New container terminal launches at Khalifa Port

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

THIS MORNING: Abu Dhabi proposes new virtual asset regulations + New tariff cuts for RAK industry?

Good morning, everyone. Things are finally winding down after a whirlwind of events in Abu Dhabi, from F1 over the weekend to Abu Dhabi Finance Week and all the concurring events happening in parallel. We hope everyone who’s been busy running around between venues gets a good rest this weekend.

Today’s issue is a mixed bag, with a heavy dose of investment and startup news, a new container terminal at Khalifa Port, and a flurry of manufacturing updates. Plus: Adnoc’s XRG now has a board.

WEATHER- We’re in for a cloudy (and possibly rainy) end to the week: The National Center of Meteorology forecasts (pdf) partly cloudy conditions in northern and coastal areas and islands today through the weekend, with a chance of light rainfall and blowing dust on Saturday. Temperatures today will hit 27°C in Dubai, with an overnight low of 20°C, and 24°C in Abu Dhabi, before cooling to an overnight low of 21°C.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Abu Dhabi proposes new virtual asset regulations: The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM issued a consultation paper proposing updated rules to its virtual asset regulatory framework, according to a statement from the financial center. The proposed changes include refined capital requirements, fees, staking models, and criteria for non-ADGM-issued fiat-referenced tokens, as well as proposals for more investment prospects for venture capital funds.

REMEMBER- The FSRA issued a regulatory framework for the issuance of stablecoins in the ADGM earlier this month. The new regulations set out a definition for the tokens and the parameters for its issuance and use as a method of payment within ADGM.

ALSO FROM ADGM- The financial center will establish an ins. association within its jurisdiction, according to its press release (pdf). Information regarding its structure, membership, and upcoming activities will be announced later.

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#2- The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is set to implement a policy for protecting soil from degradation in Abu Dhabi, in coordination with Abu Dhabi Government agencies, Adnoc, and Abu Dhabi Ports, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The policy looks to secure soil sustainability and promote its optimal use as part of the emirate’s broader plan to rehabilitate 80% of degraded lands by 2030.

The details: The policy focuses on reducing degradation through adopting sustainable land and soil management systems, tightening regulatory frameworks, and raising awareness about soil. It applies to urban development, industrial, agricultural, oil and gas sectors, coastal areas, and terrestrial protected areas.

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#3- EtihadWE mulls tariff cuts for RAK industry: Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) inked an MoU with the Investment and Development Office of Ras Al Khaimah (IDO) to mull offering discounted electricity tariffs for industrial customers in the emirate, state news agency Wam reports.

The two authorities will negotiate a bulk supply agreement with an IDO-designated nominee, which would allow eligible customers to benefit from preferential rates through a bulk aggregation mechanism, though it’s not clear what makes them eligible.

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#4- GCAA overhauls private aircraft registration procedures: Private aircraft operators can now receive air operator certificates within 90 days, down from two years, as part of the General Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) Golden Package for registering and operating private and business aircraft, Wam reports. Air operating authorizations can also be issued in just 60 days, while age limits to register aircraft have been eliminated, while pilots’ foreign licenses will now be transferred and verified within three days, Khaleej Times reports. It’s not clear who is eligible for the benefits of the golden package.

Also worth noting:

Aircraft owners can now manage and operate their own aircraft without an operator;
Aircraft owners can gain 100% ownership of their aircraft, eliminating the need for local partnerships;
Aircraft operators now also only need one aircraft to be eligible for operations, down from two previously.

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#5- The ADX expects IPO momentum to continue in 2025, with more IPOs expected next year in comparison to this year, Al Khaleej quotes ADX CEO Abdullah Salem Al Nuaimi as saying. Al Nuami does not expect any IPOs in 1Q 2025, though, when companies are focusing on getting their earnings and annual reports out.

The exchange will also undergo a complete overhaul of its system in 1Q, including updates to deposit and trading platforms, Al Nuaimi added.

The ADX has recorded a 17% y-t-d uptick in total investors for 2024, driven by high-quality listings and strong investor demand, Al Bayan cites ADX CEO Abdulla Salem Al Nuaimi as saying. Foreign investors now account for 40% of daily trading activity on the exchange.

#6- Investment platform Shuaa Capital reached an “amicable agreement” with one of its main creditors, according to a DFM disclosure (pdf). The firm expects more key agreements to take place this month, ahead of its planned issuance of mandatory convertible bonds.

REMEMBER- Shuaa Capital plans to issue a total of AED 642.5 mn of mandatory convertible bonds as part of its capital optimization plan. The company witnessed other restructures throughout 2024, including reaching an agreement with bondholders in April to extend the payment terms for some USD 150 mn worth of bonds. It also fully settled around AED 500 mn (USD 136 mn) in margin facilities with multiple UAE banks.

HAPPENING TODAY-

#1- The European Arab Medical Congress is on its final day at the headquarters of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination in Abu Dhabi. Hosted by the Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, the event will host 50 speakers and feature 40 scientific sessions covering the latest innovations in medicine and medical technology.

#2- Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan is in India for the India-UAEjoint commisionmeeting, which will wrap up today in New Delhi, with discussions between both countries on bilateral cooperation in strategic and economic aspects.

Al Nahyan met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday and discussed ties in energy and tech, India’s prime minister office said in a statement.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

It’s a mixed bag in the foreign press this morning, with some outlets leading with the aftermath of Bashar Al Assad’s ouster in Syria, and others noting updates on the AI and crypto fronts.

The post-Assad era is top of mind for Bloomberg, which leads with Russia’s efforts to secure its military bases in Syria, with sources saying an agreement is near. The business information service also reported that it was the Kremlin who pushed Assad to flee Syria when it was clear he would be unable to survive there.

SPEAKING OF SYRIA- UAE Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed the importance of sovereignty and security in Syria with his Arab and regional counterparts yesterday, conducting phone calls with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Egypt’s Badr Abdel Ati, Qatar’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Jordan’s Ayman Safadi, and Morocco’s Nasser Bourita.

IN BUSINESS NEWS-

#1- Meta is releasing an AI model that can control the movements of human-like agents in the metaverse, calling it Meta Motivo. The Facebook owner is also introducing a new training model for language modeling called the Large Concept Model (LCM) — a move away from the traditional large language model (LLM — with the goal of “[decoupling] reasoning from language representation.” (Reuters)

#2- US President-elect Donald Trump’s crypto venture World Liberty Financial — co-founded by his new Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff — partnered up with crypto platform Tron, which the US and Israel say has been used by militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. The news comes after a busy week for crypto, especially here in the UAE with the conclusion of Bitcoin Mena, where Eric Trump delivered a speech — and marks the rise of concerns over Witkoff’s involvement with World Financial and the boundaries that could be crossed between politics and business. (Reuters)

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OIL WATCH-

Global oil markets are destined to be oversupplied in 2025 based on expected supply and demand levels, despite Opec’s plans to delay output hikes to 2Q 2025, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) oil market report. A lifting of production cuts in April 2025 will still lead to an oversupply of 1.4 mn bbl / d, though the IEA is assuming a 950k bbl / d overhang even if Opec+ does not commit to this timeline.

The breakdown: These expectations are based on a predicted global consumption level of 103.9 mn bbl / d in 2025, compared to an anticipated supply of 104.8 mn bbl / d, even if Opec+ delayed or scrapped plans to phase out cuts. Meanwhile, non-Opec+ supply will increase by 1.5 mn bbl / d next year, led by the United States, Brazil, Guyana, Canada and Argentina.

ICYMI- Opec slashed this year’s oil demand growth forecast by 210k bbl / d to 1.6 mn bbl / d, after accounting for “recently received bearish data for 3Q 24.”

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

Aims will take place on 16-20 December at the Adnec Center in Abu Dhabi. The conference focuses on pure and applied analysis, differential equations, and dynamical systems, covering a wide range of applications in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, finance, and industrial mathematics.

Rise Investment Festival for Young Entrepreneurs (RICH) is set to take place from 19 to 22 December in Dubai, Wam reports. The event is organized by the Dubai Women’s Association, and aims to empower young entrepreneurs by offering opportunities to enter the labor market. Applicants must be UAE nationals aged 18-35, with innovative business projects, a valid commercial license, and an annual net income of at least 50k AED.

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

AD Ports + CMA CGM launch new container terminal at Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port

AD Ports inaugurates new AED 3.1 bn container terminal at Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port: AD Ports has opened a new container terminal at Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port as part of a JV with CMA Terminals, a subsidiary of French logistics giant CMA CGM Group, according to a statement (pdf). The AED 3.1 bn terminal will be managed by the pair under the JV, with CMA Terminals holding a 70% stake and AD Ports holding 30%.

Background: The pair first announced the project in 2021, initially committing some AED 570 mn, and inking a 35-year concession agreement for the terminal.

The facility will expand the port’s total container capacity by 23% to reach nearly 10 mn twenty-foot equivalent units. The inauguration of the terminal marks the completion of phase one of the project, though the statement does not disclose the details for future phases of expansion or development.

Emirates Biotech to build a USD 800 mn PLA facility

Emirates Biotech to build mega PLA production facility: Emirates Biotech — a joint venture between the UAE’s SS Royal Emirates Investment and Hong Kong’s Global Biopolymers Industries — is planning to build the world’s largest polylactic acid (PLA) production plant in the UAE, according to a press release. Construction is expected to begin next year and the total investment ticket for the project is set to reach USD 800 mn.

What we know: The plant will be built in two phases, each with 80k ton annual capacity. The facility would replace the equivalent of 3.2 bn plastic bottles and reduce 300k tons of CO2 emissions annually. The plant will use technology from Swiss company Sulzer to produce, purify, and polymerize lactide. Production is slated to kick off in early 2028.

Exports are in the pipeline: The company plans to make PLA in the UAE and export the product to India, Turkey, and Europe, CEO Marc Verbruggen told The National earlier this year.

SOUND SMART– PLA a biopolymer made from plants that absorbs CO2, making it a more sustainable material than other plastics, according to the company’s website. It can be used for appliances, electronics, packaging, food service ware, 3D printing, and textiles. It is recyclable and compostable, breaking down into natural elements without leaving microplastics behind.

PLA is already taking off in the region: Dubai-based polymer supplier Gulf Biopolymers Industries (GBI) announced plans in February to build the region’s first biodegradable PLA polymers production facility in the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad). The facility — for which GBI signed a 50-year lease agreement— will span 135k sq meters and is planned to have an annual 30k ton PLA production volume.

IHC’s 2PointZero takes part in Archer Aviation’s USD 430 mn equity offering + Mubadala invests in AI firm Crusoe

UAE investors are upping their investments abroad, with not one, but two investments in tech firms announced yesterday.

#1- 2PointZero takes a slice of Archer Aviation: International Holding Company’s (IHC) investment subsidiary 2PointZero participated in Mubadala-backed flying EV manufacturer Archer Aviation’s USD 430 mn equity offering, Reuters reports. Other investors involved in the offering include United Airlines, Stellantis, and Wellington Management.

Where will the money go? A portion of the funds will be used to develop a hybrid aircraft in partnership with defense technology company Anduril Industries. The partnership with Anduril and the additional capital would accelerate the company’s scaling of advanced aerospace technologies, Archer’s CEO Adam Goldstein said.

REMEMBER- Archer Aviation is in the race to introduce air taxis to the UAE next year. The company signed a framework agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to construct vertiports in the emirate. It also inked an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based aviation services provider Falcon Aviation to develop a vertiport network in key locations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The agreement looks to launch air taxi services between the two emirates by 2025.

#2- Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala participated in a USD 600 mn series D round for US-based clean computing infrastructure firm Crusoe Energy, valuing the firm at USD 2.8 bn, Reuters reports. The company will use the funds to invest in data centers and its cloud platform Crusoe cloud, the startup said.

REMEMBER- Mubadala is already a backer of Crusoe: The company participated in Crusoe’s USD 350 mn series C round in 2022.

Disrupt Ventures leads USD 5.5 mn seed funding round for South Asian fashion marketplace Laam

Dubai’s Disrupt Ventures led a USD 5.5 mn seed funding round for Pakistan-based fashion marketplace Laam, which focuses on South Asian fashion and craftsmanship, according to a statement (pdf). The round also saw participation from Zayn VC, Graph Ventures, and Mentors Fund.

Where will the funds go? The funding will be used to support Laam’s expansion into the Middle East, including setting up an operational center for global order processing and ramping up ties with regional designers. The startup will expand into the UAE initially, according to the statement.

About Laam: Co-founded by Amir Iqbal (LinkedIn), Arif Iqbal (Linkedin), and Noor Us Sahar Arif (LinkedIn), Laam connects global consumers across over 100 countries to South Asian craftsmanship, through an e-commerce platform, with the goal of supporting South Asian artisans and small-to-medium-sized sellers to access international markets. The platform hosts the largest catalog of South Asian fashion globally, with over 100k items and over 1k brands. The startup additionally offers an AI-powered e-commerce infrastructure, Octane, which supports over 50 businesses globally.

BioSapien raises USD 5.5 mn in pre-series A round

UAE-based medtech company BioSapien secured USD 5.5 mn in a pre-series A funding round led by Mena venture capital giant Global Ventures, according to a statement (pdf). The round also saw participation from Dara Holdings.

Where’s the money going? BioSapien will use the funding to launch clinical trials for its flagship product, MediChip, in the UAE, with patient enrolment for colorectal cancer trials set to begin in Abu Dhabi in 2Q 2025. Trials may later be expanded to other cancers, such as pancreatic and lung, as well as non-cancer treatments, like opioids, biologics, and cell and gene therapies, the statement reads.

The fresh capital will also support product development, manufacturing, and talent acquisition.

What BioSapien does: Founded by Khatija Ali (LinekdI n), the company offers a 3D-printed, slow-release drug delivery platform for localized cancer treatment. The platform focuses on keeping drugs concentrated in the tumor microenvironment, reducing required dosages, minimizing systemic side effects, and improving treatment efficiency.

Another sukuk listing from Indonesia on Nasdaq Dubai

Indonesia listed three sukuk issuances worth USD 2.75 bn on Nasdaq Dubai, bringing the total value of sukuk on the exchange to USD 98.9 bn, Wam reports.

The details: The issuance — which was 1.8x oversubscribed — includes a USD 1.1 bn tranche with a yield rate of 5% due in 2030, a USD 900 mn tranche with a 5.25% rate due in 2034, and a USD 750 mn one with a 5.65% rate due 2054. The issuances fall under Indonesia’s USD 45 bn trust certificate issuance program.

Nasdaq Dubai saw a lot of activity from foreign issuers in 2024: China issued USD 2 bn in bonds last month and listed them on Nasdaq Dubai and Hong Kong Exchange. Meanwhile, the Agriculture Bank of China listed USD 400 mn bonds on the exchange in September.

Indonesia ♥️Nasdaq Dubai: Indonesia listed USD 2.35 bn sukuk on the exchange earlier this year, and another USD 3.25 bn sukuk in 2022, as well as two green sukuk worth USD 2 bn in 2019.

Adnoc’s XRG gets a new board

Adnoc taps new board for XRG: President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved the board of directors for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s (Adnoc) new international investment arm, XRG, with Adnoc CEO Sultan Al Jaber appointed as executive chairman, Reuters and Bloomberg report. The board includes former BP CEO Bernard Looney, who resigned in 2023 after misleading the British energy giant’s board on past relationships with colleagues.

Other members include…

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, CEO of ADQ;
Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, chairman of the UAE President’s Office for Strategic Affairs;
Jasem Al Zaabi; chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance;
Jon Gray, president and COO of Blackstone;
Nassef Sawiris, executive Chair of OCI Global.

REFRESHER- Last month, Adnoc launched XRG, an international investment company focused on lower-carbon energy and chemicals, with an investment value of over USD 80 bn. The company plans to double its asset value over the next decade, and is set to begin operations in 1Q 2025.

OTHER MOVES WORTH NOTING-

F&B manufacturing and distribution company Dubai Refreshment appointed COO Mahmoud El Meligy as its new CEO, effective 1 January 2025, according to a press release. The move comes as the company’s former CEO Tarek Elsakka announced his retirement after 17 years with the company. El Meligy joined Dubai Refreshment in 2012, acting as COO since August 2017. His 27-year career in the soft drinks industry spans multiple markets including Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Ghana, and Egypt.

E7 appoints COO and interim CEO: Printing solutions outfit E7 Group appointed Esteban Gómez Nadal (LinkedIn) as the group’s COO and interim CEO while it mulls the appointment of its permanent CEO after the retirement of Ali Al Nuaimi, according to a company statement. Nadal has held executive roles at Adnec Group and Abu Dhabi Media Company, and previously worked as a management consultancy partner advising global corporations.

ADNH Catering ups stake in Saudi JV + Direct Debit System acquires the UK software company ElseWare

M&A-

#1- ADNH Catering expands operations in KSA: Abu Dhabi National Hotels’ catering arm, ADNH Catering, entered into a sales and purchase agreement to increase their stake in their Saudi joint venture with Compass Group, Compass Arabia, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The transaction, which will see ADNH Catering hold a controlling stake in the company alongside Al Rushaid Group, will be completed in 1Q 2025.

The Saudi JV will be rebranded following the completion of the acquisition, with ADNH Catering managing and controlling its operations as part of the agreement.

#2- Direct Debit acquires UK’s Elsware: Central bank-regulated marketplace Direct Debit acquired Elsware, a UK-based direct debit platform, for an undisclosed sum, according to a press release (pdf). The acquisition marks the first phase of the company’s broader international expansion strategy.

What’s next for Direct Debit? The company is eyeing Saudi Arabia and Pakistan as the next destinations for expansion, founder and CEO Umair Butt said.

About Direct Debit: The platform facilitates recurring payments — like school fees, rent, etc — for users by streamlining payments.

FINANCE-

The Central Bank of the UAE greenlit the establishment of Nebras Open Finance, a subsidiary tasked with managing open finance activities and developing a digital Know Your Customer platform, during its latest BoD meeting, Wam reports.

The state bank also approved its 2025 budget, which projects a 22% y-o-y increase in its assets, bringing total assets to an all-time high of AED 877 bn. The bank saw a 9% y-o-y increase in assets to AED 4.5 bn in 2024.

WATCH THIS SPACE- A number of regulations, legislations, and policies are on the cards to support the financial and ins. sectors, including…

Five new fintech legislations;
A general disclosure regulation for ins. companies;
A regulation for health ins. claims management for third party providers;
A regulation for foreign ins. and reins. companies representative offices.

INVESTMENT-

#1- EFOA, MEVCA to link VCs and family offices: The Emirates Family Office Association (EFOA) and the Middle East Venture Capital Association (Mevca) inked an agreement to foster ties between family offices and the venture capital industry in the Middle East, according to a statement (pdf). The partnership focuses on knowledge-sharing and networking through events and workshops covering wealth preservation, asset class allocation, and early- and growth-stage investments, as well as providing secure platforms for discussing prospects and challenges in private markets.

ALSO FROM EFOA- The association also partnered with Chinese financial data provider Wind Information to ramp up cross-regional ties between family offices and businesses in the Middle East and China, according to a press release. The collaboration will focus on knowledge sharing, producing family office-focused reports, and hosting events and initiatives, including private sessions to explore co-investment in the Mena region.

#2- The Endowments and Minors Funds Management Authority (Awqaf Abu Dhabi) launched Awqaf Capital, an initiative aiming to deploy capital across diverse asset classes, with a focus on future-oriented sectors, according to a press release. The fund will target investments that generate robust returns while creating social benefits, including educational scholarships, healthcare services, and social welfare initiatives.

SUSTAINABILITY

Witthal to build battery recycling plant in Kezad: Witthal Gulf Industries signed an MoU with Kezad Group to establish the UAE’s first lithium battery recycling plant in Kezad, according to a press release. The facility, set to be operational by 2Q 2027, will recycle 5k tons of battery waste annually, cutting 20k tons of emissions each year.

Not the first lithium battery plant in Kezad: Kezad inked an agreement with Dubai-based manufacturer Titan Lithium to establish a lithium processing facility with a total investment of AED 5 bn earlier this year. The facility will produce battery-grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide for use in EV production plants worldwide.

GAMING-

EsportsXO to set up shop in Abu Dhabi: India’s e-sports startup EsportsXO partnered with Abu Dhabi Gaming to open a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi as part of its expansion into the Mena region, according to a press release.

REAL ESTATE-

Saudi’s Bonyan REIT, has offloaded Citywalk 2B — a 69-unit residential property in Dubai, in a sale worth more than SAR 279.9 mn (USD 74.5 mn), Zawya reports. The property was initially acquired for SAR 262.5 mn, and has generated SAR 54.9 mn in rental income for the REIT. The proceeds will primarily be used to repay a Sharia-compliant loan.

CONSTRUCTION-

Modon and Emsteel Group formed a strategic partnership to make Modon the UAE’s first real estate developer to use sustainable steel, according to a post from Emsteel. The steel is produced through a green hydrogen project between Emsteel and Masdar, marking the first such initiative in the Mena region.

BANKING-

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s Adib Ventures partnered with Lean Technologies, a Saudi-based fintech infrastructure provider to offer tailored products and services to fintech companies and corporate clients, expanding Adib’s digital banking offerings, according to a press release. The partnership will see Adib ventures employing Lean Technologies’ platform, which offers tools for programmatic automated payouts, reconciliation, account verification, and stronger financial operations solutions.

MANUFACTURING-

Fujairah Ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi launched the Middle East’s first integrated basalt fibre and rebar production facility, Wam reports. The world’s highest-output facility of its kind will span 42k sqm, with an annual production capacity of 5k tons of basalt fibres and 7k tons of basalt rebars. The product will be used to address local demand for basalt fibres, which is essential for industries like construction, transportation, aviation, energy, and advanced technologies.

CRYPTO-

Crypto-based e-commerce platform AiMalls obtained a license to operate in Dubai, according to a press release. The firm will launch a new online shopping application in 1Q 2025 and it is in discussions with a centralized exchange for a potential token listing.

Emerging IPO markets leapfrog London’s as it hits a 21st century low

Emerging markets like Malaysia and Oman have outperformed London — and European markets — in IPO activity this year, underscoring the rise of Middle Eastern and Asian exchanges as global IPO hubs, Bloomberg reports. The UAE, Oman, and Malaysia have secured higher rankings in Bloomberg’s global IPO venue list, with the UK landing the 20th place, while Oman secured the 14th spot, Saudi Arabia the 7th, and the UAE the highest at fifth globally. This marks a significant shift from London’s heyday as a staple IPO market.

Middle East IPOs are thriving: The Middle East and Asia accounted for over half of global IPO IPO proceeds in 2024. Notable listings include Abu Dhabi-based Lulu Retail’s USD 1.7 bn offering and a USD 2 bn IPO by a unit of Oman’s state oil company. Dubai’s Talabat also completed a USD 2 bn IPO, now the world’s largest tech IPO of 2024.

London’s woes: London’s IPO market declined by 9% y-o-y to USD 1 bn in 2024, with the number of London-listed firms falling to the lowest on record. Only about a dozen companies listed on the LSE this year, none among the global top 100, with the largest raising a modest GBP 150 mn. The UK’s performance has been undermined by low valuations, cautious domestic investors, and increasing competition from other financial hubs.

A lot of delistings are another symptom of a bigger problem: In addition to the shrinking IPO pipeline, the UK stock market has faced a wave of delistings and takeovers. Some 45 companies exited the London Stock Exchange this year, marking the highest tally since 2010 — including big names such as Just Eat Takeaway.com and Ashtead Group moving each to the Netherlands and the United States — and many medium-cap firms acquired by private equity giants like KKR and EQT.

Things may look up: UK authorities are implementing sweeping reforms to revive its listing market, including easing rules on dual-class shares and disclosures. Several companies, including Shein and Canopius Group, are reportedly preparing to list in 2025. However, experts suggest that significant momentum is required to restore investor confidence and make the UK competitive again.

MARKETS THIS MORNING-

It’s a sea of red among Asian markets, as investors mulled China’s confirmation of further stimulus next year. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 1.4%, while mainland China’s CSI 300 was down 0.9%, and Japan’s Nikkei fell 1.2%. Wall Street futures are also near the flatline following a slump in performance on the Nasdaq, S&P 500, and the Dow Jones.

ADX	9,276	+0.1% (YTD: -3.2%)
DFM	4,812	+0.3% (YTD: +18.5%)
Nasdaq Dubai UAE20	3,891	+0.4% (YTD: +1.3%)
USD : AED CBUAE	Buy 3.67	Sell 3.67
EIBOR	4.5% o/n	4.3% 1 yr
TASI	12,099	-0.4% (YTD: 1.1%)
EGX30	30,795	+0.2% (YTD: 24.7%)
S&P 500	6,051	-0.5% (YTD: +26.9%)
FTSE 100	8,312	+0.1% (YTD: +7.5%)
Euro Stoxx 50	4,966	+0.1% (YTD: +9.8%)
Brent crude	USD 73.45	+0.1%
Natural gas (Nymex)	USD 3.45	-0.1%
Gold	USD 2,710.70	+0.1%
BTC	USD 99,480.49	-2.3% (YTD: +135.2%)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The DFM rose 0.3% yesterday on turnover of AED 401.9 mn. The index is up 18.5% YTD.

In the green: National Cement Company (+13.0%), Emirates Investment Bank (+11.1%) and Emaar Development (+4.4%).

In the red: BHM Capital Financial Services (-9.9%), Dubai Refreshment Company (-7.4%) and International Financial Advisors (-5.3%).

Over on the ADX, the index closed up 0.1% on turnover of AED 896.1 mn. Meanwhile, Nasdaq Dubai rose 0.4%.

CALENDAR

DECEMBER

9-13 December (Monday-Friday): World Realty Congress, Palazzo Versace, Dubai.

11-13 December (Wednesday-Friday): European-Arab Medical Congress, Abu Dhabi.

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

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

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

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

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

6 December-12 January: Dubai Shopping Festival.

Signposted to happen sometime in December:

UAE-China Summit, Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, Abu Dhabi.

JANUARY 2025

1 January (Wednesday): ADGM to slash licensing fees for retail and non-financial firms, and hike fees for finance firms.

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

9-13 January (Thursday-Monday): International Renewable Energy Agency Youth Forum, Abu Dhabi.

11-13 January (Saturday-Monday): International Renewable Energy Agency Assembly, Abu Dhabi.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FEBRUARY 2025

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

1-8 February (Saturday-Saturday): The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre.

2-3 February (Sunday-Monday): L’Etape Dubai cycling race, Dubai.

3-6 February (Monday-Thursday): Medlab Middle East, Dubai World Trade Center.

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

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

24-25 February (Monday-Tuesday): World Passenger Experience Forum, Dubai.

24-26 February (Monday-Wednesday): Connecting Hydrogen MENA, Dubai.

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

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.

APRIL 2025

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

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

7-9 April (Monday-Wednesday): AIM Investment Summit, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center

14-16 April (Monday-Wednesday): Dubai Woodshow’s 21st Edition, Dubai World Trade Center

14-16 April (Monday-Wednesday): IPS congress, Dubai World Trade Center.

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

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

Signposted to happen sometime in April:

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

MAY 2025

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

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

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

SEPTEMBER 2025

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

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

OCTOBER 2025

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

NOVEMBER 2025

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

Signposted to happen sometime in 2025:

The Middle East Electric Vehicle Show, Expo Center Sharjah.
e& will complete Adnoc’s private 5G network.
Executive Committee Meeting (EXCOM 2025) conference of the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organisation (WeGO)
The International Civil Aviation Organization’s Global Implementation Support Symposium, Abu Dhabi.

Signposted to happen sometime in the fall of 2025:

2025 Games of the Future, Dubai.

Signposted to happen sometime in 2026:

The UAE to host the Arab Competition Forum
Dubai to host the Arab Actuarial Conference
United Nations Water Conference 2026, UAE

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