M&A-

Mubadala closes investment in Korean cleantech NanoH2O: Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company and Korean investment firm Glenwood Private Equity, alongside co-investors, have completed their investment in NanoH2O — formerly known as LG Water Solutions — after securing all regulatory approvals, according to a press release. The Seoul-based company, spun out of LG Chem this year, supplies reverse osmosis membranes for desalination and brackish water treatment. Over 95% of its revenue comes from overseas operations.

What’s next? Following the capital injection, Mubadala aims to support the cleantech’s expansion, especially in the MENA region where water scarcity is a prominent concern.

REMEMBER- In August, Mubadala and Singapore’s GIC launched a KRW 600 bn (USD 433.1 mn) vehicle to co-fund Glenwood ’s KRW 1.6 tn (USD 1.2 bn) acquisition of LG Chem’s water-treatment unit, Membrane. The unit’s nanotech-based seawater filters — capable of removing 99.89% of salt and contaminants — are a key draw, given their industrial and semiconductor applications.

BUSINESS-

Masdar City Freezone launches China office, inks MoUs: Masdar City Freezone (MCFZ) rolled out its first representative office in China and inked three MoUs with Chinese partners, state news agency Wam reports. The new office, located in Suzhou Industrial Park, aims to attract foreign direct investment, boost technology transfer, and support the establishment of Chinese companies in Abu Dhabi.

The agreements: Masdar City will establish direct institutional links with Suzhou Industrial Park, while Suzhou Yingdi Consultants will manage the new representative office and help local firms set up shop in Abu Dhabi. The Beijing Zhongguancun Science City Innovation Development ecosystem will provide tailored business packages for Chinese early-stage firms looking to launch operations in the UAE.

LOGISTICS-

DP World expands freight forwarding operations to Sweden: DP World is expanding into Sweden with the launch of freight forwarding operations in Stockholm and Gothenburg, starting next February, according to a press release. Two new offices will connect Swedish importers and exporters with DP World’s international network. DP World-owned company Foodtankers, Business Sweden, and the Swedish Trade and Invest Council will also support the rollout.

The new offices will route up to 25% of shipments via rail and sea in their first year to cut road emissions and also launch local education and workforce skills initiatives.

DIGITIZATION-

Moro Hub, PwC partner on smart city infrastructure and loT: Digital Dewa’s IT subsidiary Moro Hub partnered with PwC Middle East to boost the development of smart city, integrated command center, and Internet of Things (IoT) initiatives across the region, according to a press release. The collaboration also aims to advance critical infrastructure monitoring, as well as smart building and facilities management technologies.

Soon to be on offer: Joint initiatives include setting up AI-powered control centers to monitor infrastructure systems and predictive analysis platforms.

TECH-

US identity security firm Savyint rolls out Dubai HQ: US-based AI-driven identity security firm Savyint opened a regional headquarters in Dubai as it looks to tap into growing demand for identity security amid increased cloud and AI adoption, according to a press release. The company also partnered with UAE-based cybersecurity solutions firm StarLink as part of its expansion.

Savyint’s offering: The firm will host its Identity Cloud platform from Dubai, providing identity management and security solutions to help clients meet data residency requirements in the face of growing cybersecurity and identity risk threats. It is targeting industries including banking, energy, government, and telecommunications, and will offer security solutions to regulate employee and contractor access to devices.

AVIATION-

Turkish carrier taps DAE for Boeing newbuilds: Aircraft lessor Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has inked a long-term lease contract with Turkey’s flagship airline Turkish Airlines and budget carrier AJet for 10 new Boeing 737-8 jets, according to a statement. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027. The value of the agreement was not disclosed. The two inked an agreement back in 2024 on the leasing.

DATA POINT- Currently, DAE owns, manages, and has orders for a total of 236 Boeing planes, with a wider total of 750 aircraft valued at USD 22 bn.

REMEMBER– DAE is expanding its portfolio through a mix of firm acquisitions and purchases of used and new jets. The company finalized its full acquisition of Ireland-based Nordic Aviation Capital for an enterprise value of USD 2 bn earlier in May and has committed to acquiring an additional 100 aircraft from Airbus, Boeing, and ATR.

DEFENSE-

Calidus Holding secures Angola LOI for 12 B‑250T trainer aircraft: Abu Dhabi-based manufacturer Calidus Holding received a letter of intent (LOI) from the Republic of Angola to purchase 12 B‑250T training aircraft, supporting advanced training programs, state news agency Wam reports.

Calidus also launched the UAE’s first fully-integrated counter-drone defense system, designed to protect cities, borders, bases, and critical environment from AI drone and swarm threats, state news agency Wam reports. DAMITA has an interception rate of up to 20 drones per minute.

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