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Adia sells stake in UK shopping center Liverpool ONE

1

WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

THIS MORNING: TII rolls out new LLM + Drone deliveries kick off in Dubai Silicon Oasis

Good morning, friends. We have another brisk issue for you this morning, as the news cycle winds down — only slightly — as we head into the new year.

We have plenty of investment (and divestment) news for you, with news of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority selling off another of its UK assets, a new Web3 venture fund in ADGM, and USD 55 mn investments in Anghami and CredibleX.

Emaar rallied at the maximum 15% for the second day after announcing a new dividendpolicy on Friday that will see it pay up 100% of its share capital in dividends in 2024 and the next few years, driving the DFM benchmark to its highest level since 2014. The index was up 0.6%.

⛅WEATHER- It’s another mostly cloudy day in Dubai, with temperatures peaking at 26°C, before cooling to an overnight low of 18°C. Over in Abu Dhabi, the mercury peaks at a cool 22°C before cooling to 21°C overnight.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- TII rolls out new Falcon series that can run on laptops: The Technology Innovation Institute(TII), an applied research center operating under Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council, introduced the latest addition to its open-source large language model (LLM) series, Falcon 3, according to a statement. The LLM ranks among the top models globally operating on a single GPU, and was able to rank first on Hugging Face ’s global third-party LLM leaderboard, surpassing other open-source models like Meta's Llama.

What does it look like? The LLM is trained on 14 tn tokens, more than double the 5.5 tn tokens of its predecessor, and includes four model sizes that can also operate on laptops.

Background: The UAE rolled out the second iteration of their open-source GenAI model in May, which included the only vision-to-language model capable of converting images into text in the market and had outperformed Meta’s Llama 3 at the time.

More updates to come: Falcon 3 will get new models that introduce multimodal functionalities like text, images, videos, and voice in early January, the statement said,


#2- Drone deliveries are now available at Dubai Silicon Oasis: Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Middle East's first drone delivery system at Dubai Silicon Oasis with the first order from the Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai, one of the landing points within the drone delivery network, according to the Dubai Media Office. The launch comes after a few months of pilot operations in DSO, and is a result of collaboration between the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, Dubai Future Foundation, and China’s Keeta Drone.

Looking ahead: The government is targeting 33% of Dubai to be covered by drone delivery by 2030.


#3- The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) is mulling joining the ADX’s Tabadul Digital Exchange Hub, exploring the potential move in a meeting with officials from the ADX where they explored areas of potential cooperation, according to a press release.

What’s Tabadul? Tabadul was launched by the ADX in 2022 to allow online cross-border trading, and currently includes eight exchanges: Amman Stock Exchange, the Armenia Securities Exchange, Bahrain Bourse, Muscat Securities Market, Astana International Exchange, Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, and the ADX.

DATA POINTS-

#1- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) reported a 5.5% y-o-y increase in power generation in 9M 2024 to 45.1 TWh of power, according to the Dubai Media Office. The authority had 16.9 GW in installed power generation capacity by 3Q, with clean energy accounting for 17% of the total installed capacity.

#2- Banks’ investments in the UAE rose 20.3% y-o-y at the end of September, reaching AED 714.4 bn, according to the central bank's latest banking indicators report (pdf). This included AED 308.7 bn in debt securities, AED 17.3 bn in stocks, AED 333.6 bn in securities held to maturity, and AED 54.8 bn in other investments.

HAPPENING TODAY-

#1- It’s interest rate day in the United States, with the Federal Reserve kicking off the second day of its final two-day meeting of the year today. The Bank of England and the Bank of Japan will follow suit on Thursday.

Expect the Fed to sound a note of caution. The expectation since Donald Trump cruised to victory last month is now for fewer rate cuts over a longer period of time. A quarter-point cut this week seems fairly likely (though less so than before US voters returned The Donald to office), but the swaps market is pricing in just 75 basis points worth of cuts by next September, suggesting we could see as few as two 25 bps cuts next year. The FT has more on what to expect from the three meetings.

#2- Aims kicked off on Monday and runs through Friday at the Adnec Center in Abu Dhabi. The conference focuses on pure and applied analysis, differential equations, and dynamical systems, covering a wide range of applications in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, finance, and industrial mathematics.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

No single story is capturing the attention of the foreign pages this morning — among those worth noting:

Japan’s Nissan and Honda are in talks over a potential merger, which could help the auto giants stay resilient in the face of increased competition from EV players. The two sides are expected to ink an MoU soon to officially kick off discussions of “partnership-broadening steps, including the details of a potential merger.” The news sent Nissan's shares soaring, rising as much as 24%, while Honda’s shares fell as much as 3.4%. (FT | Reuters | Bloomberg | NYT | BBC | The Guardian)

IN NEW YORK — The killing of UnitedHealth’s Brian Thompson stirs public opinion: Luigi Mangione has been indicted for the murder of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, facing charges of first-degree murder and terrorism after gunning down Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel earlier this month. The killing, described as a “well planned attack meant to sow terror,” has sparked public debate about healthcare costs in the US and donations to Mangione’s legal defense fund. Mangione’s extradition hearing is set for Thursday in Pennsylvania, where he is being held on unrelated gun charges. (Reuters | CNN | NYT | AP)

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DIVESTMENT WATCH

Adia subsidiary sells its 69% stake in UK shopping center Liverpool ONE. Plus: Agthia subsidiary scraps acquisition of MNG Airlines

An Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) subsidiary sold its 69% stake in shopping center Liverpool ONE alongside Grosvenor — who sold a 23% stake — to British property firm LandSec in a transaction valued at GBP 490 mn, according to a press release.

A GBP 35 mn payment to Adia will be deferred for two years, with the possibility of future payments to the sovereign wealth fund, depending on how the property performs.

Refresher: Adia appointed real estate and investment management provider JLL last year to find a buyer for its stake in the 1.6 mn sqft mall, CoStar reported last month. The property was valued at GBP 520 mn at the time, according to the outlet.

This is not Adia’s first divestment in the UK: It also sold its stake in 33 hotels under Marriott International brands in the UK back in November to US investment firms KKR and Baupost Group for GBP 900 mn.

Physical retail properties have been struggling in the UK due to the boom in online shopping, the Financial Times reported. Shopping mall prices have fallen significantly, “that they now cost significantly more to build than they were worth,” CEO of Landsec Mark Allan told the salmon-colored paper, though he expects the lack of future supply of shopping centres to help “boost the recovery in value of existing malls.”

OTHER M&A NEWS-

Ghitha Holding subsidiary Ghitha Aeroinvest terminated its agreement to acquire a 44% stake in Turkish air freight cargo company MNG Airlines, according to a disclosure (pdf) to the ADX. The transaction was valued at USD 211.2 mn, and was part of Ghitha’s plans to diversify its asset portfolio and strengthen logistical and distribution capabilities. The disclosure did not mention the reason behind the termination of the agreement.

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INVESTMENT WATCH

The Hashgraph Group secures license in ADGM to launch USD 100 mn VC fund

THG launches USD 100 mn fund: Swiss-based tech and investment firm the Hashgraph Group (THG) is launching a USD 100 mn global venture capital fund after securing a fund management license for its subsidiary, Hashgraph Ventures Manager, from ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority, according to a press release (pdf). Portfolio startups will also benefit from THG’s Venture Studio Program, which offers expertise in engineering, productization, and commercialization.

Target sectors: The Hashgraph Venture Fund-I will focus on investing in early-stage and established deeptech startups that focus on the Web3 economy, including AI, IoT, blockchain, robotics, and quantum computing.

Who’s in? The Hashgraph Association is participating as an anchor investor, committing USD 20 mn. The fund has attracted significant interest from various investors, including government institutions and sovereign wealth funds, THG co-founder and CEO Stefan Deiss said.

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INVESTMENT WATCH

Anghami secures USD 55 mn in a funding round from OSN

Abu Dhabi-based music streaming platform Anghami secured up to USD 55 mn in a new funding round from OSN Group, starting with an initial USD 12 mn through a convertible note program, according to a press release.

Where will the money go? The new funding will allow Anghami to expand its content library, upgrade its technology, and strengthen its presence in the region. It also aims to introduce more AI-driven personalization and next-generation streaming technologies.

Refresher: Dubai-based TV satellite and streaming company OSN+ acquired a 55.45% stake in Anghami in April, making it a majority shareholder in the Nasdaq-listed firm.

5

ENERGY

Adnoc Drilling closes Turnwell JV agreement with SLB and Patterson-UTI

Adnoc Drilling closes Turnwell JV agreement with SLB and Patterson-UTI: Adnoc Drilling closed its new Turnwell joint venture (JV) agreement with US oil and gas wells drilling companies Schlumberger Middle East (SLB) and Patterson-UTI, according to a press release (pdf). Turnwell is set to use AI technology to deliver the unconventional energy needs and resources, according to the press release.

ICYMI- Adnoc Drilling was awarded a USD 1.7 bn contract from its parent company Adnoc in May to establish the JV with the two US companies, to drill for the recovery of unconventional energy resources — found trapped in subsurface reservoir — across 144 wells in the UAE. The companies had signed final agreements for the JV in October after the “successful start-up and operational delivery” of the first wells in the campaign, which prompted the JV to accelerate drilling works and add a “significant” number of wells in its second phase of operations.

Improved delivery times: Turnwell achieved a 13% improvement in the time taken to deliver their initial wells on the back of usage of advanced measurement drilling technology, advanced drill bit designs, and new generation rotary steerable systems. The drilling joint venture also saw a 53% reduction in well delivery time over the four wells in a single drilling pad.

Equity breakdown of Turnwell: Adnoc Drilling holds a 55% majority stake in the JV, while SLB holds a 30% equity stake, and Patterson-UTI holds the remaining 15% equity stake.

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SPACE

Space42 extends new AED 18.7 bn contract with gov’t for satellite communication services

Space42 secures AED 18.7 bn from the government: ADX listed AI-powered space tech firm Space42 secured an AED 18.7 bn contract with the UAE government, extending its communication services for an additional 17 years, according to a press release (pdf).

The details: The contract will see the company offer its services to the government until 2043, replacing two current agreements for maintenance and technology management services for ground segment satellite systems and terminals expiring in 2026.

Space42 will also receive AED 3.7 bn in advance payments for the construction of Al Yah 4 — set to be operational by 2027 — and Al Yah 5, which will be operational in 2028, under the new agreement, the statement said.

REMEMBER- The new AED 3.9 bn satellites, Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5, will replace the currently operational Al Yah 1 and Al Yah 2. Yahsat awarded Airbus Defence & Space the contract to build the two new satellites, while SpaceX will launch them using its Falcon 9 rocket.

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7

STARTUP WATCH

CredibleX secured USD 55 mn in debt and equity seed funding

UAE-based embedded SME financial services provider CredibleX secured USD 55 mn in seed funding through a combination of equity and debt, according to a statement. The round witnessed the participation of several firms, including Further Ventures for equity, as well as Kilgour Williams Capital, and Berkley Square Finance, among other debt providers. The funds will help the company expand its services to SMEs.

About the company: Founded in 2023 by Ahmad Malik (LinkedIn), Anand Nagaraj (LinkedIn), and Hassan Reda (LinkedIn), CredibleX’s platform allows SMEs to apply for financing from its 35 distribution partners, which include Network International, DMCC, National General Insurance, Agthia, Watermelon, and Mamo, and allows startups to access financing options through the platform. Over 100k SMEs currently use the platform.

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STARTUP WATCH

Refurb tech startup Revibe closed a USD 7 mn series A funding round

UAE-based Revibe, a guarantee-backed refurbished tech B2C e-commerce startup, closed a USD 7 mn series A funding round, co-led by ISAI and Resonance, according to a statement (pdf). The round also saw participation from Kima Ventures and Edouard Mendy.

Where’s the money going? The latest investment adds to the USD 2.3 mn it raised last year, and will support the expansion of Revibe’s geographical footprint across emerging markets and the expansion of its sustainable tech business. The capital should also bolster its customer care and quality assurance teams.

About Revibe: Founded in 2022 by Abdessamad Benzakour (LinkedIn) and Hamza Iraqui (LinkedIn), the Dubai-based startup specializes in refurbished electronics, offering consumers like-new devices at 30%-70% below retail prices. The startup operates across KSA, UAE, Kuwait, and South Africa.

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MOVES

Adnoc Gas taps new CEO + Magellan Capital loses portfolio manager -report

Adnoc Gas appointed Fatema Al Nuaimi (LinkedIn) as its CEO effective January, according to a statement(pdf). Al Nuaimi currently serves as Adnoc’s executive vice president for downstream business management and has previously held the position of CEO of Adnoc LNG, and manager of Adnoc’s gas strategy and master planning unit.

The appointment follows the resignation of Ahmed Mohamed Alberi (LinkedIn) from the position. Alebri will serve as CEO of Adnoc Sour Gas starting in January.

Magellan Capital portfolio manager Britney Lam (LinkedIn), left the hedge fund months before its USD 700 mn launch, Bloomberg reports. Lam, who joined the multistrategy fund in May, left her position in October and is no longer based in Dubai. The fund has already found a replacement, who is expected to begin in January.

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ALSO ON OUR RADAR

Mashreq advises on Turkish Vakıfbank’s USD 870 mn loan facility

DEBT-

Our friends at Mashreq were among several banks that acted as sustainability coordinators for a USD 870 mn syndicated loan obtained by VakıfBank, according to a press release. Also offering their services as sustainability coordinators: Emirates NBD Capital, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Dutch ING Bank. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Emirates NBD Capital were joint coordinators, mandated lead arrangers, and bookrunners for the transaction.

A dual-currency loan: The one-year on-lending credit facility will see Turkey’s second-largest bank by assets access a USD 518.5 mn tranche and a second EUR 331.4 mn tranche. The loan will be allocated to funding sustainable assets and projects.

REAL ESTATE-

Abu Dhabi-based developer Modon and Four Seasons inaugurated a five-star hotel on the Atlantic coast of Morocco's capital, according to a statement from Modon. Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr features 11 buildings, with a total of 200 keys.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE-

Emirates Entrepreneurship Association (EEA) partnered with two UAE startups to support businesses’ expansion in the F&B and e-commerce sectors. One MoU was signed with Growdash, a Dubai-based provider of restaurant analytics and business intelligence, a statement showed, while the other was signed with Foodics, a Saudi cloud-based restaurant management technology platform, allowing EEA members to benefit from commission-free access to the Foodics platform, according to a separate statement.

INVESTMENT-

UAE state-run SharjahAsset Management Holding signed an MoU with Dubai-based Melt and the Rwanda Development Board to build an auto service center offering car maintenance, repair, remanufacturing, and parts distribution, according to a post on X from the Rwandan Development Board. The agreement will also see the three parties mull potential cooperation in the hospitality and real estate sectors.

FINANCE-

The Finance Ministry and the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) discussed potential cooperation on projects and investments in infrastructure, alternative energy, and food and water security during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, Wam reports.

About EDB: The EDB comprises six member states — Armenia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and Tajikistan — that manage an investment portfolio valued at USD 15 bn. The bank prioritizes sustainable development projects, particularly in infrastructure and clean energy.

EDUCATION-

Samsung Gulf Electronics launched an in-school iteration of its Galaxy AI Pioneers program to introduce advanced AI education in UAE schools, according to a press release. This initiative, which started as a basic youth training program, aims to train over 4k students from 15 schools across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, targeting students aged 11–14.

The program syllabus covers topics such as AI, coding, content creation, and online safety, among other key topics in the AI field. The program will also include an online safety course for 900 parents to promote digital literacy and safety.

LEGISLATION-

Committee in the works to oversee the removal of abandoned buildings in Sharjah: Sharjah's Executive Council issued a decree to form a committee for overseeing the removal of abandoned and dilapidated buildings impacted by city planning, Wam reports. The committee will act under the Sharjah Municipality, headed by the municipality’s director of technical services.

CRYPTO-

Digital asset platform Fasset launched gold investment application Oro, the first app developed using the former’s Ethereum Layer 2 network Own, according to a press release. Oro uses tokenization to offer fractional ownership of gold with low fees, no storage costs, and blockchain-enabled security. The company plans to tokenize other assets in the future, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and collectibles.

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PLANET FINANCE

M&A activity rebounds with USD 3.5 tn in transactions in 2024, ending two-year decline -Bain

Muted growth for M&A activity this year: M&As are expected to end the year with a 15% y-o-y growth to USD 3.5 tn, marking a 7% y-o-y increase in volume, and reversing a two-year decline, Bain & Company says in its latest report. Still, activity fell short of earlier hopes for a robust recovery, especially with regards to a detente on valuations and regulatory concerns — prompting dealmakers to become more selective and look for cost synergies amid a higher interest rate environment. Strategic M&A valuations also remained at a historical low, well below public market valuations, which spiked this year.

The Middle East played a big role in M&A transactions throughout the year, with inbound and domestic M&A activity growing 88% y-o-y, totaling USD 36 bn in the first ten months of 2024, according to a press release (pdf) from Bain. This growth has been primarily driven by sovereign wealth funds and government-related entities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Middle Eastern acquisitions of European targets also doubled in 2024, with a bigger focus on cost synergies.

The breakdown: Globally, private equity transaction value grew by 29% y-o-y, while venture capital showed a similar 30% increase, and corporate M&A is on track to grow 12% y-o-y.

Energy, natural resources and technology were the biggest M&A sectors for the region: The energy and natural resources sector saw transactions grow 140% y-o-y, while activity in the technology sector grew 90% y-o-y, and advanced manufacturing services saw an increase of around 300% y-o-y.

M&As took longer to close due to increased regulatory scrutiny, which extended acquisition timelines in 2024, with nearly 47% of dealmakers saying that regulatory concerns influenced their acquisition considerations. The Middle East became a good region for M&A activity due to its comparably favorable regulatory environment, Bain said.

Smaller M&A transactions accounted for the lion’s share of activity: Transactions valued at less than USD 1 bn accounted for 95% of all activity, with volume growing for the first time in four years.

Scale deals — where companies target a bigger market share through an acquisition — accounted for 59% of total global transaction value, marking the highest proportion since 2015. This trend was also prominent in the Middle East as firms sought to consolidate their leading positions in key sectors.

MARKETS THIS MORNING-

Asian markets are mixed yet again as traders await interest rate decisions from Japan and China. Japan’s Nikkei is down 0.4%, while the broad-based Topix is up marginally. Meanwhile, South Korea's Kospi is up 0.6%. Over on Wall Street, futures are up marginally after another losing session for the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500.

ADX

9,261

-0.2% (YTD: -3.3%)

DFM

5,080

+0.6% (YTD: +25.1%)

Nasdaq Dubai UAE20

4,115

+1.8% (YTD: +7.1%)

USD : AED CBUAE

Buy 3.67

Sell 3.67

EIBOR

4.6% o/n

4.3% 1 yr

TASI

11,949

-1.2% (YTD: +0.1%)

EGX30

30,602

-0.6% (YTD: +22.9%)

S&P 500

6,051

-0.4% (YTD: +26.9%)

FTSE 100

8,195

-0.8% (YTD: +6.0%)

Euro Stoxx 50

4,943

-0.1% (YTD: +9.3%)

Brent crude

USD 73.33

-0.8%

Natural gas (Nymex)

USD 3.31

+2.9%

Gold

USD 2,662

-0.3%

BTC

USD 106,038

0.0% (YTD: +152%)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The ADX fell 0.2% yesterday on turnover of AED 1.1 bn. The index is down 3.3% YTD.

In the green: Union Insurance Company (+10.2%), Abu Dhabi National Co. for Building Materials (+10.0%) and Al Khaleej Investments (+6.6%).

In the red: Mair Group (-5.3%), Julphar (-4.8%) and Pure Health Holding (-3.5%).

Over on the DFM, the index closed up 0.6% on turnover of AED 2.1 bn. Meanwhile Nasdaq Dubai, the index rose 1.8%.


DECEMBER

13 December - 4 January (Friday-Saturday): Liwa International Festival, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi.

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

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

17-18 December (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

17-19 December (Tuesday-Thursday): China Home Life, Dubai Word Trade Center.

19-22 December (Thursday-Sunday): Rise Investment Festival for Young Entrepreneurs (RICH), Dubai.

6 December-12 January: Dubai Shopping Festival.

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.

1 January (Wednesday): Basic health ins. package in effect.

7-9 January (Tuesday-Thursday): The Arab Plast International Trade Fair for Plastics, Recycling, Petrochemicals, Packaging and Rubber Industry, Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center, Dubai.

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.

11-13 January (Saturday-Monday): The 1 Bn Followers Summit, Dubai.

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

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

14-16 January (Tuesday- Thursday): Intersec, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai.

19-24 January (Sunday-Friday): Coling2025, Abu Dhabi.

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

22-25 January (Wednesday-Saturday): The Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition (Acres), Expo Centre, Sharjah.

27-30 January (Monday-Thursday): Arab Health Exhibition, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.

28-29 January (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

FEBRUARY 2025

1-6 February (Saturday-Thursday): Dubai Fashion Week, Dubai Design District.

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.

10-12 February (Monday-Wednesday): Japan Kyoto Trade Exhibition, Dubai Word 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.

28-29 February (Friday-Saturday): Investopia 2024, the St. Regis, Abu Dhabi.

28 February-29 March (Friday-Saturday): Ramadan.

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.

MARCH 2025

18-19 March (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

31 March-2 April (Monday-Wednesday): Eid Al Fitr, national holiday.

APRIL 2025

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

7-10 April (Monday-Thursday) : EFG Hermes One on One conference, 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.

25 April-11 May (Friday-Sunday): Dubai Esports and Games Festival, Dubai World Trade Center.

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

Signposted to happen sometime in April:

MAY 2025

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

6-7 May (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

19-22 May (Monday-Thursday): Make it in the Emirates Forum 2025, Adnec, Abu Dhabi.

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

30 May (Friday): Arafat Day.

31 May-2 June (Saturday-Monday): Eid Al Adha.

JUNE 2025

17-18 June (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

27 June (Friday): Islamic New Year.

JULY 2025

29-30 July (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

SEPTEMBER 2025

8-10 September (Monday-Wednesday): DigiHealth exhibition, World Trade Center, Dubai.

16-17 September (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

24-25 September (Wednesday-Thursday): Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Forum, Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development, Dubai.

OCTOBER 2025

3-16 October (Friday-Thursday): Dubai Home Festival.

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

28-29 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

NOVEMBER 2025

18-19 November (Tuesday-Wednesday): Dubai Future Forum, Museum of the Future, Dubai.

DECEMBER 2025

1-3 December (Monday-Wednesday): Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day).

9-10 December (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

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
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