Abu Dhabi’s SWS to build USD 1 bn wastewater treatment plant in Uzbekistan

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

THIS MORNING: ADGM’s registrations were up 31% in 1H 2024 + ADIA doubled down on Indian investments

Good morning, wonderful people. It’s still relatively quiet on the news front as we approach the halfway mark of August, but we have a fresh batch of earnings and news of a big USD 1 bn wastewater treatment plant to be developed by Abu Dhabi’s Sustainable Water Solutions and other partners in Uzbekistan for you to look at.

PROGRAMMING NOTE- EnterpriseAM UAE is off tomorrow. Longtime readers of our other publications know that we take occasional holidays during the dog days of summer and toward year’s end to recharge our batteries. We’re taking a day tomorrow to enjoy some time with family and friends — we’ll see all of you back here on Monday at our usual time.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT-

Dubai Municipality has upgraded its Dubai Building Permits (Dubai BPs) app, according to the Dubai Media Office. The redesigned app now includes a dashboard for viewing land plot information, a search function for finding and evaluating consultants and contractors, the ability to request engineering plans, and an e-payment option via Dubai Pay.

More on Dubai BPs: The app simplifies the permit process and tracks permit status and requests additional services for building owners, contractors, and consultants.

DATA POINTS-

#1- Adia doubles down on India investments in 1H: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) has invested nearly USD 1 bn in India across five transactions in 1H 2024, encouraged by the country’s strong growth and investor-friendly policies, Zawya reports, citing experts.

ICYMI- The wealth fund entered a USD 240 mn quasi-equity agreement with Indian real estate development company Prestige to develop residential projects worth USD 2.16 bn in India. Additionally, Adia poured USD 1.5 bn, along with US private equity firm KKR, into Indian Reliance Retail’s warehousing assets, while backing Indian retailer Purplle in a USD 120 mn funding round.

Adia has its eyes on emerging markets: “For years, Adia has tried to increase its exposure in Asia and in emerging markets; however, it is a challenging task given their mandate and size of their portfolio, and because most sizable opportunities continue to arise in North America,” Diego López, founder and managing director of Global SWF, told Zawya. Currently, 23% of Adia’s USD 8.3 bn portfolio is in emerging markets, according to Global SWF’s 1H data.

What’s India’s share in Adia’s portfolio? In 2023, Adia’s investments in India reached USD 1.7 bn, making up 17% of its total portfolio. Despite dipping in value from USD 2.7 bn the previous year, the investment’s portfolio share rose from 11% in 2022.

REMEMBER- Adia has more in the pipeline: The sovereign wealth fund is set to boost its holdings in the South Asian country with two anticipated investments, a 51% stake in Indian food brand Haldiram, valued at USD 4.76 bn, and a 10% stake in education loan provider HDFC Credila Financial Services.

#2- Indian companies comprised the lion’s share of new non-Emirati companies joining the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 1H 2024, with nearly 7.9k new companies, Wam reports. Pakistan ranked second, with some 4k companies joining during the first half of the year, followed by Egypt (approximately 2.4k) and Syria (approximately 1.4k).

By the sector: Trade and repairing services accounted for 41.5% of new member companies, while real estate, renting, and business services made up 33.6%, representing a 9.5% y-o-y increase. The construction sector logged the highest growth rate in 1H, increasing 23.5% y-o-y, and comprising 9.4% of new companies.

#3- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) saw a 31% y-o-y increase in new company registrations in 1H 2024, driven by an influx of hedge funds, VCs, crypto firms, and financial services firms, such as Morgan Stanley, the ADGM said (watch, runtime: 1:15). Over the first six months of 2024, ADGM saw its assets under management surge 226% y-o-y, while issuing 1.3k new licenses, marking a 20% y-o-y increase. Some 112 funds and asset managers now operate in ADGM.

WATCH THIS SPACE- More int’l firms will set up shop in ADGM: The financial hub noted that it has a robust pipeline of asset management firms, including hedge funds, private equity, institutional funds and VCs set to establish their presence in ADGM, without disclosing the specific number of incoming firms, in a separate statement.

#4- Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into Abu Dhabi’s real estate market rose 225% y-o-y in 1H 2024, reeling in AED 3.28 bn from 971 investors across 75 countries, Wam reports, citing data from the emirate’s real estate center, Adrec. Abu Dhabi’s property market saw 12.4k transactions totaling valued at AED 36.2 bn, including AED 23.7 bn in sales and AED 12.5 bn in mortgages.

#5- UAE telecoms firms made up 42.6% of Gulf countries’ telecom sector’s net income in 2Q 2024, pooling USD 1.3 bn, up 25.2% y-o-y, Emarat Alyoum reports. Growth was driven by telecom company Du, which logged a y-o-y increase of 46.2% during the quarter, followed by e& (25.5%) and Yahsat (11.7%). Total net income in the Gulf telecom sector rose 18.7% y-o-y to USD 3.05 bn during the quarter.

UPDATE-

Adia-backed FirstCry’s IPO pop on the first day of trading: Indian baby products retailer FirstCry saw its shares rise 52% in their trading debut on the National Stock Exchange of India yesterday, Reuters reports. The company’s shares traded at INR 651, surpassing its offer price of INR 465.

REMEMBER- Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) invested USD 8 mn inFirstCry ahead of its USD 501 mn IPO on the Bombay Stock Exchange. FirstCry raised a total of INR 18.86 bn (USD 224.5 mn) from institutional investors, and USD 3.36 bn total, with the IPO receiving bids for some 606.4 mn shares, approximately 12x the shares available.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

A handful of stories are vying for your attention in the foreign business press this morning. Getting top billing:

#1- Donald Trump promised to “make America affordable again” and to impose foreign tariffs on “countries that have been ripping us off,” as well as slash energy costs, if he’s elected, in a wide-ranging speech aimed at clarifying his economic policy ahead of debates with opponent Kamala Harris. (Wall Street Journal)

#2- Google will be required to make reforms to its Play Store on Android following a court ruling that accused it of being a “monopolist.” (Reuters)

#3- Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffet confirmed the firm halved its stake in Apple, and cut stakes in Capital One, Chevron, and T-Mobile, and completely exited its stake in cloud computing software Snowflake and Paramount Global, in a shift towards cash and short-term Treasuries amid a wider sell-off on Wall Street in 2Q 2024. Hathaway dumped more than USD 77 bn shares in the quarter. (Financial Times)

#4- Starbucks’ new CEO Brian Niccol will receive a pay package worth up to USD 113 mn, one of the largest in US corporate history. (FT)

ON THE AI FRONT- Apple is reportedly pushing ahead with a tabletop iPad-like device with a robotic limb, aimed at becoming a smart home command center, as it looks for new ways to boost its revenues. (Bloomberg)

ALSO- Gaza ceasefire talks in limbo: Ceasefire talks scheduled for today and set to be brokered by Qatar and Egypt should be moving forward despite Hamas’ refusal to participate following a series of Israeli attacks on Gaza and additional demands from the Israeli side, a US State Department spokesperson told the New York Times. Two officials briefed on the talks said that Hamas could still be willing to hear mediators out after the meeting if Israel put forward a “serious response” to Hamas’s latest offer, from early July.

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

The World ESG Summit is scheduled to take place on 20-21 August at Dusit Thani in Dubai. The two-day business conference will gather public and private sector players from key sectors like energy, utilities finance, and manufacturing to explore ESG integration across all industries.

The Dubai Business Forum in Beijing, China is set to take place between 21-22 August. Hosted by Dubai Chambers, the event will gather over 50 Dubai-based companies and 350 Chinese firms to explore potential investments in sectors like green tech, AI, healthcare, and renewable energy, president and CEO of Dubai Chambers Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah told the National.

Rex Fuels will host the Global Bitumen, Petrochemicals & Petroproducts Conference at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai on 21-22 August 2024. The conference will bring together bitumen and petroleum producers, suppliers, and traders, to network and discuss trends and challenges in the industry.

The Smart Cities Mena Summit is set to take place in Dubai on 14 October, gathering global policymakers, business leaders, and academics to discuss cross-sector cooperation aimed at enhancing capabilities and achieving economic goals, Wam reports.

The Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association Show is scheduled to take place at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai from 10-12 December, according to a statement. The three-day event will serve as a platform for aviation firms to network and showcase their latest offerings. Some regional operators that will be in attendance include Saudia Private, Qatar Executive, Mukamalah Aviation Company, and Jet Aviation.

Check out our full calendar on the web for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events, national holidays and news triggers.

Abu Dhabi's SWS partners with Marubeni + Suez on a wastewater treatment plant in Uzbekistan

Abu Dhabi’s SWS to build wastewater treatment plant in Uzbekistan: A consortium including Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions (SWS), Japan’s Marubeni Corporation, and French-based utility company Suez inked a joint development agreement with Uzbekistan’s Investment, Industry, and Trade Ministry and Uzsuvtaminot to develop a USD 1 bn wastewater treatment plant in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

About the plant: The plant will treat up to 1.5 mn cbm of water daily, serving around three mn people, making it the largest wastewater treatment plant in Uzbekistan and the CIS region. It replaces two existing wastewater treatment plants in the capital.

Timeline: Construction for the plant will kick off in 2026, after which it should kick off operations in 2030. The consortium will lead its development, financing, engineering, procurement, and construction, as well as manage the operation and maintenance for 25 years.

This has been in the works: Abu Dhabi’s SWS and Uzbekistan’s Uzsuvtaminot inked an agreement in May to speed up the establishment of the Tashkent wastewater treatment plant, for which it initially inked an MoU in 2022.

UAE-based MealPlanet secures USD 6 mn in seed funding

UAE-based food delivery platform MealPlanet raised USD 6 mn in a seed round led by regional VCs Middle East Venture Partners, AlTouq Group, Sanabil 500, Faith Capital, and Alturki Ventures, according to a press release. The funding round also saw participation from entrepreneurs Marc Lore and Samih Toukan.

Where will the money go? The startup will use the proceeds to expand its presence into Saudi Arabia in 1Q 2025 and upgrade its platform using AI. “The funds will fuel our expansion plans and the continuous development of our proprietary technology stack, utilizing intelligence to enhance and customize the consumer experience,” CEO Khalid Baareh said.

About the startup: Founded in 2024, MealPlanet is a delivery application and marketplace for meal plan brands, enabling customers to curate and manage their meal plans from various brands. The startup currently has over 100 brand partners.

Another wave of earnings

TAQA-

Taqa posts 17% bottom line growth: The Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) saw its net income increase 17% y-o-y to AED 2.46 bn in 2Q 2024, according to its financial statements (pdf). Revenues were nearly flat, coming in at AED 13.5 bn, down 1.2% y-o-y during the quarter.

Transmission and distribution revenues boosted growth: Taqa recorded lower revenues across all its segments, save for transmission and distribution. The segment saw 6.3% y-o-y growth in 1H, reaching AED 16.55 bn on the back of higher revenues from pass-through bulk supply tariffs and supply of power and water. Revenues were also given a boost by the contributions of Sustainable Water Solutions Holding, which it acquired in 2023, Taqa’s group CEO Jasim Husain Thabet said in its earnings release (pdf).

On a six-month basis, Taqa’s net income was up 12.3% y-o-y to AED 4.4 bn, excluding one-off items. Including those one-offs, net income fell 66% y-o-y, reaching AED 4.59 bn in 1H 2024. The company’s revenues grew 2% y-o-y to AED 27.18 bn in 1H.

SHUAA CAPITAL-

Shuaa Capital saw its net losses deepen to AED 30.9 mn in 2Q 2024 from 10.7 mn, according to its financial statements (pdf). In a separate earnings release (pdf), the company attributed the losses to one-time, non-cash impairments related to legacy assets and goodwill. The firm reported a 47% decrease in 2Q revenues to AED 19.9 mn, fueled by recurring fees from its asset management segment.

On a six-month basis, Shuaa reported a net loss attributable to shareholders of AED 117 mn in 1H 2024, compared to a net income of AED 9 mn in the same period last year. Revenues fell 49% y-o-y during the period to AED 50.1 mn.

REMEMBER- Shuaa is pushing ahead with an ambitious turnaround plan. The firm has been undergoing major restructuring after substantial losses in 2023. Shuaa reached an agreement with bondholders in April to extend the payment terms for some USD 150 mn worth of bonds, and appointed a new management team and Wafik Ben Mansour as its CEO as part of its capital optimization plan. The investment bank has fully settled around AED 500 mn (USD 136 mn) in margin facilities with multiple UAE banks.

And more restructuring is in the works: The firm plans to issue a total of AED 642.5 mn of mandatory convertible bonds as part of its capital optimization plan, with the bond issuances pending regulatory approvals.

ARAM GROUP-

Sharjah-based investment firm Aram Group is back in the black in 2Q 2024, with a bottom line of AED 243.6k in 2Q 2024 after recording a net loss of AED 808.8k in the same quarter last year, the company’s financials (pdf) read. Aram’s rental revenues were down 29% y-o-y to AED 1.8 mn.

On a six month basis: The company’s net income reached AED 646.1k in 1H 2024, after the AED 517.6k loss recorded in the same period. Total rental revenues were down 25% y-o-y to AED 3.6 mn.

ESHRAQ-

Real estate investment firm Eshraq Investments’ net income fell 90% yo-y to AED 3.5 mn in 2Q 2024, according to its financials (pdf). The company’s revenues from commercial operations also fell to AED 4 mn, down 49% y-o-y during the quarter. On a six-month basis, Eshraq incurred AED 302.5 mn in losses in 1H 2024. The investment firm also saw its revenues decline 59% y-o-y to AED 8.1 mn in 1H.

The company reversed its losses from 1Q 2024: The company had incurred some AED 306 mn in losses in 1Q 2024. Eshraq attributed its profitability in 2Q to “a slight recovery in the value of the Goldilocks Fund as a result of partial or full exits from certain investment positions earlier in the year,” Eshraq said in its earnings release (pdf).

NAEEM HOLDING FOR INVESTMENTS-

Naeem Holding for Investments’ bottom line increased 50% y-o-y to USD 679k in 2Q 2024, according to the company’s financials (pdf). The company’s top line stood at USD 2.5 mn during the second quarter of the year, reflecting a 1.6% y-o-y rise. On a 1H basis, the company saw its net income increase 182% y-o-y to USD 1.17 mn, with its top line reaching USD 5.9 mn, marking a 29% y-o-y increase.

NATIONAL GENERAL INS.-

National General Ins. saw its net income rise 173% y-o-y to AED 50.5 mn during 2Q 2024, according to the company’s financials (pdf). The firm’s ins. revenues increased 32% y-o-y to AED 226 mn during the quarter.

On a six month basis, the company saw its net income reach AED 80.8 mn, up 253% y-o-y during 1H 2024. The company’s ins. revenues reached AED 443.6 mn, up 28% y-o-y during the first half of the year.

AL BUHAIRA NATIONAL INS.-

Al Buhaira National Ins. Company narrowed its net losses by 77% to AED 4 mn in losses during 2Q 2024, down from a net loss of AED 17.9 mn during the same period last year, according to its financial statements (pdf). The firm’s ins. revenue rose 14% y-o-y to AED 348.8 mn during the quarter.

On a six month basis, the company saw its net losses reach around AED 11.3 mn during 1H 2024, down 68% from a net loss of AED 35.9 mn. The company’s ins. revenues reached AED 684.2 mn, up 21% y-o-y during the first half of the year.

AL AIN AHLIA INS. COMPANY-

Al Ain Ahlia Ins. turned to the red in 2Q 2024, with AED 5.8 mn in net losses, compared to the AED 5.6 mn net income recorded during the same period last year, according to its financials (pdf). The ins. provider saw its revenues drop 22% y-o-y to AED 259.2 mn in 2Q. For 1H of 2024, Al Ain Ahlia incurred AED 1.4 mn in net losses, from a net income of AED 18 mn in 1H 2023. The firm’s revenues for 1H 2024 fell 28% y-o-y to AED 499.6 mn.

FIDELITY UNITED INS.-

Fidelity United Ins. widened its net losses 241% y-o-y to AED 12.9 mn in 2Q 2024, from AED 3.8 mn in the same period last year, according to its financial statements (pdf). In a separate earnings release (pdf), the company attributed the decline to higher ins. service expenses, driven by an increase in commercial and consumer business-related claims following rains and flooding in the UAE in April. The company’s total revenues stood at AED 152.9 mn during the quarter, up 14.9% y-o-y.

On a six-month basis, Fidelity United Ins.’ net losses remained relatively flat at AED 9.9 mn in 1H 2024, on ins. revenues of AED 313.5 mn, up 21.2% y-o-y.

Looking ahead: Fidelity United Ins. is “currently going through a major transformation focused towards achieving operational excellence, sustainable growth, and superior underwriting results,” the release said. The company tapped Ahmed Nasef (LinkedIn) as CEO effective 2 July, after it appointed its CFO Obbad Fazal (LinkedIn) as interim CEO earlier in May.

DUBAI NATIONAL INS. AND REINS.-

Dubai National Ins. and Reins. reported a net loss of AED 1.4 mn in 2Q 2024, compared to a net income of AED 8.1 mn in the same period last year, according to the company’s financial statements (pdf). The company’s ins. revenues fell 7% y-o-y to 110.7 mn in 2Q. In 1H 2024, the company’s bottom line stood at AED 24.2 mn, marking a 13.7% y-o-y decrease, on revenues of AED 220.8 mn, down 3.9% y-o-y.

UNITED FOODS-

United Foods’ net income rose 139% y-o-y to AED 8 mn in 2Q 2024, according to the company’s financial statements (pdf). The Dubai-based food and beverage company’s revenues remained relatively flat during the quarter at AED 135.2 mn, up 1.9% y-o-y. On a six-month basis, United Foods saw its net income increase 52% y-o-y to AED 22.3 mn in 1H 2024. Revenues from contracts fell 5.8% y-o-y to AED 292.2 mn.

TAKAFUL EMARAT-

Takaful Emarat posted a net loss of AED 3.9 mn in 2Q 2024, compared to a net income of AED 262k in the same period last year, according to the company’s financial statements (pdf). The ins. company’s revenues increased 92% y-o-y to AED 106.1 mn. In 1H 2024, Takaful Emarat widened its net losses 1,520% y-o-y to AED 12.8 mn. Revenues rose 85% y-o-y in 1H to AED 190.2 mn.

Emiratis top Forbes’ Mideast top 100 CEOs list

The UAE dominated Forbes’ Middle East’s top 100 CEOs ranking this year, with 27 Emiratis securing top positions among the Middle East’s top chief executives, followed by Saudi Arabia at 14 and Egypt at 11. Among the highest ranked:

#2- Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Adnoc
#3- Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, CEO and Chairman of Emirates Airlines
#5- Syed Basar Shueb, CEO and Managing Director of International Holding Company
#7- Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO and Chairman of DP World
#11- Hana Al Rostamani, CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank
#14- Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
#16- Hamad Salem Al Ameri, CEO and Managing Director of Alpha Dhabi Holding
#19- Jasim Husain Thabet, CEO and Managing Director of Taqa Group
#22- Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO and Managing Director of Dewa
#23- Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO and Managing Director of AD Ports Group

Non-Emirati CEOs residing in the UAE also made the cut, including our friend Ahmed Abdelaal, group CEO of Mashreq, at #29; e& CEO Hatem Dowidar at #9, and the CEOs of NMDC Group, PureHealth Holding, and Emirates NBD.

Now Money partners up with CBI, Network International to boost offerings for migrant workers

FINTECH-

#1- Now Money strikes up two partnerships to provide financial services to GCC migrant workers: Dubai-based digital payroll fintech Now Money has inked two separate partnerships with payments provider Network International and Commercial Bank International (CBI) to provide accessible financial services to migrant workers in the GCC, according to a press release. Under its partnership with CBI, Now Money will use the bank’s banking infrastructure to expand its product offerings. The partnership with Network will see Now Money use Network’s payment processing platform to offer faster and more secure transactions for its users.

#2- Aramex SME merchants can now secure working capital financing within 48 hours via Mena revenue-based financing platform FlapKap, after Aramex inked an agreement with FlapKap to streamline logistics and operational processes for UAE-based SMEs, according to a press release.

CAPITAL MARKETS-

#1- Global equity and brokerage firm Bernstein opened a new office in Dubai as part of its expansion in the region, Al Bayan reports. The expansion will be led by William Ashworth (LinkedIn), appointed as managing director of global execution sales, and Yasmine Rassem (LinkedIn), director of global research sales, according to Trade News. Bernstein plans to expand its coverage of MENA-listed equities beyond energy, financials, and logistics.

#2- The ADX and Armenia’s exchange link up: The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Armenia Securities Exchange (AMX) struck an agreement to boost cooperation, according to a statement on the AMX website. The ADX and AMX will collaborate on exchanging technology and trading best practices, offering investor education, and promoting market development.

The MoU also sets the AMX up to be integrated into ADX’s cross-market trading platform Tabadul, Wam reports. Tabadul already includes the ADX, Bahrain Bourse, Muscat Securities Market, Astana International Exchange, and most recently, Kazakhstan Stock Exchange.

CRYPTO-

Bybit to advise DMCC on crypto ecosystem: The Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) has extended its partnership with crypto exchange Bybit to July 2025 and tapped it for advisory services, according to a press release. Under the extended partnership, Bybit will act as DMCC’ ecosystem and advisory partner, providing guidance to the freezone’s crypto center towards achieving its goal of transforming Dubai into a crypto and Web3 hub. The partnership will see the two entities co-host two events in 2024: a global Web3 innovation hackathon and a conference to showcase the emirate’s leading role in the crypto space.

SUSTAINABILITY-

Etihad Rail launched a new Sustainable Finance Framework, crafted with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Standard Chartered Bank as key advisors and validated by Det Norske Veritas, Wam reports. The new framework ties future financing to ESG objectives, focusing on clean transportation, green buildings, and pollution control. It incorporates green loan and bond principles, sets fund allocation criteria, and establishes project evaluation and reporting mechanisms.

CUSTOMS-

Abu Dhabi Customs enhances inspection efficiency with AI: Abu Dhabi Customs has added AI-enabled inspection devices at Khalifa Port and Zayed Port, geared towards accelerating inspection processes and cutting customs clearance time, according to a statement. The new inspection equipment includes two devices for scanning bags and parcels, two devices for scanning containers and trucks at Khalifa Port, and one for scanning containers at Zayed Port, each with an operational capacity of 120 trucks per hour.

AVIATION-

dnata to deliver inflight catering for Thai Airways flights from Milan: Dubai-based air travel services provider dnata has secured a multi-year contract with Thai Airways to provide inflight catering for the airline’s flights from Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy to Bangkok, according to the Dubai Media Office. The agreement will see dnata prepare and supply over 200k meals annually for the daily flights.

BUSINESS-

AKM Global sets up shop in Dubai: Indian tax advisory and accounting firm AKM Global launched a new office in Dubai in a bid to expand in the Middle East following the UAE’s recent introduction of 9% corporate tax, it said in a statement. The office will offer taxation and advisory services, including expertise in international tax planning, transfer pricing, tax advisory services, and due diligence, with Yeeshu Sehgal (LinkedIn) leading operations.

MARITIME-

Dubai-based Grandweld Shipyards delivered its GrandSuperior design-based vessel, dubbed FNSA 7, to Fujairah National Shipping, according to a press release. The vessel — which is equipped with a real-time remote monitoring system and digitalization package — aims to maximize operational effectiveness while minimizing environmental impact.

Analysts are penciling in rate cuts after US inflation cools to lowest level in years

On track for a September rate cut? US inflation fell under the 3% mark in July for the first time since March 2021, strengthening the case for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates at its next meeting in September. The consumer price index fell to 2.9% last month, down from 3% in June, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics figures (pdf) released yesterday. The figure undercut economists’ expectations that inflation would hold steady at 3%.

Another cue for the Fed to cut rates: The slowdown in price growth should give the Fed “further confidence” that inflation is heading towards its 2% target, JPMorgan Asset Management Chief Global Strategist David Kelly told the Financial Times. “The bottom line is this keeps the Fed on track for 25 basis points in September,” Point72 chief economist Dean Maki told the FT.

What are the odds? CME Group’s FedWatch tool sees a 64% chance of a 25 bps rate cut at the Fed’s upcoming 17-18 September policy meeting.

Incoming labor data will also play a role in what the Fed does next: “This is now a labor data-first Fed, not an inflation data-first Fed, and the incoming labor data will determine how aggressively the Fed pulls forward rate cuts,” Evercore’s Krishna Guha told Bloomberg, adding that the Fed is looking at the bigger picture rather than plain data.

Remember: The US unemployment rate rose to a near three-year high of 4.3% in July, raising recession fears and concerns that the central bank is behind in cutting interest rates and contributing to a market meltdown that happened a day later.

Market reax: Stock markets rose on the news, with the S&P 500 continuing to rise for a fifth consecutive day, marking its longest winning streak in over a month. The gains echoed across the board, the Nasdaq closed up 0.1% and the Dow Jones rose 0.6%.

ALSO FROM PLANET FINANCE- The biggest transaction of the year: Candy giant Mars will acquire Kellogg spinoff company Kellanova in a USD 36 bn transaction — the largest yet in 2024. (Statement)

MARKETS THIS MORNING-

Asian markets are in the green this morning after better-than-expected growth figures from Japan and inflation figures from the US. The Nikkei is up 0.9% this morning, while the Hang Seng is looking at gains of 0.2% and the Kospi is up 0.9%.

ADX	9,226	+0.6% (YTD: -3.7%)
DFM	4,213	+0.7% (YTD: +3.8%)
Nasdaq Dubai UAE20	3700	+0.3% (YTD: -3.7%)
USD : AED CBUAE	Buy 3.67	Sell 3.67
EIBOR	5% o/n	4.6% 1 yr
TASI	11,850	+0.5% (YTD: -1%)
EGX30	29,567	+0.8% (YTD: +18.8%)
S&P 500	5,455	+0.4% (YTD: +14.4%)
FTSE 100	8,281	+0.6% (YTD: +7.1%)
Euro Stoxx 50	4,728	+0.7% (YTD: +4.6%)
Brent crude	USD 77.35	+0.5%
Natural gas (Nymex)	USD 2.23	+0.3%
Gold	USD 2,486	+0.2%
BTC	USD 58,968	-3.4% (YTD: +39.8%)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The ADX rose 0.6% yesterday on turnover of AED 964.7 mn. The index is down 3.7% YTD.

In the green: Rak Co. for White Cement and Construction Materials (+3.9%), Hayah Insurance Company (+3.3%) and Emirates Stallions Group (+2.6%).

In the red: E7 Group Warrants (-6.8%), Alef Education Holding (-6.1%) and E7 Group (-3.7%).

Over on the DFM, the index rose 0.7% on turnover of 203.8 mn. Meanwhile, Nasdaq Dubai rose 0.03%.

CORPORATE ACTIONS-

Watania International Holding appointed Al Ramz Capital as liquidity provider for its listed shares on the DFM after receiving regulatory approval, according to a bourse disclosure (pdf).

UAE, partners push ahead with Sudan ceasefire talks + UAE, Kenya eye cooperation

The UAE, along with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the African Union, and the UN, said they are “at hard work” in Switzerland on diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Sudan and facilitate humanitarian aid access in a statement yesterday.

Background: The peace talks in Switzerland kicked off yesterday with news that Sudan’s military will not be attending, Bloomberg reports. Talks currently only include the Rapid Support Forces militia.

PLUS- The UAE and Kenya held a joint committee session in Abu Dhabi to discuss cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, energy, and defense, and ink an MoU on governance and exchange of expertise, Wam writes. The session was co-chaired by State Minister Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi.

CALENDAR

AUGUST

14 August (Wednesday): UAE to participate in ceasefire talks co-mediated by the US and KSA between the warring factions in Sudan.

20-21 August (Tuesday-Wednesday): The World ESG Summit, Dubai.

21-22 August (Wednesday-Thursday): Rex Fuels Global Expo & Conference 2024- Bitumen, Petrochemicals & Products, Dubai.

21-22 August (Wednesday-Thursday): Dubai Business Forum in Beijing, China.

25 August (Sunday): Deadline to register for the AI Challenge.

27 August (Tuesday): New regulations on telemarketing calls will go into effect.

SEPTEMBER

4-5 September (Wednesday-Thursday): 2024 International Government Communication Forum, Expo Centre Sharjah, Sharjah.

5 September (Thursday): Deadline to apply for the sixth edition of Access Sharjah Challenge.

5 September (Thursday): Deadline to apply for Dubai Future Academy’s FEEL: A Disruptive Futures Program.

9-11 September (Monday-Wednesday): World Utilities Congress, Abu Dhabi.

10-11 September (Tuesday-Wednesday): MENA PPP forum, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai.

10-11 September (Tuesday-Wednesday): MENA District Cooling Projects & MENA Cool Forum, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai.

11-12 September (Wednesday-Thursday): MENA oil and gas digitization conference, Abu Dhabi.

16-18 September (Monday-Wednesday): World Utilities Congress, Abu Dhabi.

15-19 September (Sunday-Thursday): Loop Beyond Borders, Abu Dhabi.

23-25 September (Monday-Wednesday): WorldFreezonesOrganization’s Annual International Conference and Exhibition, Dubai.

25-26 September (Wednesday-Thursday): Green Steel Summit, Dubai, UAE.

25-26 September (Wednesday-Thursday): Global Aerospace Summit, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

28-30 September (Saturday-Monday): World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) Biennial General Meeting, Abu Dhabi.

30 September (Monday): Dubai Podfest, World Trade Center, Dubai.

OCTOBER

1-3 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Water, Energy and Environment Technology Exhibition, Dubai.

2-3 October (Wednesday-Thursday): The World Green Economy Summit, World Trade Center Dubai.

7-8 October (Monday-Tuesday): Forex expo, World Trade Center, Dubai.

8-9 October (Tuesday-Wednesday)): Global Trade and Supply Chain Summit, Dubai.

8-10 October (Tuesday-Thursday): The Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference(Global Rail), Abu Dhabi.

13-18 (Sunday-Friday): Gitex Global, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Harbour.

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

14 October (Monday): The Smart Cities MENA Summit, Dubai.

15 October (Tuesday): Deadline for the European Commission to make a decision on its probe into e&’s acquisition of PPF’s Eastern European assets.

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.

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.

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

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

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

NOVEMBER

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

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

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

4-7 November (Wednesday-Saturday): ADIPEC Decarbonisation Accelerator, Abu Dhabi.

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

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

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

11-14 November (Monday-Thursday): Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference, Abu Dhabi.

11-14 November (Monday-Thursday): ADIPEC Maritime and Logistics Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi.

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.

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

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

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

Signposted to happen ahead of ADIPEC:

Changemakers Majlis, Abu Dhabi.

DECEMBER

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

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 (Saturday-Sunday): The Bitcoin Mena Conference, Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi.

9-12 December (Saturday-Thursday): Abu Dhabi Finance Week, Abu Dhabi.

10-12 December (Tuesday-Thursday): Middle East Business Aviation, Dubai World Central.

10-12 December (Tuesday-Thursday): Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA), 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 (Friday-Sunday): European-Arab Medical Congress, Abu Dhabi.

Signposted to happen sometime in December:

UAE-China Summit, Abu Dhabi.

JANUARY 2025

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

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

FEBRUARY 2025

24-25 February (Monday-Tuesday): 3rd World Passenger Experience Forum, Dubai.

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

APRIL 2025

16-17 April: Global Ports Forum, Dubai.

MAY 2025

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

OCTOBER 2025

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

Signposted to happen sometime before the end of the year:

Spinneys inaugurates three more stores in KSA

Signposted to happen in 2025:

6-11 April (Sunday-Friday): Geo-Spatial Week 2025, Dubai.
3-4 June (Tuesday-Wednesday): Make-A-Wish International’s Global Wish summit, Abu Dhabi.
TBD: The Middle East Electric Vehicle Show, Expo Center Sharjah.
TBD: e& will complete Adnoc’s private 5G network.

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

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.

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