Dubai inflation rises in May. Plus: XRG, Masdar open up Washington offices

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

THIS MORNING: Middle East IPO pipeline still intact amid conflict-induced jitters + Gulf visa gets the greenlight

Good morning, lovely people, and happy hump day. It’s definitely a news dump day here at home, with plenty of investment news, macro forecasts and analysis, including the latest Dubai inflation figures, and more keeping us busy this morning.

BUT FIRST- The Iran-Israel war conflict has now entered its sixth day, and the UAE is still working hard to push for de-escalation. Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan warned against “reckless and miscalculated” actions that could expand the conflict beyond the two countries’ borders, after news came out that US President Donald Trump is considering a strike against Iran.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also phoned Iranian President Masoud Pezekhsian to discuss the developments, and expressed the UAE’s solidarity with Iran, state news agency Wam reported. He also discussed the conflict with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, continuing plenty of diplomatic discussions over the weekend with regional and international counterparts.

ALSO- The UAE Coast Guard safely evacuated 24 crew members from the oil tanker Adalynn after two oil tankers collided and caught fire near the Strait of Hormuz, off the Emirati coast near Khor Fakkan port, according to a statement on X and Reuters. The incident wasn’t directly related to the conflict, one of the vessel’s owners told Bloomberg, though electronic interference in the channel has risen since Israel and Iran have exchanged air strikes, disrupting navigation signals.

The US president reiterated his calls overnight for an unconditional surrender — needless to say in all caps — and threatening to kill Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and describing him as an “easy target.”

The real and growing concern is if Trump decides to turn words into actions and formally join Israel’s war on Iran, potentially using its more advanced hardware to target deep underground facilities that the Israelis are unable to. Pointing to the increased likelihood of the US’ direct involvement, Trump said the country’s patience was “wearing thin,” described how “we” have established dominance of Iranian airspace, and directed the forward deployment of the US air power. (Reuters | New York Times | Financial Times | Bloomberg | Guardian)

While the world’s attention turns to Iran, Israel’s starvation of Gaza and daily massacres have continued, the most recent of which saw 59 Palestinians slaughtered yesterday as Israeli tanks fired into crowds of people waiting for desperately needed food aid. The killing of those seeking aid in what the UN describes as the “the hungriest place on Earth” has become a depressingly familiar story coming out of the besieged strip in recent weeks, despite the entire population of Gaza being at risk of famine.

Elsewhere in the strip, at least another 14 people were killed, bringing the day’s death toll to at least 73. But with the conflict now in its 20th month and developing events elsewhere taking away diplomatic and media focus, the relative silence on Gaza in recent weeks has been deafening. (Reuters | New York Times | Financial Times | Guardian)

☀️ WEATHER- In Dubai, the mercury will reach a high of 42°C, though it will feel as hot as 57°C, before cooling down a bit to an overnight low of 32°C, according to our weather app. Temperatures in Abu Dhabi are a bit cooler, with an afternoon high of 35°C and an overnight low of 31°C.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Middle East IPO pipeline holds steady amid geopolitical flare-up: IPOs in the region are staying the course despite escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with pipelines in the UAE and broader GCC remaining intact, Bloomberg reports, citing statements from investment bankers in the region. Emirates NBD Capital say their IPO pipeline for the fall remains unchanged, with no IPOs lined up for this summer.

Large listings could face delays: While large, government-backed listings may be delayed, smaller, domestically focused IPOs remain on track, Al Rayan Investment’s acting CEO Akber Khan said. Brent’s rebound to near USD 75/bbl is also offering a buffer to GCC markets. Historically, the region has shrugged off short-lived geopolitical shocks, but analysts caution that a prolonged conflict could weigh on investor risk appetite.

What the pundits are saying: “The recent history for MENA equities is that markets realize quickly that a spasm of fighting does not impact the medium- to long-term economic and earnings trajectory,” Bloomberg cited JPMorgan Chase as saying in a note.

REMEMBER- It’s been a quiet year so far for IPOs, with just one listing each so far in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dubai Residential REIT’s AED 2.1 bn IPO has been a popular one, and followed Alpha Data’s ADX debut in March. Still in the pipeline: Dubai Holding is said to be mulling a second IPO for a portfolio of commercial real estate assets, including malls, hotels, and theme parks; ADQ-backed Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi conglomerate International Holding Company’s investment arm 2PointZero are also planning to hit the ADX; family-owned property developer Arabian Construction Company (ACC) reportedly enlisted HSBC and First Abu Dhabi Bank to advise on its IPO due in 2H; and Dubizzle and Property Finder were gauging investor appetite ahead of potential listings.

#2- Mubadala Capital and Brazilian infrastructure firm Invepar agreed to a 15-day timeout as Invepar seeks to restructure its debt without going to court, a Mubadala spokesperson told Bloomberg. The company develops and operates transport infrastructure across highways, airports, and urban mobility sectors in Brazil and Peru.

The details: Invepar owes approximately BRL 650 mn (AED 434.7 mn) to Mubadala, tied to debentures issued in 2017, Valor International reports. Those notes are backed by major assets like the Linha Amarela expressway in Rio and a pledge related to the Guarulhos Airport concession, Brazil’s busiest airport.

The upside? Invepar is close to finalizing a settlement with the city of Rio de Janeiro over the Linha Amarela concession—a longstanding dispute that could improve its negotiating position with creditors, including Mubadala.

Credit watch: S&P is not feeling too optimistic—last month it slashed Invepar’s rating to D from CC.

#3- Abu Dhabi eyes AED 47 bn in infrastructure contracts for 2H: Abu Dhabi is looking to sign AED 47 bn worth of infrastructure projects with the private sector in 2H 2025, The National reports, citing comments made by Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Center (ADPIC) Director General Maysarah Salim Eid. ADPIC has inked AED 22 bn in public-private partnership contracts (PPPs) so far this year.

ICYMI- Abu Dhabi is planning on developing AED 450 bn worth in infrastructure projects over the next five to ten years.

PLUS- A new partnership with Mubadala: Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala and ADPIC have partnered to jointly develop infrastructure projects across the emirate, according to a press release. The agreement covers feasibility studies, sustainable financing models, and knowledge sharing.

Gulf Schengen-style visa gets the greenlight? A unified tourist visa for all six GCC countries was given the green light and is expected to be implemented “soon,” Economy Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the UAE Hospitality Summer Camp press conference on Monday.

Why it matters: The GCC Grand Tours Visa is a Schengen-style system that will allow tourists to visit all six member states — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait — on a single visa. It is poised to be a game-changer for regional tourism, boosting bleisure travel — where business visitors extend their stays to explore neighboring countries.

BACKGROUND- The initiative, now in the home stretch, was approved back in 2023 and is slated to launch later this year, though no specific date has been confirmed.

DATA POINT-

The hospitality sector brought in AED 13.5 bn in revenues during 1Q 2025, with hotel guests reaching 8.4 mn, up 2% y-o-y, Wam reports. The country recorded 29.3 mn hotel nights and an average occupancy rate of 81.3%.

PSAs-

#1- MoHAP rolls out digital fine collection system: The Health and Prevention Ministry (MoHAP) implemented a digital system to track and process fines across healthcare facilities, according to a MoHAP statement. The platform centralizes payment procedures through a single portal with technical support functions.

#2- Iranian nationals currently in the UAE are exempt from overstay fines, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) said in an X post. The move is aimed at easing the burden on Iranian nationals unable to leave the country amid the ongoing Israel-Iran tensions and suspended flights across the region.

What to do: Affected individuals must register for the exemption via the ICP’s smart services platform or visit a nearby Customer Happiness Center.

HAPPENING TODAY-

#1- The US Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee will make a decision on interest rates today, with Gulf countries set to follow suit. The Fed is widely expected to maintain its current policy, keeping benchmark federal fund rates at 4.25%-4.50% during this week’s meeting as persistent tariff-related inflation and global uncertainties overshadow easing pressures, according to a Reuters poll of economists. Economists estimate the first cut won’t arrive until September, with another potential cut set to follow by the year-end.

#3- The Middle East Event Show is on its second and final day at the Dubai World Trade Center. Industry players from the events sector will meet for seminars, discussions, and networking sessions on the latest sector-specific trends.

#4- The Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit is also on its second and final day at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center. The event will see upwards of 70 speakers, 2k attendees, and 25 exhibitors meet to discuss urban planning, smart cities, mobility, energy, and healthcare.

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MARKET WATCH-

Global oil supplies are expected to outpace demand this year even as Middle East tensions heighten concerns over potential disruptions, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its annual report (pdf).

By the numbers: Oil production is forecast to grow by 1.8 mn bbl/d this year to reach 104.9 mn bbl/d, while demand is projected at 103.8 mn bbl/d — resulting in rising oil inventories throughout the year. The surplus is driven by Opec+ producers gradually reversing earlier output cuts and non-Opec+ producers contributing an additional 1.4 mn bbl/d on average.

Global inventories have been rising steadily, with storage levels increasing by an average of 1 mn bbl/d since February. In May alone, oil jumped to a “massive” 93 mn bbl/d — that said, total inventories remain 90 mn bbl below year-ago levels.

Long term outlook: Global oil supply will continue exceeding demand through 2030, with production capacity rising by 5 mn bbl/d to 114.7 mn bbl/d, according to the IEA. Demand is expected to grow more slowly, increasing by 2.5 mn bbl/d to a projected peak of 105.5 mn bbl/d by the end of the decade. A major factor in this slowdown is China, where consumption is now expected to peak in 2027, driven by the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, high-speed rail expansion, and gas-powered trucking.

Short-term impacts of the Iran-Israel conflict could be positive for the GCC, but longer-term impacts are less certain

More analysts and credit ratings agencies are weighing in on the implications of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran on the MENA region and for the global economy at large — and while there is some lack of clarity over what might happen, the question is currently not whether there will be impacts, but how significant they will be.

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The oil market could be particularly affected by the conflict, with Fitch Solutions’ research unit BMI saying in a webinar attended by EnterpriseAM that “all options are on the table” both for the conflict and for its impact on oil prices in the near term. BMI laid out a number of possibilities for oil prices by 3Q:

Iran conducts limited attacks and a new nuclear agreement is reached, which would lead to crude oil being priced at USD 60-65 per barrel;
Iran's missile programs are weakened and the US does not pursue a new nuclear agreement, which would lead to crude oil barrels being priced at USD 60-70 per barrel;
Israel and Iran engage in retaliationary strikes before eventual de-escalation, keeping prices elevated at USD 70 per barrel before stabilizing at between USD 60-80;
Retaliatory exchanges between Israel and Iran lead to military confrontation with the US, leading to prices of USD 75-100;
The situation develops into a broader conflict that pits the US directly against Iran, bringing prices up to around USD 100-150 should a closure of the Strait of Hormuz take place.

Oil supply could remain stable in the next few months: “So long as oil exports of producers in the region remain unaffected, the global oil market is set to be well supplied over the next few months on the back of OPEC+’s well-documented pivot towards a faster unwinding of voluntary output cuts,” Capital Economics’ James Swanston wrote in a research note seen by EnterpriseAM.

Where oil prices are trading currently: Brent Crude rose to a five-month high on Tuesday on speculations that the US might attack Iran, reaching USD 76 a barrel. Oil options volumes soared on Monday, with traders snapping up bullish Brent calls at USD 80 and USD 100. Brent’s futures curve steepened into backwardation, suggesting fears of near-term supply shocks, especially if tensions escalate toward the Strait of Hormuz, through which 17 mn barrels per day of oil pass.

As things stand, Gulf countries stand to benefit: “The Gulf economies benefit for the time being from higher production and oil prices. The greater negative impact will be felt on the economies of Egypt and Jordan,” Swanston said. This notion was seconded by Fitch’s Head of MENA Country Risk Ramona Moubarak, who said in the webinar that as long as the conflict remains confined to Iran and Israel, GCC economies will only be affected by the air of uncertainty, while benefiting from the higher oil prices.

The key determining factor will be the Strait of Hormuz: Iran following through on its threats to close the Strait of Hormuz could lead to the cutting off about 30% of the world’s daily oil supply and 20% of global LNG trade, according to a fact sheet (pdf) detailing 2023 traffic through the Strait by the International Energy Agency. Closing the strait and cutting off key energy exporters Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE from the global market has the potential to completely disrupt global energy supply chains and violently ramp up energy costs.

“The risk of a ‘closure’ of the Strait of Hormuz is more nuanced than some might suggest, not least because Iran relies on the Strait to export its energy flows,” Swanston argued, adding that it seems unlikely Iran would cause long-term disruption to the Strait, given the implications not only for the West but for allies including China.

BEFORE THE WAR STARTED…

ICAEW had seen the UAE’s GDP growth picking up to 5.1% in 2025, up from 3.8% last year, on the back of a “rebound in oil sector activity, in line with OPEC+ quota adjustments,” the institute said in its Economic Update report — which was published before the escalation of the conflict between Iran and Israel. Accelerated OPEC+ production will help support oil sector growth of 6.1% this year, up from 4.8% previously, while non-oil growth is projected to average around 4.5% over the next few years. The UAE’s tourism sector is also set to play a significant part in the UAE’s non-oil growth, with the year set to see a 10.3% rise in tourist arrivals.

Inflation to remain elevated: The UAE’s inflation reading is set to come in at 2.5% for 2025, making it the country with the highest expected inflation reading among the GCC, which is attributed to “ongoing upward pressures from housing prices.”

Diversification progress to remain strong: “Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are well placed to leverage the announced technology and AI agreements in line with the region's diversification objectives,” the note reads.

The GCC at large is seen growing by 4.4% this year, representing an upgrade of 0.4 percentage point from previous forecasts, according to the report. The growth will be primarily driven by “faster OPEC+ output increases and sustained non-oil momentum in key economies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE," Zawya quotes ICAEW’s Scott Livermore as saying.

Oil-sector growth will come in at a higher rate than previously expected: The larger output hikes announced by OPEC+ for May, June and July are expected to contribute to oil-sector growth of 4.6% in the GCC this year, up ICAEW’s previous forecast of 3.2% of oil-sector growth. Meanwhile, non-energy sectors are also expected to grow — but at a slower pace than previously predicted, with the ICAEW revising its forecast down by 0.3 percentage point to 4.1% this year.

How this compares to other forecasts: The World Bank sees the UAE’s GDP growing 4.6% this year, while a Reuters poll of economists forecasted 4.5% growth. Meanwhile, the IMF is less optimistic with a 4% growth forecast. The CBUAE expects a stronger 4.7% GDP growth, while S&P Global had also previously forecast 5.1% growth this year.

Dubai annual inflation sees slight uptick in May, reversing four-month downward trend

Dubai’s annual inflation saw a slight uptick in May, coming in at 2.37% y-o-y, compared to 2.31% in April, reversing a four-month trend of softening following January’s peak of 3.22%, according to the Dubai Statistics Center (pdf). However, most components of the basket showed only moderate price growth, with Emirates NBD (pdf) anticipating that inflation “should be maintained around current levels through the rest of the year,” the bank said in its research note.

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The breakdown: Prices for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels — the largest component in the inflation basket — continued to increase at a slower pace, this time rising by 6.85%, slightly down from 7.02% in April, continuing a downward trajectory since the beginning of the year. Food and beverages also saw a slight rise of 0.33% during the month, compared with the 0.2% fall recorded in April. Furnishing, household equipment and routine household maintenance, along with restaurants and accommodation and recreation, sports, and culture, also recorded slight price growth, though at a slower pace.

Segments seeing deflation: Transport prices, making up just over 9% of the index, slipped further to -8.75% y-o-y in May, compared to -7.64% y-o-y in April. The information and communication sector was the only other sector that saw deflation during the month, seeing a deceleration of -1.78% y-o-y in May.

On a monthly basis, prices fell by 0.18%, in what is the second instance of monthly deflation since July 2024, according to monthly figures from the statistics center’s monthly inflation report (pdf).

Geopolitical developments could have big implications on inflation: “The current spike in Brent crude prices on the back of Middle Eastern instability could see some of this deflationary pressure ease,” Emirates NBD wrote.

Remember: The escalation of violence between Israel and Iran has already driven oil prices higher, due to expectations of risk to global energy supply chains, National Bank of Kuwait's Issa Hijazeen told EnterpriseAM earlier this week. The Israel-Iran escalation of hostilities sent oil prices up by as much as 13% on Friday midday before settling up 7%. Still, the spike to USD 73.8 for Brent on Friday is still 12.6% lower than Brent futures a year ago, Emirates NBD said.

Looking ahead: Emirates NBD expects inflation to come in at 2.5%, down from its previous forecast of 2.8%, which it previously stated was down to the downward pressure on oil prices expected throughout the year and other components of the basket showing weak price growth, according to the note. The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) had pencilled in a 2.0% inflation rate for the country this year, almost matching the IMF’s recent estimate.

Adnoc’s XRG and Masdar open up US posts amid plans to boost investments in the US

Adnoc’s clean energy arm Masdar and its investment platform XRG opened new offices in Washington to help manage and scale its planned US investments, Reuters reports, citing comments made by Adnoc CEO Sultan Al Jaber at an investment event in Washington. XRG recently said it would also make a “very large and significant investment” in the US.

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Next step is supply chain integration: Jaber called for a “coordinated roadmap” between Abu Dhabi and Washington to jointly develop AI ecosystems across sectors.

Background: State oil giant Adnoc plans to increase its US investments to USD 440 bn over the next decade, The six-fold increase would span oil and gas, petrochem, and renewables, with Jaber calling the US “not just a priority, it is an investment imperative.” Earlier this year Adnoc was said to be considering a USD 9 bn acquisition of US natural gas assets, to add to its existing portfolio across the pond which includes an 11.7% stake in Texas’ USD 18 bn Rio Grande LNG export facility and a 35% stake in ExxonMobil’s proposed law-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production facility — also in Texas. Adnoc also established a trading desk in the US as part of its expansion plans.

Adnoc’s USD 440 bn investment sits within a broader USD 1.4 tn UAE commitment to the US, focusing on key sectors like energy, manufacturing, and AI — a framework unveiled in March and finalized during Donald Trump’s state visit in May.

Damac-backed Edgnex to invest USD 2.3 bn into new Indonesian data center

Damac’s Edgnex to land in Jakarta: UAE-based Damac’s data center arm Edgnex is set to invest USD 2.3 bn (AED 8.4 bn) to develop a next-generation AI-powered data center in Jakarta, Indonesia, according to a press release. Damac acquired the land earmarked for the project earlier in March and has launched early phase construction at the site.

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The details: The project — Damac’s second in Indonesia — is forecasted to have a capacity of 144 MW once completed. The first phase is scheduled for operations by December 2026. The plan includes the integration of high-density AI-racks and a power usage effectiveness 1.32 PUE rate at the site.

REMEMBER- The company revealed plans back in December to invest approximately USD 3 bn in establishing data centers across Southeast Asia through its subsidiary Edgnex over the next three to five years, primarily targeting Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The firm had been planning to invest USD 5 bn to 7 bn globally over the next few years to expand its operations and address rising demand for digital infrastructure, Danish Nayar, senior vice president of investments and acquisition at Damac Group, told Bloomberg previously.

Damac is making waves in the global data center sector:

North America: Damac committed USD 20 bn to US data centers, with a focus on supporting AI and cloud businesses, with the possibility of “doubling” its investment depending on market demand;
Saudi Arabia: Edgnex is also investing USD 600 mn in data centers in Dammam and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia — expected to launch this year. The company also signed a MoU with Salam, Cinturion, and Emaar, Economic City, to develop a digital infrastructure hub in Jeddah;
Turkey + Greece: Edgnex allocated USD 100 mn with Vodafone Turkey for a 6 MW data center in Izmir, also set to go online this year, as well as a separate initial USD 150 mn investment for a data center in Sparta, Greece.

Newera’s Abu Dhabi hedge fund lands USD 500 mn investment from Schonfeld Strategic Advisors

Newera’s Abu Dhabi-based hedge fund secures USD 500 mn investment: Omar Newera, a former portfolio manager at Waha Capital, has secured a USD 500 mn investment from Schonfeld Strategic Advisors for his new long-short equity hedge fund based in Abu Dhabi, Bloomberg reports, citing sources familiar with the matter.

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The fund, expected to launch in late 2025 or early 2026, will trade exclusively for Schonfeld during an initial period. The New York-based hedge fund retains the option to increase its allocation over time.

This marks the first external manager investment for Schonfeld’s Emerging Markets and Delta One Strategy, launched in 2023. Led by Riccardo Riboldi from Dubai, the strategy is backed by a team of over 10 professionals, specializing in approaches like basis trading, long-short equity, and volatility.

UAE homegrown hedge fund startups remain a rare sight; however Newera’s launch—alongside Magellan Capital’s planned USD 700 mn multi-strategy vehicle —could signal a shift.

BinHendi Holding, Tellus Power, and Sing Family Enterprise launch UAE-based EV charging JV

New EV infrastructure manufacturer in the UAE: Emirati investment firm BinHendi Holding, Tellus Power, and China’s Sing Family Enterprise signed a joint venture agreement to establish Tellus Power MENA, a UAE-headquartered manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) charging systems, state news agency Wam reports. The Investment Ministry “played a key role” in facilitating the investment, as the UAE looks to attract more FDI into manufacturing and renewables.

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What the JV will do: The company will produce EV charging solutions locally to meet regional demand and support the development of bidirectional vehicle-to-grid technologies across the GCC. It aims to serve both as a manufacturing base and a regional technology partner.

Meet the partners:

BinHendi Holding is a UAE investment company focused on mobility, energy, and industrial innovation. Its footprint spans 11 sectors, according to its website;
Tellus Power is a California-based EV infrastructure manufacturer with clients in the US, Europe, India, China, South America, and the GCC;
Sing Family Enterprise Group is a China-based, multi-sector family office and investment group.

REMEMBER- The UAE is targeting 50% EV adoption by 2050 under its National Electric Vehicles Policy and is rapidly scaling up its infrastructure. Over 500 public EV chargers are set to be installed by year-end, with state-backed UAEV aiming for 1k stations by 2030. Adnoc Distribution has expanded to 200+ chargers and targets 500 by 2028, while Abu Dhabi Mobility is rolling out 1k Charge AD stations under PPPs.

Local manufacturing is ramping up too, with Chinese brand ROX Motors and Dubai-based W Motors planning EV production in Abu Dhabi. E Daddy is teaming up with Robust to produce battery packs, and UAEV partnered with AW Rostamani to offer dealership-linked charging credits.

Adia invests in Yinson Production Offshore’s USD 1 bn funding round

A unit of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) participated in Malaysian offshore equipment manufacturer Yinson Production Offshore’s USD 1 bn funding round, according to a press release. The funds came from issuing redeemable convertible preferred shares (RCPS) and warrants through a newly minted UK-based holding company. There is also an option to issue another USD 500 mn in RCPS over the next two years — if all parties agree.

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Who else? Funds managed by British Columbia Investment Management Corporation and RRJ Group also joined the round.

How it is rolling out: The consortium fronted an initial USD 300 mn, “of which USD 200 mn has been used for a special distribution to Yinson,” according to the statement. The remaining USD 700 mn will be provided in up to three separate payments, as requested by Yinson, anytime before December 2026.

By the numbers: RRJ is expected to chip in USD 320 mn to the total, but Adia’s exact contribution was not disclosed.

The big picture: Adia is no stranger to Malaysia. It recently teamed up with GIP, Khazanah, EPF, and BlackRock to snap up a 90% stake in Malaysia Airports. The sovereign wealth fund now owns 30% of the company.

Mashreq facilitates the first sustainability-linked financing for Galadari Brothers

Mashreq facilitates the first sustainability-linked financing for Galadari Brothers: Our friends at Mashreq structured the first sustainability-linked financing (SLF) for Emirati conglomerate Galadari Brothers as part of a bilateral lending relationship, according to a joint statement (pdf). The size of the loan was not disclosed, however it follows on from an initial green loan that Galadari secured from Mashreq in 2023 to support retrofitting at its Sri Lanka hotel.

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The details: The financing, one of the largest SLF facilities for an Emirati group, aims to integrate ESG principles into Galadari Brothers' operations, the statement read. The loan’s three key indicators focus on building internal capabilities, enhancing corporate alignment with ESG standards, and promoting circular economy principles and resource efficiency.

Another notch in Mashreq’s USD 30 bn sustainable financing belt: The facility is part of Mashreq Bank's sustainable finance strategy, which aims to provide financing for sustainable projects worth USD 30 bn by 2030.

Korea’s Kexim backs Masdar-led Saudi solar project with USD 255 mn loan

Korean backing for Masdar-led solar megaproject in Saudi: A consortium led by state-owned renewables giant Masdar — including Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco) and China’s GD Power — lined up USD 225 mn in financing from Korea Eximbank (Kexim) to develop the 2 GW Al Sadawi solar project in Saudi Arabia, the Korean Herald reports, citing a statement by the lender. The terms of the credit facility were not disclosed.

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Project profile: The plant is due to go live in 2027, at which point the Saudi Power Procurement Company will buy all of its output under a 25-year power purchase agreement. The unit, which covers roughly 39.6 square km with 3.7 mn solar modules, is expected to produce 6.5k GWh of electricity per year.

REMEMBER- Earlier this year, Masdar, Kepco, and GD Power were said to be forming a JV to build out the plant with a USD 1.1 bn investment. While the exact ownership structure of the JV was not disclosed, GD Power was set to hold 40% of it.

IN CONTEXT- The fresh capital injection comes less than a year after the Korean bank pledged USD 150 mn in financing for a solar project in the UAE, co-developed by Korea Western Power and France’s EDF Renewables.

Abu Dhabi's Octa secures USD 20 mn credit line for Saudi small businesses

Octa lands USD 20 mn credit facility for Saudi SMEs: Abu Dhabi-based fintech startup Octa obtained a USD 20 mn credit facility from private debt fund Sukna Fund for Direct Financing (SFDF) to provide working capital for small and medium businesses in Saudi Arabia, according to a press release (pdf). The facility will be integrated into Octa's financial operations platform, allowing SMEs to apply for credit directly.

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The details: The solution targets cashflow challenges faced by SMEs and gives them easier access to short-term financing, tied to issuing invoices or payable due dates. Repayments sync automatically with actual collections, removing manual reconciliation. The facility will launch in 3Q 2025 for qualified businesses.

Who’s being targeted: The company is seeing traction from Saudi SMEs in sectors like logistics, F&B supply, facilities management, marketing, and professional services, COO Nupur Mittal told EnterpriseAM, adding that these sectors face high operational complexity but have limited finance infrastructure. “These businesses often operate across multiple entities and currencies, with recurring B2B payments and delayed collections,” he explained.

Octa's next moves: The platform is aiming to develop AI-driven “finance agents” to help SMEs automate decisions like follow-ups and payment terms. It is also expanding its embedded financing capabilities by building a regional capital infrastructure with banks and funds, Mittal said.

More on Octa: Founded in early 2024 by Jon Santillan (LinkedIn), Nupur Mittal (LinkedIn), and Andrey Korchak, Octa has worked with over 500 businesses including Careem and ZenHR, and processed upwards of USD 290 mn in invoices. The platform automates the payment collection process for SMEs and provides access to financing tools for debt recovery. It expanded into Saudi Arabia during the first quarter of this year.

REMEMBER- Octa closed a USD 2.25 mn pre-seed funding round co-led by US-based Quona Capital and Saudi-based Sadu Capital last October. Sukna Ventures, Plus VC, 500 Global, and angel investors — including Fresha chief payment Officer Pawel Iwanow and Tap Payments product design Director Dom Monhardt — also participated in the round.

Prop-AI raises USD 1.5 mn pre-seed to expand AI real estate platform

AI-powered real estate platform Prop-AI obtained USD 1.5 mn in pre-seed funding, according to a press release (pdf). The new capital will be used to develop its regional property data integration, technology development, and partnerships with real estate developers and financial institutions across MENA. The startup plans to add Abu Dhabi and Riyadh to its platform in 2H 2025, they said in an emailed response to questions.

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Who was involved? The round was led by Plus VC, with participation from Joa Capital, Select Ventures, Oraseya Capital, and Plug & Play, along with angel investors and family offices from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. In April 2025, Prop-AI became the first PropTech company to receive the AI Seal of Excellence from the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence.

About Prop-AI: Founded in 2023 and headquartered in Dubai, Prop-AI ’s platform uses AI to automate procedures like searching for properties, property evaluations, and real estate analysis. It targets both individual buyers and institutional investors. The company reported its revenue grew more than threefold in 1Q 2025.

Matouk Bassiouny names Stefano Beghi as of counsel to its corporate and M&A practice group

Law firm Matouk Bassiouny appointed Stefano Beghi (LinkedIn) as Of Counsel to its corporate and M&A practice group in the Dubai office, according to a press release (pdf). Beghi is also a corporate and M&A consultant at S.B.E. Consulting. Prior to this role, he served as a partner at Seyfarth Shaw in Hong Kong and spent nearly 19 years at Gianni, Origoni, Grippo & Partners, also as a partner.

Adnoc’s USD 19 bn LNG play could put it in the big leagues with Shell and ExxonMobil

Abu Dhabi’s growing global energy ambitions see it pivot from a domestic focus to now aiming to compete with the likes of Shell and ExxonMobil in terms of production, following the USD 19 bn takeover offer for Australian gas player Santos, Bernstein analysts told Bloomberg. The transaction — Adnoc’s biggest energy acquisition to date — would give it access to Santos’ 7.5 mn tons-per-year of LNG capacity and direct entry into fast-growing Asian markets as it looks to become a major global LNG player.

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BUT- The takeover is likely to face regulatory scrutiny, with Australia’s Foreign Investment Review board wary of domestic gas supplies falling under foreign ownership, Reuters reports. Promises to utilize Santos’ underdeveloped gas projects along with an allcash offer could help appease detractors, UBS analyst Tom Allen noted. Analysts also said the UAE-Australia trade pact signed last year could help strengthen the bid’s appeal.

G42 partners with US firm on AI models

TECH-

#1- UAE’s G42 + Liquid AI partner on AI solutions: Abu Dhabi-based G42 has inked a broad commercial partnership with US-based tech solutions firm Liquid AI to jointly build, train, and commercialize efficient and generative AI models, according to a press release. The models will be deployed across the Middle East, Africa, and the wider Global South.

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The scope: G42’s subsidiaries Inception and Core42 will be involved in the tie-up, which aims to roll out genAI stacks covering sectors including biotech, telecoms, investment, energy, and consumer electronics.

#2- Dubai’s AfroVision’s Doballi platform lands in Ghana: Dubai-based IT firm AfroVision Technologies entered Ghana's market by launching its Doballi digital platform with the support of Dubai Chamber of Commerce, state news agency Wam reports. The company partnered with Ghanaian outsourcing firm On Point Virtual Assistant to deliver IT training programs to help employment prospects.

DEBT-

MSCI has assigned building materials manufacturer Emsteel a provisional AA ESG rating, placing it among the top performers in the global steel industry, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The score reflects Emsteel’s strong track record in managing carbon emissions and workforce health and safety, both rated at nearly double the global average. ING acted as ESG rating advisor.

Background: The rating follows Emsteel’s launch of its green finance framework last month and a reported 23% cut in scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2019. The group is targeting a 40% emissions reduction in its steel unit and 30% in cement by 2030, with a goal of net-zero by 2050.

MANUFACTURING-

Al Ain Farms and Finland’s FoodIQ partner on food tech: Al Ain Farms Group is partnering with Finland's FoodIQ to implement advanced food manufacturing technology in the UAE, according to a press release. The joint development agreement will introduce FoodIQ's multi-layer cooker (MLC) system to the region — its first industrial-scale deployment outside Finland. MLC technology enables production of protein and dairy products, using a system that reduces energy use, water consumption, and production waste.

ICYMI- Al Ain Farms Group was formed last month, bringing five local brands under one entity that is backed by Ghitha Holding and Yas Holding.

BUSINESS-

Swiss private markets giant Partners Group opened its new regional HQ in Abu Dhabi, as the firm looks to scale its footprint across the GCC and tap into a “technology-led transformation of industries” across the region, according to a press release. The new office will be headed up by Suhail Albaz (LinkedIn), the group’s chairman for the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. The firm has had an office in Dubai since 2010.

Why Abu Dhabi? Executive chair Steffen Meister said that Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a “center of gravity” for sectors including energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital services.

CRYPTO-

DMCC, Aqua-Index join forces on freshwater asset token: Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) has inked an MoU with Israeli startup Aqua-Index to support the rollout of the world’s first asset token backed by verified freshwater reserves, the firm said in a press release. The token will allow investors to trade and take delivery of drinking-quality water as a commodity. Aqua-Index will bring access to pricing data, hedging tools, and other trading products via DMCC’s network.

CAPITAL MARKETS-

The Central Bank of the UAE revoked Sundus Exchange’s license and fined the firm AED 10 mn, after uncovering anti-money laundering and combatting terrorism financing violations, according to a statement (pdf).

REAL ESTATE-

Bahrain’s Infracorp launches AED 600 mn development: Bahraini investment and development firm Infracorp has launched sales for California Residences, a gated, mixed-unit community in Dubai’s Wadi Al Safa, according to a press release. The development is valued at AED 600 mn, and is set to feature a mix of villas, townhouses, and apartments, and handover is scheduled for 2Q 2028.

DEFENSE-

Family offices shift focus to private credit and infrastructure amid faltering PE returns -BlackRock

The world’s wealthiest families are piling into private credit — and fast, according to BlackRock’s latest global survey of family offices (pdf). Around 32% of the 175 surveyed say they plan to boost their allocations to the asset class this financial year, more than any other alternative investment.

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Big names and numbers: Alternatives now account for 42% of family office portfolios, up from 39% in 2022-2023. In some cases, private credit alone makes up 15-30% of assets under management. UK b’naires David and Simon Reuben, and Paul Allen’s former family office have already jumped on the private credit bandwagon, Bloomberg reports. BlackRock is also putting real skin in the game, dropping USD 12.5 bn to acquire Global Infrastructure Partners and finalizing a USD 12 bn agreement to acquire private credit heavyweight HPS Investment Partners.

Infrastructure is part of the diversification drive: Over two thirds of family offices are moving to diversify their holdings, and 30% of respondents plan to increase allocations to infrastructure, drawn by the perceived resilience, stable cashflow, and inflation-linked income, tied to areas like decarbonization and AI-fueled data centers.

What’s driving the shift? Traditional 60/40 portfolios are faltering, and PE returns have disappointed. Family offices are gravitating toward asset classes that offer cashflow, downside protection, and attractive returns, rather than illiquid investments with long exit timelines. More than half of respondents are bullish on private credit’s prospects, lured by the promise of higher yields, improved liquidity compared to private equity, and protection from public market swings. Global uncertainty and trade tariffs are also making family offices take a second look at their investment portfolios.

There are still barriers to entry: Some 72% of family offices cited high fees as the biggest challenge of investing in private markets, up from 40% in the last report.

And a lack of transparency: More than half flagged gaps in their internal expertise, especially in private-market analytics, dealsourcing, and reporting. Some are turning to outsourced chief investment officers or deep partnerships to get access to talent, tech, and hard-to-reach agreements. While 45% of family offices are investing in AI-linked options, only a third are using AI internally to improve investment processes due to concerns ranging from poor interpretability and data security to a lack of in-house expertise.

Still holding PE, but warily: While PE remains a major holding for many, some 70% of family offices have an either neutral or bearish approach, citing lackluster exits and delayed capital returns. In response, investors are favoring secondaries, co-investments, and bespoke structures like funds-of-one, and becoming increasingly selective when choosing managers amid high fees.

MARKETS THIS MORNING-

Asian markets are somewhat mixed this morning, as investor sentiment took a hit once again after a rebound across equity markets earlier this week. Japan’s Nikkei, South Korea’s Kospi, and China’s CSI 300 are all up, but Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 0.9%

Wall Street futures also point to a less than cheery sentiment as investors await the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision today, and amid concerns that the US could join in on Israel’s attacks on Iran.

ADX	9,536	-0.5% (YTD: +1.3%)
DFM	5,372	-0.6% (YTD: +4.1%)
Nasdaq Dubai UAE20	4,351	-0.7% (YTD: +4.5%)
USD : AED CBUAE	Buy 3.67	Sell 3.67
EIBOR	4.3% o/n	4.2% 1 yr
TASI	10,714	-1.4% (YTD: -11.1%)
EGX30	30,726	-1.0% (YTD: +3.3%)
S&P 500	5983	-0.8% (YTD: +1.7%)
FTSE 100	8834	-0.5% (YTD: +8.1%)
Euro Stoxx 50	5289	-1.0% (YTD: +8.0%)
Brent crude	USD 76.45	+4.4%
Natural gas (Nymex)	USD 3.86	+0.3%
Gold	USD 3414.00	+0.2%
BTC	USD 104,427.60	-3.8% (YTD: +11.5%)
Chimera JP Morgan UAE Bond UCITS ETF	AED 3.64	+1.1% (YTD: +2.1%)
S&P MENA Bond & Sukuk	144.29	+0.04% (YTD: +3.1%)
VIX (Volatility Index)	21.60	+13.0% (YTD: +24.5%)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The DFM fell 0.6% yesterday on turnover of AED 752.7 mn. The index is up 4.1% YTD.

In the green: GFH Financial Group (+6.3%), Al Ramz Corporation Investment and Development (+6.2%) and Al Salam Bank (+4.8%).

In the red: International Financial Advisors (-9.6%), National Industries Group Holding (-8.8%) and Amlak Finance (-4.2%).

Over on the ADX, the index fell 0.5% on turnover of AED 1.3 bn. Meanwhile, Nasdaq Dubai was down 0.7%.

CORPORATE ACTIONS-

Al Ramz Capital named market maker for Adnoc Distribution: Adnoc Distribution appointed licensed financial institution and market maker Al Ramz Capital as a liquidity provider for the company’s listed shares on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), according to a bourse disclosure (pdf). Under the one-year agreement, Al Ramz Capital will provide liquidity by maintaining simultaneous buy and sell orders in compliance with ADX and Securities and Commodities Authority regulations.

UAB pushes back rights issue eligibility date: United Arab Bank (UAB) has pushed the eligibility date for its AED 1.03 bn rights issue to 24 June 2025, from 19 June previously, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). Investors must now complete share purchases by 20 June to meet the ADX’s T+2 settlement window. A revised subscription timeline will be announced shortly.

IN CONTEXT- UAB invited shareholders earlier this month to subscribe to a rights issue — signed off in March — to raise capital from AED 2.06 bn to AED 3.09 bn. The bank will offer 1.03 bn new shares at AED 1 each to shore up its balance sheet and fund future growth. First Abu Dhabi Bank is lead manager and bookrunner, while Al Tamimi & Co is counsel.

CALENDAR

JUNE

17-18 June (Tuesday–Wednesday): Middle East Event Show, Dubai World Trade Center.

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

17-18 June (Tuesday-Wednesday): Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit, Abu Dhabi Energy Center.

17-19 June (Tuesday-Thursday): Big 5 Construct Egypt, Egypt International Exhibition Center Cairo, Egypt.

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

24-25 June (Tuesday-Wednesday): Solar & Storage Live, Dubai World Trade Center.

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

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

27 June (Friday): Islamic New Year holiday.

Signposted to happen sometime in 2H 2025:

Closing of XRG's acquisition of Covestro

JULY

6-7 July (Sunday-Monday): BRICS Summit, Rio de Janeiro.

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

SEPTEMBER

1-6 September (Monday-Saturday): Dubai Fashion Week, Dubai Design District.

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

8-19 September (Monday-Wednesday): WHX-Tech Expo, Dubai World Trade Centre.

12-14 September (Friday-Sunday): The International Real Estate and Investment Show, Abu Dhabi.

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

24-25 September (Wednesday-Thursday): The KT UniExpo, The H Dubai.

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

24-25 September (Wednesday-Thursday): Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, Dubai.

OCTOBER

1-2 October (Thursday-Friday):World Green Economy Summit (WGES), Dubai World Trade Centre.

30 September - 2 October (Tuesday-Thursday): The Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX), Dubai World Trade Centre.

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

7-9 October (Tuesday-Thursday): The International Symposium on the System of Radiological Protection, the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.

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

14-16 October (Wednesday-Friday): Global Future Councils, Dubai.

22-24 October (Wednesday-Friday): World Investment Conference, Expo Centre Sharjah.

27-29 October (Monday-Wednesday): Future Hospitality Summit, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

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

12-17 November (Wednesday-Monday): RoboCup Asia-Pacific, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi.

15-17 November (Saturday-Monday): Myplant & Garden Middle East Green Expo, Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City.

17-21 November (Monday-Friday): Dubai Airshow 2025, Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai.

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.

7-14 December (Sunday-Sunday): Asian Youth Para Games, APC headquarters, Dubai.

8-9 December (Monday-Tuesday): BTC Mena Conference, Adnec, Abu Dhabi.

8-10 December (Monday-Wednesday): BRIDGE media summit, Abu Dhabi.

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

18-23 December (Thursday-Tuesday): Games of the Future, Adnec, Abu Dhabi.

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:

ICOM General Conference 2025, Dubai

Signposted to happen sometime in 2026:

9-11 January (Friday-Sunday): 1 Bn Followers Summit’s fourth edition, UAE.
28-29 January (Wednesday-Thursday): IBA Arbitration Day Conference, Abu Dhabi.
3-5 February (Tuesday-Thursday): The World Governments Summit.
12-15 February (Thursday-Sunday): The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence Global Conference, Abu Dhabi.
11-13 May (Monday-Wednesday): AI Everything Global, Adnec Center.
The UAE to host the Arab Competition Forum
Dubai to host the Arab Actuarial Conference
United Nations Water Conference 2026, UAE
The first edition of Dubai Future Finance Week.

Signposted to happen sometime in October 2026:

Abu Dhabi Space Week, Abu Dhabi.

Signposted to happen sometime in 2027:

Abu Dhabi’s solar and battery energy facility, combining 5.2 GW of solar capacity and 19 GWh of battery storage, is set for commissioning.

Signposted to happen sometime between 2027 and 2029:

The commissioning of the seventh phase of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

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