Emirates NBD raises USD 1 bn from blue + green bonds

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

THIS MORNING: Rakbank is the latest to join the stablecoin party + Contract awards fell in 2025

Good morning, wonderful people. We’re nearing the end of a slow first week of the year, though some movement has taken place on the debt front as global bond issuance surges at the start of the year. Plus: Adnoc is making progress in Ghasha.

Emirates NBD took a USD 1 bn blue and green bond to market, making it the first public blue bond issuance in the Gulf. The two bonds were more than twice oversubscribed.

Also, Adnoc has reached final investment decision on the Sarb deep gas development project in Ghasha, paving the way for execution on one of the sour gas reserves in the concession.

PLUS- As we kick off 2026, we look at the macro outlook for the UAE against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and momentum in the non-oil sector.

WEATHER- Dubai will see a high of 25°C today, with an overnight low of 19°C, while Abu Dhabi will see a high of 25°C and a low of 18°C, according to the National Center of Meteorology.

Watch this space

CRYPTO — The UAE’s stablecoin stack is getting crowded: Rakbank has received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) to launch an AED-backed stablecoin, according to a press release, marking another step toward regulated, bank-issued digital money entering the mainstream.

What we know: The token will be fully backed 1:1 by AED reserves, held in segregated accounts, and issued under the CBUAE’s payment-token framework, with final launch contingent on regulatory and operational sign-off.

ICYMI- Stablecoins are accelerating in the UAE:

AE Coin, the UAE’s first CBUAE-licensed stablecoin, is edging toward real-world use, with early adoption by Network International, 7X, Air Arabia, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and Tawasul Taxis ;
Zand has secured approval for Zand AED, the UAE’s first multi-chain, AED-backed public stablecoin;
IHC, ADQ, and First Abu Dhabi Bank are developing a regulated AED token of their own.

What to watch: Whether one AED-backed stablecoin emerges as the default, and whether merchant pilots translate into real-world use. We’ll be tracking signs of consumer demand as issuers multiply.

REGULATION — The Cabinet is working with local authorities to finalize five sets of executive regulations that provide guardrails for recent amendments to the Commercial Companies Law, while the Securities and Commodities Authority is working on four of its own, Economy and Tourism Ministry Undersecretary Abdullah Al Saleh told CNBC Arabia (watch, runtime: 5:24). The amendments, which are the biggest overhaul to the law in years, introduce delocalization, share class flexibility, drag/tag provisions, and clearer treatment of freezone companies — effectively bringing the mainland framework closer to common law practice.

The amendments should help increase the number of new companies registering in the UAE annually by 10-15%, Al Saleh said. The goal is to bring the number of companies registered in the UAE to 2 mn by 2031.

GO DEEPER- We spoke with Hani Naja, partner at Baker McKenzie, to discuss what the amendments mean for businesses on the ground, how it will impact freezones, if at all, and what to look out for during the implementation period.

HEALTHCARE — The saltshaker crackdown: The Health and Prevention Ministry is drafting rules to cap salt levels in bread, bakery items, and packaged foods, after national survey data showed 96% of residents exceed recommended sodium intake, Assistant Undersecretary Hussain Al Rand told Gulf News. The push plugs into a national nutrition strategy targeting a 30% cut in average salt intake by 2030.

This isn’t a nudge or a tax. Authorities are planning a mandatory reformulation program, setting maximum salt thresholds by food category. This means, unlike sugary drinks, which moved to a tiered sugar tax from 1 January 2026, salt will be tackled through product-specific maximum thresholds, not levies or consumer willpower.

What to watch: The ministry is looking at which of fast food, baked products, and packaged staples is the biggest culprit for salt overconsumption and will prioritize them accordingly. Enforcement dates and penalties are still TBD, pending further analysis and consultations. The next signal will be whether the caps land as phased targets or hard limits backed by inspections and fines.

INVESTMENT — MGX continues to invest in the promise of AI startups: Abu Dhabi AI investor MGX took part in Elon Musk’s xAI’s USD 20 bn series E funding round, alongside Qatar Investment Authority, Nvidia, Cisco, and others, according to a press release. The financing will be used to accelerate infrastructure expansion, support the global rollout of AI products, and fund research.

REMEMBER- MGX joined OpenAI’s latest round and participated in Databricks’ USD 1 bn Series K raise. It was also reported to be eyeing stakes in AI firms Anthropic and Mistral last year.

PSA

The Emirates Drug Establishment is already getting busy just a few days after taking on some responsibilities from the Health and Prevention Ministry, recalling some Nestle formula products due to risks found in one of their ingredients, state news agency Wam reports. The recall is “precautionary,” according to Wam, and has not resulted from any illnesses or adverse events. The recalled products are NAN Comfort 1; NAN Optiro 1; NAN Supreme Pro 1; 2, and 3; S-26 Ultima 1, 2, and 3; and Alfamino.

While this isn’t the first time the EDE has recalled a product, this marks only the second such move in three months, and is also its first high-profile, coordinated international enforcement, alongside Europe and Qatar.

Data point

15% — that’s how much contract awards fell in the UAE in 2025, dropping to USD 87.7 bn, according to initial full-year data from the Meed Projects database. Dubai’s real estate sector and hydrocarbon investment in Abu Dhabi helped the Emirates avoid a larger drop like the 50% collapse to USD 84.5 bn seen in Saudi Arabia.

The wider take: Saudi Arabia’s downturn, mainly due to delays in its gigaprojects program and less spending on powder and hydrocarbons, was the primary driver of a wider fall in GCC contracts, which were down by about a third last year. Qatar saw a 4% yearly uptick, while Kuwait saw a 16% rise.

HOWEVER- Contract values in 2025 were still the third-highest annual figure on record, and the region’s overall project pipeline of unawarded work grew to a record of USD 3.2 tn.

The big story abroad

It’s another mixed morning in the global business press, with attention split towards the US’ control of Venezuelan oil, a global bond spree to kick off the new year, and a fresh funding round for Anthropic.

New details have emerged clarifying the logistics of the US’ effective takeover of Venezuelan oil, with Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA saying it’s in talks with Washington “to sell volumes of crude oil” to the US […] under schemes similar to those currently in place with international companies, such as Chevron, and is based on a strictly commercial transaction, within the criteria of legality, transparency and benefit for both parties,” PDVSA said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the US would control the proceeds from oil sales “indefinitely,” and that it could “flow back into Venezuela to benefit the Venezuelan people.” The US has already started marketing Venezuelan oil, and is preparing to roll back sanctions to allow the sales, Bloomberg reports. The Financial Times has more.

Outside of Trump Land, global bond sales had their busiest start to a year this week, with some USD 245 bn raised by corporates across the US, Europe, and Asia, Bloomberg reports.

And in other capital raising news, Anthropic is reportedly eyeing a USD 10 bn funding round, valuing it at USD 350 bn, up from USD 183 bn earlier, from the likes of GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, Coatue Management, Microsoft and Nvidia. (Bloomberg)

CLOSER TO HOME- Saudi Arabia expelled the leader of Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council from the internationally recognized government after he failed to show up to talks planned in Riyadh that aimed to find a resolution to the escalation in the country’s south, the Washington Post reports. The STC, which sent most of its officials as part of a delegation to the talks, had criticized the lack of transparency around the location of the delegation, which seemed to fall out of contact shortly after arriving in Riyadh. This comes after Yemen’s Saudi-backed government took control of most of the key parts of southern Yemen, after the STC — which has in the past been backed by the UAE — had earlier seized the areas.

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OIL WATCH-

The UAE, Kazakhstan, Iraq, and Oman have all submitted up-to-date compensation plans to Opec to make up for previous overproduction, according to a statement from the group. The UAE’s compensation share has been revised upward from its November commitment; with some 270k barrels per day set to be rolled back from production between this past October and June, up from 223k bbl / d previously. Kazakhstan is seeing the biggest uptick in production cutbacks, rising to 669k bbl / d from 656k bbl / d.

Together, the cuts by the four countries will triple output reduction from December to about 829k bbl /d in cuts, up from 267k bbl / d in December.

REMEMBER- Opec recently opted to leave oil output quotas where they were for 1Q 2026, sticking to their November decision to pause output hikes during the quarter. The decision came against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, including between the UAE and Saudi Arabia in Yemen, pressure on Russian exports due to US sanctions, and the US’ recent kidnapping and detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

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

Emirates NBD raises USD 1 bn, sets first public benchmark for water debt in the Gulf

Emirates NBD successfully raised a total of USD 1 bn split across a blue bond and a green bond tranche, with the orderbook more than twice oversubscribed, Zawya reports. The lender raised USD 300 mn from the Gulf’s maiden public blue bond, and USD 700 mn from a green sustainability-linked issuance.

The three-year blue tranche was priced at T+65 bps, significantly tighter than the initial guidance of T+95 bps, with a 4.195% coupon. The financing will be used to finance or refinance a subset of eligible green loans, along with investments contributing to a sustainable blue economy, Zawya said. Blue bonds are typically used to finance ocean and water-linked investments.

The five-year green issuance was priced at T+80 bps, tightening from an initial T+110 bps, with a 4.529% coupon. Green proceeds will flow into the bank’s standard eligible green categories under its September 2025 framework.

The senior unsecured Reg-S Eurobond issuances will be listed on Nasdaq Dubai and Euronext Dublin. They are being offered under ENBD’s USD 20 bn Medium Term Note program and are expected to be rated A1 by Moody’s and A+ by Fitch.

ADVISORS- Our friends at HSBC, along with Citi, ENBD Capital, Mizuho, Société Générale, and Standard Chartered led the transaction, with Citi and ENBD Capital acting as sustainability structures.

Why this matters

This is the Gulf’s first public blue bond, and the tightened spread suggest genuine market appetite for Middle East water risk. While private placements (like FAB’s blue bond) have taken place in the past, these are often bought by development banks and ESG funds, which could involve some mandate-buying strategies. On the other hand, a public issuance forces the instrument to stand on its own merits with global asset managers.

Adnoc reaches FID on Sarb deep gas development

Adnoc has taken the final investment decision (FID) on the Sarb deep gas development, greenlighting the offshore project inside the Ghasha concession, according to a press release. The development marks Adnoc’s expansion into the ultra-deep, high-pressure reservoirs in Sarb — a new development phase within an already-producing offshore field.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

Sarb is set to deliver 200 mn standard cubic feet per day (mmcf / d) before the end of 2030 and will be operated remotely from Arzanah Island, with production tied back to Das Island for upstream treatment at Adnoc Gas facilities. It sits 120 km offshore Abu Dhabi and centers on a new platform with four gas production wells.

This is the second major progress update for its Ghasha concession in as many months. Adnoc recently secured up to USD 11 bn in financing for its Hail and Ghasha offshore gas development, which allows the company to access capital based on future gas production, giving it funds upfront without exposing its wider balance sheet to project risk. The Ghasha concession includes a cluster of offshore oil and gas fields such as Hail, Ghasha, Dalma, Nasr, Satah al Razboot (Sarb), Bu Haseer, Shuweihat, and Mubarraz sour gas fields.

Why this matters: A FID typically marks the turning point from a project’s planning phase to concrete execution, signaling a firm’s conviction in a particular asset. This is especially true when it comes to the energy sector — often long-term, labor-intensive projects with a hefty price tag to boot — and deep gas operations, which are more technically difficult and require a bigger capital commitment. This particular play is also a boon for the UAE’s ambitions to boost energy exports and reduce reliance on LNG imports.

Ethmar, GB Media develop multi-mn-USD media-focused fund in Abu Dhabi

Ethmar + Guggenheim team up on multi-mn-USD media fund: Abu Dhabi investment firm Ethmar International Holding partnered with Guggenheim Brothers Media (GB Media) to launch a multi-mn-USD fund based in Abu Dhabi, according to a press release.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

The details: The global-focused fund will channel capital into the media, entertainment, and digital creative economy, targeting investments in content creation, digital IP, and entertainment technologies. The fund is co-led by Dillon Lawson-Johnston (LinkedIn) and Criswell Fiordalis (LinkedIn), both of whom bring extensive backgrounds from major Hollywood and digital studios.

Part of a bigger picture: The move comes as the UAE looks to position itself as a hub for the media industry. State efforts include raising tax rebates to 50% in a bid to boost UAE-based production and Sharjah rolling out a new production hub. The US’ Archeo Futurus and Daywalker Global are also investing USD 200 mn to advance Abu Dhabi’s media production and computing, aiming to film at least two movies in the Emirates this year.

On the global scene, the Emirates is also part of an ongoing media story grabbing international headlines, as government-owned firm L’imad was part of Paramount’s USD 108.4 bn hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Warner Bros’ board just rejected the bid despite Paramount’s revised bid last month.

UAE set to be a “fiscal outlier” and the fastest growing country in the Gulf this year

The UAE is officially decoupling from the traditional “wait and see” oil cycle. By running on an expansionary AED 92.4 bn federal budget while Opec+ pauses production hikes for 1Q 2026, the government is signaling that it will use its massive buffers (and new tax revenue) to “buy” the future.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

Why it matters: While regional peers may face deficits, the UAE is operating from a position of fiscal strength. The budget breakeven oil price sits at just USD 48.5 / bbl — far below the c.USD 60 / bbl oil is currently trading at, EFG Hermes said in an outlook note (pdf). With that, the government has room to spend while still achieving a fiscal surplus of 3.7-4.0% of GDP, according to forecasts from Emirates NBD (pdf) and NBK. The budget has penciled in record levels of spending for social development (accounting for 37% of the budget), with infrastructure remaining a priority spending area as well.

Manageable debt: The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to come in around 30% in 2026, CI Capital said in a note seen by EnterpriseAM. The manageable debt levels give the government ample room to use fiscal buffers and sovereign reserves to insulate the economy from global energy price volatility and trade tensions.

Steady growth and soft inflation

The consensus among local and international analysts is that GDP will remain on a steady acceleration trajectory in 2026. Emirates NBD sees growth coming in at 5.0%, while NBK expects 5.1% growth this year. Both the IMF (5.0%) and World Bank (4.8%) forecast growth in 2026 to be driven by broad-based momentum in non-oil activities and a gradual improvement in oil output. That’s more or less in line with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), which has penciled in 5.2% growth, putting the UAE on track to be one of the fastest-growing diversified economies in the Gulf.

The non-oil engine: Now accounting for over 75% of total GDP, the non-oil economy is expected to grow at a 5.2% clip in 2026, according to World Bank projections. This growth is being driven by heavy investments in AI and data centers, as well as a trade network where Cepa partners now account for 37.4% of exports and 39.2% of imports, Emirates NBD notes.

Meanwhile, the oil economy is still on track for strong growth this year, with Emirates NBD seeing oil GDP rising 4.0% in 2026, while the CBUAE projects a higher growth rate of 6.7%, even as Opec maintains plans to pause supply increases in 1Q 2026. UAE oil production is set to average 3.7 mn bbl / d in 2026.

Businesses can bank on a predictable environment with soft and stable inflation in the cards. The CBUAE maintains its 2026 inflation projection at 1.8%, while Emirates NBD (1.5%) and NBK (1.3%) are even more bullish on price stability. This inflation outlook is underpinned by easing global food prices, lower energy costs, and a moderation in rental price growth.

The GCC at large

While the region as a whole is set to register 4.4% growth (up from 4.0% last year), the UAE and Qatar are emerging as the fiscal outliers, Oxford Economics has said. With Brent projected to average at USD 60 / bbl, national budgets will be under strain for some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, which is expected to face a deficit of approximately 5.0% of GDP.

The hydrocarbon hedge: Regional oil GDP is expected to hit 6.5% growth — the fastest pace since 2022 — buoyed by Qatar’s North Field expansion and a shift by Opec toward prioritizing market share, according to a separate research note from Emirates NBD.

Non-oil base effects: Aggregate non-oil growth across the GCC is actually expected to slow slightly to 4.4% (from 4.8% in 2025) as the “post-Covid” momentum finally normalizes.

GCC inflation is anticipated to soften to 1.8% from an estimated 1.9% in 2025, driven by cooling housing costs, lower global oil prices, and a weakening USD, Emirates NBD says.

Binance taps Tarik Erik as regional head

Binance has tapped Tarik Erk (LinkedIn) as its new regional head for MENAT and senior executive officer in Abu Dhabi, putting a compliance-first operator in charge as the exchange doubles down on regulated growth across the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey, according to a press release.

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Meet Erk: Erk has over 10 years’ experience working across regulated crypto and traditional finance — from Paxos to JPMorgan and Commerzbank — with a resume heavy on licensing, government engagement, and market buildouts. His most recent stint was as general manager for Middle East and Africa at Crypto.com.

This comes as Binance shifts from market entry to market plumbing in the UAE, fresh off approval to run its global platform under Abu Dhabi’s ADGM framework. The exchange previously said regulated Binance.com operations were set to begin on 5 January, though Co-CEO Richard Teng stopped short of confirming an Abu Dhabi HQ.

New drone training centers and a new DIFC entrant

UAE accredits five drone training hubs

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has accredited five new specialized drone training centers as it looks to give its drone economy a boost, according to a press release. The move aims to expand certified training programs and meet demand for certified drone pilots, flight operations managers, and specialized technicians.

The approval is a boon for key sectors like logistics, construction, real estate, oil and gas, and security, big users of drones which would previously have relied on costly overseas certification or insubstantial in-house programs.

P10 is planting a flag in the UAE

NYSE-listed private markets firm P10 has opened a Dubai Financial Services Authority-licensed office in Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), formalizing its Middle East presence as it builds closer coverage for regional limited partners, the firm said. With upward of USD 40 bn in assets under management across private equity, private credit, and venture capital, the move adds another global manager to DIFC’s roster and reinforces Dubai’s role as a base for private markets activity in the region.

GCC recalibrates economic strategy for a tougher 2026

GCC economies are heading into 2026 with less focus on accelerating growth and more on sustaining it. After a year defined by diversification momentum and rapid digital buildout, governments are now recalibrating toward resilience as tighter global financial conditions, rising geopolitical risk, and softer oil prices reshape the outlook, according to PwC’s research platform Viewpoint. Governments are broadening trade ties, localising supply chains, and tightening fiscal discipline to navigate a lower-revenue environment.

A tighter grip on the government wallet

Budgeting for a USD 60 oil era: With crude prices expected to average at USD 55-60 / bbl, governments are tightening spending and becoming more selective in how capital is deployed. Funds are channeled toward projects that deliver clear economic returns, while subsidies are gradually scaled back to protect balance sheets without derailing national transformation agendas.

Privatization to bridge gaps: To ease pressure on public finances, governments are expanding the role of asset sales and public-private partnerships to finance and operate major infrastructure and utility projects. Simultaneously, non-oil revenue streams are being strengthened through more robust corporate tax and VAT frameworks, giving states greater insulation from oil market swings.

Rewiring global trade

Commercial diplomacy rising: As US-China tensions persist and global supply chains fragment, Gulf states are diversifying economic partnerships beyond their traditional allies. The region has adopted a strategy of “commercial diplomacy,” where trade agreements are frequently paired with investment packages to secure both market access and technology transfer.

Anchoring emerging corridors: This approach has pushed forward advanced trade negotiations with major economies including China, the European Union, and Asean. In parallel, the GCC is positioning itself as a central node in emerging trade corridors, including the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), to facilitate East-West commercial flows.

Strategic mineral security

2026 will be a race for critical minerals: As industrial development and energy transitions efforts gather pace, access to critical minerals like lithium, copper, and rare earths is moving higher on the policy agenda. Sovereign investors and national champions, such as Saudi Arabia’s Ma’aden, are establishing joint ventures across Africa and Asia to secure upstream supply and reduce exposure to concentrated global value chains.

And localizing the value chain: Alongside overseas investments, GCC economies are ramping up domestic midstream refining and processing capacity. By 2026, new logistics infrastructure and deeper upstream partnerships are expected to position the region as a key bridge between African raw materials and global industrial demand.

AI goes operational

Commercial AI is set to unlock this year: After years of groundwork and with last year focused on resolving computing bottlenecks, AI is set to shift to real-world deployment. With new GPU capacity coming online in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, reliance on overseas data hosting is expected to decline, allowing sectors like finance, logistics, and energy to deploy AI models locally and at scale.

And the labor market is adapting: Governments are moving away from preserving legacy roles toward managing workforce transitions in an AI-enabled economy marked by weak productivity growth. Modular training, micro-credentials, apprenticeships, and targeted mid-career incentives are being rolled out to prepare workers for AI “translation roles.” New positions — including model operators and AI compliance specialists — are set to expand, helping automation lift efficiency while keeping the workforce competitive.

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MARKETS THIS MORNING-

Asia-Pacific markets are broadly in the red this morning. Early trading shows South Korea’s Kospi in the green, while Japan’s Nikkei, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index, China’s CSI 300, and the Shanghai index all down. This comes after Wall Street closed down overnight following remarks from US President Donald Trump that dividends and stock buybacks for defense companies will be suspended until they accelerate military equipment production, among other stipulations.

ADX	10,048	+0.5% (YTD: +0.6%)
DFM	6,249	+1.1% (YTD: +3.1%)
Nasdaq Dubai UAE20	4,982	+1.2% (YTD: +1.9%)
USD : AED CBUAE	Buy 3.67	Sell 3.67
EIBOR	3.5% o/n	3.6% 1 yr
TASI	10,455	+1.6% (YTD: -0.3%)
EGX30	41,543	+2.1% (YTD: -0.7%)
S&P 500	6,921	-0.3% (YTD: +1.1%)
FTSE 100	10,048	-0.7% (YTD: +1.2%)
Euro Stoxx 50	5,924	-0.1% (YTD: +2.3%)
Brent crude	USD 60.32	+0.6%
Natural gas (Nymex)	USD 3.58	+1.5%
Gold	USD 4,456	-0.2%
BTC	USD 90,842	-2.8% (YTD: +2.4%)
Chimera JP Morgan UAE Bond UCITS ETF	AED 3.8	+1.3% (YTD: +1.3%)
S&P MENA bond & sukuk	151.60	-0.1% (YTD: -0.2%)
VIX (Volatility Index)	15.38	+4.3% (YTD: +2.9%)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The ADX rose 0.5% yesterday on turnover of AED 1.2 bn. The index is up 0.6% YTD.

In the green: Abu Dhabi National Ins. Co. (+7.7%), Hayah Ins. Co. (+5.6%), and United Arab Bank (+4.0%).

In the red: Sudatel Telecommunications Group Co. (-6.0%), Phoenix Group (-3.0%), and Gulf Cement Co. (-3.0%).

Over on the DFM, the index rose 1.1% on turnover of AED 882.1 mn. Meanwhile, Nasdaq Dubai was up 1.2%.

CALENDAR

JANUARY

9-11 January (Friday-Sunday): 1 Bn Followers Summit, UAE.

11-12 January (Sunday-Monday): IRENA Assembly, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.

11-15 January (Sunday-Thursday): Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.

11-15 January (Sunday-Thursday): ADSW Dialogues, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.

11-15 January (Sunday-Thursday): WiSER Forum, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.

12-15 January (Monday-Thursday): Dubai International Project Management Forum, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

12-15 January (Monday-Thursday): SteelFab, Expo Center, Sharjah.

13-15 January (Tuesday-Thursday): World Future Energy Summit, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.

13-15 January (Tuesday-Thursday): FESPA Middle East, Dubai Exhibition Center, Dubai.

14 January (Wednesday): Global South Utilities Forum, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.

15 January (Thursday): Global Climate Finance Center Annual Meeting, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.

15 January (Thursday): Green Hydrogen Summit, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.

21-24 January (Wednesday-Saturday): Acres Real Estate Exhibition, Expo Center, Sharjah.

28-29 January (Wednesday-Thursday): IBA Arbitration Day Conference, Abu Dhabi.

28-30 January (Wednesday-Friday): World Customs Organization Technology Conference, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.

31 January – 7 February (Saturday-Saturday): Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, International Tennis Center, Zayed Sports City.

FEBRUARY

3-5 February (Tuesday-Thursday): The World Governments Summit, Dubai.

4-5 February (Wednesday-Thursday): PropTech Connect Middle East, Grand Hyatt Dubai.

4-6 February (Wednesday-Friday): Arab Actuarial Conference, Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel, Dubai.

12-15 February (Thursday-Sunday): The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence Global Conference, Abu Dhabi.

9-12 February (Monday-Friday): World Health Expo (WHX), Dubai.

10-11 February (Tuesday-Wednesday): Top Advisors and Investors Summit, Abu Dhabi.

MARCH

31 March – 2 April (Tuesday-Thursday): Arab Media Summit, Dubai.

26-28 March (Thursday-Saturday): Social Capital Conference, Dubai.

28-29 March (Saturday-Sunday): Emirates International Congress on AI & Visionary Leadership in Transforming Healthcare, Adnec Center Abu Dhabi.

30 March – 2 April (Monday-Thursday): IAAPA Middle East Exhibition and Conference, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.

APRIL

7-9 April (Tuesday-Thursday): Future Health Summit, Adnec Center Abu Dhabi.

13-15 April (Monday-Wednesday): AIM Congress, Dubai World Trade Center.

13-15 April (Monday-Wednesday): The International Glass Manufacturing Show, Dubai.

14-16 April: (Tuesday-Thursday): the International Property Show, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai.

21-23 April (Tuesday-Thursday): UITP Public Transport Summit, Dubai.

MAY

11-15 May (Monday-Friday): Dubai Future Finance Week, Dubai.

11-13 May (Monday-Wednesday): AI Everything Global, Adnec Center.

19-20 May (Tuesday-Wednesday): Capital Market Summit, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

19-22 May (Tuesday-Friday): Abu Dhabi Water and Energy Week, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.

JUNE

15 June-15 September (Monday-Thursday): Dubai Mallathon, Dubai.

JULY

31 July (Friday): Large businesses achieving annual revenues equal to or above AED 50 mn must appoint an accredited service provider for e-invoicing implementation.

Signposted to happen sometime in October 2026:

Abu Dhabi Space Week, Abu Dhabi.

DECEMBER

2-4 December (Wednesday-Friday): UN Water Conference, UAE.

Signposted to happen in 2026:

The UAE to host the Arab Competition Forum;
Investopia Global Talks, Tashkent.

Signposted to happen sometime in 2027:

1 January: Deadline for large businesses to implement e-invoicing;
1Q 2027: Completion of the first phase of Hassyan seawater desalination project;
31 March: Small businesses with annual revenues of less than AED 50 mn are obliged to contract with an accredited service provider for e-invoicing implementation;
31 March: Government entities are required to appoint an accredited service provider for e-invoicing implementation;
1 July: Deadline for small businesses to implement e-invoicing;
1 October: Deadline for governments to implement e-invoicing;
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 in 2029:

Sibos 2029 organized by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), Dubai;
The commissioning of the seventh phase of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

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