UAE and Saudi Arabia lead sovereign sustainability-linked bond issuance in the Middle East

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

THIS MORNING: The UAE wants to lead on AI regulation, Al Olama says

Good morning, wonderful people, and happy FRIDAY to you all. Thank you, one and all, for starting your morning with us — and forgive us, please, our being late this morning, but we’ve had to do battle with gremlins.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- The UAE is set to become the world’s “hub for pragmatic [AI] regulation,” AI Minister Omar Al Olama told Bloomberg, stressing that it is “an opportunity I personally want to see happen, it is something we are going to push for.” Al Olama echoed OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s comments from earlier this week at the World Government Summit that the Emirates could act as a “ regulatory sandbox ” for AI, adding that Altman’s comments prove the UAE is a “serious player” in that space.

AND- The UAE is keeping the door open for partnerships with China: While recognizing that the UAE’ relationship with the US as a “very strong partner” is foundational to the Emirates’ tech infrastructure and will not change, the minister stated that the UAE could potentially strike partnerships with Chinese companies. “I don’t think you can say you need one and don’t need the other,” Al Olama said.

Speaking of AI: The Financial Times’ big read this morning wonders Can OpenAI create superintelligence before it runs out of cash? Consider it a morning must-read if you, like us, are a tech nerd with more questions than answers about what’s next. The piece offers no sweeping framework, but consider it another (necessary) brick in the wall.

#2- The UAE and Saudi Arabia would support new Palestinian leadership post-war on the condition that Israel agrees to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, the New York Times reports. The two governments would fund reconstruction of Gaza, while other Arab nations would provide peacekeeping troops.

BACKGROUND- Israel withdrew from negotiations this week and will not return to the negotiation table without “a change in Hamas’ positions,” after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Hamas’ ceasefire proposal as “delusional,” Bloomberg reported.

DATA POINTS-

!_Anchor05-! #1- The DFM rose to its highest level in a decade yesterday, continuing its upward trajectory for the fifth consecutive session, Al Bayan reports. The market index climbed 0.37%, its highest level since 30 November, 2014, bolstered by a run of upbeat 2023 earnings from companies and banks. The market saw turnover of over AED 785 mn.

#2- Dubai International Airport (DXB) is on track to be the world’s busiest in February, with 4.7 mn booked seats for the month, OAG said in a monthly report.

#3-The Middle East’s space economy could hit USD 75 bn by 2032, up 200% from the current USD 25 bn market valuation, Gulf News reports, citing figures circulated by several space industry players during a panel discussion entitled “Potential of the Space Sector in the Middle East” at the World Governments Summit.

#4- The Middle East is expected to take the lead in global AI investments in 2024, with 93% of C-suite executives intending to boost spending on AI and generative AI (GenAI) this year, according to a recent Boston Consulting Group (BCG) survey picked up by Zawya. The survey reports that 54% of Middle Eastern executives are directing their AI and GenAI efforts towards practical applications, moving beyond experimentation.

The region is also ahead in GenAI education, although only 11% of executives noted that more than 25% of their workforce had received GenAI training. The survey involved 1,406 C-level executives across 50 markets and 14 industries.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

Continuing this week’s theme: It’s all politics, not business, in the global business press, with Gaza at the top of the page and Europe’s collective freakout about Donald Trump’s would-be defense policy still not far behind.

On Gaza: Joe Biden has again told Israel not to attack Rafah unless there is a plan in place to “protect civilians,” Bloomberg writes. Egypt, meanwhile, is reportedly making contingency plans in case Benjamin Netanyahu forces thousands of Palestinian refugees across the border, according to an exclusive in the Wall Street Journal.

On defense policy: The Financial Times leads with an exclusive interview in which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling for the EU to subsidize defense production to prepare for a “rougher world.”

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT-

You can now access Ajman Chamber of Commerce’s services through an app, according to a post on X. The Ajman Chamber application will allow customers to pay for the chamber’s services through digital channels. It will also serve as a communication platform, informing the chamber’s customers about its latest news and upcoming events. Check out the app on iOS or Android.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-
#1- Global champs are coming to the Dubai Dutyfreee Championships: World No.1 Iga Swatiek, former World No. 1 Tennis champion Naomi Osaka, and two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will compete in the Dubai Dutyfree Tennis Championships, which kicks off next Sunday, Khaleej Times reports. The World Tennis Association tour event will run until 2 March. You can buy tickets for both the women’s WTA tournament and the men’s ATP here.

#2- The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2024is underway at Dubai International Stadium, wrapping on Sunday, 25 February. The tournament sees 16 beach soccer teams, including the United Arab Emirates, battling it out for this year's cup.

#3-The Shams Creative Fest is underway at the Shams Business Center in Sharjah, and will wrap Sunday, Sh arjah24 reports. The festival — which includes arts and musical events, cultural and entertainment workshops, and competitions — aims to support small and medium-sized projects and entrepreneurs and help them access local and regional markets.

#4- Dubai International Marine Sports Club (DIMC) will host the Dubai race for 60 ft sail ships on Saturday, 17 February. The race comes months before DIMC’s Al Gaffal 60 ft traditional dhow sailing race, which sees sail ships sail from Sir Bu Nair Island to the shores of Dubai in April.
#5- The Bassam Freiha Art Foundation will open its doors to the public on Monday, 4 March in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The private art foundation will kick off an inaugural exhibition featuring pieces from both Western and Arab artists.

#6- UAE President Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses takes place this Saturday at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. The event will see seven races, and marks one of the largest gatherings of purebred Arabian horses in the world.

#7- UAE Innovates 2024 resumes in Sharjah, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, before its final stop in Dubai next Thursday, reports state news agency Wam.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEK-

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

The world's largest F&B event, Gulfood 2024, returns to Dubai World Trade Centre. Running from Monday to Friday, 23 February, the event will bring together suppliers, distributors, and chefs, to discuss the future of F&B.

The International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference takes place on Tuesday, 20 February, and will last until Wednesday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The Investopia Summit will take place from Wednesday, 28 February, to Thursday, 29 February, in Abu Dhabi. The two-day event will run under the theme “Emerging Economic Frontiers: Investing in Fast-Growing Sectors in the New Economy,” gathering investors, government officials, and entrepreneurs to explore investments in strategic markets.

Beyond Global Trade opens its doors on Thursday, March 7 at the Edition Hotel in Dubai, according to a LinkedIn statement. The event — held in collaboration between the Economy Ministry, LexisNexis and law firm Al Tamimi — will see speakers from the UAE government, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, and Emirati businesses discuss trade and tech, including digital trade, e-commerce, data protection, and consumer rights.

MIT-backed family business course coming to DIFC in June:Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) ’s Family Wealth Centre and Massachusetts-based university MIT Sloan Executive Education will hold a three-day family business-focused higher education training program in Dubai between 24 and 26 June, according to a DIFC statement. Participants will obtain an MIT Sloan School of Management Certificate of Completion after completing the program. You can register for the course here.

Adnec Group has launched its Tanfeeth Innovation Accelerator Program, aiming to foster innovative solutions for operational challenges within the group, Wam reports. Employees from all seven clusters can participate, proposing solutions to enhance commercial performance. The closing session in March 2024, led by CEO Humaid Al Dhaheri, will feature presentations judged by executives.

Mobility startups can pitch their ideas for sustainable transportation solutions at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority’s Startups Challenge, held concurrently with UAE Innovates, starting February 26. You can register for the challenge by sending a nomination request here.

The MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition 2024 is set to take place from 28 February to 1 March at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Look for 2k attendees and 65 speakers, including industry leaders, researchers, and government officials to be in attendance.

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

UAE and KSA lead sovereign sustainability-linked bond issuance in the Middle East

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are on track to remain the largest issuers of sovereign green bonds in the region in 2024, according to a recent S&P Global report (pdf). This will be driven by both government bodies and state-owned companies looking to meet net zero targets, the report said.

Green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked bond (GSSSB) issuance in the Middle East reached a record USD 23 bn in 2023, doubling since 2022. This represents less than 3% of global issuance.

Sustainable sukuk issuances are expected to grow amid increasedinvestor demand and efforts by Islamic finance countries to reduce carbon footprints, S&P said.

Most bond proceeds go towards renewable energy and hydrogen projects in the region,the report said. Investments in projects addressing water scarcity and heat waves are also anticipated to continue to drive issuance this year, the report added, cautioning that the extent of progress largely hinges on the pace of decarbonization strategies.

The global stocktake: On a global scale, sovereign issuance is poised for another uptick in 2024, with S&P Global forecasting issuances to reach between USD 950 bn and USD 1.1 tn, propelled by robust national sustainability commitments and external backing. Issuances came in at USD 980 bn in 2023, with notable contributors like the UK, Germany, and Italy each surpassing USD 10 bn in issuances.

Out of all GSSSB issuances, green bonds will continue to reign supreme amid growing demand for environmental projects.

Cyprus’ Digital Tree secures majority stake in PlatX

Cypriot digital marketing platform Digital Tree has completed its acquisition of a majority stake in Dubai-based IT and AI services provider PlatX for an undisclosed sum, according to a company statement. Digital Tree plans to use PlatX’s AI-powered customer relations management solutions to fuel its expansion in the Middle East.

What they said: “By combining forces [...] we can offer an end-to-end, holistic solution across the modern user journey combining digital, social, voice, and data channels,” said Digital Tree CEO Phanos Demetriou.

PlatX’s offerings include AI, voice, and data automation, with omnichannel platforms that integrate chatbots, speech analytics and CRM software, according to its website.

IN OTHER M&A NEWS-

India’sNodwin Gaming to acquire Dubai-based Ninja Global: Indian gaming company Nazara Technologies subsidiary Nodwin has acquired 100% ofDubai-based gaming company Ninja Global, according to a bourse disclosure (pdf). The acquisition will help Nodwin expand its footprint in the Middle East and Turkey region, and sets it up to expand to Central Asia. The value of the acquisition was not disclosed.

Abu Dhabi + Shenzhen are now twin cities. Here’s what that means.

Abu Dhabi has smart city ambitions, and China will help make them happen: Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen inked a twin cityagreement at the Abu Dhabi x Shenzhen Innovation Forum (ADSZIF), according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The agreement will see the two cities collaborate on infrastructure, city planning, green mobility, tech, and sustainability.

The agreement is a commitment to work together on knowledge sharing and developing new infrastructure and transport systems to help make the two cities smarter and more advanced. “We are confident that the agreements signed during the forum will ensure our two world-class cities become even more attractive to citizens, visitors, businesses, and investors,” Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa said.

The forum also saw Abu Dhabi ink several other agreements with Chinese companies and authorities, including:

Establishing a laboratory and intelligent mobility command and control center in Abu Dhabi to monitor traffic, manage community events, and manage the city’s land, sea, air and rail transport networks, in cooperation with Shenzhen Urban Transport Planning Centre;
Exploring the development of a green bus depot and hydrogen complex to power hydrogen buses and cars by 2025, in partnership with Hong Kong private equity firm Templewater ;
Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s IT sector and data centers, as well as exploring mobility solutions and developing a smart transport network, including a holographic road network, vehicle chargers, and autonomous driving, with the help of Huawei Technologies;
Decarbonizing and digitizing Abu Dhabi’s public transport sector with Kowloon Motor Bus Company.

Earnings watch: AD Ports, Americana Group, DIFC, Union Properties and more

UAE-based port operator AD Ports Group saw its bottom line inch up 6% y-o-y toAED 1.36 bn in 2023 on the back of strong performance in its shipping and maritime, ports, and logistics sectors,according to the company’s latest preliminary earnings release. The company’s topline more than doubled, surging 112 % y-o-y to AED 11.68 bn in the same period. The completion of five new acquisitions also buoyed performance, the company added.

On the downside: Higher depreciation and amortization costs, along with finance costs and taxes, weighed on performance, the company said.

4Q figures: The port operator’s net income fell 17% y-o-y to AED 285 mn due to “extraordinary one-off items,” it said. Revenues more than doubled to AED 3.57 bn.

Red Sea disruptions are expected to boost demand in 2024: Disruptions to regional trade routes have caused a spike in volumes and freight rates, with sustained disruptions expected to have a “knock-on effect” on the company’s operations, the statement said, without providing further details. “The increased transit time of around two weeks for vessels on the main East-West trade lane, rerouted through the Cape of Good Hope, has resulted in a stronger demand for tonnage,” AD Ports said, adding that this is boosting ocean freight prices.

AMERICANA-

Americana posts flat growth: F&B giant Americana ’s net income attributable to shareholders remained flat in 2023 at USD 259.5 mn (AED 953 mn), according to its earnings release (pdf). The firm’s revenues inched up 1.5% y-o-y to USD 2.41 bn (AED 8.86 bn), driven by a “record 300 gross new store openings,” according to the statement.

Egypt’s FX crunch + regional tensions weighed: “The company demonstrated resilient performance, despite USD 106 mn (AED 389 mn) impact of unfavorable foreign exchange movements, especially in Egypt, and impact on business during the fourth quarter due to recent regional geopolitical tensions,” the company said.

REMEMBER-Bloomberg reported last month that Americana has slashed nearly 100 jobs (most of them in Dubai) as it both restructures and faces the impact of a consumer boycott of its brands that came after the start of Israel’s war in Gaza.

Americana will pay outUSD 130 mn in dividends for the year, in addition to a one-time USD 50 mn dividend, to be approved by the company’s board.

DIFC-

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) saw its operating income jump 27% y-o-y to AED 859 mn in 2023, the freezone said in a press release. DIFC’s combined revenues hit AED 1.3 bn, up 23% y-o-y, while its assets rose 18% y-o-y to AED 18 bn.

DIFC’s company registrations jumped 34% y-o-y, with 1.4k companies registering to set up shop in the freezone. The record growth in registrations was “supported by both financial and innovation companies and non-financial companies,” Reuters reports, citing DIFC Governor Essa Kazim. The number of active companies in DIFC grew 26% y-o-y to over 5.5k companies, with fintech and innovation firms accounting for 902 this year in total.

Demand is expected to remain strong, “underpinned by limited supply entering the market and strong demand from international occupiers looking to set up in the region, such as banks and wealth managers,” co-head of Industrial and Logistics UAE at Knight Frank consultancy in Dubai Adam Wynne told Reuters.

UNION PROPERTIES-

Motor City developer Union Properties' recorded a net income of AED 811 mn in 2023, marking a 2607% y-o-y increase, driven by a successful turnaround strategy focusing on cost efficiencies and debt restructuring, according to its earrings release (pdf).The company’s revenues rose 21% y-o-y to AED 508 mn, attributed to improved performance in subsidiaries and ongoing growth in the UAE real estate sector, according to its preliminary financial results (pdf) .

ICYMI: Earlier this week, Union Properties announced that it had successfully resolved a series of debt and land repurposing issues with Dubailand and Emirates NBD.

OTHER EARNINGS-

Ins. provider Salama recorded a net loss of AED 43.5 mn in 2023, after netting a bottom line of AED 35.4 mn in 2022, according to the company’s earnings release (pdf). The company attributes the losses to a “goodwill impairment of AED 36.1 mn” driven by Egyptian currency depreciation, plus a “one-time loss of AED 28.02 mn” from an unrecovered fire ins. claim. Excluding the impairment and one-off loss, net income would have come in at AED 20.6 mn.

Ins. revenues rose 20.3% y-o-y to AED 1.11 bn during the period, according to the release.

Al Buhaira National Ins. lowered its net losses by 27% y-o-y to AED 48.4 mn in 2023, according to the company’s preliminary results (pdf). The company’s revenues grew 36.5% during the period to AED 1.2 bn.

ADX hands out recognition awards to EFG Hermes, HSBC, BHM Capital and more

Our friends at EFG Hermes and HSBC were among eight brokerages receiving recognition awards from the Abu Dhabi Exchange (ADX) last week, according to an ADX statement (pdf). The brokerages were recognized for their “contribution towards the growth and development of Abu Dhabi’s capital market and investor participation,” the statement said.

Also receiving awards from the ADX:

FAB Securities
International Securities
Al Ramz Capital
Q Market Maker
ADIB Securities
BHM Capital
Al Dar Shares & Bonds

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group appoints new MENA head for global corporate and investment banking

MUFG gets a new regional head for its GBCI department: Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ financial group (MUFG) has promoted Wael Al Sharif (LinkedIn) to be its head of global corporate and investment banking for the Middle East and North Africa, according to a press release (pdf). nAl Sharif was previously deputy head of the unit.

He succeeds Elyas Al Gaseer (LinkedIn), who had led the unit since 2013 and who will become the vice chair for corporate and investment banking with a focus of advisory the bank’s senior clients across the MENA. Al Sharif’s promotion is effective 1 April; he will remain based in Dubai.

Recent track record: MUFG’s global corporate and investment banking team has a proven track record in aviation (including arranging a USD 2.1 bn bridge facility for AviLease’s acquisition of StanChart’s aviation leasing platform), as well as project finance, and debt capital markets, including suskuk and ESG-linked transactions.

The FIFA beach soccer World Cup kicks off in Dubai

The Emirates national team (#منتخب الامارات) is doing the rounds on X, after their 2-1 victory over Egypt in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2024 (#مونديال_الشاطئية), taking place now in Dubai. The opening matches saw Tahiti beat Argentina 4-3, USA lose 3 goals to 1, and Iran beat Spain 3-1 in penalties.

G42 severed ties with China for commercial and technological reasons

G42’s decision to sever ties with Chinese businesses was a “commercial and technological one,” the group’s chief technology officer Kiril Evtimov told CNBC in an interview (watch, runtime 2:47) on the sidelines of the World Government Summit. Seeking to partner with the “best in class […] to accelerate the delivery of AI capabilities,” the IHC-backed tech and AI company made the decision to “work very closely with US partners,” Evtimov said.

ICYMI- G42 recently offloaded all its stakes in Chinese companies in a bid to “reassure” US partners, after a letter from a US congressional committee accused the tech group of working with the Chinese military.

Mubadala invests in blockchain-focused fund

INVESTMENT-

#1- Mubadala Capital invested in early-stage venture capital firm RW3 Ventures’ first blockchain-focused fund, according to a press release. The fund raised USD 60 mn in capital, with backing from The Raptor Group and Mubadala Capital, though the statement does not disclose the exact breakdown.

About the fund: The fund focuses on disruptive blockchain ventures from pre-seed to Series A stages, with investments spanning blockchain protocols, decentralized infrastructure, encryption, and gaming.

#2- Sharjah Islamic Bank to lure more Kuwaiti investments to the UAE: Kuwait Business Council inked an agreement with Sharjah Islamic Bank to offer Kuwaiti businesses and investors in the Emirates financial and banking services to support investments in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, state news agency Wam reports. The Council will also launch promotional programs to inform the Kuwaiti business community about potential investments in the country.

TRANSPORT-

You wil be able to pay for your Etihad Rail trip through Nol: Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and national rail operator Etihad Rail inked an MoU at the World Government Summit to integrate booking and payment for Etihad Rail trips into RTA’s Nol system, according to the Dubai Media Office. The 900 km national rail network has yet to begin operations for passengers, but is set to connect 11 cities across the UAE, from Al Sila to Fujairah, with trains running at 200 km per hour, Khaleej Times reports.

AUTOMOTIVE-

New quick service stations for Rabdan One electric vehicles: Adnoc Distribution has partnered with automobile company NWTN to introduce 20 quick service stations for UAE-made Rabdan One EVs at Adnoc’s stations, reports Wam.

ENERGY-

The Sharjah Economic Development Department sat with gas sector investors yesterday, including the heads of Arrow Gas & Technical Services, Universal Industrial Gas, and United Gas, to discuss cooperation and receive comments and feedback from the companies, reports state news agency Wam.

RETAIL-

#1- Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have laid the foundation stone for Indian marketplace Bharat Mart in the Jebel Ali Freezone (Jafza), according to a statement. The marketplace is set to debut in 2026 with the aim of streamlining global market access for Indian manufacturers and exporters.

#2- Emirate SkyCargo’s e-commerce delivery service arm Emirates Delivers has launched a new route to Kuwait, allowing customers to receive orders from UAE-based platforms in three to five days, according to a statement released on Thursday.

FINTECH-

Payment gateway Telr merchants will now have access to Fils’ carbon offsetting feature, after the two companies inked an agreement, according to a Fils statement. The feature allows merchants to track the emissions of transactions and provides access to voluntary carbon markets.

MANUFACTURING-

Steel producer Tenaris inaugurated its USD 60 mn industrial complex in Abu Dhabi Industrial City, according to a press release. The 200k square meter industrial complex houses a pipe service yard dedicated for the storage, inspection, and preparation of pipe products. It also includes a specialized industrial training center tailored for training Adnoc engineers as part of a partnership with the state-owned company.

AVIATION-

Flydubai is expanding its European operations with the introduction of four new destinations: Basel, Switzerland; Riga, Latvia; Tallinn, Estonia; and Vilnius, Lithuania, according to a press release. The move marks the carrier's entry into the Baltic region and makes it the first UAE national carrier to offer direct flights to these cities.

Economy Minister heads UAE delegation in Cairo

UAE delegation at the Arab Economic and Social Council meeting in Cairo: Economy Minister AbdullahBin Touq Al Marri discussed the establishment of a Greater Arab Trade Area, removing trade barriers among Arab states, and promoting investments between countries exchanges by implementing the amended the Arab Investment Agreement at the Arab Economic and Social Council in Cairo yesterday, reports state news agency Wam.

UAE + Rwanda sign counterterrorism MoU: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Rwandan Interior Minister Alfred Gasana signed an MoU to bolster security and counterterrorism efforts, improving communication channels between the two countries, Wam reports. The agreement was signed during the last day of the World Government Summit on Wednesday.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and UNESCO Secretary General Azoulay discussed current and upcoming UNESCO projects to preserve global cultural and civilizational heritage, Wam reports.

CALENDAR

FEBRUARY

2-29 February (Friday-Thursday): Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival, Al Jazeera Al Hamra.

7-18 February (Wednesday-Sunday): Sharjah Light Festival, Sharjah Police Headquarters.

15-25 February (Thursday-Sunday): FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2024, Dubai.

15-21 February (Thursday-Wednesday): UAE Innovates 2024, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

16-18 February (Friday-Sunday): The Shams Creative Fest, Shams Business Center.

17 February (Saturday): UAE President Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

18 February (Sunday): Abu Dhabi Run and Ride, Abu Dhabi Corniche.

19 February (Monday): Let Web3 Happen in Dubai, Bybit HQ, Dubai.

19-23 February (Monday-Friday): Gulfood 2024, Dubai World Trade Centre.

20 February (Tuesday): Open Day, Al Ain’s Hili Archaeological Park, Abu Dhabi.

20-21 February (Tuesday-Wednesday): International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

22-24 February (Thursday-Saturday): International Freight Forwarders Conference 2024 Dubai, Hyatt Hotel.

22-29 February (Thursday-Thursday): UAE Innovates 2024, Dubai.

23-25 February (Friday-Sunday): Taste of Dubai Festival, Skydive Dubai.

23 February-3 March (Friday-Sunday): Maritime Heritage Festival Abu Dhabi.

23 February-3 March (Friday-Sunday): Sikka Art and Design Festival, Dubai

24 February (Saturday): Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Al Marjan Island.

25 February-2 March (Sunday-Saturday): Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge 2024, Al Dhafra Region.

26-28 February (Monday-Wednesday): Management and Sustainability of Water Resources, Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf.

26-28 February (Monday-Wednesday): RTA Startups Challenge, RTA Research and Innovation Centre for Mobility, Dubai.

27-28 February (Tuesday-Wednesday): Dubai Association Centre Conference, Dubai World Trade Centre.

26-29 February (Monday-Thursday): World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

28-29 February (Wednesday-Thursday): Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Trade Summit, Rak Exhibition Centre.

28-29 February (Wednesday-Thursday): UAE delegation attends ‘Invest in Austria’ conference, Vienna.

28-29 February (Wednesday-Thursday): Third Investopia Summit, Abu Dhabi.

28 February - 1 March (Wednesday-Friday): MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition 2024, Dubai.

29 February-3 March (Thursday-Sunday): Gov Games, Dubai Festival City, Dubai.

MARCH

1-3 March (Friday-Sunday): Art Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah.

5-6 March (Tuesday-Wednesday): MRO Middle East, Dubai Trade Centre.

5-7 March (Tuesday-Thursday): World Police Summit, Dubai World Trade Centre.

5-7 March (Tuesday-Thursday): Dubai Entertainment Amusement & Leisure Exhibition, Dubai World Trade Center.

5-8 March (Tuesday-Friday): Forbes’ Third Annual 30/50 Summit In Abu Dhabi During International Women’s Day.

7 March (Thursday): Beyond Global Trade, Edition Hotel, Dubai.

8-9 March (Friday-Saturday): World Triathlon Championship Series 2024 Opening Race, Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island.

11/12 March (Monday/Tuesday): Start of Ramadan.

APRIL

TBC April: DRIFTx, Abu Dhabi.

9/10 April (Tuesday/Wednesday): End of Ramadan, public holiday.

8-12 April (Monday-Friday): Eid Al Fitr, public holiday.

16-18 April (Tuesday-Thursday): World Future Energy Summit, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

16-18 April (Tuesday-Thursday): Middle East Coatings Show, Dubai World Trade Centre.

16-18 April (Tuesday-Thursday): Middle East Energy, Dubai World Trade Centre.

23-25 April (Tuesday-Thursday): Connecting Green Hydrogen MENA, Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre.

24-26 April (Wednesday-Friday): Global Education & Training Exhibition.

24 April-1 May (Wednesday-Wednesday): Abu Dhabi Mobility Week.

MAY

6-7 May (Monday-Tuesday): Dubai Fintech Summit 2024, Madinat Jumeirah.

7-9 May (Tuesday-Thursday): AIM Congress 2024, Abu Dhabi.

8-9 May (Wednesday-Thursday): Innovative Finance Expo, Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

14-15 May (Tuesday-Wednesday): Seamless Middle East, Dubai World Trade Centre.

JUNE

2-4 June (Sunday-Tuesday): The World Air Transport Summit and International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s annual general meeting, Dubai.

4-6 June (Tuesday-Thursday): The Hotel Show, Dubai World Trade Centre.

4-6 June (Tuesday-Thursday): INDEX, Dubai World Trade Centre.

4-6 June (Tuesday-Thursday): WORKSPACE, Dubai World Trade Centre.

4-6 June (Tuesday-Thursday): Leisure Show, Dubai World Trade Centre.

15 June (Saturday): Arafat day, national holiday.

16-18 June (Sunday-Tuesday): Eid Al-Adha, national holiday.

JULY

7 July (Sunday): Islamic new year, national holiday.

SEPTEMBER

9-11 September (Monday-Wednesday): World Utilities Congress, Abu Dhabi.

28-30 September (Saturday-Monday): World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) Biennial General Meeting, Abu Dhabi.

OCTOBER

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

NOVEMBER

11-14 November (Monday-Thursday): ADIPEC, Abu Dhabi.

11-14 November (Monday-Thursday): ADIPEC Maritime and Logistics Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi.

11-14 November (Monday-Thursday): ADIPEC Decarbonisation Accelerator, Abu Dhabi.

DECEMBER

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

10-12 December (Tuesday-Thursday): Middle East Business Aviation, Dubai World Central.

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