New price controls for basic goods coming next year

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

THIS MORNING: Ajman to regulate petroleum trading and implement sustainable energy measures + Tourism to contribute AED 55 bn to Abu Dhabi’s GDP this year

Good morning, wonderful people, and Merry Christmas. We hope you all get to celebrate with some downtime with your families.

It’s another M&A-heavy morning here at home, with a new healthcare acquisition from Mubadala, more ins. consolidation, and Masdar finalizing more of its European acquisitions. Plus: We have news of new renewables projects courtesy of Ewec, and price control measures for basic goods coming in 2025.

☀️WEATHER- It’s a warm and sunny Christmas day: Dubai will see the mercury hit 26°C, with an overnight low of 18°C, while temperatures will hit 23°C in Abu Dhabi, with an overnight low of 18°C, according to the National Center of Meteorology.

PSAs-

#1- Remember to plan your NYE ahead of time: Major roads in Dubai will — as customary — close starting at 4pm on 31 December to manage traffic on New Year’s Eve, according to a Dubai Media Office statement. Here’s what you need to know:

Closing from 4pm: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Financial Centre St (Lower Deck), Al Mustaqbal St, Burj Khalifa St, and Al Asayel Road
Closing from 8pm: Al Sukuk St and Upper Financial Centre Street

Plus: Parts of Sheikh Zayed road could gradually close starting 11pm, Khaleej Times reports.

Public transport could be your way out — but brace yourselves for the crowds: The Dubai Metro and Tram will operate nonstop for over 43 hours on New Year’s Eve. The Metro will run from 5am on 31 December until midnight on 1 January, while the Tram will operate from 6am to 1am on 2 January.

#2- Nol Card now accepted for e-scooter payments in Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) rolled out nol card payment for electric scooters on all authorized e-scooter operator apps, it said in a statement. The card can be used to purchase hourly, daily, or monthly packages.

#3- Air Arabia will resume direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Beirut on 9 January, 2025, according to a statement. The Sharjah-based budget carrier will operate four weekly flights between Zayed International Airport and Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This comes after Air Arabia suspended flights for over two months due to the Israel-Hezbollah war.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Ajman to regulate petroleum trading and implement sustainable energy measures as part of new strategy: Ajman will introduce 28 initiatives to regulate petroleum trading, ensure sustainability in energy management, and improve energy sector services over the next five years as part of a new energy strategy for 2030 approved by Crown Prince Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, state news agency Wam reports. The strategy also involves measuring returns from energy investments and carbon emission reductions.

#2- Dubai forms committee to oversee transfer of all commercial control operations to consumer protection watchdog: Dubai is getting a Steering Committee for Supervising the Transfer of Commercial Control Operations to the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade, Wam reports. Chaired by the Secretary-General of the Supreme Legislation Committee, the committee is tasked with setting and approving a timeline for the transfer of commercial control tasks to the Corporation, unifying and organizing commercial control operations, and setting coordination mechanisms between the Corporation and regulatory authorities.

REMEMBER- The corporation was set up in 2023 as a subsidiary of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism to handle all commercial operations, including ensuring fair trade and competition and protecting consumer rights.

DATA POINTS-

#1- Indian companies dominated new registrations at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 9M 2024, with 12.1k new Indian firms joining the chamber, according to Dubai Media Office. This was followed by Pakistan (6k), Egypt (3.6k), Syria (2k) and the UK (1.8k), Bangladesh, Iraq, China, Jordan, and Sudan rounded out the top 10, each registering over 1k companies.

By the sector: The trade and services sector accounted for 41.5% of new members, followed by real estate and business services (33.3%), construction (10.4%), transport and communications (8.6%), and social and personal services (6.8%).

#2- Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector is expected to contribute AED 55 bn to the emirate’s GDP in 2024, up from AED 46 bn last year and more than halfway to its target of AED 90 bn by 2030, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism Undersecretary Saood Al Hosani told The National. Jobs in the emirate’s tourism sector are expected to reach 225k in 2024, an addition of 37k jobs in comparison to last year.

The number of hotel guests in the emirate increased 26% y-o-y to 4.8 mn as of October this year, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The emirate’s cultural events and landmarks visitors rose by 21% y-o-y to over 3.9 mn during the same period.

#3- Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) and Imdaad reduced landfill waste by 37% in 9M 2024, using a new Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) plant to convert leftover waste into energy for industrial applications, according to the Dubai Media Office. The plant, part of the FARZ joint venture established in 2020, now processes 150 tonnes of waste daily, contributing to Jafza’s goal of diverting 80% of its waste from landfills by 2026 under a multi-year sustainability contract with DP World.

By the numbers: Since January, the initiative has generated 312 mn kWh of renewable energy — enough to power thousands of homes — and conserved 2.2 mn cubic meters of landfill space.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

Two stories are capturing the attention of the international pages this Christmas morning — a Russian cargo ship sinking and a tech glitch delaying hundreds of flights.

A Russian cargo ship sank south of Spain on Monday night after an explosion in the engine room. Two crew members are still missing, while the remaining 14 have been rescued. Russian authorities said the vessel, owned by the Russian Defense Ministry-linked shipping company Oboronlogistika, was en route to another Russian port carrying cranes for port infrastructure. Ukraine claimed the ship was heading to Syria to transport weapons and equipment amid Moscow’s reported military drawdown from the country. (CNN | BBC | Financial Times | The Guardian | Reuters)

MEANWHILE- Some 900 American Airlines US flights were delayed thanks to a tech glitch, disrupting travel for thousands. (CNBC | CNN | Washington Post)

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CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

The Arab Plast International Trade Fair for Plastics, Recycling, Petrochemicals,Packaging and Rubber Industry will take place between 7-9 January at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. The event will showcase advancements in the plastics and recycling sectors, with a focus on sustainable practices, circular economy, recycling technologies, and sustainable materials. The event will include networking prospects for professionals, live demonstrations of technologies and machinery, and discussions on future developments.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly will take place between 11-13 January in Abu Dhabi. The event will gather global leaders and decision-makers to discuss the renewable energy transition and address challenges to energy security and financing. Featured in the agenda: An International Renewable Energy Agency Youth Forum, which will see interactive sessions, open dialogues, and thematic workshops for youth to contribute to renewable energy deployment and sustainable development.

The 1 Bn Followers Summit will take place between 11-13 January at Jumerirah Emirates Towers at the DIFC in Dubai. The event will feature over 250 speakers, including top content creators and industry experts. It includes workshops and discussions on technology, content strategies, and the economic impact of content creation.

The Global Government Cloud Forum will take place on 21 January at the Museum of the Future in Dubai. The forum will gather international government officials, global speakers, and leaders in government cloud technology, and will address topics such as AI, IoT, quantum computing, and sustainable cloud solutions, among others.

Intersec 2025, an event for safety, security, and fire protection, will take place between 14-16 January at the Dubai World Trade Center. The event partnered with Dubai International Financial Center digital platform Ignyte to launch an Intersec Startup Arena at the event, offering startups a platform to showcase their solutions for the sectors.

The Economy Middle East Summit will take place on 15 May at the ADGM in Abu Dhabi, according to a press release (pdf). The event will feature discussions across key sectors, including economy, banking and finance, technology, cybersecurity, AI, hospitality and tourism, real estate, and energy.

The World Congress of Neurosurgerywill take place between 1-5 December at the Dubai World Trade Center. The congress will gather approximately 4k delegates, including leading experts and innovators in neurosurgery.

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

Ewec bags approval for 4.5 GW solar projects + 140 MW wind project

Ewec is set to develop more solar and wind farms: Emirates Water and Electricity Company (Ewec) secured approval for four renewable energy projects in Abu Dhabi, Wam reports. The projects include three solar plants in Al Faya, Al Khazna, and Al Zarraf, alongside a wind farm in Sila, which will contribute 4.5 GW of solar capacity and up to 140 MW of wind capacity to the emirate’s energy mix.

It’s a team effort: Ewec’s partners — Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy (DoE), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency, and the Defense Ministry — helped select the sites.

REMEMBER- Ewec has ambitious renewable targets: The company aims to install 10 GW of solar capacity by 2030 and 18 GW by 2035. These goals are part of Ewec’s broader target to supply 60% of Abu Dhabi’s power demand from renewable and clean energy sources, supporting both the DoE’s Clean Energy by 2035 and the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategies.

It has been busy: Ewec invited developers and consortiums in October to submit an expression of interest for the development of the 150 MW Al Sila wind farm and the 1.5 GW Zarraf solar plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region. This followed previous projects, including the now-operational 2 GW Al Dhafra solar plant, the 1.5 GW Al Ajban solar plant, which is still underway, and the 1.5 GW Khazna solar plant, which is still in the tendering process.

OTHER RENEWABLES NEWS-

Masdar-backed Infinity Power + Pele awarded six solar projects in South Africa: Infinity Power — a joint venture between Infinity and renewables giant Masdar — and Pele Green Energy have been awarded six solar projects with a total capacity of 1.28 GW, according to a press release. The projects will cut 3.2 mn tonnes of CO2 emissions and triple the JV’s capacity in South Africa.

The details: The projects were part of the seventh round of the South Africa (SA) Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). Each project will be 51% owned by Infinity and 49% owned by Pele Green Energy. The breakdown:

The 240 MW Highveld plant in the Province of Mpumalanga;
Three plants — including the 240 MW Palladium 1 and Copper 1 and 150 MW Vanadium 1 — in Limpopo Province;
The 220 MW Onderstepoort 1 and 190 MW Onderstepoort 2 in North West Province.

What’s next? The companies expect to sign Implementation and Power Purchase Agreements with the government within the next eight months. Once the agreements are secured, the development and construction of the projects will begin.

New price controls on basic goods as of 2025

The Economy Ministry is placing a cap on price increases for nine basic commodities as of 2 January 2025, state news agency Wam reports. Retailers will now need prior approval from the Ministry to increase prices, with a minimum of six months required between two consecutive price hikes.

The rule applies to nine essential consumer goods: cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat. Other related items and cleaning products will also be subject to the new rules.

New transparency measures: Under the new regulations, retail stores and online merchants must clearly display unit prices using standardized measurements. A newly introduced code of conduct also regulates relationships between suppliers and retailers, encouraging consumers to report any violations of pricing transparency or unfair practices.

The Economy Ministry will form a team to monitor prices, reviewing requests for price increases, and assess complaints against violators.

Mubadala bags more healthcare firms + Mubadala-backed firm snaps up German real estate assets

Mubadala expands healthcare portfolio with new acquisitions: Mubadala Investment Company acquired an 80% stake in Abu Dhabi based healthcare logistics firm Global Medical Supply Chain and pharma firm Al Ittihad Drug Store from Yas Holdings’ healthcare arm GlobalOne Healthcare Holding (GHH), with GHH retaining a 20% stake, Wam reports. The value of the transaction was not disclosed.

About the companies: Global Medical Supply Chain, founded in 2015, provides comprehensive supply chain services for medical products, including demand planning, procurement, logistics, inventory management, and warehousing, serving over 200 medical facilities in the UAE and collaborating with nearly 400 suppliers. Meanwhile, Al Ittihad Drug Store is a distributor of pharma and consumer healthcare products, and offers products from over 40 suppliers to hospitals, pharmacies, and supermarkets in the region.

This is not Mubadala’s first acquisition from GlobalOne Healthcare: Mubadala-owned Kelix Bio acquired four pharma assets from GlobalOne Healthcare Holding for an undisclosed amount back in October. The assets include biopharma and IV solutions manufacturing companies Bioventure, Bioventure Healthcare, Gulf Inject, and Wellpharma.

The sovereign wealth fund is on a healthcare acquisition spree: Mubadala also finalized its acquisition of a minority stake in US-based healthtech Zelis earlier this month. It also acquired Belgian biopharma firm UCB ’s carved out neurology and allergy business in China in a transaction worth USD 680 mn alongside Singapore-based healthcare-focused asset manager CBC Group in August.

OTHER MUBADALA NEWS-

Mubadala-backed One Investment Management acquires German assets: Mubadala and Royal Group-backed One Investment Management will acquire stake in German firm Adler Group’s real estate portfolio in Germany alongside Amsterdam-based asset manager Orange Capital Partners, according to a statement. The firms acquired an 89.9% stake in the EUR 423 mn portfolio, with a put option to allow the sale of the remaining 10.1% stake at a later date. The acquisition is set to be completed by 31 January.

The cosmopolitan portfolio includes over 6.7k rental units across a number of cities in the west of Germany.

London ins. firm Nexus to acquire Dubai-based Arma Fusion

London-based ins. firm Nexus Underwriting agreed to acquire Arma Fusion, the parent company of Dubai-based Arma Underwriting, according to a press release. Arma will retain its current leadership under founder and CEO Micheal Rafter, who will work with Nexus’ CEO for UK, Europe, and International, James Lawrie, to expand operations in the Middle East. The transaction is slated to close in 1Q 2025, pending regulatory approvals. The value of the transaction was not disclosed.

About Arma: Established in 2017, Arma Underwriting operates as a specialty reins. managing general agent (MGA) from the Dubai International Financial Center, focusing on property, energy, liability, consumer, and accident and health reins.

This is Nexus’ first acquisition since it was acquired by Brown & Brown in October 2023. The firm operates as an independent MGA specializing in niche ins. lines. underneath the Kentro Capital umbrella, a global MGA investment platform, which employs around 300 people across nine countries, including UAE.

Masdar finalizes its stake acquisition in EPGE Solar

M&A-

It’s a wrap for Masdar’s stake acquisition in Endesa’s solar PV arm: State-owned renewables giant Masdar finalized the acquisition of a nearly 50% stake in EPGE Solar, a subsidiary of Spanish power utility Endesa, for an enterprise value of EUR 817 mn and an equity value of EUR 280 mn, according to a press release (pdf).

REFRESHER- The agreement, first announced in July, will see Endesa have complete ownership of the energy generated by EPGE’s 2 GW solar portfolio under 15-year power purchase agreements. Meanwhile, both companies will mull a potential battery energy storage system hybridization developed on the portfolio of EPGE’s solar plants with up to 0.5 GW of additional capacity.

This comes on the heels of another Spanish acquisition — one of many in Europe — completed earlier this week: Masdar finalized its acquisition of Spanish renewables firm Saeta Yield from Brookfield Renewable for EUR 1.2 bn, adding 1.6 GW renewables to Masdar’s portfolio. It also finalized the acquisition of a 70% stake in Greece’s Terna Energy last month. The company also closed the acquisition of a 49% stake in the UK’s 3 GW Dogger Bank south wind farm from German energy giant RWE earlier this year.

RENEWABLES-

Emarat and Lootah Biofuels eye SAF production: Emarat Petroleum and Lootah Biofuels signed an MoU to conduct feasibility studies to look into building a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) manufacturing plant to serve the UAE and the wider region, according to a press release. The partnership will also see the two parties work on other initiatives, including:

Used cooking oil recycling: Developing a collection system through Emarat’s retail stations to convert used cooking oil into biofuels;
Biodiesel integration: Introducing Lootah’s Biodiesel B5 at Emarat stations;
Maritime collaboration: Exploring biodiesel supply for vessels at select UAE ports.

REAL ESTATE-

Harish Fabiani takes over Thuraya Telecom Tower in Dubai: Spanish-Indian real estate magnate and founder of IndiaLand Group Harish Fabiani acquired Thuraya Telecom Tower in Dubai’s Barsha Heights for around AED 160 mn, according to a press release. The 22-storey commercial property — previously owned by Yahsat’s mobile satellite services subsidiary — is set to undergo post-acquisition upgrades estimated at over AED 40 mn.

What they said: “With the addition of Thuraya Telecom Tower, our commercial assets portfolio in Dubai now surpasses AED 500 [mn]. Over the next 12 to 18 months, we aim to double our portfolio to over AED 1 [bn] and take significant steps toward launching a commercial REIT listing in the UAE,” Fabiani said.

DEBT-

ADX-listed global logistics provider and Kuwait’s Agility subsidiary Agility Global has inked a USD 1.4 bn credit facility agreement with several unnamed regional and global banks, according to disclosure (pdf) on ADX. The facility consists of a EUR 1 bn tranche and a USD 370 bn tranche, and has three- and five-year maturities. The company will use the facility to support its ongoing operations, fund expansions, and settle outstanding liabilities.

The company will also enter into several uncommitted credit lines with banks as part of a refinancing strategy that could also see it issue trade guarantees, implement foreign exchange and interest rate hedging strategies, as well as other money management operations, including short-term overdrafts.

REMEMBER- Agility — which owns Dubai-based energy logistics firm Tristar — listed its operations and assets management unit, Agility Global, on the ADX in a technical listing back in May.

AVIATION-

Sanad gears up to offer MRO services for more engines: Sanad, Mubadala’s aerospace engineering and leasing subsidiary, is now ready to offer maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for Airbus’ CFM LEAP-1A engines, after launching its fifth MRO production line, Wam reports. This follows the inauguration of the region’s first certified LEAP engine MRO facility last year, which has since serviced over 25 LEAP-1B engines for customers like flydubai and Oman Air.

It will also begin to offer disassembly services for both engines in early 2025, with plans to overhaul more than 450 LEAP engines over the next 11 years.

Remember: In August, Sanad partnered with Airbus to provide MRO services for its engines.

BlackRock sees AI, infrastructure investments as big theme for 2025

The investment climate for 2025 is set to reflect a transformative era, driven by “mega forces” like AI, geopolitical fragmentation, and the energy transition reshaping market dynamics, according to BlackRock Investment Institute’s 2025 Market Outlook (pdf). The firm thinks investors should go big on AI and the low-carbon transition, which it sees requiring investment “potentially on par with the Industrial revolution.”

Who’s set to benefit from the transformation? The US, and emerging markets like Saudi Arabia and India, which are at the “crosscurrent” of these mega forces. The firm is overweight US stocks despite premium valuations on the back of strong corporate earnings, and sees the AI theme “broadening out” throughout the year, which will support US stocks.

US Treasuries and government bonds are not as attractive in Blackrock’s view, due to ongoing fiscal pressures and potentially wider budget deficits as a new administration takes office. The firm favors other developed markets like Europe for bonds or UK gilts, and corporate bonds in the US due to healthy balance sheets.

Rates will stay higher for longer: “We don’t think the Fed is embarking on a typical cutting cycle. We think it will cut further in 2025, and growth will cool a little, but with inflation still above target the Fed won’t have room to cut much past 4%, leaving rates well above pre-pandemic levels,” BlackRock said. The Fed is currently expected to make two rate cuts next year, according to the closely watched “dot plot.”

Globally, BlackRock also sees potential in Japan, supported by corporate reforms and a mild inflationary environment, and remains cautious on Europe and China due to structural and geopolitical challenges impacting investor confidence.

Private markets will be key: While public capital markets are set to deepen as the need for more infrastructure investments rises, private markets will also be key for funding early-stage AI projects, BlackRock says. “Private credit will earn lending share as banks retreat – and at attractive returns,” the PE firm added.

MARKETS THIS MORNING-

Asian markets are mixed in early trading, with Japan’s Nikkei and the Topix both down, along with South Korea’s Kospi. China’s CSI 300, on the other hand, is up, along with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and Shanghai SE. It’s quiet over on Wall Street where markets are closed for Christmas day.

ADX	9,435	+0.4% (YTD: -1.5%)
DFM	5,080	+0.5% (YTD: +25.1%)
Nasdaq Dubai UAE20	4,164	+0.5% (YTD: +8.4%)
USD : AED CBUAE	Buy 3.67	Sell 3.67
EIBOR	4.2% o/n	4.4% 1 yr
TASI	11,914	-0.3% (YTD: -0.2%)
EGX30	29,973	-0.5% (YTD: +20.4%)
S&P 500	6,040	+1.1% (YTD: +26.6%)
FTSE 100	8,137	+0.4% (YTD: +5.2%)
Euro Stoxx 50	4,858	+0.1% (YTD: +7.4%)
Brent crude	USD 73.58	+1.3%
Natural gas (Nymex)	USD 3.95	+7.9%
Gold	USD 2,636	+0.3%
BTC	USD 98,680	+4.9% (YTD: +133.6%)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The DFM rose 0.5% yesterday on turnover of AED 282.4 mn. The index is up 25.1% YTD.

In the green: Dubai Refreshment Company (+14.8%), Takaful Emarat (+6.2%) and BHM Capital Financial Services (+6.0%).

In the red: Emirates REIT (-3.3%), Al Salam Sudan (-3.1%) and Watania International Holding (-2.8%).

Over on the ADX, the index rose 0.4% on turnover of AED 837.4 mn. Meanwhile, Nasdaq Dubai closed up 0.5%.

UAE, Syria FMs exchange words for the first time since Assad’s departure

UAE, Syria foreign ministers engage for first time since Assad’s ouster: UAE’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed spoke with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, in a phone call, reaffirming the UAE’s support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and efforts for a “comprehensive and inclusive” transition, state news agency Wam reports. The two officials also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties between the countries.

This marks the UAE’s first engagement with Syria’s new leadership as regional diplomatic efforts toward Damascus gain momentum following the ouster of longtime dictator Bashar Al Assad earlier this month.

Estonia and UAE signed strategic partnerships to develop digital solutions for the healthcare sector and exchange expertise, according to a press release. The collaboration aims to enhance healthcare quality and efficiency in UAE by integrating advanced technologies like e-prescriptions and blockchain to address future challenges and improve patient data security.

MORE DIPLO NEWS-

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa’ Al Sudani discussed boosting bilateral relations and cooperation, along with other regional and international issues of interest, over a phone call. (Wam)
UAE and Croatia discuss economic cooperation: Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi discussed means of boosting trade and economic cooperation with Croatian Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Ante Šušnjar during his visit to Zagreb, with a focus on fostering private-sector partnerships across priority sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, renewables, infrastructure, transportation, and tourism. (Wam)

CALENDAR

DECEMBER

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

6 December-12 January: Dubai Shopping Festival.

Signposted to happen sometime in December:

UAE-China Summit, Abu Dhabi.

JANUARY 2025

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

1 January (Wednesday): Health ins. to become mandatory for employees across the UAE.

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.

14-16 January (Tuesday- Thursday): Intersec 2025, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai.

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

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

21 January (Tuesday): The Global Government Cloud Forum, the Museum of the Future, Dubai.

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

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

28-29 January (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

FEBRUARY 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.

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

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

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 2025

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 2025

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

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.

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

25 April-11 May (Friday-Sunday): Dubai Esports and Games Festival, Dubai World Trade Center.

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

Signposted to happen sometime in April:

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

MAY 2025

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

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

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

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

JUNE 2025

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

27 June (Friday): Islamic New Year.

Signposted to happen sometime in 2H 2025:

Closing of XRG’s acquisition of Covestro

JULY 2025

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

SEPTEMBER 2025

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 2025

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

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 2025

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

DECEMBER 2025

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.

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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