Non-oil private sector growth continues to slow amid rising competition and piling backlogs

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

THIS MORNING: Dubai attracted AED 21.85 bn in greenfield investments in 1H + President heads to Egypt on working visit

Good morning, friends, and happy FRIDAY. It’s another busy day of news here at home — what else is new? — with PMI data out signaling some loss of momentum in the non-oil sector, more signs that the Dubai property market is red-hot with a slew of new investments, and a new debt issuance from Taqa. Let’s dive in.

☀️WEATHER- It’s another hot and sunny day in Dubai, with temperatures hitting 38°C before cooling to an overnight low of 30°C. Over in Abu Dhabi, the mercury is set to hit 34°C before cooling to 31°C.

HAPPENING TODAY-

#1- President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Cairo yesterday with a high-level delegation for a working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and finding new prospects for cooperation between the UAE and Egypt, state news agency Wam reports. The president was received by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

#2- The NBA returns to Abu Dhabi today and on Sunday at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, marking the third game series to be held in the UAE. This year’s preseason matchup features the Boston Celtics taking on the Denver Nuggets, part of the NBA's four international showcases this season.

PSAs-

#1- Resident legal entities with licenses issued in August and September of any year should submit their corporate tax registration applications by the end of October, the Federal Tax Authority said. Registrations can be made via the EmaraTax digital tax services platform or through accredited tax agents and government service centers across the UAE. Corporates with multiple licenses should register using the license with the earliest issuance date.

#2- Flydubai and Etihad resume flights as Emirates and Air Arabia extend suspensions amid regional unrest: Budget airline flydubai resumed flights from Dubai to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Jordan today, Khaleej Times reported, citing a company spokesperson. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways also resumed flights to Tel Aviv yesterday. The airline has suspended its flights to Beirut until 8 October, according to a network update.

Emirates extends flight suspensions: Emirates extended its suspension of flights to Basra, Baghdad, Tehran, and Amman until 5 October, and will not operate flights to Beirut until 8 October, due to regional unrest, Gulf News reports. Meanwhile, Air Arabia’s flights between Sharjah and Beirut remain indefinitely suspended.

DATA POINTS-

#1- Dubai saw 801 new greenfield projects worth over AED 21.85 bn in 1H 2024, accounting for 6.2% of global greenfield foreign direct investment projects during the period, Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said in a statement posted on X, citing Financial Times’ fDi Markets data.

Background: The UAE attracted around USD 30.7 bn of FDI inflows for greenfield projects in 2023, representing 45.4% of total foreign direct investment inflows in the region.

#2- Food trade grew by 20% y-o-y in 1H, with imports up 23% y-o-y and exports rising 19% y-o-y, Al Khaleej reports, citing data from the Economy Ministry. The country imported AED 84.4 bn (USD 23 bn) in food in 2023, while food exports reached AED 24.24 bn (USD 6.6 bn).

The country aims to kick up the food sector's contribution to GDP to USD 10 bn by 2030, while slashing food imports from 90% to 50% by 2050, Economy Minister Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri said at the Future Food summit earlier this week, Wam reported.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Fujairah ruler explores energy cooperation with TotalEnergies: Fujairah ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi met with a delegation from TotalEnergies to discuss cooperation in energy infrastructure between the Fujairah government and the French oil giant, Wam reports. Key issues in the energy sector were also addressed.

#2- The UAE is on track to achieve a budget surplus of 2.4% in 2025, backed by some AED 348 bn in public sector projects underway by the end of September, Al Bayan reports, citing a note from Emirates NBD. The bank attributes the forecasted surplus to anticipated declines in oil prices, coupled with the UAE’s position as the largest GCC country with diversified income sources, allowing the government leeway in pursuing its investment strategies.

#3- Dubai's new education strategy will aim to increase school capacity by at least 49k seats, and add 3k Emirati teachers to the workforce, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority said, according to the Dubai Media Office. The plan also targets a 90% satisfaction rate among parents regarding educational options available, as well as a tenfold increase in education tourism, with hopes of attracting more international universities to Dubai.

Background: Dubai's Executive Council approved E33 on Wednesday, focusing on strengthening the education system through the expansion of internationally accredited vocational institutions aligned with “national priorities.”

#4- State-owned renewable energy developer Masdar is expected to issue its third green bond in 2025 to fund its upcoming global renewable energy projects, the renewables giant’s CFO Maiz Khan told The National. The exact size of the bond will depend on the project pipeline, but is likely to be similar to previous issuances, he said.

Background: In July, Masdar raised USD 1 bn through its second green bond issuance, while its first issuance last year raised USD 750 mn.

OIL WATCH-

Oil prices could fall “marginally” in 2025 due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the region, Simon Ballard, chief economist at First Abu Dhabi Bank, told CNBC (watch, runtime, 2:05). Ballard’s remarks came in response to Opec+ dismissing a Wall Street Journal report citing the Saudi energy minister as saying that oil prices will fall from the current USD 70 per barrel to USD 50 if the oil cartel’s members fail to adhere to production cuts.

REMEMBER- Opec+ kept its policy unchanged on its planned oil production target, including plans to phase out supply cuts by December, putting it on course for a 180k barrels per day (bbl / d) hike by the end of the year.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

Israel’s ongoing campaign in the region is still getting the most attention in the foreign press this morning — alongside an update on the US port strike.

Israel bombed more than a dozen of what it says are Hezbollah targets in Beirut, with some Israeli reports saying former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s successor, Hashem Safieddin, was among the targets of the airstrikes — though whether or not he was killed has yet to be confirmed. The airstrikes followed an attack on a medical facility the previous day in Central Beirut, which killed nine people, and a slew of attacks over the past week, among which have killed Nasrallah.

Meanwhile, in Palestine, Israel carried out a strike on a West Bank cafe, killing 18 people — an attack that Palestinian news agency Wafa says was the largest in the West Bank in 24 years, and which Israel said killed several Hamas operatives. (Bloomberg | The Guardian)

Speculation over Israel’s potential retaliation on Iran following Iran’s missile barrage over the former earlier this week — itself a retaliation for the killing of Nasrallah — also continues, with US President Joe Biden sending oil prices into jitters after saying he and Israel are “in discussion” over the latter potentially targeting Iran’s oil facilities as a form of retaliation. Brent crude rose more than 7% to settle at USD 77.62 per barrel — its highest level in over a month. (Financial Times | Reuters)

Gulf states are trying to de-escalate tensions: GCC officials reassured Iran of their neutrality amid growing tensions between Tehran and Israel during meetings in Qatar this week, expressing concerns that escalating violence could jeopardize their oil facilities, Reuters reports, citing unnamed sources. Ministers from the GCC and Iran in attendance focused on the need for de-escalation following Iran’s recent strikes on Israel.

The main concern? Oil facilities: While Iran has not explicitly made any threats, it has warned that any direct involvement from Israel’s allies could lead to their interests in the region being targeted, with some unofficial sources “dropping hints” that oil facilities could be targeted under those circumstances, the newswire said.

OVER IN THE US- A port strike that threatened to cost the country bns in trade revenues has ended for now after workers and port operators reached a wage hike agreement. (Reuters | WSJ | AP | CNN)

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Non-oil business growth sees continued “loss of momentum” in September

Non-oil business activity grew at its slowest pace in three years in September on the back of rising costs and capacity constraints, according to S&P Global’s UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index (pdf). The country’s headline PMI slipped to 53.8 in September from 54.2 in August, marking its second-lowest reading in three years, yet still remaining above the 50.0 threshold separating growth from contraction.

Weaker growth came on the back of slower gains in new orders and business activity, despite strong demand — especially from international markets. Exports continued to grow but the rate of growth was its second-lowest in 18 months on the back of rising competition and “caution towards the business outlook,” the report said. Job creation also fell to its lowest rate since December 2022.

The non-oil sector is seeing a “loss of momentum [...] with growth having slowed considerably since the start of the year,” S&P Senior Economist David Owen said.

Backlogs are continuing to pile up: Backlogs of work rose to a four-month high in September, continuing a trend that started in February and was exacerbated by the April floods. The rising backlogs led to an uptick in purchases, with firms using up their new purchases to meet existing commitments. Customs duties delaying input deliveries were also cited as a major contributor to slower supplier performance.

Price pressures remained high: Input price inflation persisted, driven by higher shipping, fuel, and technology expenses. As a result, businesses raised their selling prices for the fifth consecutive month, and at the fastest rate since early 2018, as they continued to pass increased costs onto customers.

Business sentiment shifted to a more cautious outlook for the coming year, with expectations now “at their lowest since early 2023,” said Owen.

On the bright side, lighter cost pressures in September compared to the last few months “could be a sign that the inflationary trend will lessen,” offering some relief to firms, Owen added.

MEANWHILE, IN DUBAI-

Dubai’s PMI diverged from the UAE’s: Business activity levels in Dubai grew at their fastest level in four months, pushing businesses to increase staffing and inventories despite a slower increase in business volumes.

Input costs rose at their softest pace in five months, but companies still raised their prices at the fastest pace since early 2018.

ELSEWHERE IN THE REGION-

Saudi Arabia’s business activity growth accelerated to a four-month high of 56.3(pdf) in September, up from 54.8 in August, as faster growth in output and new orders outpaced capacity shortfalls and a lull in purchasing activity;
Egypt’s non-oil private sector activity is back in contraction territory, dipping to 48.8 (pdf) in September, after finally reaching growth territory for the first time in years in August.

Taqa raises USD 1.75 bn from dual bond sale

The Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) raised USD 1.75 bn in a dual-tranche bond issuance, which will be used for general corporate purposes and financing green projects, Reuters reports, citing IFR.

The issuance attracted substantial interest, with the order book exceeding USD 6.2 bn, making it 3.5x oversubscribed. This high demand led Taqa to revise pricing down from an already narrowed guidance of 90-95 bps for the 7-year bonds and 110-115 bps for the 12-year green bonds, to 85 bps over US treasuries for the former and 105 bps for the latter.

ADVISORS- Bank of China, Barclays, Citi, First Abu Dhabi Bank, JPMorgan, Mizuho, MUFG and Natixis were joint bookrunners and joint lead managers, with Citi, FAB, and MUFG collaborating on structuring the 12-year green debt.

Dubai developers plan over AED 16.7 bn in investments

Dubai’s property market attracted fresh investments from local developers, with Reef Luxury Developments, MAG Lifestyle Development, Samana, and London Gate planning a combined AED 16.17 bn in investments in residential projects throughout the emirate.

#1- Newcomer Reef Luxury Developments is leading the charge with AED 14 bn earmarked for over 30 upcoming projects by December 2025, according to a press release. The developer is set to launch 5k residential units worth over AED 5 bn in the next three months.

#2- Real estate firm London Gate is working with Swiss luxury watchmaker Franck Muller on a AED 1.6 bn Franck Muller Vanguard Tower in Dubai Marina, according to a press release. This development will comprise 722 luxury units spread across 34 floors, with handovers scheduled for September 2027.

#3- Dubai-based real estate developer MAG Lifestyle Development is building a AED 350 mn MAG 777 tower in Dubai Sports City, according to a press release. This 22-storey project will include 261 units, with handovers planned for the end of next year. The development is currently 60% complete.

#4- Real estate developer Samana is building a AED 220 mn project in DubaiLand Residence Complex, dubbed Samana Park Meadows, according to a press release. The project, spanning 160k sq ft, is set for handover in March 2028.

REMEMBER- Samana said it is planning to invest AED 12.5 bn in new residential projects this year, with 18 projects in the pipeline. The developer has already announced several projects in Dubailand, including an AED 855 mn development and a separate 16-story residential complex.

The emirate’s property market has been red hot, with plenty of investments announced in recent weeks. Developers including HRE Development, One Development, and Kasco Developments recently revealed a combined AED 13.2 bn in investments in the emirate, while Dubai-based conglomerate Wheel of Fate’s new real estate arm pledged AED 10 bn in investments across the UAE, including several in Dubai.

The UAE held the largest share of banking assets, fintechs, and currency exchanges in the region in 2023 -AMF

The UAE had the biggest share of banking assets in the Arab region in 2023, with a 24.3% share, achieving the biggest y-o-y growth at 11%, according to an Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) report (pdf). The total value of banking assets among Arab countries amounted to USD 4.574 tn in 2023, growing by 5% compared to USD 4.355 tn in 2022.

The breakdown: The UAE came second after Saudi Arabia in terms of share of individual banking credit facilities, with USD 542.2 bn in credit facilities handed out in 2023. The UAE also took the lead in banking deposits among Arab countries in 2023 with USD 686.7 bn in deposits, followed by Saudi Arabia with USD 659.6 bn.

The rate of return on assets recovered in the UAE after the covid-19 pandemic, rising to 2% in 2023, up from 0.7% in 2020 and 1.4% in 2022. The country came in second place after Saudi Arabia’s 2.2% rate of returns and surpassed the 1.39% average for the region in the same year.

Positive banking operational performance indicators: The UAE had the second highest loan loss provisions coverage ratio in 2023 at 93.8% — reflecting confidence in the ability of banks to face financial obstacles that result from irregular loan payments, the report states. The UAE’s net interest margin reached 72.6% in 2023 which is above the average margin for the Arab banking sector of 69.3%.

A flourishing currency exchange sector: The UAE currently owns 47.3% of the currency exchange services sector in the Arab world. The total capital of this sector across Arab countries amounted to USD 2.9 bn in 2023, growing 3.6% y-o-y, while asset value remained flat at around USD 4.7 bn.

The UAE took the lead in terms of the number of fintechs in the region among Arab countries, with 700 of the region’s c.1.2k fintechs setting up shop in the UAE, with a total investment of USD 1.3 bn during the year.

Taaleem sees net income grow in FY 23/24 on improved enrollment rates

Education provider Taaleem saw its net income after tax grow 17.6% y-o-y to AED 138 mn in FY 2023/24, according to the firm’s financial statements (pdf). Meanwhile, net income before tax grew 55.1% y-o-y to AED 182 mn during the year. The company’s fiscal year ended 31 August.

The company recorded AED 945.2 mn in revenue during the year, up 15.5% y-o-y, “supported by a 33.1% increase in in student enrolment,” the company said in its earnings release (pdf). The education provider added 9.4k new students to its school network, raising its total enrollment to nearly 38k across 32 schools after increasing its student capacity to 42.9k from 33.7k last fiscal year — and marking an 88.4% capacity utilization rate. The expansion included the addition of six new schools through public-private partnerships with the government.

Revenue breakdown: Taaleem booked AED 836 mn in revenues from its network of 10 schools across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, accounting for 88.4% of total operating revenues. Government partnerships made up the remaining 11.6%.

Taaleem has more schools in the pipeline: Taaleem is set to open its new school Dubai British School Mira by August next year, following the launch of Dubai British School Jumeira last August. The company is currently building two premium schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, targeting upper-income families.

Reimagining bank branches: catalysts for the UAE's entrepreneurial revolution

In an era where digital transformation dominates discussions about banking, it's easy to overlook the potential of the physical bank branch. However, the humble bank branch, far from being obsolete, can play a pivotal role in nurturing the UAE's burgeoning culture of entrepreneurship.

The conventional bank branch, as we know it, is rapidly evolving. No longer just a place for mundane transactions, branches are being reimagined as spaces where high-value interactions take place. Bank branches, akin to retail real estate, should maximize the value of the space by what occurs within it. Banks should strive to be present in more convenient locations. This perspective shifts the focus from mere footfall to quality of engagement, positioning branches as hubs for financial advisory and investment planning, and they may even function as co-working spaces.

The reduction in Mashreq’s number of branches from 51 to seven in the UAE is in keeping with this transformation. These seven branches now serve four times the number of clients they used to. With routine services now handled by advanced machines, clients can access a broader range of services without needing human involvement. This frees up exclusive space in the branches, where clients can consult directly with specialists on mortgages, investments, and insurance products. High-value interactions are now front and center, transforming these branches into hubs for personalized financial planning. By moving 99% of routine transactions to digital platforms, Mashreq has unlocked its branches for more meaningful, impactful engagements.

But the transformation doesn’t stop at serving high-net-worth individuals or facilitating complex financial transactions. In fact, the more significant role for bank branches is supporting the UAE’s entrepreneurs, particularly those who are just starting out and are faced with the challenge of finding affordable office space. They need to be visible, to connect, and to access essential services, all while managing their finances.

This approach is not just about convenience; it’s about creating a community. Entrepreneurs often lack the financial literacy needed to navigate the complexities of banking. By transforming branches into spaces where they can learn, connect, and grow, banks can play a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship. Bank branches are no longer just financial institutions; they can become incubators of innovation, providing entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

The UAE is already a global leader in integrating government services into everyday spaces, with Dubai’s co-op supermarkets offering everything from legal services to different government department transactions. By extending this model into the banking sector, banks can provide entrepreneurs with a one-stop-shop for all their needs. Whether it’s obtaining a trade license, managing finances, or seeking advice on business growth, bank branches can become the beating heart of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The role of the physical branch will evolve further as digital banking continues to grow. Branches will function as a complement to digital platforms offering personalized, high-touch services that cannot be replicated online. This hybrid approach ensures that while clients benefit from the convenience of digital banking, they also have access to expert advice and support when they need it.

Aladdin Al Deesi, Head of Mashreq Gold and Distribution

Another Guinness world record in the bag + Al Olama on Time’s 100 emerging leaders list

District cooling firm Empower bagged the Guinness World Record for the highest capacity district cooling plant, in recognition of its Business Bay District Cooling project in Dubai, which holds a connected capacity of nearly 241.3k refrigeration tons (RT) and an ultimate capacity of 451.5k RT, according to the Dubai Media Office. The project — which includes nine cooling plants, four of which are currently operational — serves 188 buildings across Business Bay, Sheikh Zayed Road, and Dubai Water Canal.

Artificial Intelligence Minister Omar Al Olama has been recognized in Time Magazine's Time100Next list, due to his role as a “significant player in [the] critically important fields]” of artificial intelligence and digital economy. The list identifies 100 emerging leaders globally who are driving advancement in their respective fields.

ADX-listed healthcare provider Burjeel Holdings was lauded by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as one of eight organizations globally leading efforts to tackle the health impacts of climate change, with ambitious carbon neutrality plans laid out for 2040, the WEF said. Burjeel’s climate-related counseling and screening services were also praised for “ensuring patients receive holistic care considering climate-sensitive health risks like heat and pollution,” the WEF said.

Apex Group taps new country head of Abu Dhabi + Dar Global appoints non-executive chairman

Financial services provider Apex Group, appointed Sonja Suessenbach (LinkedIn) as its new country head of Abu Dhabi, according to a statement. Suessenbach brings over 15 years of experience in the financial services sector, having previously held senior positions at Lombard Odier and ADS Investment Solutions in Abu Dhabi.

Dubai-based real estate developer and global arm of Saudi Arabia’s Dar Al Arkan, Dar Global, appointed David R. Weinreb (LinkedIn) as non-executive chairman, effective yesterday, according to a press release (pdf). Weinreb brings over 40 years of experience in the real estate sector, co-founding and serving as CEO of multi-bn USD real estate firm The Howard Hughes Corporation from 2010 to 2019. Prior to that, he was president and CEO of TPMC Realty Corporation.

DNEG's AI platform Brahma sets up headquarters in Abu Dhabi

MEDIA-

#1- British-Indian visual effects company DNEG’s AI platform Brahma will set up headquarters in Abu Dhabi, with Brahma executive chairman Prabhu Narasimhan relocating to the emirate as part of the move, Wam reports. National Media Office and UAE Media Council Chairman Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed met with Narasimhan — as well as DNEG CEO Namit Malhotra — to discuss collaborating in visual entertainment, and training Emirati talent in the field.

We knew this was happening: DNEG said it would establish a “visual experience hub” in Abu Dhabi to store, produce, and distribute content in the region after Abu Dhabi investor United Al Saqer Group (UASG) invested USD 200 mn in the VFX studio.

#2- Kezad rolls out new media entity: AD Ports Group subsidiary Kezad Group launched a full-service media entity for photography and videography called KZ Media, Wam reports. The new firm will offer media production services for content production and brand management, including visual content, aerial photography, and videography.

INFRASTRUCTURE-

Parkin to help with air taxi infrastructure: Dubai’s parking facilities provider Parkin will provide electric aircraft infrastructure developer Skyports with parking facilities and explore developing integrated air taxi infrastructure across its facilities, according to a DFM disclosure (pdf).

REMEMBER- The first of four vertiports in Dubai will kick off operations in 1Q 2026.

INVESTMENT-

Electric aircraft developer Joby Aviation is getting a fresh USD 500 mn investment from Toyota, which will go towards their preparations for commercial production, according to a statement. Joby inked an agreement earlier this year with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in the UAE by 2026, with plans to begin initial flights in early 2025 and reach full commercialization by year-end.

The details: The new funds will be given to Joby in two tranches, with the first set to be disbursed in 2024 and the rest in 2025.

TECH-

#1- Cisco plans to establish a point of presence (PoP) for cloud-delivered security services in the UAE by the end of 2024, according to a press release.

#2- Dubai, Switzerland to ramp up cross-border Web3 development: The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) inked an agreement with Swiss early-stage blockchain venture capital firm CV VC to support Dubai and Switzerland’s Web3 ecosystems, according to a press release. The agreement will see the two collaborate on educational initiatives, workspace exchanges, and joint events.

#3- M42, ADGM Academy to school Emirati professionals in health-tech: State-owned health tech firm M42 and Abu Dhabi Global Market Academy inked an MoU to create new educational programs and courses to upskill Emirati professionals, particularly in health-tech roles, according to a press release. The partnership will be integrated into the National Development Program and the Financial Job Center, focusing on both existing and emerging Emirati talent within M42.

INS.-

Mahindra Ins. Brokers sets up shop in Dubai: India’s Mahindra Ins . Brokers opened a reins. office in Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), in a bid to tap into new markets and expand its client base in the region, according to a DIFC statement.

RENEWABLES-

Etihad Energy to slash Dubai Airports’ carbon footprint: Dubai Airports has inked an MoU with Etihad Energy Services Company to install the world’s largest rooftop solar project at an airport at Dubai’s airports, according to a statement. The project, to be implemented by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority subsidiary Etihad Clean Energy Development Company, will build on the existing solar installations at Dubai International (DXB), which have already cut energy consumption at the airport.

The details: The project will see 63k panels installed across both DXB and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports, with a total installed capacity of 39 MW of clean energy. The solar panels are expected to generate 6 GW of energy annually, cutting the airports’ carbon emissions by 23k tons every year. The initiative is set to supply 6.5% of DXB’s electricity needs and 20% of DWC’s.

HOSPITALITY-

India-based hospitality company Kamah Hotels & Resorts will develop a new hotel in Dubai with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, as part of a series of four new hotel developments, with a total investment of USD 70 mn, according to a press release.

TELECOMS-

E& UAE debuts high-speed Managed Wi-Fi 7 for businesses: E& UAE introduced managed Wi-Fi 7 services for businesses, offering double the capacity of earlier Wi-Fi generations, according to a press release. The new service is designed to enhance business connectivity, supporting data-heavy applications like virtual conferencing and cloud services. It aims to optimize business operations by improving connectivity, stability, and device management.

Emerging-market currencies fall on the back of Middle East tensions and strong US economic data

Emerging-market currencies slump amid Middle East tensions and speculations over rate cuts: Emerging-market currencies tumbled on Thursday as escalating tensions in the Middle East drove demand for safer assets like the USD, Bloomberg reports. Adding to the strain, new data revealed that the US services sector expanded at its fastest pace since early 2023, raising expectations that the Federal Reserve may slow its rate cuts. Plus: President Joe Biden’s implication that Israel may hit Iranian oil infrastructure further unsettled markets.

The MSCI index tracking emerging-market currencies fell by 0.5% yesterday before paring losses. The key gauge for developing countries’ stocks also fell 1.3% as Hong Kong stocks fell after a two-week streak stimulated by a package of measures aimed at reviving the Chinese economy.

The risk: a slower pace of Fed rate cuts means slower rate cuts in EMs, and in turn, a harder time for EM currencies. US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell already signaled recently that the Fed is in no hurry to cut rates.

On the bright side, both HSBC and Morgan Stanley expressed a positive outlook for China's equities, with predictions of further gains. That is set to boost EM currencies, which have already been benefitting from a removal of downside risk in China’s economy, one portfolio manager said.

US labor data in focus: US labor market data expected tomorrow could provide more insight into the Fed's upcoming rate cut trajectory.

MARKETS THIS MORNING-

Asian markets are mixed, tracking Wall Street losses amid the escalation of regional tensions. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 1.26%, while Japan’s Nikkei, Topix, and South Korea’s Kospi are up marginally. Meanwhile, Wall Street futures are trading flat as traders await labor market data tomorrow.

ADX	9,214	-1.0% (YTD: -3.8%)
DFM	4,398	-1.9% (YTD: +8.3%)
Nasdaq Dubai UAE20	3721	-1.8% (YTD: -3.1%)
USD : AED CBUAE	Buy 3.67	Sell 3.67
EIBOR	4.7% o/n	4.0% 1 yr
TASI	11,958	-0.7% (YTD: -9.9%)
EGX30	31,721	+1.2% (YTD: +27.4%)
S&P 500	5,700	-0.1% (YTD: +19.5%)
FTSE 100	8,283	-0.1% (YTD: +7.1%)
Euro Stoxx 50	4,921	-0.9% (YTD: 8.8%)
Brent crude	USD 77.62	+5.03%
Natural gas (Nymex)	USD 2.97	-0.1%
Gold	USD 2,675	-0.2%
BTC	USD 60,753	+0.4% (YTD: +43.75%)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The DFM fell 0.8% yesterday on turnover of AED 358.1 mn. The index is up 9.4% YTD.

In the green: National International Holding Company (+15.0%), Emirates REIT (+9.0%) and Parkin Company (+2.1%).

In the red: National General Ins. Company (-10.0%), Agility The Public Warehousing Company (-4.9%) and Emirates Reem Investments Company (-4.0%).

Over on the ADX, the index fell 1.0% on turnover of AED 1.89 bn. Meanwhile, Nasdaq Dubai closed down 1.8%.

CORPORATE ACTIONS-

Parkin will distribute AED 198.7 mn in interim cash dividends for 1H 2024, equivalent to 6.63 fils per share, representing 100% of its net income during the six-month period, according to a DFM disclosure (pdf).

My Morning Routine: Nader Aboushadi, group treasurer at Sidara

Nader Aboushadi, group treasurer at Sidara: Each week, My Morning Routine looks at how a successful member of the community starts their day — and then throws in a couple of random business questions just for fun. Speaking to us this week is Nader Abushadi (LinkedIn), group treasurer at Sidara. Edited excerpts from our conversation:

I'm Nader Aboushadi. I'm an entrepreneur, a dad, husband, and the group treasurer at Sidara, as well as one of the co-founders of Dar Ventures. Sidara is one of the top 10 leading engineering firms in the world.

In a nutshell, we solve some of the most difficult problems in the world, with a focus on livability and sustainability. Dar Ventures is the venture arm for Dar al Handasah, which is the founding pillar of Sidara. The VC aims to foster innovation and build up the ecosystem of the architecture, engineering, and construction (AED) space in the Middle East, and try to create a pathway for entrepreneurs and startups in this space in our part of the world by providing mentorship, funding and support with projects to get these entrepreneurs off the ground.

On the corporate side, there's several different hats that I wear. I'm a member of the sustainability committee of the organization, as well as several other boards across the group, globally.

At Dar Ventures, we have a very capable management team in place, which is headed by a dear friend of mine, Zeina Mandour, who used to also be part of another business that I co-founded called Cairo Angels. My contributions at Dar Ventures are more on weekly steering calls and selection and investment committee at this stage.

Being a group treasurer, on a day to day basis, is a lot of handling of banks. We’re the main interface with the banks for the organization. For an organization that operates in over 250 offices around the world and over 200 countries, with banking requirements in each and every one of these countries, it's quite a handful. It's all about managing the team, managing the liquidity, continuously building relationships with new banks, enhancing the relationships we have with our existing lenders.

It’s also about understanding the collections across the group and ensuring timely collections to meet payments, and so it's putting the whole thing together and basically, acting as the backbone for a business of this magnitude to operate.

We’re constantly on the hunt for different ways of diversifying our funding base. We've tapped into some very interesting financing [agreements] over the years. Recently, for our UK headquarters, we financed that out of pension fund money in the UK, which, from a cost perspective, was extremely lucrative. We were able to fix that at a 3% all-in at a time when the curve was at a very good point. We’ve also done a few sustainability-linked loans here in the UAE with regional lenders. We've been setting KPIs on several different tracks, and we're working with the consultants to audit our sustainability roadmap and work with us to assure those KPIs.

When you look at funding, liquidity varies at different times in different parts of the world, and you try to follow that liquidity by having relationships all over the place to be able to tap into those liquidity pockets when you need them. At this point in time, for example, the Middle East is flushed with liquidity, and you're able to get better rates in this part of the world than others.

We have not as of yet as an organization moved into the debt capital markets, which is something that we're currently exploring. Within our five year roadmap, we definitely have a potential rating and a debt capital markets issuance coming up.

I usually start my day with the kids heading out to catch their bus, and I head out to the gym and have a workout in the morning or a cycling session. I'm a big indoor cycling enthusiast. If I'm not doing that, I sometimes start my day with a walk on the beach, which we're very fortunate to be able to do here in Dubai. Then, I head into the office, and that’s when I get to my morning read of EnterpriseAM UAE.

When do I wind down? I’m sure my wife would have a lot to say in response to this [laughs]. Given the global nature of the role, there's no time limits; I'm constantly on the go. We work US and Australia timezones, so there is a need to be accessible at some tricky times. I try to limit my day in the office to about 4pm, and go home, have lunch with the family, and then do a little bit of the kids’ sports runs — whether it's football or basketball with with one of the kids — and then plug in after that for a second round with the trickier timezone markets.

I think I need a lot of help when it comes to staying focused and organized. I think the most important thing is just putting down your priorities and keeping that in mind, and having everything else come second to that. If your organization allows you to do so, then you know you're working in the right place.

I definitely believe in a work-life balance. I make time for myself in the morning to get myself off on the right foot, I create time for the family and get whatever is needed in from a work perspective. It's critical. And a day without sports for me? I definitely feel completely off balance. Those three components — there has to be an element of them somewhere in there everyday.

In terms of my personal goals, my eldest son has just completed his GCSEs and is starting his A levels and starting to work on university applications, so that’s a key goal of mine — to work with him and support him to get his ambitions and goals achieved. My younger son’s dream is to play football professionally, and he's been doing quite well, so I’m also supporting him there.

Professionally, I'm very keen to see Sidara grow to become a top-three global player, and to play a key role in making that happen for the organization.

Two movies that I can watch over and over are Scent of a Woman and Top Gun. In terms of books, I really enjoyed The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma.

The best piece of advice I’ve received was from my wife — it was to put my head down, focus, and disregard the noise.

CALENDAR

OCTOBER

3-5 October (Thursday- Saturday): MeFitProConference and Exhibition, Dubai World Trade Centre.

4-6 October (Friday - Sunday): The NBA Abu Dhabi Games, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

6-11 October (Sunday-Friday): Dubai International Chamber to head out for a trade mission to Serbia and Türkiye.

7-8 October (Monday-Tuesday): Forex expo, World Trade Center, Dubai.

7-8 October (Monday-Tuesday): AgraME, World Trade Center, Dubai.

7-9 October (Monday-Wednesday): AccessAbilities Expo, Dubai World Trade Centre.

7-10 October (Monday-Thursday): The World Air Taxi Congress, The Grand Hyatt Dubai, Dubai.

8-9 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): Global Trade and Supply Chain Summit, Dubai.

8-10 October (Tuesday-Thursday): The Global Rail Transpo[rt Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference(Global Rail), Abu Dhabi.

9-10 October (Wednesday-Thursday): The Regional Data and Community Development Forum, Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, Sharjah.

10 October (Thursday): DXBAPEX500 Summit and DIFC Workshop, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai.

10-13 October (Thursday-Sunday): The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Judo tournament, Mubadala Arena.

13-14 October (Sunday-Monday): Abu Dhabi Wedding Show, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi.

13-16 October (Sunday-Wednesday): DMCCxAGCC: Global AI Challenge *Sustainability Edition, Dubai.

14-18 October (Monday-Friday): Gitex Global, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Harbour.

14-18 October (Monday-Friday): IROS 2024, Adnec Centre, Abu Dhabi.

15-16 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): SuperBridge Summit 2024, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.

13-16 October (Sunday-Wednesday): Expand North Star, Dubai Harbour.

13-16 October (Sunday-Wednesday): Fintech Surge, Dubai Harbour.

14-18 October (Monday-Friday): IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, Adnec Centre, Abu Dhabi.

14 October (Monday): The Smart Cities MENA Summit, Dubai.

20-23 October (Sunday-Wednesday): The 63rd International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi.

21-22 October (Monday-Tuesday): Port Development MEA Forum, Dubai.

21-22 October (Monday-Tuesday): Roads, Bridges, Tunnels MENA Conference, Dubai.

21-22 October (Monday-Tuesday): The Alternative Investment Summit, Dubai.

23-26 October (Tuesday-Saturday): World Stroke Congress, Adnec Centre, Abu Dhabi.

24 October (Thursday): Game Changers - Dubai Real Estate Summit, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai.

24-27 October (Thursday-Sunday): International Sports Medicine Conference, Dubai.

26 October (Saturday): UFC 308: TOPURIA vs HOLLOWAY, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi.

26-27 October (Saturday-Sunday): International Conference on Tourism, Transport, and Logistics, Dubai.

27-30 October (Sunday-Wednesday): IEEE - International Conference on Image Processing, Adnec Centre, Abu Dhabi.

28-29 October (Monday-Tuesday): MENA Climate Proof Forum, Dubai.

29 October-2 November (Tuesday-Saturday): Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week, Abu Dhabi.

30 October-1 November (Wednesday-Friday): World Cities Cultural Summit, Dubai.

30 October (Wednesday): Connected Construction Conference, Museum of the Future, Dubai.

30-31 October: Sixth edition of Binance Blockchain Week, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai.

NOVEMBER

3-10 November (Sunday-Sunday): Dubai Premier Padel P1, Dubai Duty free Tennis Stadium, Dubai.

4-7 November (Monday-Thursday): Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC), Abu Dhabi.

4-7 November (Monday-Thursday): ADIPEC Maritime and Logistics Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi.

4-7 November (Monday-Thursday): ADIPEC Decarbonisation Accelerator, Abu Dhabi.

6 November (Friday): World Finance Forum, Dubai.

6-8 November (Friday-Sunday): UAE BioTech Symposium, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.

6-17 November (Friday- Sunday) Sharjah International Book Fair, Expo Center Sharjah, Sharjah.

11 November (Monday): Dubai Diamond Conference, Jafza One Convention Centre, Dubai.

11-12 November (Monday-Tuesday): META Cinema Forum, Dubai.

18-20 November (Monday-Wednesday): Fastmarkets Middle East Iron & Steel 2024, Dubai.

19-20 November (Tuesday-Wednesday): Dubai Future Forum.

20-22 November (Wednesday-Friday): Xpanse Abu Dhabi, Adnec Centre, Abu Dhabi

22-23 November (Friday-Saturday): Global Meet on Electronics & Electrical Engineering (GMEEE), Dubai.

22-24 November (Friday-Sunday): Michelin Guide Food Festival, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.

23 November (Saturday): Wireless Festival Middle East, Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi.

23-24 November (Saturday-Sunday): Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, SailGP Race Stadium.

26-27 November (Tuesday-Wednesday) Global Food Security Summit, Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi.

26-29 November (Tuesday-Friday): Big 5 Global, Dubai World Trade Centre.

26-27 November (Tuesday-Wednesday): Global Women’s Forum Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

27-28 November (Wednesday-Thursday): RAK Energy Summit, Al Hamra International Exhibition and Conference Centre, Ras Al Khaimah.

28 November-1 December (Thursday-Sunday): Spartan World Championship, Al Wathba Desert, Abu Dhabi.

30 November (Saturday): Football Legends Cup, Al Maktoum Stadium Al Nasr Sports Club, Dubai.

Signposted to happen ahead of ADIPEC:

Changemakers Majlis, Abu Dhabi.

DECEMBER

2-3 December (Monday-Tuesday): National Day, public holiday.

5-8 December (Thursday-Sunday): Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit.

8-12 December (Sunday-Thursday): International Desalination and Reuse Association World Congress, Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi.

9-10 December (Monday-Tuesday): The Bitcoin Mena Conference, Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi.

9-12 December (Monday-ThursdayTuesday): Abu Dhabi Finance Week, Abu Dhabi.

9-12 December (Monday-Thursday): World Conference on Desalination and Water Re-use 2024, Adnec Centre, Abu Dhabi.

9-12 December (Monday-Thursday): IEEE International Conference on Data Mining 2024, Adnec Centre, Abu Dhabi.

10-12 December (Tuesday-Thursday): Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA Conference), Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

10-12 December (Tuesday-Thursday): The Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association Show, Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

FEBRUARY 2025

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 Centre.

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.

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

OCTOBER 2025

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

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

Signposted to happen sometime in 2028:

Abu Dhabi to host the Chess Olympiad.

Signposted to happen sometime in 2029:

Dubai to host the International Conference on Computer Vision.

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