Lunate to snap up Snam’s minority stake in Adnoc Gas Pipelines

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

THIS MORNING: Aramex taps HSBC for potential ADQ acquisition + Arcapita mulls REIT for its Middle East investments

Good morning, wonderful people, and happy hump day. It’s another busy morning of news here at home, with more M&A updates — this time from Abu Dhabi investor Lunate, which is eyeing an acquisition of Snam’s stake in Adnoc Gas Pipelines, and ADNH Catering, which snapped up a catering business.

WEATHER- Expect a partly cloudy day today along with a slight and gradual drop in temperatures, according to the National Center of Meteorology (pdf). The mercury in Dubai will hit 25°C, with an overnight low of 17°C, while temperatures will hit 21°C in Abu Dhabi, with an overnight low of 19°C.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- DFM-listed logistics giant Aramex tapped HSBC as its financial advisor for a potential takeover by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund ADQ, according to a regulatory filing (pdf) to the exchange. The transaction, which was announced earlier this month, will be made through ADQ’s subsidiary Q Logistics Holding, and is set to exclude the 22.69% stake held by Abu Dhabi Ports — which is also owned by the sovereign wealth fund. Clifford Chance was hired to provide counsel on the potential acquisition. ADQ has yet to submit an official bid for the purchase, which is currently pending due diligence, SCA approvals, and other regulatory requirements.

What we know: The acquisition would value Aramex at AED 4.39 bn, according to our calculations. The cash-offer will be placed at AED 3 per share, a premium of around 30% to Aramex’s closing price of AED 2.31 the day before ADQ first expressed interest.

ADQ’s advisors: Rothschild is acting as financial adviser for Q Logistics, while Emirates NBD capital serves as lead manager.

#2- Arcapita mulls USD 1 bn REIT for Middle Eastern real estate: Bahrain's Arcapita Group Holdings has tapped banks to explore the creation of a real estate investment trust (REIT) to house its Middle Eastern property assets — including those in Dubai — Bloomberg reports.

The trust would hold assets valued at more than USD 1 bn, though plans are still in the early stages, and no final decisions have been made. Arcapita is developing a 30k sqm warehouse in Dubai, in partnership with Danish logistics firm DSV A/S to expand its logistics footprint in the Gulf, it said in a statement yesterday. The firm also owns several portfolios of logistics and residential real estate assets across the UAE and the wider region.

#3- Al Habtoor to exit Lebanon: Emirati entrepreneur Khalaf Al Habtoor has backtracked from plans to invest in Lebanon, saying he intends to sell all his properties and investments in the country, Reuters reports. This decision was attributed to the ongoing unrest and instability in Lebanon and the failure to establish “the rule of law,” Al Habtoor said.

REMEMBER- Al Habtoor had stated only last week that his investment plans in the country are tied to the formation of a new independent government. He also scrapped plans to launch a TV channel and a studio city in Beirut earlier last year after he and his staff received what they said were physical threats that presented significant security challenges.

#4- The UAE is rolling out a unified national platform to streamline the licensing process for healthcare workers, Khaleej Times reports. The initiative is in its final stages, according to the Health and Prevention Ministry’s acting director of the Licensing and Accreditation Department, Alla Mansour Yahya, though the launch date is not yet confirmed.

#5- The UAE could boost its rainfall rate by up to 25% using technologies developed under the new cycle of its UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), Khaleej Times reports, citing director of the program Alya Al Mazrouei, at the International Rain Enhancement Forum in Abu Dhabi. The UAEREP has also opened its sixth cycle for research proposals, offering grants up to USD 1.5 mn for projects focusing on areas like optimised seeding materials, autonomous systems, and advanced data analysis.

#6- UAE-Amazon collaboration ahead? Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Amazon President and CEO Andrew R. Jassy, according to an Abu Dhabi Media Office statement. They discussed potential cooperation in e-commerce, cloud computing, and AI solutions, among other sectors.

DATA POINTS-

#1- Ras Al Khaimah International Airport’s passenger traffic increased by 28% y-o-y, with some 662k travelers in 2024, state news agency Wam reports, citing Head of the Civil Aviation Department in Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi. Meanwhile, outbound passenger traffic rose 39%. The increase was driven by expanded airline services at the airport and increased destinations. Cargo operations saw a 97% rise, with 6.7k tons processed in 2024. Aircraft movements also grew 21% to 7.4k flights. The year’s figures exceeded projections by 190%.

#2- High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) in the UAE have grown their assets by 20% since 2022, hitting USD 700 bn, according to a new report (pdf) from DIFC Innovation Hub, Julius Baer, and Euroclear. With the Middle East bracing for a USD 1 tn (AED 3.7 tn) generational wealth transfer, the whitepaper explores how AI, blockchain, and tokenization can simplify and secure the process.

The challenge? Only 24% of HNWIs have a full estate plan, and 53% of families cite complexity and time constraints as key barriers. The report calls for better collaboration among wealth managers, family offices, regulators, and service providers to untangle the process and leverage tech for smoother transitions.

PSA-

Individuals running one-person businesses generating AED 1 mn or more per year must register for corporate tax by March 31, 2025, according to a UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) statement (pdf).

Mind the penalty: Qualified individuals must file their corporate tax return by September 30, 2025. Missing the registration deadline will result in a penalty of AED 10k.

HAPPENING TODAY-

#1- Arab Health is on its third day, and runs until tomorrow at the Dubai World Trade Center. The annual healthcare exhibit gathers over 3.8k companies, with the goal of showcasing the latest tech solutions to challenges in the healthcare sector.

#2- It’s interest rate day. The US Federal Reserve is set to decide today for the first time this year on interest rates, with the GCC’s central banks awaiting its move before mirroring it (Remember: most GCC currencies are pegged to the USD). The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates steady, despite calls from US President Donald Trump to drop interest rates “immediately.”

#3- The Arab Payment Week is on its last day today at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort. The event features discussions on payments and financial services, focusing on instant payments, cross-border transactions, compliance, financial crime prevention, and technologies like CBDCs, artificial intelligence, and tokenized securities. It includes over 50 speakers and 300 participants from global financial institutions.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK-

The Budapest assembly will mull the possible use of its preemptive right to purchase the land plot sold to Eagle Hills today to block the acquisition from happening, Bloomberg reports.

Background- Abu Dhabi-based developer Eagle Hills entered an agreement last week with Hungarian officials to develop Grand Budapest, a EUR 12 bn sustainable, smart district in Budapest, dubbed mini-Dubai for its resemblance to Dubai's flashy neighborhoods. However, the city’s Mayor Gergely Karacsony intends to block the project, arguing that the land is worth much more than the HUF 51 bn (USD 128 mn) sale price and urging the government to prioritize affordable housing instead of luxury real estate projects.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

Another day, another erratic move from US President Donald Trump is taking up the global press’ attention.

Trump attempted to freeze hundreds of bns of USDs in federal aid — spanning anti-poverty initiatives and Medicaid to thousands of institutions reliant on federal loans — in order to make sure federal agencies align with his Make America Great Again agenda, before the decision was blocked seconds before it was set to take effect by a judge. The decision will now be deferred to a hearing on 3 February. The 24-hour chaos before the decision was blocked is getting attention everywhere: Reuters | Bloomberg | Financial Times | New York Times | AP | WSJ.

In business news, Trump said Microsoft is in talks to buy TikTok ahead of its impending ban in the US, Reuters reports. The tech giant was previously in talks to acquire a US unit of TikTok that would be separate from its Chinese parent ByteDance in 2020 before talks collapsed.

ALSO- US tech shares recovered some of their losses after the DeepSeek selloff a day earlier, with AI chip giant Nvidia gaining 8.9%. (Reuters | FT)

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MARKET WATCH-

#1- Oil shipments to Asia from the North Sea and Kazakhstan are set to hit a 10-month high in February at an estimated 400k barrels a day as refiners turn away from Middle Eastern crude due to rising premiums, including from UAE suppliers which are constrained by Opec+ production limits, according to Bloomberg vessel tracking and trading data. This comes against a backdrop of US sanctions targeting Russian oil tankers, ins. firms, and producers, which further tightens up crude supply.

Key buyers include Indian refiners and teapot refineries, with volumes of the North Sea’s Johan Sverdrup and Forties and Kazakhstan's CPC Blend crude reaching their highest levels since April 2024.

REMEMBER- Indian state refiners, including Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum, and Bharat Petroleum, reportedly urged Adnoc last week to offer Delivered at Port (DAP) pricing, alongside traditional FOB terms. India typically obtains Russian crude on DAP terms, where sellers cover shipping and ins. costs, unlike the FOB model used by most Middle Eastern producers. This comes after new US sanctions against Russian and Iranian oil supplies have made it harder for India and China to secure alternative sources, pushing Middle East crude spot premiums to a two-year high.

#2- UAE + Saudi energy ministers discuss Trump’s oil price demands: UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman held an informal discussion on US President Donald Trump’s request for OPEC+ to increase production, reports Reuters citing unnamed sources. While Trump expects a greater oil supply will lead to lower prices, OPEC+ is expected to introduce no changes to its current policy at a review meeting scheduled for next week.

ICYMI: Last December, OPEC+ agreed to extend oil output cuts well into 2025 as the group aimed to counter weak market demand, high interest rates, and rising production in the US.

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

The UAE-Kuwait Week will take place between 3-4 February in Dubai, featuring investment conferences, panel discussions on economic development, and B2B meetings. Attendees will explore opportunities for collaboration in emerging industries, Wam reports.

Abu Dhabi will host the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four for the first time from 23-25 May at Etihad Arena, marking the first time the region hosts a Euroleague Basketball event, Wam reports.

Solana Economic Zone will take place between 14-26 April in Dubai. The two-week event will focus on blockchain innovation, providing a platform for founders, builders, and investors looking to set up crypto and blockchain businesses in Dubai.

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

Lunate to snap up 6% additional stake in Adnoc Gas Pipelines

Lunate set to acquire Snam’s minority stake in Adnoc Gas Pipelines: Abu Dhabi alternative investment firm Lunate is set to acquire a 6% stake in Adnoc Gas Pipelines from Italian gas network operator Snam SpA for an undisclosed sum through Lunate’s Long-Term Capital Fund I, according to a joint statement (pdf). The sale is subject to the signing of a definitive sale and purchase agreement along with securing the necessary regulatory approvals, including potential shareholder rights exercises.

The value of the acquisition has not been disclosed, but Italian investment bank Mediobanca estimated in a client note picked up by Reuters that the stake could be valued at USD 200 mn, with a book value of EUR 135 mn.

Background: Snam has been mulling the sale of its entire minority stake in the Adnoc unit, which it holds indirectly, since last year as part of a broader rationalization strategy to divest from non-core assets outside European energy corridors.

Lunate ♥️ Adnoc: Lunate has previously acquired a 40% stake in Adnoc’s oil pipeline asset network from US private equity giants BlackRock and KKR & Co in April.

More Adnoc shares could be up for grabs soon: Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Adnoc Gas Pipelines’ largest foreign shareholder, is said to be working with advisors to gauge interest in its holding, sources told Bloomberg last year. A GIP-led consortium had acquired 49% of the company back in 2020 in a transaction that valued the entire network, including debt, at almost USD 21 bn.

About Adnoc Gas Pipelines: The Adnoc subsidiary’s portfolio includes a network of 38 gas pipelines spanning 982 km across the UAE, playing a significant role in connecting upstream assets to domestic off-takers.

ADVISORS- Rothschild is acting as Lunate’s financial advisor on the transaction, while Bank of America is financial advisor for Snam, Reuters reports.

ADNH Catering acquires 100% of chef school catering business Food Nation

ADNH Catering acquires UAE-based school catering business: Abu Dhabi National Hotels’ catering arm, ADNH Catering, acquired 100% of Food Nation Catering Services, a UAE-based chef-driven school catering company, for an undisclosed sum, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The transaction, expected to close in 1Q 2025, comes as part of ADNH Catering’s strategy to expand its footprint in the education sector.

What does Food Nation bring to the table? The company serves over 70k students across three emirates, including Abu Dhabi, and employs a team of 300+ professionals with nearly a decade of experience in tailored school catering.

REMEMBER- This marks ADNH Catering’s second acquisition in recent months. In December, the company signed a sales and purchase agreement to boost its stake in its Saudi joint venture with Compass Group, Compass Arabia. Once completed in 1Q 2025, ADNH Catering will hold a controlling stake in the venture alongside Al Rushaid Group.

IN OTHER M&A NEWS-

Edge Group invests in Israeli military supplier: Israel’s Thirdeye Systems sold a 30% stake to UAE state-owned defense giant Edge Group for USD 10 mn, Reuters reports.

Edge will also inject USD 12 mn into a new joint venture with Thirdeye, taking a majority stake. Thirdeye will hold 43%, with an unnamed third party owning the remaining 6%, according to the Israeli firm. Edge’s investment will support Thirdeye Systems in expanding into new markets while also accelerating its development of advanced systems, the statement reads.

The UAE has a pipeline of some USD 659 bn in construction projects

The UAE awarded some USD 83 bn in new project contracts in 2024, marking a 10.8% y-o-y decline, according to Emirates NBD’s Infrastructure Investment report (pdf). Currently, USD 222 bn worth of projects are under execution, with a further USD 659 bn to follow — with USD 336 bn in budgeted projects and USD 323 bn in planning.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai dominate: Abu Dhabi and Dubai account for 87% of active projects across the country. Abu Dhabi leads with a 49% share of active projects (USD 109 bn), distributed across gas, construction, and oil. Dubai holds 38% (USD 83 bn), with a strong focus on construction.

Future projects are similarly concentrated, with 90% of the pipeline in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Dubai’s projects are predominantly private sector-driven (65%), while Abu Dhabi’s spending is largely public sector-driven (73%).

Among the biggest projects: Adnoc’s USD 16 bn Hail and Ghasha Sour Gas developmen t, a USD 6 bn solar power project by Emirates Water and Electricity Company and Masdar, and the USD 5.8 bn Dubai Metro Blue Line expansion.

The UAE's infrastructure sector is set to grow at a 5% compound annual growth rate from 2025 to 2030, driven by government and private sector projects in transportation, renewable energy, and real estate, Wam reports, citing Mordor Intelligence.

THE REGIONAL PICTURE-

The GCC saw a 9% rise in project contracts awarded in 2024, totaling USD 271 bn, building on the 99% growth in 2023. Currently, USD 790 bn worth of projects are under execution, with Saudi Arabia accounting for 53% and the UAE for 28%.

Governments drive 77% of the current spending, with the private sector contributing 23%. The region also has a USD 2.7 tn pipeline, including USD 1.2 tn in budgeted projects and USD 1.5 tn in planning phases, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE holding the largest shares. The construction sector dominates, followed by transport and power.

UAE firms bullish on AI despite scarcity of talent and infrastructure

UAE companies are pushing to implement AI in their business operations despite challenges in finding supporting talent and infrastructure, according to a press release citing the latest Cisco AI Readiness Index. Almost all surveyed companies (99%) report a management-driven urgency to implement AI, with 86% citing an 18-month window to demonstrate impact and 64% limiting it to one year. Currently, 64% of UAE firms have a strategy for deploying AI solutions.

More than a third (34%) of companies plan to allocate over 40% of their IT budgets to AI within the next 4-5 years, compared to 8% doing so today. Around 47% currently dedicate 10-30% of IT budgets to AI. Key investment areas include cybersecurity (45%), IT infrastructure (39%), data management (34%), and data analysis (33%).

Infrastructure gaps remain a critical hurdle. Only 14% of UAE organizations have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands, and 31% are equipped to secure data in AI models using encryption, audits, and continuous monitoring.

Talent shortages are another pressing issue, with just 37% of organizations rating their workforce as well-prepared for AI and 27% reporting a lack of in-house talent for successful deployment.

REMEMBER- Cooper Fitch's latest employment index highlights talent shortages in the tech sector, while a LinkedIn survey identifies AI engineering as one of the UAE's fastest-growing job categories.

Silkhaus raises seven-figure funding round + Maalexi secures USD 3 mn credit facility

Two UAE-based startups secured new funding yesterday, with agritrade startup Maalexi getting a new credit facility and rental platform Silkhaus raising a seven-figure investment.

#1- Dubai-based rental platform Silkhaus raised a seven-figure investment in a funding round to support its expansion into Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to a press release. The funding round was led by Nuwa Capital and Oraseya Capital, with the participation of Impulse International, Yuj Ventures, Nordstar, and some family offices.

The company recently shuffled its management team, appointing its CFO Ankit Shah (LinkedIn) as a co-founder and board member, and hired Abdul Wahab Al Halabi (LinkedIn) as an independent director. Nitin Reen (LinkedIn) and Hassan Alfarsi (LinkedIn) were also added to the firm’s board.

REMEMBER- The proptech platform raised a multi-mn pre-series A funding round from US-based Partners for Growth last January. The agreement granted Silkhaus access to an extra multi-mn USD credit line to bolster its expansion initiatives. It previously raised USD 7.8 mn from international investors in 2022.

About Silkaus: Founded in 2021 by Aahan Bhojani (LinkedIn), the company specializes in providing short-term rental options to business and leisure travelers. The company currently operates properties worth over USD 200 mn annually across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, with ongoing plans to expand internationally.

#2- Agri-trade fintech Maalexi secured a USD 3 mn credit facility from Citi to increase its liquidity, bolster its direct sourcing operations, and help the company scale its AI-powered risk management platform for SMEs engaged in cross-border agri-trade, according to a press release (pdf).

Maalexi is targeting threefold expansion in 2025, supported by the new facility. The funds will aid in expanding procurement from US-based exporters, optimizing supply chains, and reducing food waste in the USD 2 tn global food trade.

ICYMI: Maalexi secured USD 3 mn in a pre-Series A funding round led by Global Ventures in January of last year, with participation from Rockstart and Ankurit Capital, to enhance its platform and scale cross-border agri-trade operations. The agri-trade fintech also raised an additional USD 1 mn in venture debt from India’s Stride Ventures to drive user acquisition and expansion last July. In May, Maalexi partnered with DP World to boost food security by streamlining access to a broader range of food products and enhancing operational efficiency at Jebel Ali Port.

About Maalexi: Founded in 2021 by Azam Pasha (Linkedin), and Rohit Majhi (LinkedIn), Maalexi offers risk management services, including digital contracts, AI-powered inspections, and blockchain-authenticated documentation for SME agri-businesses operating in food security. The firm has facilitated the procurement of food supplies across 70 products from 27 countries and recorded a cumulative monthly growth rate of 60% last year.

ADIB, ESG, and Sukoon Ins. report 2024 earnings

Earnings season is kicking into gear, with fresh full-year earnings reports from Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, ESG Emirates Stallions Group, and Sukoon Ins.

ADIB-

ADIB wraps 2024 on a high note despite 4Q dip:Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) posted AED 1.5 bn in net income after zakat and tax for 4Q 2024, down 2% y-o-y, according to its latest earnings report (pdf). Revenues for the quarter edged up 1% y-o-y to AED 2.6 bn.

In the full year: ADIB’s 2024 net income rose 16% y-o-y to AED 6.1 bn, with revenues climbing 14% to AED 10.6 bn. The bank credited strong performance across all segments and products, as well as robust fee-based business activity.

Key drivers included a 7% y-o-y bump in funded income (AED 6.6 bn), fueled by solid transaction volumes, and a 28% y-o-y increase in non-funded income (AED 4.1 bn), driven by fees and commissions.

Total assets and deposits also grew: ADIB’s total assets rose 17% y-o-y to AED 226 bn in 2024, driven by a 22% jump in gross financing and a 20% rise in investments. Customer deposits grew 16% y-o-y to AED 183 bn, with current and savings accounts—now making up 61% of total deposits—rising 9% y-o-y.

Dividends: The bank’s board is proposing a dividend payout of AED 3 bn, equivalent to 50% of the company’s net income in 2024.

Emirates Stallions Group.-

IHC subsidiary and construction and real estate firm Emirates Stallions Group reported a net income of AED 230.9 mn in 2024, marking a 66.1% y-o-y decline compared to 2023, according to the company’s financials (pdf). The conglomerate’s revenue rose by 109% y-o-y to AED 1.3 bn during the same period.

The performance was attributed to the company’s strategic investments and efficiency in running operations, according to its earnings release (pdf). The company acquired the remaining stake in Sawaeed Holding in May, and acquired stakes in luxury furniture manufacturing and interior design firms Vision Furniture & Decoration Factory and Decovision.

SUKOON INS.-

Dubai-based Sukoon Ins.’ net income rose 3.4% y-o-y to AED 265.7 mn in 2024, according to the company’s financial statements (pdf). The company’s ins. revenues rose nearly 16.5% to AED 5.4 bn during the year.

Looking ahead, Sukoon expects market rates to harden as insurers adjust to heightened risks amid global geopolitical challenges, inflation, high interest rates, and subdued oil prices, it said in a separate earnings release (pdf). On the flip side, the introduction of mandatory health ins. in the northern emirates and a new scheme for end-of-service benefits in 2025 is expected to create growth windows. Sukoon plans to invest nearly AED 20 mn in digitization and technology platforms.

Al Tamimi and Company appoints new COO

Al Tamimi and Company tapped Rob Ashing (LinkedIn) as COO, according to a press release (pdf). Ashing brings over 20 years of international experience spanning Asia Pacific, the US, Europe, and Africa. He most recently served as head of operations at Howard Kennedy.

The UAE’s mega renewables projects are getting attention

Masdar’s USD 6 bn 5 GW solar project, announced at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, is putting the UAE’s renewables ambitions on the map, with the Financial Times spotlighting its projects along with those of its neighbor Saudi Arabia, which is also making investments into large-scale renewables projects.

The two GCC countries are growing their renewable energy reserves through ongoing megaprojects to be used for their domestic electricity, freeing up more oil and gas for exports, the salmon-colored paper reports.

PLUS- The UAE has the competitive edge to make it a global renewables player: The UAE’s energy players, most notably Masdar, are capitalizing on extensive solar resources, ease of access to manufacturers, and the presence of commercial banks offering funding to make green energy sources equivalent in cost to gas or cheaper, Masdar’s chief financial officer Mazin Khan said.

Damac Group debuts first US real estate project

REAL ESTATE-

Damac debuts in the US: Dubai developer Damac Group launched its first US real estate project, The Delmore, a 12-story ultra-luxury oceanfront condominium located in Surfside, Miami’s Bn’aire’s Triangle, according to a press release. Construction is underway, with completion slated for 2029, and Douglas Elliman handling sales. The property features 37 exclusive residences, and is designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

REMEMBER- Damac ❤️ the US: Earlier this month, the developer committed USD 20 bn in data centers across the US. The project’s first phase targets the Sunbelt and Midwest regions, with the possibility of “doubling” its investment depending on market demand and opportunity.

#2- UAE-based Prestige One Developments plans to launch 11 new luxury real estate projects in 2025 to nearly double its portfolio, the company said in a press release (pdf). The new developments will be in “sought-after” locations like Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), and Dubai Islands. The company will complete and hand over Vista in Dubai Sports City and The Residence in JVC this year.

More in the cards: The developer is also expanding into the wider GCC and West African markets this year. By the end of 2025, the company’s portfolio is planned to include 25 completed and ongoing projects. As part of this year’s growth plans, the developer appointed former Colliers Project Leaders Managing Director Yamin Shihab, as chief development officer.

RENEWABLES-

Larsen & Toubro selected as EPC contractor for Abu Dhabi mega solar project: Indian multinational Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) has been selected by Masdar as one of the preferred engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors for a 24/7 solar and battery storage project in Abu Dhabi, according to a press release (pdf).

ICYMI- Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company are building a USD 6 bn, 5.2 GW solar project that will be linked to a 19 GWh battery energy storage system, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world. The mega project — set to be completed by 2027 — will produce 1 GW of uninterrupted baseload power clean power daily. It covers an area of 90 sq km in the Abu Dhabi desert and will receive financing through both debt and equity.

INVESTMENT-

Investors will be able to access Dubai + Frankfurt tokenized real estate assets, courtesy of Tokinvest, StegX: Homegrown tokenized real-world asset marketplace Tokinvest partnered with Germany’s StegX to link up the financial hubs of Dubai and Frankfurt, Tokinvest said in a statement. The partnership aims to facilitate investors' access to tokenized real-world assets in both markets — including real estate, commodities, and funds — while making it easier for issuers to cross-list their assets and raise capital efficiently.

SOUND SMART- Asset tokenization allows rights or ownership of assets to be converted into digital tokens on a blockchain, which can be owned and traded online. This offers more liquidity and transparency in trading and expands access to high-value assets for a wider segment of investors. The concept is picking up steam in the UAE, where regulators are paving the way for more mainstream use of blockchain and tokenization, and where more investors are looking to tap the real estate sector every year.

HEALTHCARE-

#1- Arabian Healthcare Group (AHG) plans to build a new 209-bed greenfield hospital in Ras Al Khaimah in partnership with its long-standing, US-based partner CommonSpirit Health, according to a press release. The new multispeciality hospital will target patients with premium ins. plans, allowing AHG’s flagship Rak Hospital to focus more on low- to mid-tier insurance patients.

The details: The hospital will be located along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and is scheduled to open in 3Q 2027.

The partnership will also see AHG expand its urgent care clinics’ network, with new clinics planned in Al Dhait, Al Maried, and Al Ghail, in addition to relocating its existing clinic in Al Hamra to a larger accommodation.

AHG, CommonSpirit Health go way back: AHG and CommonSpirit Health have been partners since 2018, which allowed AHG to integrate the latter’s healthcare services. CommonSpirit’s international arm Dignity Health International acquired an undisclosed minority stake in AHG in 2023.

#2- Sweden-based healthcare provider Diaverum is gearing up to bring its services to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, after Emirati state-owned health-tech firm M42 acquired it in 2023, Diaverum said in a press release. The company plans to focus on tackling chronic kidney diseases in the UAE, deploying both personalized treatments and preventive care measures.

PETROCHEMICALS-

Adnoc's petrochemicals unit lands USD 100 mn in supply contracts: Adnoc's petrochemicals unit Borouge will supply advanced polyethylene and polypropylene under four contracts worth a cumulative USD 100 mn, according to a press release (pdf). The supplies will go to Bericap, Taghleef Industries, Indevco Group, and ALPLA, where they will be primarily used in packaging solutions.

ALSO- The company inked a cooperation agreement with Tahzeem Packaging and Rebound to produce heavy duty shipping sacks that use 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyethylene.

LOGISTICS-

#1- Arvato enters GCC market with new logistics facility in the UAE: Arvato, the logistics division of Germany-headquartered Bertelsmann Group, inaugurated a new logistics hub at Dubai CommerceCity, according to a press release. The 3.3k sqm warehouse is located 10 minutes away from Dubai Airport (DXB) and will provide a range of services that include general warehousing and fulfillment activities.

#2-DP World + NSW partner up on expansion project: Port operator DP World has partnered with Australia’s NSW Ports to extend the rail terminal at Sydney's Port Botany with a AUD 400 mn (c. USD 290 mn) co-investment, according to a statement. The project — set to break ground in June 2025 — will take two years to complete, and aims to strengthen the port’s on-dock rail capacity to serve Sydney's import and export trade.

The game plan: NSW Ports will provide AUD 148 mn for the new facility and will service the container terminal and logistics park. The terminal’s annual rail capacity will more than double to 1 mn TEUs.

PE stakes traded in secondary markets reach a record high in 2024

Private equity stakes traded globally on the secondary market hit a record USD 162 bn last year, up 45% y-o-y, the Financial Times reports, citing a review by investment bank Jefferies. The trend comes as investors exit PE funds in response to a protracted dryspell in new big-ticket acquisitions leads, while fund managers themselves are increasingly offloading stakes to new funds.

By the numbers: Volumes represent a 20% increase compared to the previous peak in 2021, when the pandemic triggered a global sell-off. Private capital firms also recorded a 44% y-o-y increase in asset sales at USD 75 bn in 2024, often using continuation vehicles — selling assets within the same firm.

The rationale: The move to the secondary market comes as funds are struggling to exit investments via IPOs or other transactions that offer appealing valuations, limiting their access to liquidity needed to pay fund backers, the FT said. Higher interest rates and lower consumer spending also increased pressures on PE funds, as a record number of private equity-backed firms in the US filed for bankruptcy last year, a study by S&P showed.

Trump era may alleviate some pressure: Antitrust regulations in the US and Europe in recent years have also limited M&A activity and made exits even harder. However, economists are predicting that President Trump’s second tenure promises a more business friendly regulatory environment.

Anticipation of Trump’s pro-business policies led investors to sell stakes at a smaller discount, 6% below net asset value, compared to 9% the year before, signaling confidence in an upcoming recovery of M&A activity that will facilitate exits, the FT reported.

MARKETS THIS MORNING-

It’s a calm morning as most Asian markets are closed for the Lunar New Year holiday, except for Japan’s Nikkei, up 0.6%. Meanwhile, Wall Street futures are unchanged as investors anticipate the Fed’s decisions on interest rates.

ADX	9,550	0.0% (YTD: +1.4%)
DFM	5,177	-0.3% (YTD: +0.4%)
Nasdaq Dubai UAE20	4326.4	0.0% (YTD: +3.9%)
USD : AED CBUAE	Buy 3.67	Sell 3.67
EIBOR	4.2% o/n	4.4% 1 yr
TASI	12,421	+0.4% (YTD: +3.2%)
EGX30	29,647	-0.3% (YTD: -0.3%)
S&P 500	6,068	+0.9% (YTD: +3.2%)
FTSE 100	8,534	+0.4% (YTD: +4.4%)
Euro Stoxx 50	5,196	+0.1% (YTD: +6.1%)
Brent crude	USD 77.49	+0.5%
Natural gas (Nymex)	USD 3.32	-4.4%
Gold	USD 2794.60	+1.0%
BTC	USD 101,293.60	-0.4% (YTD: +8.0%)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The ADX fell 0.03% yesterday on turnover of AED 995.6 mn. The index is up 1.4% YTD.

In the green: Hayah Ins. Company (+4.0%), Sharjah Cement and Industrial Development Co. (+2.1%) and The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (+2.1%).

In the red: Oman & Emirates Investment Holding Co (-10.0%), Al Ain Alahlia Insurance Co. (-9.4%) and Al Khaleej Investment (-5.5%).

Over on the DFM, the index fell 0.3% on turnover of AED 576.8 mn. Meanwhile, Nasdaq Dubai fell 0.01%.

CALENDAR

JANUARY

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

27-29 January (Monday-Wednesday): The Arab Payment Week, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort.

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.

3-4 February (Monday-Tuesday): The UAE-Kuwait Week, Dubai.

4-6 February (Tuesday-Thursday): AEEDC Dubai 2025, Dubai World Trade Center, 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.

14-26 April (Monday-Saturday): Solana Economic Zone, Dubai.

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

28 April-2 May (Monday-Friday): The 64th Annual Conference of the International Federation of Ait Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA)

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.

23-25 May (Friday-Sunday): EuroLeague Final Four, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi.

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

30 May (Friday): Arafat Day.

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

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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