{"id":110857,"date":"2025-12-17T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/?post_type=issue&#038;p=110857"},"modified":"2026-01-04T21:40:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T21:40:25","slug":"adnocs-xrg-finally-acquires-covestro","status":"publish","type":"issue","link":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/issues\/adnocs-xrg-finally-acquires-covestro\/","title":{"rendered":"Adnoc\u2019s XRG finally acquires Covestro"},"content":{"rendered":"<section id=\"110860\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"110860\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">1<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">WHAT WE\u2019RE TRACKING TODAY<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/this-morning-uae-launches-strategic-partnership-talks-with-the-eu-corporate-tax-credit-refunds-explained\/\">\r\n                            THIS MORNING: UAE launches strategic partnership talks with the EU + corporate tax credit refunds, explained                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a 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data-permalink=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/this-morning-uae-launches-strategic-partnership-talks-with-the-eu-corporate-tax-credit-refunds-explained\/855-jpg-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/855.jpg?fit=%2C&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"[]\" data-image-title=\"855.jpg\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/855.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/855.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" \/>                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-110860\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-110860 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-what-were-tracking-today tag-corporate-tax tag-enterpriseam-uae tag-tax tag-trade tag-uae-eu-relations tag-what-were-tracking-today wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Good morning, friends \u2014 we\u2019ve missed you. <\/strong>We\u2019re back after a long publication holiday with the biggest updates from the past few days and the weekend. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The big story of the day is none other than Adnoc\u2019s Covestro acquisition finally seeing the light<\/strong> \u2014 a major win for the UAE oil giant as it looks to boost its footprint overseas. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The M&A theme continues<\/strong> throughout the issue, with a mandatory tender offer from <strong>AD Ports<\/strong> that could see it secure up to 90% of Egypt\u2019s <strong>Alexandria Container and Cargo <\/strong><strong>Handling Company. <\/strong>Meanwhile, <strong>in India, two potential transactions from UAE firms look to be dead in the water<\/strong> \u2014 as Masdar pulls its take-private transaction for Renew and Emirates NBD is said to be reconsidering its bid for a second Indian lender. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>It\u2019s also a busy issue on the investment front<\/strong>, with a big ticket investment into noon, a new real estate debt partnership by Mubadala, and a new massive Mercedez Benz-branded city planned by Binghatti. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Finally, on the macro front<\/strong>, we have the latest <strong>inflation<\/strong> figures for Dubai and a breakdown of what the <strong>IMF<\/strong> thinks of the UAE economy based on its Article IV consultation. <\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Watch this <strong>space<\/strong>- <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><a id=\"wwtt1\"><\/a> <strong>TRADE: <\/strong><strong>The UAE and EU formally launched negotiations on a strategic<\/strong><strong> partnership agreement<\/strong> (SPA), according to joint statements <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mofa.gov.ae\/ar-AE\/MediaHub\/News\/2025\/12\/15\/UAE-European-Union\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/north-africa-middle-east-gulf.ec.europa.eu\/news\/eu-and-united-arab-emirates-launch-strategic-partnership-agreement-negotiations-2025-12-11_en\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>. This comes as <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/4882f5a6-f3af-4c9b-b6a3-327d685e9ec9\/this-morning:-pax-silica-summit-kicks-off-in-the-us-with-the-uae-present-%2B-the-gulf-is-more-involved-in-paramount%25e2%2580%2599s-warner-bros-bid-than-meets-the-eye\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">trade talks<\/a> we\u2019ve previously reported on are now four rounds deep, with another round expected early next year. The SPA is positioned as groundwork for finalizing a future trade agreement.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Our take: <\/strong>Brussels and Abu Dhabi want more structure around an already sizable relationship<strong>.<\/strong> The SPA is meant to anchor cooperation across digitalization, AI, connectivity, research, and the green transition \u2014 areas where regulatory alignment, rather than tariff cuts alone, will shape cross-border capital and technology flows.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>What to watch: <\/strong>Timing and substance. When the SPA actually lands, which regulatory barriers it meaningfully tackles, and how that alignment accelerates or complicates the path to a full FTA.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<hr style=\"height:2px;border-width:0;color:gray;background-color:gray\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><a id=\"wwtt2\"><\/a> <strong>TAX: The UAE just cleared the way for taxpayers to monetize their tax incentives and <\/strong><strong>claim tax credits as refunds <\/strong>through a new federal decree-law picked up by state news agency <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wam.ae\/en\/article\/bn85hy4-federal-decree-law-issued-amending-taxation\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Wam<\/a>. The order of settlement now starts with tax credits, followed by foreign tax credit, and then incentives and facilities. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Uh, Enterprise, what does that mean? <\/strong>The new order of settlement effectively allows firms to use their tax credits in an order that prioritizes those that expire first, and shields multinationals from the 15% global minimum tax by treating tax credit refunds as income rather than tax breaks. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Background: <\/strong>In <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/83ef5f84-5676-41f4-addc-9e81483d84ad\/finmin-introduces-new-amendments-to-tax-procedures-law\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">November<\/a>, the Finance Ministry set new deadlines for requesting refunds for credit balances, setting a maximum deadline of five years to request a refund for credit balances or to offset tax liabilities with a credit balance.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<hr style=\"height:2px;border-width:0;color:gray;background-color:gray\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>INHERITANCE: Inheritance disputes in the UAE are set to move faster<\/strong> after the launch of specialized inheritance courts under amendments to the Civil Procedures Code, state news agency <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wam.ae\/en\/article\/bn5rrj4-uae-government-issues-federal-decree-law-amending\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Wam<\/a> reports. The reforms allow the President of the Federal Judicial Council or the head of a local judicial authority to establish dedicated inheritance courts without needing litigants\u2019 consent.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The backdrop: <\/strong>Inheritance disputes were <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/lawdxb.ae\/inheritance-and-family-disputes-how-uae-law-resolves-them\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">previously<\/a> split across family and civil courts under the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/uaelegislation.gov.ae\/en\/legislations\/2770?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">UAE Personal Status Law<\/a> \u2014 a system that defaults to shariah-based rules but allows non-Muslims to apply civil or home-country laws through a registered will. The new framework replaces this multi-step process with a single specialized forum for inheritance cases.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>What else is changing: <\/strong>The amendments beef up courts\u2019 ability to rely on technical expertise, allowing judges to appoint local or international experts, question their findings, and request revisions. Appeals are also getting tighter \u2014 challengers must now file judgments, dates, juridical grounds, and specific requests upfront, or risk having appeals thrown out as inadmissible.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Plus, a wider safety net for appeals: <\/strong>The reforms expand access to the Court of Cassation to cover decisions issued by the Courts of Appeal, not just final judgments. The Attorney General has also been given the power to file appeals independently, including in cases where litigants miss appeal deadlines.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Not entirely new, just federal now: <\/strong>Dubai rolled out its own standalone inheritance court <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/gulfnews.com\/uae\/new-dubai-court-for-inheritance-cases-to-open-in-september-1.90116545\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">in 2022<\/a> to speed up estate disputes at the emirate level. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">PSA- <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>\u26c5WEATHER- Rainy and unstable conditions are set to continue through today<\/strong>, with the mercury peaking at 30\u00b0C in Dubai and 28\u00b0C in Abu Dhabi, before cooling to a low of 22\u00b0C in the former and 21\u00b0C in the capital. <\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\"> THE BIG STORY ABROAD- <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Will Gulf sovereigns continue backing Paramount Skydance\u2019s hostile bid for Warner <\/strong><strong>Bros Discovery? <\/strong>The question hangs in the air this morning amid widespread reports that <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/business\/media\/warner-preparing-to-tell-shareholders-to-reject-paramount-offer-38f069ae?mod=hp_lead_pos1\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">WBD plans to reject Paramount\u2019s bid<\/a> in favour of Netflix. The news sent Affinity partners, the key conduit for GCC backing of Paramount\u2019s hostile bid, running to the exit. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Affinity, the private equity outfit led by Donald Trump\u2019s son-in-law Jared Kushner, said <\/strong><strong>overnight it would \u201cno longer pursue the opportunity.\u201d<\/strong> Kushner helped Paramount line up some USD 24 bn in funding for the bid from Saudi\u2019s PIF, the Qatar Investment Authority, and Abu Dhabi\u2019s L\u2019imad Holding.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>PLUS- It\u2019s a rough morning for the auto industry: <\/strong>Volkswagen is <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2025\/12\/16\/business\/volkswagen-dresden-factory-closed.html\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">shutting a plant<\/a> in Germany, its home market, for the first time in its 88-year history. <strong>That\u2019s bad news for any country (including Egypt) hoping that VW would choose it as the site for a new assembly plant <\/strong>\u2014 German unions would go bonkers if it invested significant sums abroad after shutting a plant at home. Ford, meanwhile, is taking a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/business\/autos-transportation\/fords-195-billion-ev-writedown-five-things-know-2025-12-16\/\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">USD 19 bn writedown<\/a> as it walks-back plans to go all-in on EVs.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Keep an eye on oil this morning:<\/strong> Crude futures dipped overnight after the Trump administration said it would impose a \u201ctotal and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2025-12-16\/trump-says-he-s-ordering-a-blockade-of-oil-tankers-in-venezuela\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">complete blockade<\/a> of all sanctioned oil tankers\u201d going into and and out of Venezuela.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>AND- The Trump administration is in damage-control mode after the White House <\/strong><strong>chief of staff gave a stunningly candid interview <\/strong>to Vanity Fair in which she said she was <strong>\u201caghast\u201d at the destruction of USAID<\/strong>, called Elon an \u201codd duck\u201d and ketamine user, and talked smack about JD Vance\u2019s love of conspiracy theories. <strong>Read:<\/strong> <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vanityfair.com\/news\/story\/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-1\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Susie Wiles, JD Vance, and the \u201cJunkyard Dogs\u201d: The White House Chief of Staff on Trump\u2019s Second Term (Part 1 of 2)<\/a> <\/p>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-md-12 subscribe-box-panel\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<div class=\"title\">\n<h4 class=\"fw-lighter mb-10\">   Get <b style=\"font-weight: 700\">Enterprise<\/b> daily   <\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"mb-10\">The roundup of news and trends that move your markets and shape corporate agendas delivered straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n<p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/egypt\/en\/user\/NewsLetters\" type=\"button \" class=\"btn-green px-3 d-flex align-items-center\" rel=\"noopener\">Subscribe here<\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">***<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>You\u2019re reading EnterpriseAM UAE<\/strong>, your essential daily roundup of business, economics, and must-read news about the UAE, delivered straight to your inbox. We\u2019re out Monday through Friday by 7am UAE time.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>EnterpriseAM UAE is available without charge <\/strong>thanks to the generous support of our friends at Mashreq and Hassan Allam Properties.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Were you forwarded this email?<\/strong> <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/user\/news-letters\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Tap or click here<\/a> to get your own copy of EnterpriseAM UAE. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Want to send us a story idea, request coverage, ask for a correction, or otherwise get in touch? <\/strong>Reach out to us on  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:UAE@enterpriseAM.com\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">UAE@enterpriseAM.com<\/a> .<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>DID YOU KNOW that we also cover <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Egypt<\/a><\/strong><strong>, <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/ksa\/en\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/strong>, and the MENA <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/logistics\/en\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">logistics<\/a> industry?<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">***<\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\"> OIL WATCH- <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><a id=\"wwtt3\"><\/a> <strong>Dubai crude\u2019s forward curve briefly flipped into contango \u2014 meaning near-term barrels <\/strong><strong>were<\/strong><strong> cheaper than later loads<\/strong> \u2014 a classic sign of plentiful supply, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2025-12-16\/oil-s-middle-eastern-benchmark-grade-flashes-signs-of-oversupply?srnd=phx-industries-energy\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Bloomberg<\/a> reports. Futures slid across key hubs, pushing Brent toward the USD 50s. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>If we\u2019re at USD 50-something now\u2026 <\/strong>Consensus on where oil will land next year is difficult to find, but Fitch Ratings\u2019 \u201cneutral\u201d <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fitchratings.com\/research\/corporate-finance\/global-oil-gas-outlook-for-2026-is-neutral-12-12-2025\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">sector outlook<\/a> assumes Brent averages around USD 63 \/ bbl, while <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/822.pdf\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Emirates NBD (pdf)<\/a> is more bearish, forecasting Brent at USD 60 \/ bbl. Fitch Ratings also expects the oil market to remain oversupplied next year, while ENBD sees demand growth slowing as global economic activity moderates. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>REMEMBER- There\u2019s a demand debate: <\/strong>The International Energy Agency sees <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/ksa\/en\/news\/story\/993555bf-1eb3-453f-9539-7f34f9cc83ef\/crown-prince-to-land-in-washington-on-tuesday,-with-f-35s,-gas-agreements,-and-more-at-stake\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">demand growth slowing<\/a> to some 860k bbl \/ d, while Opec is nearly twice as bullish, pegging growth at 1.4 mn bbl \/ d. <\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/corporate-tax\/\">corporate tax<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/tax\/\">tax<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/trade\/\">trade<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/uae-eu-relations\/\">UAE-EU relations<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/what-were-tracking-today\/\">WHAT WE\u2019RE TRACKING TODAY<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    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                 <span>From OUR FAMILY to YOURS<\/span>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/section> \r\n\r\n\n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"110866\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"110866\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">2<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">THE BIG STORY TODAY<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/covestro-is-a-done-deal\/\">\r\n                            It finally happened: Adnoc lands Covestro in EUR 14.7 bn European buyout                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\n<article id=\"post-110866\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-110866 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-the-big-story-today tag-adnoc tag-energy tag-enterpriseam-uae tag-investment tag-ma tag-the-big-story-today wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"> <strong>Adnoc finally lands its Covestro play:<\/strong> Adnoc\u2019s global investment arm XRG closed its long-awaited takeover of German polymer-maker Covestro, with the latter also wrapping up the EUR 1.17 bn capital hike tied to the transaction, according to a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.covestro.com\/investors\/news\/covestro-and-xrg-commence-strategic-partnership-transaction-successfully-closed\/\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">press release<\/a> from late last week. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Adnoc now has a <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eqs-news.com\/news\/voting-rights\/government-of-abu-dhabi-abu-dhabi-united-arab-emirates\/c57bc8e9-b370-4867-b81a-7d5e3860c878_en\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">95.1% stake<\/a><\/strong><strong> in the company<\/strong>, after conceding ground to satisfy Brussels\u2019 competition concerns and securing <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/cc2caeb3-6279-439a-9976-83c6e28674fc\/adnoc-clears-final-hurdles-for%253cmark%253e-covestro%253c%2Fmark%253e-takeover\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">regulatory clearances<\/a> for the acquisition late last month. The energy giant has been trying to acquire the company <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/46117b43-66b8-42a6-87b5-9854eaa78e59\/adnoc-plans-to-submit-a-revised-offer-for-germany%25e2%2580%2599s%253cmark%253e-covestro%253c%2Fmark%253e\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">for over two years<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Market reax: <\/strong>Covestro\u2019s shares shed 0.17% to EUR 59.3 apiece on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange last Wednesday, its first close after the completion of the acquisition. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Our take <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The acquisition is the largest Gulf-led buyout of a European-listed company in nearl<\/strong><strong>y two decades<\/strong> at EUR 14.7 bn, and proves Adnoc \u2014 through its international investment arm XRG \u2014 continues to hold plenty of negotiating prowess securing major acquisitions abroad, despite rising protectionism across Europe and other countries halting deals like what would have been its USD 18.7 bn acquisition for Santos. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>XRG seems to remain undeterred<\/strong> and in talks with governments from <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/c3fd9d2b-818f-4671-8bf2-464030c00306\/this-morning:%253cmark%253e-xrg%253c%2Fmark%253e-to-join-lng-project-in-argentina-%2B-dewa-invites-bids-for-seventh-phase-of-mohammed-bin-rashid-solar-park\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Argentina<\/a> to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/18744aa0-dde8-4745-bdc2-ee3009fc335c\/%253cmark%253exrg%253c%2Fmark%253e-wants-a-piece-of-azerbaijan%25e2%2580%2599s-southern-gas-corridor\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Azerbaijan<\/a> on possible LNG investments, as it looks to secure a top-five global position in gas and petrochemicals. <\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/adnoc\/\">Adnoc<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/energy\/\">energy<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/investment\/\">investment<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/ma\/\">M&amp;A<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/the-big-story-today\/\">THE BIG STORY TODAY<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"110869\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"110869\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">3<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">TRADE + LOGISTICS<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/ad-ports-dp-world-and-gulftainer-expand-footprint-overseas\/\">\r\n                            AD Ports eyes a bigger Egypt footprint + DP World boosts links to Iraq. PLUS: Gulftainer in talks for Ugandan dry port                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/ad-ports-dp-world-and-gulftainer-expand-footprint-overseas\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); 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data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"[]\" data-image-title=\"842.jpg\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/842.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/842.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" \/>                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-110869\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-110869 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-trade-logistics-3 tag-ad-ports-group tag-dp-world tag-enterpriseam-uae tag-gulftainer tag-logistics tag-trade tag-trade-logistics-2 wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"> <strong>It\u2019s <\/strong><strong>a big day for Emirati port operators<\/strong>, with AD Ports, DP World, and Gulftainer all making inroads overseas, whether through acquisitions, new maritime links, or concession agreements. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>AD Ports plans to raise its stake in Alexandria Container and Cargo <\/strong><strong>Handling Company to become a majority shareholder<\/strong> as it gears up to place a mandatory tender offer to buy an additional stake of nearly 32% as a minimum, the ADQ-owned ports operator said in a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.adportsgroup.com\/en\/news-and-media\/2025\/12\/15\/ad-ports-group-announces-intention-to-launch-mandatory-tender-offer-for-alexandria-container\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The ADQ-backed player, which <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\/news\/story\/0e068cb1-c27d-4b58-a86d-d1301fff60ee\/adq-secures-indirect-majority-control-of-egypt%25e2%2580%2599s-alexandria-container-&-cargo-handling-company\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">already owns 19.33%<\/a><\/strong><strong> of ACLN, is offering to buy up to<\/strong><strong> 90% of the company<\/strong> at EGP 22.99 a pop, according to a separate <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/806.pdf\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">bourse disclosure (pdf)<\/a>, and is penciling in a 3% boost to group revenue from the acquisition, set to close in 2Q 2026. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The devil is always in the detail \u2014 a large part of the transaction may be AD Ports <\/strong><strong>bringing its indirect stakes in-house. <\/strong>The additional stake on top of the 19.3% it <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\/news\/story\/0e068cb1-c27d-4b58-a86d-d1301fff60ee\/adq-secures-indirect-majority-control-of-alexandria-container-&-cargo-handling-company\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">acquired last month<\/a> from a unit of Saudi\u2019s PIF is 32% \u2014 the same amount it <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\/news\/story\/b4a11664-2159-45ba-ba2f-bf0d3dfd3978\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">indirectly owns<\/a> through Alpha Oryx. AD Ports confirmed that government shareholders that own over 40% of the port operator will \u201cmaintain their current respective shareholding stakes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The price is a markdown:<\/strong> At EGP 22.99 a share, the offer implies a 4.2% markdown to ACLN\u2019s Thursday price of EGP 23.95 \u2014 its last close before the transaction was announced on Sunday. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Keep an eye out:<\/strong> The transaction is expected to come to fruition in 2Q 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Why it matters<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>This is the latest step in AD Ports\u2019 steady buildout of Egypt\u2019s logistics corridor. <\/strong>The firm took a majority stake in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\/news\/story\/2357fde7-86e9-4342-81b1-aa59de80bbb1\/ad-ports-subsidiary-acquires-egyptian-maritime-services-provider%253cmark%253e-safina%253c%2Fmark%253e\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Safina Shipping Services<\/a> last year, secured a long-term concession for the USD 200 mn <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/6be91c44-beff-4338-9bab-ea9fd03954c8\/adp-inks-usd-200-mn-egypt-terminal-agreement.-plus:-news-from-real-estate,-financial-services,-energy,-trade,-and-tourism,-and-more\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Safaga terminal<\/a>, signed a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\/news\/story\/6e52c19b-f03e-4028-8aac-319a2bee5621\/ad-ports-signs-50-year-agreement-to-develop%253cmark%253e-kezad-east-port%253c%2Fmark%253e-said-zone\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">50-year renewable agreemen<\/a><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\/news\/story\/6e52c19b-f03e-4028-8aac-319a2bee5621\/ad-ports-signs-50-year-agreement-to-develop%253cmark%253e-kezad-east-port%253c%2Fmark%253e-said-zone\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">t<\/a> to develop and operate Kezad East Port Said at Suez Canal, and is expanding its cruise and port <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\/news\/story\/9face794-e574-4fde-8007-b955053d60fc\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">footprint along the Red Sea coast<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Taking control of ACLN would plug AD Ports into the country\u2019s primary Mediterr<\/strong><strong>anean <\/strong><strong>gateway<\/strong> linking Suez Canal traffic with Egypt\u2019s industrial and consumption base, and bring 60% of Alexandria\u2019s container capacity \u2014 which spans two container terminals at Alexandria and El Dekheila ports with a combined annual capacity of 1.5 mn TEUs \u2014 under its umbrella. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Our take<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The port operator has been monetizing non-core assets as it looks to <\/strong><strong>strengthen <\/strong><strong>i<\/strong><strong>ts balance sheet and reinvest capital into growth<\/strong> and expansion of its logistics, infrastructure, and trade projects. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Next stop, Kuwait? <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Next stop for <\/strong><strong>AD<\/strong><strong> Ports looks to be Kuwait<\/strong>, after the port operator signed an MoU with Kuwait Ports Authority to look into developing the country\u2019s Shuaiba Port and operating its container terminal, according to a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.adportsgroup.com\/en\/news-and-media\/2025\/12\/15\/ad-ports-group-and-kuwait-ports-authority-sign-mou\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">statement<\/a>. The project is still in its feasibility study phase. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Meanwhile, DP World boosts links to Iraq and Gulftainer eyes Uganda<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Meanwhile, DP World is expanding its links to Iraq. <\/strong>The company is now offering a quicker alternative to overland trucking between the UAE and Iraq by launching a new 36-hour maritime service linking Dubai\u2019s Mina Rashid to Iraq\u2019s Umm Qasr Port, it said in a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dpworld.com\/uae\/news\/releases\/dp-world-launches-36-hour-dubai-iraq-sea-link-cutting-costs-and-transit-times\/\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">statement<\/a>. The route transports non-containerized, full-trainer units \u2014 with drivers onboard \u2014 and holds up to 145 trailers per sailing. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Also making an overseas play: <\/strong>Sharjah-based Gulftainer is finalizing a concession agreement to operate Uganda\u2019s first rail-connected dry port, which would see it build and run the inland terminal that connects to the upcoming Standard Gauge Railway, it said in a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gulftainer.com\/news\/releases\/gulftainer-develops-dry-port-uganda\/\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The firm is testing the waters in landlocked Africa<\/strong>, where rail and road connectivity are key to reaching ports in neighboring countries. With no existing assets on the continent to leverage, Gulftainer\u2019s move into Uganda could signal a niche expansion into interior logistics infrastructure on the continent \u2014 in contrast to other UAE logistics majors, like DP World and AD Ports, which are growing their presence in African seaports. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">AND- IHC is investing further in its commodities trading unit<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>International<\/strong><strong> Holding Company (IHC) lifted its 22.5% stake in ADX-listed agro-food and <\/strong><strong>commodities trader Invictus Investment to about 40%<\/strong> via an AED 420 mn block trade, according to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/813.pdf\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">a press release (pdf)<\/a>. The transaction value implies an AED 2.4 bn valuation for Invictus at the time of the acquisition. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Invictus\u2019 top line rose 43% y-o-y to AED 6.1 bn in 1H<\/strong> \u2014 its strongest half since listing \u2014 and it also scaled to 10 new markets, bringing its presence to 65 countries. Invictus\u2019 shares gained 2.5% yesterday to close at AED 2.44. <\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/ad-ports-group\/\">AD Ports Group<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/dp-world\/\">DP World<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/gulftainer\/\">Gulftainer<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/logistics\/\">logistics<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/trade\/\">trade<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/trade-logistics-2\/\">TRADE + LOGISTICS<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"110871 advertiser\" class=\"issue-section enterprise-adv\">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                            \"\r\n            id=\"110871\">\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/110871\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-110871\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-110871 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-advertiser wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight:400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mashreq.com\/en\/uae\/private\/become-a-customer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/4\/741.jpg?ssl=1\"><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"110872\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"110872\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">4<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">M&amp;A WATCH<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/about-turns-on-india\/\">\r\n                            Masdar withdraws take-private bid for India\u2019s Renew, while Emirates NBD reportedly could drop plans to acquire another stake in an Indian bank                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/about-turns-on-india\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); 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The consortium included Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia), and ReNew founder and promoter Sumant Sinha. CPPIB, Adia, and Sinha together hold about 64% of ReNew, while Masdar was joining as a new investor.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Background: <\/strong>The proposed transaction, led by Masdar, involved a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/1fb87710-d618-4250-9d02-bf8f91e69412\/%253cmark%253emasdar%253c%2Fmark%253e-led-consortium-raises-offer-to-take-india%25e2%2580%2599s%253cmark%253e-renew%253c%2Fmark%253e-energy-global-private\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">final allcash offer<\/a> of USD 8.15 per share on 15 October \u2014 up 15.3% from the initial USD 7.07 offer made in December 2024.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\"> Why it matters<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The proposed transaction offered Masdar a strategic inroad into India\u2019s gr<\/strong><strong>een energy sector<\/strong> through ReNew, which commands 9-10% of the country's renewables production capacity. ReNew\u2019s operational and under-construction projects add up to 18.5 GW of clean energy projects as well as 6.5 GW in solar module manufacturing facilities, according to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/m.economictimes.com\/industry\/renewables\/masdar-pulls-the-plug-on-going-private-with-renew\/amp_articleshow\/125989569.cms\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Economic Times<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Market reax: <\/strong>Following the withdrawal, ReNew\u2019s stock value dropped 28%, trading at USD 5.5 on Tuesday versus USD 7.55 at Friday\u2019s closing bell. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Also from the India<>Mena corridor-<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Emirates NBD (ENBD) is likely to drop its <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/364c15de-665f-4e0d-8583-cc1098feec47\/enbd-to-bid-for-usd-7.1-bn-stake-sale-of-state-owned%253cmark%253e-idbi%253c%2Fmark%253e-bank\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">plans<\/a><\/strong><strong> to acquire a stake in Indian<\/strong><strong> state-run lender IDBI Bank <\/strong>after Canada\u2019s <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fairfax.ca\/\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Fairfax Financial<\/a> emerged as a frontrunner, competing with Mumbai-based Kotak Mahindra Bank, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/industry\/banking\/finance\/banking\/fairfax-emerges-as-frontrunner-to-acquire-governmentlic-stake-in-idbi-bank\/articleshow\/125919779.cms?from=mdr\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Economic Times<\/a> reports. The Dubai-based lender is reportedly reassessing participation as Fairfax and Kotak Mahindra firm up their final bids ahead of the end-of-December deadline. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Fairfax is evaluating an allcash bid broadly aligned with IDBI Bank\u2019s market valuation<\/strong>, while Kotak is considering a mix of banknotes and shares. Fairfax has prior operating experience in India\u2019s banking sector, having acquired a controlling stake in CSB Bank in 2018. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>REMEMBER-<\/strong> The Indian government and state-owned <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/aclk?sa=L&pf=1&ai=DChsSEwiKr4OWp7eRAxW-CXsHHTDCDdwYACICCAEQABoCdG0&co=1&ase=2&gclid=Cj0KCQiA9OnJBhD-ARIsAPV51xMs2qbpJK0G649cCnxiPtpQebppLjy_dEvJrj882eda8nDzGZpQL_saAn8uEALw_wcB&ei=l6Y7afDUIOqxwcsPgL654A4&cid=CAASZuRoJzO2qLyl3llrDFu78ZvDHipc9ex1fXGb7oNwsMLmHmM2lOgsKgz0yO-jf3DSgnTFvsZPcIoPvAOa0HdPRhON0azMOBelrd3j4cMzFyu75jjlsSQ9AWlCEnEDaSR6uGTlR5FrqQ&cce=2&category=acrcp_v1_32&sig=AOD64_0uASmFYVY_SB_xuwMjXASY2xqEqg&q&sqi=2&nis=4&adurl=https:\/\/licindia.in\/hi\/buy-online?utm_source%3DGoogle_Search%26utm_medium%3DBanner%26utm_campaign%3DPD_LIC_Google_Brand_Dec_Jan_2025_26%26gad_source%3D1%26gad_campaignid%3D23340350786%26gbraid%3D0AAAAAqqtO5ooj6hmESNOAylMNvfrmHqQ6%26gclid%3DCj0KCQiA9OnJBhD-ARIsAPV51xMs2qbpJK0G649cCnxiPtpQebppLjy_dEvJrj882eda8nDzGZpQL_saAn8uEALw_wcB&ved=2ahUKEwiw_PaVp7eRAxXqWHADHQBfDuwQ0Qx6BAgLEAE\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Life Ins. Corporation of India<\/a> are selling a combined 60.72% stake worth around USD 7 bn in IDBI Bank. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Our take <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Even as the Indian government is keen to allow more foreign investors to pick<\/strong><strong> up major stakes in Indian banks, it would likely prefer to opt for a diverse set of investors<\/strong> to safeguard governance and spread risks across multiple stakeholders. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>ENBD already made a strategic acquisition in India<\/strong>, investing USD 3 bn for a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/mena-india\/en\/news\/story\/a2137f89-7038-4043-a761-1ddb7b360e6b\/emirates-nbd%25e2%2580%2599s-open-offer-for-rbl-bank-in-december.\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">majority stake in RBL Bank<\/a>, a transaction blessed by the government through special regulatory approvals. Although the Dubai bank seeks to establish a long-term and widespread presence in India, tapping into a credit-hungry and fast-growing market, its RBL Bank acquisition fulfills those objectives without overstretching its capital allocation in a competitive sector already dominated by domestic giants. <\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/banking\/\">banking<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/emirates-nbd\/\">Emirates NBD<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/energy\/\">energy<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/ma-watch\/\">M&amp;A WATCH<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/masdar\/\">Masdar<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/renewables\/\">renewables<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"110874\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"110874\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">5<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">ECONOMY<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/the-imf-is-happy-with-the-uaes-reform-and-growth-trajectory-based-on-its-latest-article-iv-consultation\/\">\r\n                            The IMF maintains UAE GDP projection unchanged in 2025 and 2026                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li 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data-permalink=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/the-imf-is-happy-with-the-uaes-reform-and-growth-trajectory-based-on-its-latest-article-iv-consultation\/844-jpg\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/844.jpg?fit=%2C&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"[]\" data-image-title=\"844.jpg\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/844.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/844.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" \/>                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-110874\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-110874 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-economy tag-economy tag-energy tag-enterpriseam-uae tag-imf wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong> The International Monetary Fund (IMF) maintained its growth forecast <\/strong><strong>for the <\/strong><strong>UAE\u2019s<\/strong><strong> eco<\/strong><strong>nomy at 4.8% in 2025 <\/strong>and 5% in 2026 in line with its latest projections in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/845a822d-d288-475c-bf15-e8b0ef5e3e0c\/imf-upgrades-uae%25e2%2580%2599s-2025-growth-forecast-on-oil-rebound-and-non-oil-momentum-%2B-moody%25e2%2580%2599s-affirms-uae,-abu-dhabi%25e2%2580%2599s-aa2-ratings\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">October<\/a>, according to the 2025 IMF Article IV consultation <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.imf.org\/-\/media\/files\/publications\/cr\/2025\/english\/1areea2025001-source-pdf.pdf\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">report<\/a> for the UAE.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The anticipated 2025 growth is driven by a projected 5.3% expansion in the hydrocarbon sector<\/strong>, which is expected following the reversal of the Opec+ group's decision to pause oil production increases, alongside a 4.6% rise projected for the non-oil sector. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The IMF sees the UAE economy continuing to show resilience against global shocks and uncertainty<\/strong>, underpinned by \u201csustained external surpluses.\u201d <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The UAE\u2019s overall fiscal surplus is forecast to remain around 5% in 2025 and 2026<\/strong>, as government revenues are exceeding expenditures leading to a projected net lending of 5.1% and 4.7% of GDP in 2025 and 2026, respectively. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The external position remains strong,<\/strong> but the current account surplus is projected to decline to 13.3% of GDP in 2025 from 14.5% in 2024. The fund expects our current account surplus to shrink further amid higher intermediate and final goods imports in support of the diversification strategy.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The banking sector is getting tub-tubs for maintaining resilience<\/strong>, keeping capital and liquidity levels above the regulatory minima during mid 2025. Tier 1 capital also came in at 16% while liquidity coverage ratio was at 153.2%, with a declining non-performing loans ratio showing strengthened capital buffers. Liquidity also increased, largely at the back of increased net capital inflows.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Inflation is projected at 1.6% in 2025 <\/strong>and about 2% in 2026, with housing prices being the main driver for inflation. The fund attributed lower oil prices and weaker non-energy commodity prices as key factors for its inflation projection for this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Our take <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The key message from the IMF to the UAE this time around? <\/strong>Simply: Keep it up. The policies supporting innovation and diversification have been doing wonders to the economy, so a continuation of that along with \u201cextreme vigilance in risk management\u201d are what the doctor ordered for 2026. <\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/economy\/\">Economy<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/energy\/\">energy<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/imf\/\">IMF<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"110876\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"110876\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">6<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">ECONOMY<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/dubais-inflation-decelerates-in-november-on-lower-transport-costs\/\">\r\n                            Dubai's inflation decelerates in November on lower transport costs                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div 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data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2024\/12\/2509.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2024\/12\/2509.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" \/>                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-110876\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-110876 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-economy tag-economy tag-enterpriseam-uae tag-inflation tag-transport wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Transport price inflation inched up for the second straight month in November<\/strong>, albeit at a slower pace of only <strong>0.23% y-o-y<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>REMEMBER - <\/strong>The Fuel Pricing Committee reduced petrol and diesel prices by up to 5.6% in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/184c1ee2-b9e4-4b4b-ac7e-3f96a0035c18\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">November<\/a>, before raising them again in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/19d1087f-8be4-4fbd-a476-c4964d20bec6\/%2525d9%252587%2525d8%2525b0%2525d8%2525a7-%2525d8%2525a7%2525d9%252584%2525d8%2525b5%2525d8%2525a8%2525d8%2525a7%2525d8%2525ad:-%2525d8%2525a3%2525d8%2525af%2525d8%2525a7%2525d8%2525a1-%2525d8%2525b3%2525d9%25258a%2525d8%2525a1-%2525d9%252584%2525d9%252584%2525d8%2525a3%2525d8%2525b3%2525d9%252587%2525d9%252585-%2525d9%252581%2525d9%25258a-%2525d9%252586%2525d9%252588%2525d9%252581%2525d9%252585%2525d8%2525a8%2525d8%2525b1-%252B-%2525d8%2525b3%2525d8%2525aa%2525d8%2525af%2525d9%252581%2525d8%2525b9%2525d9%252588%2525d9%252586-%2525d8%2525a3%2525d9%252583%2525d8%2525ab%2525d8%2525b1-%2525d9%252585%2525d9%252582%2525d8%2525a7%2525d8%2525a8%2525d9%252584%25253cmark%25253e-%2525d8%2525a7%2525d9%252584%2525d9%252588%2525d9%252582%2525d9%252588%2525d8%2525af%25253c%252Fmark%25253e-%2525d9%252581%2525d9%25258a-%2525d8%2525af%2525d9%25258a%2525d8%2525b3%2525d9%252585%2525d8%2525a8%2525d8%2525b1\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">December<\/a> by up to 6.7%.<strong><\/p>\n<p>Inflation is still pressured by housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels \u2014 the largest component of the basket<\/strong>, though the pace of the increase has slowed slightly to 5.29%, the lowest level in 32 months. \u201cHousing & utilities prices have accelerated faster than all other categories,\u201d Emirates NBD said in a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/802.pdf\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">research note (pdf)<\/a>. \u201cOver January to November it has averaged 6.5% growth, more than twice as fast as the headline figure as population growth and investment fueled demand,\u201d it added. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>On a monthly basis, consumer prices registered a negative reading for the first time since last May, <\/strong>falling by 0.17% in November, retreating from October\u2019s largest monthly increase this year of 0.64%, according to the Statistics Center's <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/801.pdf\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">monthly inflation report (pdf)<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>This decline was driven by transportation costs turning to a decline of 1.93% m-o-m, <\/strong>food and non-alcoholic beverage prices falling by 0.21% m-o-m, and clothing and footwear prices falling 2.31%. The recreation, sport, and culture sector also deepened its decline by 3.42%. Meanwhile, the pace of increase in the housing, water, electricity, gas, and fuel category slowed to 0.37% m-o-m.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Inflation remains under control, analysts say:<\/strong> \u201cFollowing the recent US Federal Reserve rate cut, Dubai's inflation in November remains moderate and well-managed,\u201d banking and economic expert Amjad Naser told EnterpriseAM. \u201cCompared to global markets still grappling with high inflation, Dubai benefits from both structural demand and a favorable interest rate environment, reinforcing its position as a stable and attractive hub for investment,\u201d according to Naser.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Looking ahead:<\/strong> Emirates NBD maintained its forecast for the average headline inflation rate for the entire year at 2.6%, before slightly falling to 2.5% during 2026.<\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/economy\/\">Economy<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/inflation\/\">inflation<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/transport\/\">transport<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"110878\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"110878\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">7<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">FINANCE<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/the-uaes-hedge-fund-hub-status-gets-another-boost\/\">\r\n                            The UAE\u2019s hedge fund boom matures further as a slate of hedge funds debut in the country                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/the-uaes-hedge-fund-hub-status-gets-another-boost\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); navigator.clipboard.writeText('https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/the-uaes-hedge-fund-hub-status-gets-another-boost\/')\">\n                    Copy Link                <\/a>\n\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/the-uaes-hedge-fund-hub-status-gets-another-boost\/\">\n                    Facebook                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/facebook-icon2.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/post?text=The UAE\u2019s hedge fund hub status gets another boost&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/the-uaes-hedge-fund-hub-status-gets-another-boost\/\">\n                    X                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/twitter-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/the-uaes-hedge-fund-hub-status-gets-another-boost\/&title=The UAE\u2019s hedge fund hub status gets another boost\">\n                    LinkedIn                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/linkedin-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=The+UAE%E2%80%99s+hedge+fund+hub+status+gets+another+boost+https%3A%2F%2Fenterpriseam.com%2Fuae%2F2025%2F12%2F17%2Fthe-uaes-hedge-fund-hub-status-gets-another-boost%2F\">\n                    WhatsApp                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/whatsapp-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\r\n                    \r\n                <\/div>\r\n\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/the-uaes-hedge-fund-hub-status-gets-another-boost\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/6\/1442.jpg?fit=1568%2C9999&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"110879\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/the-uaes-hedge-fund-hub-status-gets-another-boost\/1442-jpg-8\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/6\/1442.jpg?fit=%2C&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"[]\" data-image-title=\"1442.jpg\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/6\/1442.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/6\/1442.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" \/>                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-110878\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-110878 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-finance tag-adgm tag-dubai-international-financial-center tag-enterpriseam-uae tag-finance tag-investment wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"> <strong>The UAE\u2019s hedge fund story is entering a new phase.<\/strong> After years of attracting relocations from global managers, the country is now drawing activity further upstream into fund formation itself, as Dubai and Abu Dhabi increasingly position themselves as places to launch, not just operate.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>By the numbers: <\/strong>At least five senior portfolio managers from top hedge funds are launching UAE-based entities, with the three largest spin-outs backed by Brummer & Partners, Schonfeld Strategic Advisors, and Morgan Stanley, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2025-12-11\/hedge-fund-debuts-backed-by-foreign-cash-sprout-up-across-uae?srnd=homepage-middle-east\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Bloomberg<\/a> reports, citing people familiar with the matter. Former ExodusPoint and Millennium manager Nikolay Aleksandrov (<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/nikolay-aleksandrov-a7ba9a5\/?originalSubdomain=ae\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a>) secured roughly USD 500 mn from Morgan Stanley for Continuum Capital Management, while Omar Newera (<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/omar-newera-b729a311\/?originalSubdomain=ae\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a>) raised a similar amount from Schonfeld for Insight Capital Management.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Sign of the times? <\/strong>Those launches are landing in a market that has already reached critical mass. Dubai International Financial Center now hosts 102 registered hedge funds and says it ranks among the world\u2019s top five hedge fund hubs. The latest arrival is US alternative investment firm Oak Hill Advisors, which manages about USD 108 bn in assets, according to a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difc.com\/whats-on\/news\/difc-becomes-top-five-global-hub-for-hedge-fund-managers---over-100-hedge-funds-now-registered\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>That\u2019s not all: <\/strong>As we\u2019ve been reporting throughout the year, the UAE\u2019s hedge fund buildout extends well beyond spin-outs. This year alone, we reported on arrivals including <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/37767492-2c63-4cde-8c67-c5681955da1b\/drilling-kicks-off-at-eog-resources-operated-shale-block-in-the-uae\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Stronghold Capital<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/0d8485ce-c580-4cfc-88b6-836d6f09d36b\/mbrsg-and-undp-partner-on-ai-policy\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Pimco<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/3078d3e3-eefc-4b9f-9fdf-e8a56c370306\/more-firms-set-up-shop-in-difc-%2B-jafza-earmarks-aed-90-mn-to-expand-logistics-park\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Cambridge Associates<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/b4442147-28d4-4ce9-a59f-2659fd9eac31\/asset-manager-lazard-is-the-latest-to-expand-to-abu-dhabi\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Bluecrest Capital<\/a>, and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/1892854d-5d0e-4456-a225-6d97f3e8e37a\/dubai-based-teammates.ai-launches-new-ai-agents-to-handle-entire-job-functions\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">China International Capital Corporation<\/a>. Abu Dhabi\u2019s ADGM has drawn <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/12d1914c-75f9-4383-b711-3d33b4c80106\/davidson-kempner-latest-to-join-adgm-rush\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Davidson Kempner<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/dd5ded99-f875-435f-bf90-3ac67410be27\/nmc-healthcare-expands-in-al-ain-with-new-clinic-acquisition\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Arini<\/a>, while firms such as <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/37a3d1dc-d479-44cb-89ab-b6b750e0bf0d\/mubadala,-aldar-plan-aed-60%2B-bn-expansion-of-al-maryah-island\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Balyasny Asset Management<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/aac12ef0-6900-4ae4-a9a8-b768976edbd6\/this-morning:-abu-dhabi-finance-week-kicks-off-after-f1-weekend-wraps-%2B-stargate-uae-to-launch-in-3q-2026\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">LSE-listed Man Group<\/a> are weighing deeper expansions into the capital after first launching in Dubai.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">What\u2019s driving the rush? <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Zero taxes, regulatory momentum, and proximity to sovereign and family-office capital<\/strong> have turned the UAE into a credible alternative to traditional hedge fund hubs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">What to watch <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>With spin-outs and incumbents piling in, the next phase will be less about who arrives and more about who scores a W.<\/strong> Rising density will sharpen competition for capital and talent, and quickly separate strategies that scale from those that don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/adgm\/\">ADGM<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/dubai-international-financial-center\/\">Dubai International Financial Center<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/finance\/\">Finance<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/investment\/\">investment<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"110880\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"110880\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">8<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">INVESTMENT WATCH<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/mubadala-pushes-into-real-estate-credit-to-fill-a-funding-gap\/\">\r\n                            Mubadala targets real estate credit to capitalize on the real estate credit crunch                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/mubadala-pushes-into-real-estate-credit-to-fill-a-funding-gap\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); navigator.clipboard.writeText('https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/mubadala-pushes-into-real-estate-credit-to-fill-a-funding-gap\/')\">\n                    Copy Link                <\/a>\n\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/mubadala-pushes-into-real-estate-credit-to-fill-a-funding-gap\/\">\n                    Facebook                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/facebook-icon2.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/post?text=Mubadala pushes into real estate credit to fill a funding gap&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/mubadala-pushes-into-real-estate-credit-to-fill-a-funding-gap\/\">\n                    X                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/twitter-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/mubadala-pushes-into-real-estate-credit-to-fill-a-funding-gap\/&title=Mubadala pushes into real estate credit to fill a funding gap\">\n                    LinkedIn                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/linkedin-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=Mubadala+pushes+into+real+estate+credit+to+fill+a+funding+gap+https%3A%2F%2Fenterpriseam.com%2Fuae%2F2025%2F12%2F17%2Fmubadala-pushes-into-real-estate-credit-to-fill-a-funding-gap%2F\">\n                    WhatsApp                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/whatsapp-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\r\n                    \r\n                <\/div>\r\n\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/mubadala-pushes-into-real-estate-credit-to-fill-a-funding-gap\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/5\/826.jpg?fit=1568%2C9999&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"110881\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/mubadala-pushes-into-real-estate-credit-to-fill-a-funding-gap\/826-jpg-20\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/5\/826.jpg?fit=%2C&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"[]\" data-image-title=\"826.jpg\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/5\/826.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/5\/826.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" \/>                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-110880\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-110880 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-investment-watch tag-enterpriseam-uae tag-investment tag-investment-watch tag-mubadala tag-real-estate wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"> <strong>M<\/strong><strong>ubadala<\/strong><strong> Investment entered a USD 500 m<\/strong><strong>n real estate debt partnership<\/strong> with MassMutual\u2019s investment management arm <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barings.com\/en-us\/guest\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Barings<\/a>, as the sovereign wealth fund looks to capitalize on a funding gap for the sector, state news agency <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wam.ae\/en\/article\/bn85iog-mubadala-barings-enter-into-500-million-global\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Wam<\/a> reports. The JV aims to deploy capital into senior and subordinated real estate loans across the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\"> Our take<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Mubadala is targeting the high-yield and riskier segment of the capital stack to capitalize on a global real estate credit crunch<\/strong>, as commercial banks in the US and Europe retreat due to high interest rates and tightening capital requirements. This positions the sovereign player to fill a funding gap for property owners facing debt maturities, securing fixed and double-digit returns.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\"> Background<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Mubadala has been ramping up its exposure to both real estate and private credit.<\/strong> Mubadala Capital <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/d9308495-92d2-4f18-9ceb-6b3f17481453\/%253cmark%253emubadala%253c%2Fmark%253e-capital,-aldar-launch-real-estate-investment-platform,-eye-usd-1-bn-first-fund\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">launched<\/a> a real estate and infrastructure investment management platform alongside Aldar and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/987899b4-6ae1-409a-995d-ac888ea915ed\/%253cmark%253emubadala%253c%2Fmark%253e-capital-to-deploy-bns-in-real-estate%3F-plus:-another-investment-in-us-biotech\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">partnered<\/a> with Cain International to deploy bns in luxury real estate. It also acquired a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/0364d9fc-52a2-490a-8933-20a890228a7a\/%253cmark%253emubadala%253c%2Fmark%253e-and-alpha-dhabi%25e2%2580%2599s-jv-acquired-an-apollo-global-managed-european-direct-lending-portfolio\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">USD 600 mn<\/a> Apollo Global-managed direct lending portfolio, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/5a42a0d8-1126-426a-a532-e89e42db8125\/%253cmark%253emubadala%253c%2Fmark%253e-anchors-janus-henderson-mena-fund\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">backed<\/a> Janus Henderson\u2019s MENA private credit fund, and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/6e86a56d-1ae3-4ca0-8f86-31f725993e65\/%253cmark%253emubadala%253c%2Fmark%253e-doubles-down-on-private-credit-with-usd-1-bn-fortress-tie-up\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">committed<\/a> USD 1 bn to its partnership with Fortress Investment.<\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/investment\/\">investment<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/investment-watch\/\">INVESTMENT WATCH<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/mubadala\/\">Mubadala<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/real-estate\/\">Real estate<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"110882\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"110882\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">9<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">REAL ESTATE<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/dubai-developers-still-bank-on-branding-even-as-doubts-grow-over-its-value\/\">\r\n                            Dubai developers still bank on branding even as doubts grow over its value                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/dubai-developers-still-bank-on-branding-even-as-doubts-grow-over-its-value\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); navigator.clipboard.writeText('https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/dubai-developers-still-bank-on-branding-even-as-doubts-grow-over-its-value\/')\">\n                    Copy Link                <\/a>\n\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/dubai-developers-still-bank-on-branding-even-as-doubts-grow-over-its-value\/\">\n                    Facebook                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/facebook-icon2.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/post?text=Dubai developers still bank on branding even as doubts grow over its value&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/dubai-developers-still-bank-on-branding-even-as-doubts-grow-over-its-value\/\">\n                    X                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/twitter-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/dubai-developers-still-bank-on-branding-even-as-doubts-grow-over-its-value\/&title=Dubai developers still bank on branding even as doubts grow over its value\">\n                    LinkedIn                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/linkedin-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=Dubai+developers+still+bank+on+branding+even+as+doubts+grow+over+its+value+https%3A%2F%2Fenterpriseam.com%2Fuae%2F2025%2F12%2F17%2Fdubai-developers-still-bank-on-branding-even-as-doubts-grow-over-its-value%2F\">\n                    WhatsApp                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/whatsapp-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\r\n                    \r\n                <\/div>\r\n\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/dubai-developers-still-bank-on-branding-even-as-doubts-grow-over-its-value\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/851.jpg?fit=1568%2C9999&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"110883\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/dubai-developers-still-bank-on-branding-even-as-doubts-grow-over-its-value\/851-jpg-45\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/851.jpg?fit=%2C&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"[]\" data-image-title=\"851.jpg\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/851.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/851.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" \/>                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-110882\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-110882 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-real-estate tag-arada-developments tag-azizi-developments tag-dubai tag-enterpriseam-uae tag-ras-al-khaimah tag-real-estate wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"> <strong>Think developers have had enough of<\/strong><strong> branded residences? Think again.<\/strong> Some developers are so bullish on branded real estate that they\u2019re now developing entire branded cities \u2014 with Binghatti choosing Mercedes-Benz for its latest branded real estate play, according to a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/831.pdf\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">statement (pdf)<\/a> out yesterday. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The AED 30 bn project, located in Meydan, comes amid<\/strong> <strong>growing criticism of the branded residence segment.<\/strong> Some industry players \u2014 like British developer Nick Candy and Arada\u2019s Chief Investment Officer Rosa Piro \u2014 question if the brand name alone justifies the premium associated with these types of projects, particularly when it comes without a genuine service offering, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.agbi.com\/analysis\/real-estate\/2025\/12\/developers-question-value-of-dubais-branded-residences\/\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">AGBI<\/a> reports. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Some developers are opting out: <\/strong>Azizi Developments said it stopped pursuing branded projects after finding that service charges for residents became disproportionately high, with branding more than doubling annual maintenance costs in some cases, a company spokesperson told AGBI. <\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Background <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Branded residences, where developers license a third-party brand to market and price homes at a premium, have surged across Dubai.<\/strong> Brands range from hotel operators to fashion houses, watchmakers, and car companies \u2014 all banking on cachets translating into higher prices. <\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Why it matters: Momentum is spilling beyond the emirate <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Momentum is spilling beyond the emirate: <\/strong>Luxury fashion house Karl Lagerfeld signed a partnership with Aark Developers for a USD 1.4 bn beachfront branded residential project on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, due for completion in 2028. The development will deliver 663 residences alongside hotel-style amenities, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tradearabia.com\/News\/331428\/-Karl-Lagerfeld-launches-%241.4bn-beachfront-residential-project-in-RAK\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Trade Arabia<\/a> reports.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Our take- <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Dubai Land Department data suggests buyers are still engaging with branded projects<\/strong>, though not all brands are rewarded equally. Mercedes-Benz Places by Binghatti sold 33 off-plan units so far this year, generating AED 449.8 mn, with prices reaching around AED 5.6k per sq ft \u2014 roughly 44% above the Downtown Dubai off-plan average, according to data picked up by AGBI. In contrast, Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co sold 46 units (worth AED 482 mn) at around AED 2.7k per sq ft, broadly in line with Business Bay averages. The sales volumes are similar, but the pricing power is not.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Yes, but: <\/strong>While branded homes command an average 33% global premium, Savills\u2019 <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/815.pdf\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Branded Residences Report 2025 (pdf)<\/a> says that in established cities such as Dubai, pricing power depends less on the brand itself and more on delivery quality, location, and operational execution.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>What it means: Branding still works, but only when backed by operations. <\/strong>Dubai\u2019s branded residences market is not overheating; it\u2019s maturing. Buyers remain willing to pay a premium, but increasingly only when branding comes with tangible services, credible operators, and a clear lifestyle proposition.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Projects that rely on logos alone may still sell in a rising market<\/strong>, but risk underperforming once buyers start scrutinizing service charges, resale values, and day-to-day experience. The next phase of the branded boom will likely be less about who lends their name \u2014 and more about who actually runs the building.  <strong> <\/strong> <\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/arada-developments\/\">Arada Developments<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/azizi-developments\/\">Azizi Developments<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/dubai\/\">Dubai<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/ras-al-khaimah\/\">Ras Al Khaimah<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/real-estate\/\">Real estate<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"110884\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"110884\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">10<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">INVESTMENT WATCH<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/amazons-local-rival-noon-gets-usd-500-mn-backing\/\">\r\n                            Amazon\u2019s local rival noon gets USD 500 mn investment from PIF, Alabbar                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/amazons-local-rival-noon-gets-usd-500-mn-backing\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); navigator.clipboard.writeText('https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/amazons-local-rival-noon-gets-usd-500-mn-backing\/')\">\n                    Copy Link                <\/a>\n\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/amazons-local-rival-noon-gets-usd-500-mn-backing\/\">\n                    Facebook                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/facebook-icon2.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/post?text=Amazon\u2019s local rival noon gets USD 500 mn backing&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/amazons-local-rival-noon-gets-usd-500-mn-backing\/\">\n                    X                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/twitter-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/amazons-local-rival-noon-gets-usd-500-mn-backing\/&title=Amazon\u2019s local rival noon gets USD 500 mn backing\">\n                    LinkedIn                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/linkedin-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=Amazon%E2%80%99s+local+rival+noon+gets+USD+500+mn+backing+https%3A%2F%2Fenterpriseam.com%2Fuae%2F2025%2F12%2F17%2Famazons-local-rival-noon-gets-usd-500-mn-backing%2F\">\n                    WhatsApp                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/whatsapp-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\r\n                    \r\n                <\/div>\r\n\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/amazons-local-rival-noon-gets-usd-500-mn-backing\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/836.jpg?fit=1568%2C9999&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"110885\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/amazons-local-rival-noon-gets-usd-500-mn-backing\/836-jpg\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/836.jpg?fit=%2C&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"[]\" data-image-title=\"836.jpg\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/836.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/836.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" \/>                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-110884\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-110884 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-investment-watch tag-e-commerce tag-enterpriseam-uae tag-investment tag-investment-watch tag-noon wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"> <strong>Dubai<\/strong><strong>-based noon raised USD 500 mn from several bac<\/strong><strong>kers<\/strong>, including from its founder Mohammed Alabbar, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and others, sources familiar with the matter told <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semafor.com\/article\/12\/12\/2025\/mideast-amazon-rival-noon-raises-500-million\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Semafor<\/a>. The breakdown of share ownership is not clear.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\"> Our take <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The fresh capital will help noon navigate intense competition from local and global players<\/strong>, allowing it to grow its marketplace, maintain competitive pricing, and counter fast-expanding smaller rivals. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Who are the main players?<\/strong> Amazon is its biggest competitor in the region, while China\u2019s Meituan recently entered the Middle East with food delivery and delivery-only stores. Meanwhile, Saudi\u2019s Ninja raised <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/ksa\/en\/news\/story\/64f3a897-9db3-43f2-9d64-f81a460049c3\/%253cmark%253eninja%253c%2Fmark%253e-hits-unicorn-status-with-usd-250-mn-raise\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">USD 250 mn<\/a> to expand, and low-cost platforms Shein and AliExpress are also expanding their footprint.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\"> Background<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The company is also <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/ksa\/en\/news\/story\/fe0bf69b-f784-43e0-8863-01e3b5264f50\/opec%2B-is-meeting-today\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">considering a dual listing<\/a><\/strong><strong> on the Saudi and UAE stock exchanges<\/strong> within the next two years as it moves toward profitability, and is exploring mergers and acquisitions to expand into new markets such as India. It is also expanding its automated self-delivery services, aiming to cut its 40k delivery workforce by half by 2027. <\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/e-commerce\/\">e-commerce<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/investment\/\">investment<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/investment-watch\/\">INVESTMENT WATCH<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/noon\/\">Noon<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"110886 advertiser\" class=\"issue-section enterprise-adv\">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                            \"\r\n            id=\"110886\">\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/110886\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-110886\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-110886 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-advertiser wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight:400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HassanAllamProperties?_rdc=1&amp;_rdr#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/ads\/imgs\/432.jpg?ssl=1\"><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"110887\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"110887\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">11<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">ALSO ON OUR RADAR<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/us-listed-etfs-land-on-adx-and-kkr-makes-a-gulf-investment\/\">\r\n                            US-listed ETFs land on ADX, and KKR makes a Gulf investment                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/us-listed-etfs-land-on-adx-and-kkr-makes-a-gulf-investment\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); 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The move gives regional investors onshore access to China tech and global carbon markets during Gulf trading hours, with trades settled in AED through UAE brokers, while bringing nearly USD 10 bn in assets under management onto the exchange.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">KKR makes its first Gulf tech-growth wager from the UAE-<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>KKR is starting to route its global tech and capital markets wagers<\/strong><strong> through the UAE. <\/strong>The US private equity firm is leading a USD 220 mn strategic investment in Premialab \u2014 a Dubai-headquartered data and analytics platform focused on quantitative investment strategies \u2014 alongside existing investor Balderton, according to a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20251215372814\/en\/KKR-and-Premialab-Announce-A-%24220m-Strategic-Investment-To-Power-Next-Phase-Of-Global-Growth\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">statement<\/a>. The transaction marks KKR\u2019s first Gulf-region investment via its Next Generation Technology Growth platform.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The move builds on KKR\u2019s steady expansion in the UAE. <\/strong>As we\u2019ve previously reported, the firm <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/91a15ff4-bac7-4f2a-a0d7-335d15eb30fe\/pe-firm%253cmark%253e-kkr%253c%2Fmark%253e-expands-to-abu-dhabi-%2B-zand-aed-backed-stablecoin-gets-approval\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">set up shop in ADGM<\/a> to strengthen its on-ground presence in the Gulf, and has been <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/c083c47a-539a-4ee1-9c64-e0e7e6090f69\/%253cmark%253ekkr%253c%2Fmark%253e-appoints-david-petraeus-as-chair-for-middle-east-business\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">building regional teams<\/a> across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Recent regional investments include a minority stake <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/c0943bd6-87c5-47fd-b345-2a4c0ea44823\/%253cmark%253ekkr%253c%2Fmark%253e-buys-into-adnoc%25e2%2580%2599s-gas-pipeline-network\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">in Adnoc Gas Pipeline Assets<\/a> and an investment <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/3863032b-eb2b-40aa-a9be-defc63fa21fb\/global-pe-firm%253cmark%253e-kkr%253c%2Fmark%253e-eyes-stake-in-dubai%25e2%2580%2599s-gulf-data-hub\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">in Gulf Data Hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/adx\/\">ADX<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/also-on-our-radar\/\">ALSO ON OUR RADAR<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/healthcare\/\">Healthcare<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/investment\/\">investment<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/mubadala\/\">Mubadala<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/tech\/\">tech<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"110889\" class=\"issue-section markets\">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"110889\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">12<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">PLANET FINANCE<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/gulf-investors-%e2%99%a5%ef%b8%8fstocks-heading-into-2026-as-private-equity-suffers-from-illiquidity-premium\/\">\r\n                            Gulf investors \u2665\ufe0fstocks heading into 2026, as private equity suffers from \u201cilliquidity premium\u201d                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/gulf-investors-%e2%99%a5%ef%b8%8fstocks-heading-into-2026-as-private-equity-suffers-from-illiquidity-premium\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); 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This is followed by fixed income and real estate.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">(<strong>** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links<\/strong> to our background and outside sources.)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Investors are generally targeting annual returns of 9-12% for the asset class<\/strong> \u2014 a target that Sico Group\u2019s head of research Nishit Lakhoti broadly aligns with the asset class\u2019 long-term 8-9% total return CAGR in the GCC.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/12\/847.png?ssl=1\"\/><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>On the other hand, most investors are demanding the highest returns from private equity<\/strong> <strong>compared to other asset classes<\/strong>, given persistent illiquidity and exit risk in the sector. Most investors now require a minimum unleveraged return of around 13% to commit capital. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Blame it on the \u201cilliquidity premium.\u201d<\/strong> That\u2019s how Sico Capital CEO Wissam Haddad refers to the spread between the 9-12% target for equities and the 13%+ requirement for PE, which he says comes as softer IPO markets have made exits harder, forcing investors to demand higher compensation for the risk of having capital trapped in longer holding periods or continuation funds.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Cash might not be king?<\/strong> Despite expectations of 5-6% returns on liquidity holdings, Sico Group Deputy Group CEO Ali Marshad said investors may be underestimating the impact of rate cuts, noting that yields paying 5% today could drift closer to 4.25% over the coming year as policy eases, potentially forcing capital back into risk assets to maintain returns.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The same goes for government bond yields: <\/strong>In the fixed income space, investors in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are looking for 5% annual returns on 10-year USD government bonds, while those in Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain are eyeing closer to a 6% yield. Easing inflation and rate cuts will likely pull most GCC sovereign yields below 5%, with Bahrain remaining the key outlier, Marshad says.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The safe wagers for investors in the Gulf? The UAE and Saudi Arabia<\/strong>, as usual \u2014 though confidence in Saudi Arabia eased slightly y-o-y amid concerns over liquidity and market performance. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>And the new kids on the block:<\/strong> Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain have all seen optimism improve, with Kuwait in particular seeing investor confidence surge to 41% this year, up from 28%, according to the survey. This was led by reform momentum and an uptick in government spending in both Oman and Kuwait. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">MARKETS THIS MORNING- <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Most Asian markets are in the green this morning<\/strong>, with Japan\u2019s Nikkei making marginal gains on the back of positive export figures that beat analyst expectations. South Korea\u2019s Kospi gained 0.7%, while Hong Kong\u2019s Hang Seng is up 0.1%. China\u2019s CSI 300 was the outlier, remaining slightly lower. <strong>Over on Wall Street<\/strong>, futures slipped overnight after a losing session for all three indices yesterday, on the back of higher unemployment figures out yesterday. <\/p>\n<div class='stock-ticker-panel'>\n<table class='table stock-ticker-table markets-table'>\n<tr class='tr-row-down'>\n<td class='td-list-down'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets1'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets1'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>ADX<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">9,980<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">-0.1% (YTD: +6%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>DFM<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">6,111<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+0.3% (YTD: +18.4%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Nasdaq Dubai UAE20<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">4,888<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+0.3% (YTD: +17.4%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-none'>\n<td class='td-list-none'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>USD : AED<\/strong><strong> CBUAE<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">Buy 3.67<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">Sell 3.67<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-down'>\n<td class='td-list-down'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets1'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets1'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>EIBOR<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">3.6% o\/n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">3.7% 1 yr<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>TASI<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">10,453<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">-1.3% (YTD: -13.2%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-down'>\n<td class='td-list-down'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets1'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets1'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>EGX30 <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">42,002<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">-0.7% (YTD: +41.2%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-down'>\n<td class='td-list-down'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets1'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets1'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>S&P 500<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">6,800<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">-0.2% (YTD: +15.6%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-down'>\n<td class='td-list-down'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets1'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets1'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>FTSE 100<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">9,685<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">-0.7% (YTD: +18.5%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-down'>\n<td class='td-list-down'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets1'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets1'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Euro Stoxx 50<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">5,718<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">-0.6% (YTD: +16.8%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-down'>\n<td class='td-list-down'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets1'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets1'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Brent crude <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">USD 58.92<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">-2.7%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Natural gas (Nymex) <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">USD 3.96<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+1.9%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Gold <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">USD 4,342<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+0.2%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>BTC<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">USD 87,484<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+1.9% (YTD: -6.5%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-down'>\n<td class='td-list-down'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets1'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets1'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Chimera JP Morgan UAE Bond UCITS ETF<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">AED 3.77<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">-0.8% (YTD: +8.2%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>S&P MENA Bond & Sukuk<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">151.77<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+0.1% (YTD: +8.5%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-down'>\n<td class='td-list-down'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets1'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets1'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>VIX (Volatility Index)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">16.48<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">-0.1% (YTD: -5.1%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>THE CLOSING BELL-<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The DFM rose 0.3% yesterday<\/strong> on turnover of AED 633.5 mn. The index is up 18.4% YTD.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>In the green: <\/strong>Ekttitab Holding (+8%), Ithmaar (+4.6%) and Al Salam Bank (+1.9%).<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>In the red: <\/strong>Gulfnav (-9.9%), Dubai Refreshment (-9.8%) and Al Mazaya (-9.4%). <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Over on the ADX<\/strong>, the index fell 0.1% on turnover of AED 859.1 bn. Meanwhile, Nasdaq Dubai was up 0.3%. <\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/financial-markets\/\">Financial markets<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/kuwait\/\">Kuwait<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/planet-finance\/\">PLANET FINANCE<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/private-equity\/\">private equity<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/real-estate\/\">Real estate<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/tag\/saudi-arabia\/\">Saudi Arabia<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"110891\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"calendar\">\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2025\/12\/17\/110891\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-110891\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-110891 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-calendar wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\t\t<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-primary-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-primary-background-color has-background is-style-wide\">\n\n\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading mt-0 has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px\">\n\t\t\t<strong> CALENDAR<\/strong>\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700\">DECEMBER<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>18-23 December (Thursday-Tuesday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wam.ae\/ar\/article\/15lb243-%D8%A3%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%B8%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%B6%D9%8A%D9%81-%E2%80%9C%D8%A3%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%84-2025%E2%80%9D-%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%B3%D9%85%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%84\" style=\"\">Games of the Future<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Adnec, Abu Dhabi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">26 December (Friday): Tender period for Emirates NBD\u2019s offer for RBL Bank\u2019s public shares ends.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>29-30 December (Monday-Tuesday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wam.ae\/en\/article\/bkfj93s-dubai-host-world-sports-summit-december\" style=\"\">World Sports Summit<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Dubai. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">Signposted to happen sometime in 2025:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">e& will complete Adnoc\u2019s private 5G network.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">2026<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">JANUARY <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">1 January: Client asset regime changes in Dubai International Financial Center take effect. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">1 January: Amendments to the Tax Procedures Law and the UAE VAT Law come into effect. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">9-11 January (Friday-Sunday): 1 Bn Followers Summit, UAE.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>13-15 January (Tuesday-Thursday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fespamiddleeast.com\/exhibiting\/exhibit?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22872965013&gbraid=0AAAAAqD9IbbBANPyJR6PGGinsuyzX0EAy&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0NPGBhCDARIsAGAzpp0Ia6nltF9CwDoUIHmucbQKVt3Wq9f0ruPnI0jbDvsVx7LyJ7KSr18aAuKnEALw_wcB\" style=\"\">FESPA Middle East<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Dubai Exhibition Center, Dubai.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>12-15 January (Monday-Thursday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dipmf.ae\/en\/\" style=\"\">Dubai International Project Management Forum<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>28-29 January (Wednesday-Thursday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adgm.com\/media\/announcements\/abu-dhabi-to-host-the-27th-annual-iba-arbitration-day-conference\" style=\"\">IBA Arbitration Day Conference<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Abu Dhabi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>28-30 January (Wednesday-Friday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcoomd.org\/en\/events\/upcoming-events\/technology-conference-2026.aspx\" style=\"\">World Customs Organization Technology Conference<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>31 January - 7 February (Saturday-Saturday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net\/event-tickets\/mubadala-abu-dhabi-open?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=P-Max&utm_campaign=MADO2026-PMax-Conversion&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23138933896&gbraid=0AAAAAqSmmAEtRc4Im65PSU2vo--3YbKzh&gclid=CjwKCAjwgeLHBhBuEiwAL5gNEcmIDto53W6gHSmaL-f0vIhZZ7YXPJCKOOjQqUyhhzVAF6LaZUmGBBoCf7EQAvD_BwE\" style=\"\">Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, International Tennis Center, Zayed Sports City.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">FEBRUARY   <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>3-5 February (Tuesday-Thursday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/UAEmediaoffice\/status\/1890315122872045735\" style=\"\">The World Governments Summit<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>4-6 February (Wednesday-Friday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forums.menamoney.org\/product\/test-arab-actuarial-conference-2026\/\" style=\"\">Arab Actuarial Conference<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel, Dubai. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>12-15 February (Thursday-Sunday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siteglobal.com\/event\/site-global-conference-2026\" style=\"\">The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence Global Conference<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Abu Dhabi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>9-13 February (Monday-Friday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zawya.com\/en\/press-release\/events-and-conferences\/whx-dubai-and-whx-labs-dubai-to-combine-in-2026-to-form-the-worlds-largest-healthcare-event-rja84scy\" style=\"\">The World Health Expo (WHX)<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Dubai. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>10-11 February (Tuesday-Wednesday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forbesmiddleeastevents.com\/top-advisors-investors-summit-abu-dhabi\/\" style=\"\">Top Advisors and Investors Summit<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Abu Dhabi<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">MARCH   <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>31 March - 2 April (Tuesday-Thursday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wam.ae\/en\/article\/bkogr9j-dubai-press-club-organise-arab-media-summit-2026\" style=\"\">Arab Media Summit<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Dubai.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>26-28 March (Thursday-Saturday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.socialcapital2026.com\/\" style=\"\">Social Capital Conference<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Dubai.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>28-29 March (Saturday-Sunday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eicalcongress.com\/\" style=\"\">Emirates Congress on AI & Visionary leadership in Transforming Healthcare<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Adnec Center Abu Dhabi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>30 March - 2 April (Monday-Thursday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iaapa.org\/expos-and-events\/expo-middle-east\/on-site-information\" style=\"\">IAAPA Middle East Exhibition and Conference<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">APRIL   <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>7-9 April (Tuesday-Thursday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adghw.com\/\" style=\"\">Future Health Summit<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Adnec Center Abu Dhabi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>13-15 April (Monday-Wednesday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wam.ae\/en\/article\/15t1prb-dubai-host-15th-aim-congress-april-2026\" style=\"\">AIM Congress<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Dubai World Trade Center.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>13-15 April (Monday-Wednesday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zawya.com\/en\/press-release\/events-and-conferences\/dubai-to-host-third-edition-of-international-glass-manufacturing-show-in-april-2026-bjw53wgq\" style=\"\">The International Glass Manufacturing Show<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Dubai. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>14-16 April: (Tuesday-Thursday): the <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ips-dubai.com\/\" style=\"\">International Property Show<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>21-23 April (Tuesday-Thursday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uitpsummit.org\/dubai2026\/\" style=\"\">UITP Public Transport Summit<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Dubai.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">MAY  <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">11-15 May (Monday-Friday): Dubai Future Finance Week, Dubai. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>11-13 May (Monday-Wednesday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aieverythingglobal.com\/home\" style=\"\">AI Everything Global<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Adnec Center.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">19-20 May (Tuesday-Wednesday): Capital Market Summit, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>19-22 May (Tuesday-Friday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mediaoffice.abudhabi\/en\/energy\/under-the-directives-of-khaled-bin-mohamed-bin-zayed-department-of-energy-to-launch-abu-dhabi-water-power-week-in-may-2026\/\" style=\"\">Abu Dhabi Water and Energy Week<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Adnec Abu Dhabi Center, Abu Dhabi<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">JUNE   <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>15 June-15 September (Monday-Thursday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dubaimallathon.ae\/\" style=\"\">Dubai Mallathon<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Dubai.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">JULY  <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>31 July (Friday):<\/span> <span>Large businesses achieving annual revenues equal to or above AED 50<\/span> <span>mn<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight:400;\">must appoint an accredited service provider for e-invoicing implementation. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">Signposted to happen sometime in October 2026:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">Abu Dhabi Space Week, Abu Dhabi.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">DECEMBER   <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>2-4 December (Wednesday-Friday):<\/span> <span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unwater.org\/news\/2026-un-water-conference\" style=\"\">UN Water Conference<\/a><\/span><span>, UAE.<\/span> <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700\">Signposted to happen in 2026: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">The UAE to host the Arab Competition Forum;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wam.ae\/en\/article\/bk8zh7y-investopia-host-inaugural-global-talks-tashkent\" style=\"\">Investopia Global Talks<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Tashkent.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">Signposted to happen sometime in 2027:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">1 January: Deadline for large businesses to implement e-invoicing;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>1Q 2027: Completion of the first phase of <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\/news\/story\/f4e973fb-1779-41cf-b29f-f4df8c403414\/this-morning:-india%25e2%2580%2599s-kotak-receives-sca-license,-plans-retail-focused-funds-in-4q-2025-%2B-ifza-in-panama%3F\" style=\"\">Hassyan seawater desalination project<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">; <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">31 March: Small businesses with annual revenues of less than AED 50 mn are obliged to contract with an accredited service provider for e-invoicing implementation ;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>31 March: Government entities<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight:400;\">are required to appoint an accredited service provider for e-invoicing implementation;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">1 July: Deadline for small businesses to implement e-invoicing;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">1 October: Deadline for governments to implement e-invoicing;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">Abu Dhabi\u2019s solar and battery energy facility, combining 5.2 GW of solar capacity and 19 GWh of battery storage, is set for commissioning. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">Signposted to happen sometime in 2029:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">Sibos 2029 organized by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), Dubai;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>The commissioning of the seventh phase of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.<\/span> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UAE port operators expand overseas | About-turns on India | IMF is happy with the UAE\u2019s reform, growth trajectory<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":110858,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_popups_has_disabled_popups":false,"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-110857","issue","type-issue","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","wpautop","entry"],"acf":{"mongo_id":"34dcc07f-e1c3-481c-bfcc-3bc41e3e353e","teaser":"UAE port operators expand overseas | About-turns on India | IMF is happy with the UAE\u2019s reform, growth trajectory","photo_url":"https:\/\/ent.news\/2026\/1\/45.jpg"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - 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