Delivery Technologies
Select nursing and allied health roles will also be exempt from the six-month experience requirement
ADIB targets healthcare sector, more supply chain support in Abu Dhabi, Borouge International lands, long-term stay startup secures funds, India’s PB Fintech invests in UAE arm
ADIB is taking a slice of the global healthcare trade ADIB Capital, Abu Dhabi Islamic…
The UAE’s next phase: Scaling space, reshaping healthcare, and tightening food policy
New national strategies set hard targets to scale space output, integrate healthcare systems, and tighten…
Al Nahyan and Al Ketbi families anchored TruDoc Healthcare’s USD 15 mn funding round
The funding allows the firm to expand its hospital-at-home critical care services and scale operations…
Infrastructure
THIS MORNING: Washington and Tehran agree to a two-week ceasefire
Plus: UAE airlines see slight dip in activity
More oil and gas investments in Egypt, Dubai makes AED 150 mn EV charging push, and DP World, AD Ports work on Nigerian shipping
State-owned UAEV will roll out the charging stations over several phases, with the first seeing…
Energy, trade top agenda in UAE-Vietnam leaders’ call
The president pledged the UAE’s readiness to support Vietnam’s immediate and long-term energy needs
THIS MORNING: Adnoc eyes Shell LNG project in Australia + More headway on Dubai’s sewage project
Plus: Netflix drops bid for Warner Bros Discovery
Hospitality + tourism
THIS MORNING: US, Iran leave talks without an agreement + EGA declares force majeure on some contracts
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan started an official visit…
IHC acquires stake in hospitality portfolio of Richard Caring
The acquisition is said to be valued at north of GBP 1 bn
DAE, Blackstone launch new aircraft leasing platform
The new aircraft leasing platform is targeting around USD 1.6 bn of deployment a year
THIS MORNING: Nafis Emiratization program extended + Abu Dhabi tourism was on a roll last year
Plus: Iran rejects Pakistan-brokered 45-day ceasefire proposal
Law
Dechert recalls Phillip Sacks to head Dubai office again
Sacks returns to the firm after almost two and a half years in White &…
Culture, lifestyle, and capital: Philip Khinda on the pulls bringing wealth managers and their advisors to the capital
In the UAE, it’s like you had a clean sheet of paper, and you could…
THIS MORNING: Yachts set to move more easily between Dubai and Abu Dhabi + Scrap metal now subject to VAT reverse charge mechanism
Plus: Construction contracts are up in 9M 2025, and the property boom is still to…
A tokenized litigation fund is coming to Dubai
The vehicle will invest in UK law claims and issue digital tokens to investors instead…
Manufacturing
Another support package for SMEs, RAK developer pushes ahead with Dubai expansion, and Kezad sees new projects
Dubai South rolls out an incentive package for SMEs, including rent-free periods, payment deferrals, and…
Attacks hit industry, threatening higher commodity prices and investor caution
Strikes hit EGA’s Kezad site, pushing the war into heavy industry as Abu Dhabi shifts…
Edge, Spain partner on weapons localization, Dubai Industrial City to get new concrete facility, Barakat begins new Kezad build, Payrails sets up in DIFC
Edge, Spain look to localize weapons production with USD 1.5 bn pipeline The UAE is…
More manufacturing activity, LPG hub breaks ground, Abu Dhabi and Baku twin up, Invictus takes Africa once again, and AB launches domestic feeder funds
AD Ports Group and Nimex terminals broke ground on a new liquefied petroleum gas storage…
Media
Ethmar, GB Media develop multi-mn-USD media-focused fund in Abu Dhabi
The fund is co-led by two GB Media founders with extensive backgrounds in Hollywood and…
THIS MORNING: Has the UAE bought an Israeli defense package? + Emirates NBD gets in on gold
Plus: A new National Media Authority has been set up
Archeo Futurus + Daywalker Global to pour USD 200 mn into Abu Dhabi’s tech and media sectors
They also launched the world’s first compute-securitized bond to support this investment plan
THIS MORNING: CBUAE cuts rates by 25 bps, following the Fed + UAE “the world’s second crypto capital,” Coinbase CEO says
Plus: Abu Dhabi family backed-developer expands London portfolio with major West End office project
Mining
Gold is nearing bear market territory as more headwinds weigh on outlook
Traditional 60/40 portfolio sees its worst month since September 2022
THIS MORNING: Iran-linked institutions in the UAE are under scrutiny + Millennium Management eyes up relocating regional staff
Plus: India extends UAE gold imports quota + there’s more disruption for events and aviation
THIS MORNING: Regional oil players slash production amid Hormuz closure + Airspace opens up over the weekend
Plus: Air disruption over UAE casts a light on gold supply chain
THIS MORNING: DRC to ship copper to UAE + Abu Dhabi-Dubai railway sees USD 8 bn in contracts
Plus: Apollo Go launches robotaxis in Dubai
NBFS
Homegrown flexible staffing solutions provider Orgam secures USD 3 mn investment from Tenami capital
ALSO- Georgia-based real estate developer Mardi Holding will expand into the UAE market
Al Ansari + Abhi to introduce early salary access, SNPL services
ALSO- Drake & Scull is joining forces with El Amar Group to collaborate on projects…
RTA awards AED 696 mn contract for Trade Center roundabout development
Adnec Group signed an agreement with the Ewec to secure 100% of Adnec Center Abu…
Emirates Reem Investments acquires stakes in two firms
Spinneys will build a food processing facility in Dubai
Oil + gas
THIS MORNING: Threats and attacks from Iran continue, but investments, debt, and even autonomous vehicle rollout plans remain on track
Rental yield fell 30-40% last month
Energy infrastructure targeted over the Eid break
A coalition of more than 20 countries has condemned Iran over attacks on commercial vessels,…
THIS MORNING: Reports of India scrapping IDBI Bank sale + More names raise Brent price forecasts
Plus: The Fed is set to make its interest rate announcement tomorrow
Aviation and oil operations are still in limbo amid ongoing war
One death was reported in Abu Dhabi
Petrochemicals
Adipec day three: Movement on petrochems, oil and gas, and SAF projects in the UAE
Ta’ziz, Brooge, Mubadala Energy, and others advance key projects
Emaar plans another big-ticket investment in Egypt
Plus: Space42 makes Thuraya 4 satellite globally available
Adnoc L&S to build, own, and operate T’aziz’s chemicals export port at Al Ruwais
Plus: Bybit secures first full virtual assets license from the SCA
Mashreq expands footprint to Turkey with new office
Plus: Addleshaw Goddard opens office in ADGM
Private equity
Global private equity activity slows down due to AI-related risks, geopolitical tensions
Buyout activity dropped by 36% q-o-q to USD 172 bn in 1Q 2026, while exits…
Private capital hasn’t frozen in MENA — but the exit playbook could change if the war drags on
PE and VC-backed companies were already pivoting to local exchanges before the war. That wager…
THIS MORNING: Events scheduled for later this year put on hold + DHL looks to push ahead with regional investments
Plus: A new initiative time to boost local produce
Private equity’s liquidity crunch persists, with USD 3.8 tn in assets still waiting for exit
Transaction and exit values rebounded in 2025, but distributions remain stuck near crisis-era lows
Real estate
Luxury boom cools
Footfall and sales fall across Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s property market sees strong growth in 1Q 2026, but the war is threatening a fragile supply pipeline
The market has already transacted nearly 46% of last year’s total value just in 1Q
Dubai property is swallowing record money and barely blinking
A record AED 251 bn in transactions and a 46% jump in mortgages are colliding…
THIS MORNING: UAE demands assurances and compensation from Iran + Abu Dhabi tightens governance for real estate
Crude flows via the port of Fujairah are on the up amid Hormuz bypass
SMEs
Investcorp acquires US industrial property portfolio + NRTC takes over Ripe Organic
Plus: BPGIC taps PEG for Fujairah’s gasoline refinery
IHC injects USD 715 mn into its digital financing platform Zelo to expand SME financing
The funding will help Zelo fast-track additional anchor partnerships
THIS MORNING: December will be a busy month for travel + Non-Emiratis can now foster children under new amendments
Plus: Ripple stablecoin gets ADGM approval
Emirates’ first carbon capture plant kicks off operations
Plus: Aldar Estates launches AI-enabled automated parking with Parkonic
Sports
New golf venues coming to the UAE + Dubai issues law governing gov’t outsourcing
The AED 1 bn golf push from XRange and Akcel Holding comes as part of…
THIS MORNING: An Emirati ChatGPT is in the works + more robotaxis are coming to Dubai
Good morning, everyone. Industrial interest in our Northern Emirates is our big story today, as…
Axis International files arbitration claim against Guinea over revoked mining permit
PLUS: Dubai to host Fifa Best Awards next year
AED 18.3 bn for new parks + more plans to improve quality of life in Dubai
The policies include developing talent in the aviation and sports sectors
Tech
Core42 names former Microsoft exec to lead commercial business operations
Tawfik also served as chief partnership officer for G42 and Microsoft Global Alliance
Mubadala joins critical minerals investment fund as war puts supply chains into focus
Projects could span energy infrastructure, logistics networks, and mineral security
Flyby taps former Talabat CEO Tomaso Rodriguez
Flyby is targeting 10k smart boxes by 2027
Can the UAE retain its AI investment darling reputation now that data infrastructure has been exposed?
Attacks on the Gulf during the war have been unprecedented in many ways, hitting countries…
Telecoms
Du secures AED 2 bn war chest
The facility remains undrawn and features improved terms (read: lower standby costs)
Nubank in ADGM, commercial upper 6GHz launches in the UAE, and Dragon Oil makes another discovery in Egypt
Despite escalating regional tensions, the expansion of the NYSE-listed neobank is the latest in a…
Iran targets state-owned telecom infrastructure for the first time, hitting a Du building in Fujairah
But the bigger escalation could still come this week…
Adnoc inks key agreement for Borouge complex, Mubadala makes returns on sale, and Starlink lands in the UAE
Adnoc’s agreement allows the company to secure annual earnings as they await the full completion…
Trade + logistics
An AED 1 bn export financing framework, more food supply localization, and UAE energy back on the int’l radar
EBD, ADEX launch AED 1 bn export financing framework The UAE is backing its export…
DP World + Russia’s Rosatom form JV, a gaming supplier eyes the UAE, Empower secures a contract from Meraas, ePointZero acquires US energy firm for USD 2.3 bn, EGF backs CarniStore
The new JV taps into Russian-linked container flows and Northern Sea routes
THIS MORNING: Dubai, Oman team up to bypass logistics bottlenecks + IHC signs off on buyback program up to AED 5 bn
Middle East crude benchmarks are also posting record highs
Iranian drones target DIFC + Fujairah port over the weekend
This follows warnings from Iran last week of potential targeting of US financial and tech…
Transport
THIS MORNING: The UAE’s non-oil PMI hit a 12-month high in Feb + firms signal business as usual amid ongoing conflict
Plus: Dana Gas halts production at Iraq’s Khor Mor
THIS MORNING: School’s still out + Markets open today for the first time since the war hit
Plus: First signs of supply chain distress hit China-Gulf corridor for sulfur
THIS MORNING: Int’l players assess UAE operations amid strikes + Opec to raise production in April
Plus: The competition is heating up for India’s IDBI
Etihad Rail + Turkey’s Hareket partner on cargo, Equitativa + Premier Inn put pen to paper on AED 2 bn pipeline, Ohana launches its AED 15 bn project
Etihad Rail is partnering with Turkish heavy-lift specialist Hareket to handle oversized and complex cargo…