DFM-listed Dubai Investments to IPO four subsidiaries

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

THIS MORNING: DP World considers USD 1 bn Peru port expansion + Abu Dhabi-Dubai train to slash travel time to 30 minutes

Good morning, friends, and happy FRIDAY. We have a brisk issue for you to wrap up the week. First up, DFM-listed Dubai Investments is planning to float four subsidiaries, while DP World is eyeing a USD 1 bn expansion of its port operations in Peru.

On the global stage, FDI surged 11% to USD 1.4 tn in 2024, and the GCC IPO pipeline is shaping up for a strong 2025, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Let’s dive in.

WEATHER- Expect partly cloudy and dusty conditions across the country, along with some humidity overnight and light to moderate winds through the weekend, according to the National Center of Meteorology (pdf). The mercury in Dubai will hit 26°C, with an overnight low of 16°C, while temperatures will hit 21°C in Abu Dhabi, with an overnight low of 17°C.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

DP World eyes USD 1 bn expansion in Peru: DP World is mulling an investment of more than USD 1 bn to expand port infrastructure in Peru, Reuters reports, citing the Peruvian government’s statement on X. The statement followed a meeting between Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and DP World CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The proposed expansion aims to boost agricultural exports and create jobs, supporting the South American nation’s economic potential. DP World currently operates the Callao port terminal, Peru’s largest port, and is evaluating further investment opportunities within its Peruvian operations, the company stated.

ICYMI- DP World has been ramping up its investments in Peru, completing a USD 400 mn expansion of the Bicentennial Pier at the Port of Callao in mid-2024, and USD 540 mn in investments across Ecuador and Peru.

#2- UAE eyes more trade agreements in 2025: The UAE expects a major boost in trade relations in 2025, with plans to finalize a landmark trade agreement with Nigeria, along with Azerbaijan, Mercosur nations, Thailand, and the Philippines in the coming months, Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi told Bloomberg in an interview (watch, runtime: 2:54) on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The country has already signed 24 economic partnership agreements, with discussions underway for potential agreements with the European Union and Mexico. The minister expects these agreements to contribute by 3.7-3.8% to the GDP by 2030.

The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade grew over 14% in 2024, surpassing AED 2.8 tn for the first time, outpacing global averages fourfold.

#3- Al Habtoor ties major Lebanon investment to government formation: Emirati businessman Khalaf Al Habtoor is planning a significant investment in Lebanon, pending the formation of a new “strong and independent” government, he said in a post on X. Al Habtoor said the project aims to support Lebanon’s economic revival and restore investor confidence in the country.

REMEMBER- Al Habtoor Group scrapped plans to launch a TV channel and a studio city in Beirut earlier last year after Al Habtoor and his staff received what they said were physical threats which present significant security challenges. The company filed both criminal and civil complaints in Lebanon and other locations at the time against individuals who had allegedly threatened the group and its staff.

PSAs-

#1- Your Abu Dhabi-Dubai commute is about to get a lot faster: A planned new high-speed train project connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai will cut travel time between the two emirates to 30 minutes, with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km per hour, Wam reports. Managed by Etihad Rail, the project is moving forward with tenders for project contracts issued and network designs approved. The Secretary-Generals of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and the Dubai Executive Council also signed a cooperation charter to ramp up the project infrastructure.

ALSO- The UAE also announced the first four passenger rail stations, located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, and integrating with metro and bus lines for improved connectivity. A complementary passenger train fleet will connect urban and regional routes, operating at speeds up to 200 km per hour to further improve mobility across the UAE.

#2- Flydubai is set to resume flights between Dubai and Beirut starting 1 February, Al Bayan reports, citing a statement.

DATA POINT-

Sharjah real estate developer Alef Group recorded sales crossing AED 2.4 bn in 2024, up 30% y-o-y, Wam reports. The developer’s sales comprised 25% of the emirate’s total property market.

HAPPENING TODAY-

#1- World Economic Forum 2025 is on its last day in Davos, Switzerland, under the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.” The forum will gather 3k high-profile figures from over 130 countries, with 350 government leaders, including US President Donald Trump — joining via video — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. The participants will discuss global challenges, including geopolitical shocks, economic growth, and advancing an inclusive energy transition.

#2- The Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition (Acres) is on its third day and runs through Saturday at the Expo Center in Sharjah. The event features networking and business prospects in the property sector, face-to-face discussions with developers and industry experts, and exploration of the latest trends in real estate.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

Much like yesterday (and most of the past week), attention in the international business press is split between the growing wildfires in California and the latest from the White House.

The first of Trump’s executive orders to stumble: A federal judge imposed a temporary block on an executive order from US President Donald Trump that would, if implemented, put an end to birthright citizenship in the US. The judge deemed the order as “blatantly unconstitutional” as several states and activist groups filed lawsuits in a bid to halt the decision. The temporary block will be in place for two weeks before legal proceedings continue. (Reuters | New York Times | Wall Street Journal)

Trump is also making headlines for his plans to “demand” that the Federal Reserve cut interest rates “immediately.” Speaking in a video message to the World Economic Forum in Davos — and less than a week before the Federal Open Market Committee meeting next Wednesday — Trump insisted that the Fed should push ahead with rate cuts and that the rest of the world should follow suit with a monetary easing cycle. (CNBC | Financial Times)

WILDFIRE UPDATE- The Hughes fire north of Los Angeles continued to grow yesterday, leading tens of thousands of people to evacuate the area. Firefighters have contained around 14% of the fire’s perimeter, according to Reuters.

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CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

Arab Health will take place between 27-30 January at the Dubai World Trade Center. The annual healthcare exhibit is gathering over 3.8k companies, with the goal of showcasing the latest tech solutions to challenges in the healthcare sector.

The Abu Dhabi Global Health Week will take place between 15-17 April at the Adnec Center in Abu Dhabi. The event will gather global and regional stakeholders to promote collaboration and investment in healthcare solutions. Key topics include health longevity, health system resilience, healthtech and AI, and life sciences.

Emirates Health Services (EHS) is set to present 19 innovative projects during the event, 13 of which are being revealed for the first time regionally and globally in collaboration with 23 strategic partners, Wam reports. The company will also sign 12 MoUs and cooperation agreements with key stakeholders, focusing on mental health innovation, digital infrastructure development, AI adoption, and promoting scientific research areas.

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

DFM-listed Dubai Investments mulls debuting four subsidiaries on the exchange

DFM-listed conglomerate Dubai Investments is looking to take four of its subsidiaries public as part of a broader divestment strategy to maximize shareholder returns, Khalid bin Kalban, vice chairman and CEO of the state-backed firm, told The National. While details on the subsidiaries, the timeline, and the listing venue remain under wraps, the company is actively pitching its portfolio to financial advisers, who are evaluating potential candidates for the IPO pipeline.

Discussions with regulators are also underway: “We have looked at a couple [of companies] … we talked to the local authorities with [regards to] our intention to IPO,” he said. “The discussion is going on now [around] what multiples we are going to get and what value we are going to get for our divestments.”

The rationale? “I am not a believer in big assets and big companies. I believe in [an] efficient company, the right size and [one creating] good return for our shareholders,” Bin Kalban said. “I like to reach a maximum of AED 25 bn, and then start offloading some of the companies, or exiting from some of the companies,” he added.

Who are the candidates? Dubai Investments’ portfolio includes Dubai Investments Park, Properties Investment, Al Mal Capital, Dubai Investment Real Estate, Emirates Building Systems,Globalpharma, and utility company Emicool, among others.

The company has big expansion plans, with a construction portfolio worth AED 2 bn and plans to add AED 1 bn this year through expansions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. The company’s total assets exceeded AED 22 bn as of 3Q 2024, operating across multiple sectors including real estate, building materials and construction, education, and financial services.

Market reax: Dubai Investments’ shares inched down 0.02% to AED 2.17 apiece on yesterday’s close.

GCC IPO pipeline looks strong for 2025, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia leading the charge -EFG Hermes

Capital markets in the GCC are in for a solid 2025, with EFG Hermes particularly bullish on the IPO outlook for the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Ali Khalpey, the investment bank’s head of equity capital markets, told Zawya. “We have a very active pipeline built from last year to engage in 2025,” he said, adding that 2Q is expected to be particularly busy, with lots of consumer-focused companies set to hit both markets, following what is usually a quiet 1Q.

His take on the disappointing debuts of otherwise popular Emirati IPOs last year? Several UAE IPOs in 2024, including Spinneys, Lulu Retail and Talabat, stumbled on their debut. Khalpey does not seem too concerned, noting that while some of the IPOs were priced on the upper end of their valuation due to strong market demand, long-term investors will keep an eye on other indicators like dividends and share price appreciation.

REMEMBER- The UAE is expected to sustain a strong presence in the GCC’s IP O market in 2025, with three announced IPOs and another three rumored, according to an earlier report by Kamco Invest. Listings in the pipeline this year include ADQ’s Etihad Airways, Alpha Data, Dubizzle Group, Five Holdings, Amanat Holding’s education and healthcare units, along with construction firm Alec and shisha producer Advanced Inhalation Ritual.

Last year was a banner year for IPOs in the region. EFG Hermes helped raise a total of USD 7.2 bn from some 11 IPOs on Tadawul, ADX, DFM and Boursa Kuwait last year, and USD 12.5 bn from six secondary offerings. The firm played a part in major transactions, including Aramco’s USD 11.2 bn secondary offering — the largest follow-on offering in the GCC. It also acted as a joint bookrunner for Miahona’s USD 148 mn IPO and facilitated the USD 2 bn divestment of Delivery Hero’s stake, which stood out as the largest UAE IPO of the year.

Qora71 backs Basetwo in USD 11.5 mn Series A round

UAE-based investment firm Qora71 participated in Toronto-based AI platform for manufacturing engineers Basetwo AI’s USD 11.5 mn series A funding round, which was led by AVP and included contributions from Glasswing Ventures, Deloitte Ventures Canada, Global Brain Corporation, Shimadzu Corporation, and Chiyoda Corporation, according to a press release.

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Where will the money go? The company will use the funding to develop its AutoPilot technology for autonomous, real-time manufacturing control, and expand its presence across the US, Europe and the Middle East. It will also continue to grow its teams.

About the startup: Basetwo — which has an Abu Dhabi office — offers chemicals and pharma manufacturers a platform where they can run virtual experiments and simulate process changes before implementation in a bid to cut down on cycle times and improve product quality. The current platform’s technologies are able to improve product quality by 25% and reduce cycle times and raw material usage by 40%.

M42 launches four specialized platforms to drive growth

M42 is gearing up on a new operating structure: State-owned Mubadala-backed healthtech firm M42 rolled out a new operating structure with four specialized platforms aimed at supporting growth and acquisitions, according to a press release.

The breakdown:

Global Patient Care manages 480 clinics across 26 countries, serving 15 mn patients annually. This platform offers renal care, outpatient and chronic disease management, diagnostics, women’s and children’s health, specialty surgery, and long-term care.
Integrated Health Solutions focuses on national programs and population health to address global health disparities through preventive care. It encompasses genomics, national programs, biobanking, data services, environmental sciences, and clinical research.
Digital Health Solutions aims to scale digital health innovations and AI-driven solutions.
AI Life Sciences concentrates on drug discovery and development, utilizing AI and partnerships across the life sciences value chain. This platform seeks to advance capabilities in the healthcare sector.

REMEMBER- M42 is eyeing acquisitions in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, with ongoing talks in Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Egypt.

The story got ink from Reuters.

Ras Al Khaimah National Ins. records an AED 15.4 mn net income in 2024

Two Ras Al Khaimah entities have reported their full-year earnings for 2024. Here’s how the year looked:

RAKBANK-

The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (Rakbank) saw its net income after tax rise 16% y-o-y to AED 2.1 bn during 2024, driven by a 7% y-o-y rise in operating income to a record AED 4.7 bn, according to the bank’s earnings release (pdf). Net interest income for the year rose 6.8% y-o-y to AED 3.6 bn.

The bank’s total assets grew 19.4% y-o-y to AED 88.3 bn in 2024, driven by a 19.3% increase in loans and advances to AED 50.3 bn, according to the statement. Customer deposits grew 18.4% y-o-y to AED 59.6 bn during the same period.

On a 4Q basis: The bank’s net income fell 10.4% y-o-y to AED 386 mn, while operating income rose 3.7% y-o-y to AED 1.2 bn, according to the earnings release.

Behind the robust performance: “Our unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with a focus on digital innovation and exceptional customer experiences, has driven remarkable financial growth, enabling us to surpass the AED 2 bn net income milestone for the first time in the bank’s history,” Rakbank’s Chairman, Mohamed Omran Alshams, said in the release.

RAS AL KHAIMAH NATIONAL INS.-

Ras Al Khaimah National Ins. reported a net income of AED 15.4 mn for 2024, marking a 6.2% y-o-y increase compared to 2023, according to the company’s financials (pdf). The firm’s ins. revenue rose by 8.5% y-o-y to AED 504 mn during the same period.

Hyatt Hotels taps new Inclusive Collection President + Ins. House appoints new CEO

Hyatt Hotels appointed Javier Aguila (LinkedIn) as president of its Inclusive Collection, effective 1 March, while he continues to serve as president for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), according to a press release. In his expanded role, Aguila will oversee all aspects of Hyatt’s global all-inclusive business, including development, operations, branding, and commercial performance, collaborating with global functional teams.

The Inclusive Collection comprises 11 all-inclusive brands, representing approximately 55k rooms globally.

Ins. House appointed Mohammed Alami Abu Quora as CEO, after receiving approval from the Central Bank of the UAE, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). Ins. House first nominated Abu Quora for the position on 14 November. His experience includes previously serving as CEO of Takaful Emarat, MedGulf Ins. Company, and other ins. companies both inside and outside the UAE, as well as having an academic background in Law.

Emirates NBD snags Bank of the Year title at the Banker Awards 2024 + Abu Dhabi named world’s safest city for ninth year in a row

Emirates NBD was named Bank of the Year and Best Private Bank in the UAE at the Banker Awards 2024, in recognition of its investment strategies, wealth management solutions, and personal banking services, according to a Dubai Media Office statement.

Abu Dhabi was ranked the world’s safest city for the ninth consecutive year in 2025 on online database Numbeo’s list, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The emirate secured the top spot out of 382 global cities, on the back of its comprehensive security plans, strategies, and initiatives implemented by the Abu Dhabi Police to boost safety and strengthen community trust.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) received seven awards at the 2025 Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, including four gold and three silver, Wam reports.

The awards include:

Gold in Most Innovative Sustainability Leader of the Year for Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Innovative Management in Government, Innovation in Media Relations, and Most Innovative Technology Team of the Year
Silver Awards for Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi as Thought Leader of the Year, Most Innovative Corporate Sustainability Program, and Outstanding Individual Contribution to Sustainability for Maryam Al Balooshi.

ALSO- Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) pledged AED 36.7 mn to support UNHCR’s sustainable projects and programs for forcibly displaced communities, Wam reports. The agreement — signed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Switzerland — brings MBRGI’s total contributions to UNHCR to AED 163.6 mn since 2021.

Homegrown flexible staffing solutions provider Orgam secures USD 3 mn investment from Tenami capital

STARTUPS-

Orgam secures USD 3 mn from Tenami capital: Homegrown flexible staffing solutions provider Orgam raised a USD 3 mn non-dilutive investment from Tenami capital, the company said in a press release. Orgam will use the funds to fuel its expansion plans in Saudi Arabia’s retail and hospitality sectors, strengthen its working capital and improve retention rates. The startup will also roll out its early payout program with this investment.

REAL ESTATE-

#1- Reef Developments launches AED 300 mn REEF 999 in Al Furjan: Reef L uxury Developments unveiled its latest project, REEF 999, in Al Furjan, Dubai, with an investment value of AED 300 mn, according to a press release. The development spans 60k sqft and features 142 units, including apartments and villas.

ICYMI: Reef Developments revealed plans in October to invest AED 14 bn in over 30 projects by December 2025, with an ambitious goal to launch 5k residential units worth more than AED 5 bn within three months.

#2- Samana Developers jets off to the Maldives: Dubai-based Samana Developers launched an AED 2.2 bn luxury project in the Maldives, Khaleej Times reports. The development, named Samana Ocean Views and featuring interiors by Elie Saab, is the developer’s first branded residence project, and is set for completion in 2029. Sustainability features, such as coral restoration, are part of the project. Samana Developers has already delivered over 1k units and has 10k units currently under construction.

NBFS-

Al Ansari is now authorized to collect pension contributions for corporates: Al Ansari Exchange received authorization to collect pension contributions from corporates on behalf of The General Pension and Social Security Authority and Ma’ashi, according to a press release.

MARITIME-

Georgia-based real estate developer Mardi Holding is set to expand into the UAE market, led by its Dubai-based subsidiary Zam Prime Properties, in Business Bay, Al Bayan reports. The company will officially announce the expansion on 28 January.

Meet the team: Faisal Contractor (LinkedIn) will serve as Chairman and CEO, with operations managed by General Manager Dr Munir Azzam

FDI growth continued in 2024, but uncertainty weighs on prospects for 2025

Foreign direct investments rose 11% y-o-y to USD 1.4 tn in 2024, though figures dipped 8% when excluding European conduit economies, according to the latest Global Investment Trends Monitor (pdf) released by UN Trade and Development. Greenfield projects fell 8% y-o-y, while their value fell 7% — though still remaining only second to their 2023 peak.

The Middle East attracted USD 70 bn in FDI last year, marking a 13% increase y-o-y, with diversification initiatives and mega-projects in renewable energy, technology, and tourism leading the way, Khaleej Times quotes the report as saying. Saudi Arabia alone recorded USD 30 bn in FDI inflows, spurred by transformative projects like the USD 500 bn Neom development. but the Middle East and GCC stand out as resilient regions, driven by diversification strategies and sustainability-focused investments.

International project finance — mostly critical for infrastructure projects — continued a downward trend with a 26% decline in volume and a decline of about a third in terms of value. Meanwhile, cross-border M&A activity fell 13% y-o-y, though total values increased by 2%.

Expect “moderate growth” for FDI in 2025, though not without downside risks. A toxic mashup of geopolitical tensions, inflation, and shifting trade dynamics could spur uncertainty among investors and spell trouble for global FDI flows. Still, some investors — private equity funds in particular — are expected to use up a lot of their dry powder, especially on tech firms amid the ongoing AI boom.

Prospects look good for the Middle East: The GCC region is expected to see vibrant FDI growth in 2025, fueled by improved financing conditions and an increase in mergers and acquisitions, Khaleej Times quotes the report as saying.

MARKETS THIS MORNING-

Asian markets are firmly in the green this morning, tracking gains on Wall Street after US President Donald Trump called for lower interest rates and oil prices. Meanwhile, Wall Street futures are pointing to a weaker open, with futures across the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all down in overnight trading.

ADX	9,543	+0.1% (YTD: +1.3%)
DFM	5,249	+0.3% (YTD: +1.74%)
Nasdaq Dubai UAE20	4,356	+0.6% (YTD: +4.6%)
USD : AED CBUAE	Buy 3.67	Sell 3.67
EIBOR	4.1% o/n	4.4% 1 yr
TASI	12,354	-0.1% (YTD: +2.6%)
EGX30	2,998	+0.1% (YTD: +0.9%)
S&P 500	6,119	+0.5% (YTD: +4.0%)
FTSE 100	8,565	+0.2% (YTD: +4.8%)
Euro Stoxx 50	5,218	+0.2% (YTD: +6.6%)
Brent crude	USD 74.30	-0.4%
Natural gas (Nymex)	USD 3.93	-0.3%
Gold	USD 2,763.40	-0.1%
BTC	USD 103,962.60	0.0% (YTD: +11.3%)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The DFM rose 0.3% yesterday on turnover of AED 660.7 mn. The index is up 1.7% YTD.

In the green: National Cement Company (+8.3%), International Financial Advisors (+8.2%) and Takaful Emarat (+3.3%).

In the red: Orascom Construction (-9.2%), Dubai National Insurance & Reinsurance (-8.2%) and National International Holding Company (-7.9%).

Over on the ADX, the index rose 0.1% on turnover of AED 1.2 bn. Meanwhile, Nasdaq Dubai rose 0.6%.

FM gets acquainted with new US secretary of state

FM holds first call with the new US State Secretary: Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared a phone call with the new US State Secretary Marco Rubio, in which the two top diplomats discussed their countries’ relations, as well as regional and global developments, Wam reports.

Deputy PM and Interior Minister General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with the Arab Interior Ministers Council’s Secretary-General Dr Mohammed bin Ali Koman to review regional and international developments, addressing key security challenges in the Arab region. The two reiterated the importance of Arab security cooperation and coordination to foster safety and stability in the region, Wam reports.

CALENDAR

JANUARY

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

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

23-26 January (Thursday-Sunday): The inaugural Ruwad Pop Up festival, Al Mamsha, Muweileh Commercial, 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

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.

7 February-29 April (Friday-Tuesday): The Abu Dhabi Festival, Abu Dhabi.

8-20 February (Saturday-Thursday): Dubai Games 2025, Dubai.

10-11 February (Monday-Tuesday) MRO Middle East and Aircraft Interiors Middle East, Dubai World Trade Center.

10-11 February (Monday-Tuesday): BreakBulk Middle East, the Dubai World Trade Center.

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

14 February (Friday): The deadline for the consultation period for the Securities and Commodities Authority’s draft regulation on security tokens and commodity tokens.

16 February-1 March (Sunday-Saturday): Dubai Dutyfree Tennis Championships, Dubai Dutyfree Tennis Stadium in Al Garhoud.

16 February (Sunday): The International Defence Conference,The Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.

17-21 February (Monday-Friday): International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

17-21 February (Monday-Friday): Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

17-22 February (Monday-Saturday): Gulfood, Dubai World Trade Center.

19-21 February (Wednesday-Friday): International Dialogue of Civilizations & Tolerance Conference, Abu Dhabi Energy Centre.

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

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

1 April (Tuesday): New ADGM employment regulations come into effect.

1 April (Tuesday): New personal status law comes into effect.

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

7-9 April (Monday-Wednesday): Middle East Energy, Dubai World Trade Center.

7-9 April (Monday-Wednesday): World Local Production Forum’s 3rd edition, 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.

15-17 April (Tuesday-Thursday): The Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, Adnec center, Abu Dhabi.

16-18 April (Wednesday-Friday): World Future Energy Summit,Abu Dhabi National Exhibition, Abu Dhabi.

21-25 April (Monday-Friday): The Dubai AI Week, Museum of the Future and Area 2071, Emirates Towers, Dubai.

22-24 April (Tuesday-Thursday): DOMOTEX Middle East, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai.

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, Dubai World Trade Center

Signposted to happen sometime in April:

Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi

MAY

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

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

13-16 May (Tuesday-Friday): International Union for Health Promotion and Education Conference, Abu Dhabi.

13-15 May (Tuesday-Thursday): Cabsat Middle East and Satellite Middle East, Dubai World Trade Center.

15 May (Thursday): The Economy Middle East Summit, ADGM, Abu Dhabi.

16-18 May (Friday-Sunday): GISEC, Dubai World Trade Center.

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

20-22 May (Tuesday-Thursday): Seamless Middle East 2025, Dubai World Trade Center.

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.

Signposted to happen sometime in May:

Asean and GCC summit, Malaysia.

JUNE

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

24-25 June (Tuesday-Wednesday): Middle East Rail, Dubai World Trade Center.

27 June (Friday): Islamic New Year.

Signposted to happen sometime in 2H 2025:

Closing of XRG’s acquisition of Covestro

JULY

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

SEPTEMBER

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

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

9-15 October (Thursday-Wednesday): IUCN World Conservation Congress, Abu Dhabi.

17-19 October (Friday-Sunday): The International Real Estate and Investment Show, Abu Dhabi.

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

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

DECEMBER

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

1-5 December (Monday-Friday): The World Congress of Neurosurgery, Dubai World Trade Center.

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.
Universal Postal Congress 2025, Dubai.

Signposted to happen sometime in the fall of 2025:

2025 Games of the Future, Dubai.
ICOM General Conference 2025, 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
9-11 January (Friday-Sunday): 1 Bn Followers Summit’s fourth edition, UAE

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