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Multiply Group, the Abu Dhabi investment holding firm, will acquire 2PointZero and Ghitha Holding via a share-swap deal, creating a combined enterprise with an estimated valuation of AED 120 billion. The transaction involves issuing around 23.36 billion new shares, lifting Multiply’s share capital from AED 2.8 billion to AED 8.64 billion and expanding the total shares to 34.56 billion. Approval from shareholders and regulators is pending.

The decision follows board sanction and aligns with a broader move by IHC to consolidate its leading portfolio companies—Multiply, 2PointZero, and Ghitha—into a unified listed entity under the name 2PointZero Group PJSC. The merger is pitched as an effort to streamline governance, deepen synergies across sectors, and accelerate growth. The transaction is slated for completion by mid-November 2025, contingent on formal clearances.

Under the proposed structure, Multiply will absorb full ownership of 2PointZero and a majority of Ghitha Holding. The merged entity will retain its listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. With combined operations across energy, mining, financial services, agrifood, consumer goods, media, logistics, and related verticals, the new 2PointZero Group aims to harness diversification and integrated scale.

2PointZero brings to the table AI, energy transition, mining and financial services capabilities. Its role as a facilitator in cleantech and future resource assets is central to the logic of the merger. Ghitha Holding contributes a robust agriculture, food production, processing and distribution footprint—one of the UAE’s key players in national food security. Multiply already has stakes in sectors including mobility, media & communications, retail/apparel, packaging, and beauty.

Syed Basar Shueb, Chairman of Multiply, called the deal “a natural evolution of our portfolio strategy,” emphasising the aim to “optimise scale and strengthen the platforms we have built.” Samia Bouazza, Group CEO and Managing Director, framed the merger as aligning capital with megatrends, stating the unified entity would “grow bottom line both organically and inorganically, unlock value through AI, and deliver consistent long-term returns.” The new group will operate across more than 85 countries and target service to one billion people globally.

IHC’s own communications parallel Multiply’s narrative. The parent firm describes the merger as a means to craft a “next-generation investment powerhouse” anchored in a dual focus on energy and consumer sectors, intended to enhance operational efficiency and strategic scale. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, IHC Chairman, cited the move as reaffirming IHC’s role as a catalyst of transformation, leveraging AI and value networks. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of 2PointZero, said the consolidation would further the mission of driving energy transition, enabling AI, and empowering communities.

The International Monetary Fund has lifted its projection for the United Arab Emirates’ economic expansion to 4.8 per cent in 2025 and sees 5.0 per cent growth in 2026, citing accelerating non-hydrocarbon activity and a rebound in oil output.

Stronger-than-expected performance in tourism, construction, trade and financial services is underpinning the upward revision. The IMF attributes resilience to the country’s diversified strategy and structural reforms such as enhanced trade agreements and sustained investment in infrastructure.

Analysts say the revision contrasts sharply with broader regional downgrades. The IMF now expects growth across the Middle East and North Africa to expand by only 2.6 per cent in 2025, constrained by policy uncertainty, volatile energy markets and geopolitical tensions.

Within the UAE, central bank data reinforce the narrative of dual expansion. The non-hydrocarbon sector is forecast to grow by around 4.5 per cent annually in both 2025 and 2026, while the hydrocarbon segment is expected to rebound more sharply—by 5.8 per cent in 2025 and 6.5 per cent in 2026—on increased output as OPEC+ quotas are relaxed.

When IMF staff visited the UAE in January 2025, they noted that domestic demand remained robust amid modest oil production, forecasting real GDP growth at about 4 per cent for the year. They projected that fiscal and external surpluses would remain comfortable, helped by elevated non-oil revenues and cautious fiscal management.

Still, risks linger. The UAE’s banking sector, while well capitalised, faces exposure to real estate, and high house prices pose concerns for asset quality. In mid-2025, exposure to property in banks’ portfolios stood at around 18 to 19 per cent of risk-weighted assets. A sudden shift in investor sentiment or capital flows could test the stability of credit markets.

On the external front, the current account surplus is projected at about 7.5 per cent of GDP, supported by stronger non-oil exports and moderating import growth. Liquidity buffers remain healthy, with international reserves covering more than eight months of imports.

Commvault has entered a Memorandum of Understanding with HPE to scale joint cybersecurity, backup and recovery services across the Gulf and wider Middle East, unveiling the pact at GITEX Global in Dubai.

The agreement mandates co-development of integrated solutions and joint market initiatives combining HPE’s infrastructure platforms — such as GreenLake, Alletra Storage MP, Zerto, StoreOnce — with Commvault’s cyber-resilience and data protection capabilities. It aims to drive enterprise adoption of hybrid cloud backup, ransomware mitigation and cross-region redundancy.

HPE previously announced a broader strategic expansion of its alliance with Commvault aimed at neutralising advanced cyberthreats, spotlighting tighter integration across cloud, storage and policy automation. The local MoU is intended to bring those capabilities closer to enterprises operating in the Gulf and MENA markets.

HPE’s Zerto platform will feed into Commvault Cloud offerings to enable near-zero recovery time and point objectives, while snapshot immutability, geographic replication, and anomaly detection powered by AI are planned as central joint features. Running side by side, HPE’s storage and infrastructure fabric supports Commvault’s orchestration layer for unified policy enforcement across hybrid deployments.

Regional leadership within both firms emphasised the growing urgency of resilience as data volumes and threat sophistication rise. Yacob Ahli, HPE’s Commercial Director for UAE, said that the Gulf’s data-centric growth narrative demands infrastructure foundations that safeguard continuity. Havier Haddad, heading Commvault’s EMEA emerging markets distribution, framed the MoU as a strategic move to reinforce customer confidence in mission-critical operations across the region.

Analysts say the new alliance helps bridge a gap many enterprises in the Middle East face: lacking in-region partner support for complex, integrated cyber resilience stacks. By localising go-to-market strategies, certification and training, the partnership may reduce friction in adoption. Still, adoption also depends on regulatory compliance, cross-border data governance, and interoperability with incumbent systems.

Commvault has also introduced new additions to its HyperScale portfolio — HyperScale Edge and HyperScale Flex — designed to support remote and edge data protection workloads, broadening its partner ecosystem to include HPE, Dell, Lenovo and others. These tools complement its flagship HyperScale X offering.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment is spotlighting a suite of digital housing solutions at GITEX Global 2025, announcing strategic tie-ups aimed at advancing smart infrastructure and inclusive living. The initiative underscores Dubai’s push to fuse technology with urban development amid intensifying global competition in digital transformation.

MBRHE is presenting new digital services engineered to optimise housing operations, energy efficiency and resident experience. At GITEX, the entity finalised a partnership with Emirates Islamic Bank to develop financing and digital payment tools tailored for homeowners, and earlier inked an agreement with AI Smart to retrofit housing units with assistive technologies for People of Determination. The latter includes deploying smart systems in five identified residences to enhance mobility and independence. These deals complement an existing MoU with Emirates Gas to supply next-generation LPG composite cylinders across MBRHE communities, complete with annual maintenance services.

As part of Dubai’s government ecosystem at GITEX, MBRHE is listed among Gold Partners in the Digital Dubai pavilion, joining over 50 public and private entities promoting the emirate’s City-as-a-Service model. This placement gives MBRHE visibility amid hundreds of technology players from more than 180 countries. The pavilion is intended to demonstrate cross-sector digital synergies across health, energy, mobility and governance spheres.

MBRHE officials emphasise a multipronged strategy. The partnership with Emirates Islamic is geared toward embedding embedded financial tools into housing services. The AI Smart alliance is positioned as a step toward inclusive smart homes. Meanwhile, the collaboration with Emirates Gas addresses energy reliability and safety in residential zones under MBRHE’s purview. In announcing the AI Smart engagement, MBRHE described it as aligning with UAE leadership’s agenda to empower all segments of society, especially People of Determination.

The move follows MBRHE’s earlier commitment with GFS Developments to launch the Smart Housing Forum 2025, a platform to convene global experts on sustainable housing innovation. That partnership, formalised in late September, frames GITEX as a conduit for showcasing outcomes and inviting further collaboration.

Industry analysts say MBRHE’s integration of housing, finance, energy and assistive technology is representative of a wider trend in the Gulf: public agencies are no longer viewing infrastructure in isolation but as an integrated service ecosystem. State-linked housing bodies are increasingly collaborating with fintech, cleantech, proptech and social inclusion tech firms to convert static assets into responsive, data-enabled platforms.

Critics caution that the true test lies in execution, particularly in integrating legacy systems, ensuring cybersecurity across interconnected modules, and managing equitable access across lower-income beneficiary groups. For instance, retrofitting older housing stock with IoT or assistive systems often requires structural upgrades, which carry cost and logistical burdens.

At GITEX, MBRHE is expected to demonstrate live pilot models of smart home systems, energy monitoring dashboards, and resident apps that tie into real estate finance. These demos will act as proof points to entice further private sector engagement and scaling. MBRHE’s role as both regulator and operator gives it leverage but also raises accountability for outcomes.

Dubai Healthcare City Authority has unveiled a Dhs1.3 billion development programme for Phase 1 of Dubai Healthcare City, marking an aggressive expansion that aims to elevate its global standing in health infrastructure. Construction is set to start in December, with a targeted completion window by November 2027.

At the heart of the initiative lies a triple-pronged buildout: a LEED Platinum-certified office block, a purpose-built medical complex, and supporting infrastructure—each tailored to attract health-related investors and operators. The office building, designed by P&T Architects & Engineers, spans some 13,000 sqm across nine levels and includes flexible workspaces and ground-floor retail zones. The medical complex, by Design & Architecture Bureau, covers 5,800 sqm, with two basements and five floors, and is planned to accommodate surgical units, diagnostics, outpatient services and lab facilities.

Beyond buildings, the infrastructure scope includes multi-storey parking with electric vehicle charging points, integration with Salik for smart parking, and accessibility enhancements. The aim is to strengthen the underlying ecosystem so that the healthcare precinct becomes not just a cluster of clinics, but a fully serviced global health hub.

Issam Galadari, DHCA’s CEO, asserted that these projects reflect the authority’s ambition to combine sustainability, global investment appeal and design excellence, aligned with Dubai’s Economic Agenda and the UAE’s Net Zero Strategy 2050. Allae Almanini, COO, added that the works will “boost confidence for healthcare providers and investors” by improving efficiency, accessibility and sustainability across the community.

Phase 1 of DHCC, located in Oud Metha, currently operates within a 4.1 million sq ft footprint dedicated to medical services and education. Phase 2, by contrast, spans around 19 million sq ft at Al Jaddaf, and is oriented more toward wellness and mixed support services.

This new investment signals a sharpened focus on physical infrastructure as a differentiator. In recent years, DHCC has emphasised partnerships and innovation: its free-zone model already supports over 400 licensing entities and more than 168 clinical facilities. Earlier this year, DHCA collaborated with AI Quantum Intelligence Institute to launch an AI healthcare innovation lab in the free zone, and formed an agreement with AirMed International to deepen medical transport capabilities.

Analysts see the move as a bid to compete not only regionally, but globally. Healthcare infrastructure, especially when linked with sustainability credentials such as LEED Platinum certification, is increasingly a factor in investors’ decisions. The new build will position DHCC among the few healthcare zones worldwide that combine clinical, administrative and research capacity within one contiguous ecosystem.

However, the scale and timeline carry risks. Dubai’s construction sector is already navigating supply-chain pressures, labour constraints, and rising material costs. Ensuring timely delivery and quality control in a high-performance project will demand rigorous project management. Meanwhile, the authority must ensure that demand from healthcare operators, both local and international, matches the expanded real estate supply, lest vacancy rates rise.

More immediately, the December commencement date — just weeks away — will test DHCA’s readiness in securing contractors, tendering work packages and coordinating certifications. Delays in permitting or approvals could cascade into missed target windows. Yet, if executed successfully, the project will enable DHCC to present itself as an integrated health campus offering offices, clinical space, and support services under one sustainable umbrella.

Observers note that medical tourism in Dubai already commands significant weight, drawing patients from the GCC, the broader Arab world, Europe, and Asia. DHCA’s bet is that infrastructure sophistication will amplify that pull, especially for high-end specialty and precision medicine segments.

Dubai-based Dubizzle Group Holdings has unveiled plans to float about 30.34 % of its share capital via an initial public offering on the Dubai Financial Market. The offer comprises 1.25 billion ordinary shares, of which 196.1 million are fresh issues from the company and 1.05 billion are existing shares sold by current shareholders. Subscription will be open from 23 to 29 October, the price will be fixed on 30 October, and trading is expected to begin on 6 November 2025.

The firm has appointed Rothschild & Co. as Independent Financial Advisor and Emirates NBD Capital as Listing Advisor. The IPO will be co-managed by banks including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Barclays, EFG-Hermes UAE, Emirates NBD, Goldman Sachs International, HSBC Middle East and Morgan Stanley. Dubizzle’s largest shareholder, Prosus N. V., is committing USD 100 million to the issuance, signaling continued backing after initially investing in 2011.

Dubizzle operates across two main platforms: dubizzle, which handles automotive and general classifieds, and Bayut, focused on real estate. In the 18 months leading up to the IPO, the group pursued strategic acquisitions such as Drive Arabia, Hatla2ee, and most recently Property Monitor, a UAE real estate data and analytics provider. The acquisition of Property Monitor, which delivered a revenue CAGR of 55 % from 2022 to 2024, is expected to deepen Dubizzle’s insight offering in its property vertical.

Financially, the group has improved its performance. In 2024, revenues reached USD 222 million, with the net loss narrowing. For the first half of 2025, revenue rose to USD 133 million, while adjusted profit stood at USD 14 million. The more constrained net loss of USD 8.9 million in H1 2025 marks further progress in reducing deficits.

Market conditions have played in Dubizzle’s favour. Dubai’s real estate market has surged, with prices climbing over 70 % over four years, boosting transaction activity and demand for online classifieds. Analysts view the Dubizzle IPO as one of the largest tech offerings this year in the UAE, designed to attract capital inflows into the growing digital marketplace sector.

Yet challenges lie ahead. Investor scrutiny of valuations and corporate transparency will intensify, and Dubizzle must show sustainable path to profitability beyond growth. Some analysts estimate the IPO value in the USD 500 million to USD 1 billion range, consistent with its fundraising and valuation aspirations. Liquidity and free float requirements—especially for inclusion in indices like MSCI—may pressure the group to deliver consistent operational metrics.

In preparing for the public listing, Dubizzle has restructured its syndicate. It previously engaged banks such as Emirates NBD, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and now rotated in Morgan Stanley, replacing former links to Citigroup. The reconfiguration suggests an adaptive approach designed to secure stronger placement and institutional interest.

Dubizzle and many other UAE firms are benefiting from momentum in the IPO pipeline. According to regional capital markets observers, between 25 IPOs were recorded in the first half of 2025, generating about USD 4.5 billion. Brokers like Citi assert that the pipeline remains healthy, even amid macro and geopolitical headwinds, and highlight investor demand for exposure to unlisted technology, fintech, and real estate-adjacent sectors.

Abu Dhabi hosted the two-day Regional Sports Arbitration Seminar, drawing officials and experts from across Asia to strengthen the legal architecture in sport governance.

The event, organised by the UAE National Olympic Committee and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation in coordination with the Olympic Council of Asia, featured sessions ranging from case management to institutional development in sports law.

One of the spotlight panels, led by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, addressed existential pressures on arbitration mechanisms under the title “Is Sports Arbitration Under Threat?” Participants from Qatar’s Sports Arbitration Foundation presented their evolving model, underscoring capacity building and procedural innovations.

Dr Mohammed bin Nasser Basem, chair of the Saudi Sports Arbitration Center, laid out his country’s journey in building regulatory frameworks, managing caseloads, and engaging media stakeholders. He urged the expansion of arbitration capacity at both continental and national levels. At the same time, Oman’s Salem Al Rawahi pointed to plans to set up an independent sports arbitration body in the Sultanate, and he commented that the diverse mix of Asian contributions enriched the exchange.

On the first day, Dr Abdullah Al-Hayyan of CAS guided attendees through foundational concepts of sports arbitration, and the Saudi experience was cited as a case study in governance and procedural practices. The seminar also explored cooperation between national courts, ministries of justice and sports arbitration bodies, a recurring theme as countries aim to enshrine arbitration decisions in enforceable legal frameworks.

The Olympic Council of Asia judged the programme a success, asserting that it deepened participants’ grasp of emerging trends in sports law and encouraged engagement among Asian legal and sport justice officials.

Across the two days, attendees weighed the tension between evolving global standards and region-specific contexts in structuring fair dispute resolution. Lessons from Qatar and Saudi Arabia were discussed as potential models adaptable to other national settings.

Dubai hosted the first public manned flight of Aridge’s Land Aircraft Carrier over Palm Jumeirah, a demonstration that showcases the vehicle’s dual-mode driving and flying capabilities and signals ambitions for the Gulf as an early adoption market.

The modular vehicle, combining a ground “mothership” with a detachable two-seat aerial unit, lifted off from the grounds near the Waldorf Astoria before reattaching and driving away. Aridge said the flight marks a milestone in its plan to roll out consumer deliveries in the Middle East by 2027.

Company executives reported that 600 units have already been pre-ordered by GCC firms, including UAE’s Ali & Sons Group, Kuwait’s Al-Sayer, and Qatar’s Almana, pushing the global tally past 7,000. The firm expects deliveries to begin in 2026 from a new facility in Guangzhou, capable of producing 10,000 vehicles annually.

Aridge’s modular design addresses a common challenge in flying car development: how to balance driving performance, storage, and aerial capability. The ground vehicle acts as a mobile energy platform and storage base, while the air module docks and undocks autonomously. The air unit’s control system uses a single-stick interface managing ascent, speed, and stability with built-in safety constraints such as geofencing.

This version is the fifth generation of the platform, evolving from earlier prototypes demonstrated in Dubai in 2022. For mass adoption, regulatory certification is pivotal: the UAE granted a special flight permit, allowing the test flights to proceed. Aridge’s air module has already received civil aviation type certification in China.

The startup forecasts a market worth of US $41 billion for China’s eVTOL sector by 2040, while projecting Middle East demand to reach about $11 billion. Executives say technological advances—shortened development cycles and lower costs—are making what once seemed science fiction increasingly viable.

Despite the showpiece flight, challenges remain. Integrating city air traffic management, ensuring safety for public use, and building air-ground infrastructure—such as landing pads, vertiports, and regulatory frameworks—are hurdles in most jurisdictions. Some analysts caution that even with promising prototypes, wide adoption may lag until certification, cost reduction, and public trust converge.

In the Gulf region, regulatory openness is proving advantageous: the UAE’s willingness to issue experimental permits positions it as a testbed, attracting innovators who might struggle to get approval elsewhere. Meanwhile, Aridge is lining up partnerships and agreements across the GCC to support sales, operations, and maintenance in local markets.

India is dispatching over 450 technology firms and startups to GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, anchoring the India Pavilion under the aegis of ESC. The pavilion will span multiple halls and spotlight more than 100 Indian enterprises across sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, IoT, smart mobility, fintech and digital infrastructure. Organisations will also engage in high-stakes networking, investor roundtables and B2B matchmaking.

GITEX Global 2025, running from 13 to 17 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre, draws more than 6,800 tech companies and some 2,000 startups from about 180 countries. It is expected to be the largest edition to date, integrating themes such as physical AI, quantum computing, biomedicine and semiconductor innovation. Across the co-located Expand North Star event, over 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding US$1.1 trillion will scout opportunities among scale-ups and unicorns.

The India Pavilion marks a concerted push to convert India–UAE strategic frameworks into tangible tech commerce. With the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and the Local Currency Settlement System operational, cross-border ICT trade has surged. Bilateral trade crossed US$100 billion during fiscal year 2024–25, and electronics exports alone reached US$3.7 billion, positioning the UAE as a key destination for Indian hardware shipments.

At a preparatory briefing, Kamal Vachani, ESC’s regional director for Dubai, described the pavilion as more than a display — “a living showcase of India’s tech prowess and growing synergy with the UAE.” ESC’s CEO, Gurmeet Singh, noted that many participating companies are MSMEs or first-time exporters, and that the pavilion aligns with India’s ambition to emerge as a global electronics hub.

India’s strategy at GITEX goes beyond sheer numbers. Firms are bringing solutions purpose-built for global markets — from smart city platforms to blockchain-enabled supply chains. The pavilion will host curated sessions on cross-border compliance, regulatory alignment, and scalable deployment across Middle Eastern and African markets.

For the UAE, the event reinforces its vision of acting as a global nexus for innovation and capital. Major corporate names such as G42, e&, IBM, AMD, Huawei, Microsoft, Oracle and Amazon Web Services will anchor the exhibitions. New entrants including Cerebras, Tata Electronics, Qualcomm and Tenstorrent will attempt to break in. The show also emphasises future-critical infrastructure: hyperscale data centres, quantum systems, and semiconductor roadmaps are front and centre.

Globally, one of the event’s linchpin themes is the maturation of AI into domain-specific systems. The AI Semicon track will address sovereign technology imperatives in chip design, while the Quantum Expo will present fault-tolerant architectures. At the intersection of AI and healthcare, companies like Mammoth Biosciences and Paradromics will illustrate how gene-editing and neurotech are being reimagined. Robotics firms will showcase humanoid prototypes and autonomous “robocars,” underscoring the pivot to “physical AI.”

Strategic partnerships form a parallel narrative. India and the UAE are finalising memorandum exchanges via the UAE-India Business Council to deepen collaboration across fintech, logistics, digital infrastructure and state-level investment. The CEPA Start-up Series launched earlier this year in New Delhi underscores a joint intent to foster innovation-led cross-border growth.

Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund ADQ has shown preliminary interest in acquiring a majority stake in SAC, the operator of Catania Airport in Sicily, sources said, as investor focus intensifies on Italy’s regional infrastructure.

The sale process is not yet formally launched; however, ENAC is evaluating a draft tender expected to receive approval by late October to set the transaction in motion. Under the plan, between 51 % and 66 % of SAC would be sold. The asset is valued at between €500 million and €600 million, underpinned by projected core earnings in excess of €30 million.

SAC, controlled by local authorities and chambers of commerce, manages both Catania–Fontanarossa—Italy’s fifth busiest airport by traffic—and Comiso Airport in southern Sicily. The operating concession runs through 2049. The Sicilian airport served over 12.3 million passengers in 2024.

Privatisation of Sicily’s airports has been under discussion since 2022, when SAC appointed Mediobanca to advise on structuring the deal. Local shareholders have recently approved calls for an international tender and adopted updated industrial plans to attract private capital, while pledging to retain a qualified minority stake.

Antonino Belcuore, special commissioner of the Chamber of Commerce of South and East Sicily, welcomed ADQ’s interest, stating that it underscores the strategic importance of the asset and aligns with the broader push for privatisation in Sicily. ADQ declined to comment; SAC and ENAC have not issued responses.

ADQ currently holds investments spanning transport and logistics, including interests in Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airways, and manages a portfolio worth approximately US$251 billion. Analysts say its appearance among suitors signals growing appetite from Gulf-based capital for stable, long-term infrastructure assets in Europe.

Observers flag that the EU and Italy are increasingly receptive to foreign capital inflows into infrastructure, particularly where public budgets remain constrained. The potential deal dovetails with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s agenda to deepen ties with Gulf states, exemplified by agreements under which the UAE committed to invest US$40 billion across strategic sectors in Italy.

Should ADQ or another bidder proceed to formal offers, the Catania sale could set benchmarks for airport privatisations in southern Europe. Authorities will need to balance investor returns with preserving public oversight, territorial interests, and aviation safety standards.

Local stakeholders—including regional governments and municipalities—are expected to negotiate protections within the concession framework to safeguard continuity of services, employment, and regional development. Meanwhile, potential bidders are assessing traffic trends, inflation, regulatory risk, and concession duration as they size their offers.

The sale of SAC would open a new chapter in Italy’s ongoing wave of airport privatisations, which has involved assets in the UK and across European markets. That backdrop provides precedent and comparators for valuation, regulatory design, and deal structures.

Abu Dhabi Airports, Al Hail Holding and technology partner Xare have signed a memorandum of understanding to pilot a regulated digital wallet for inbound visitors at Zayed International Airport, aiming to streamline payments and reinforce the UAE’s digital economy ambitions.

The three parties will also collaborate on smart mobility and sustainable infrastructure projects that integrate AI-driven transport systems and next-generation payment platforms. Abu Dhabi Airports will supply operational support and infrastructure, while Al Hail Holding, via its affiliates including Zand Bank and Index Exchange, will provide regulatory and financial structuring. Xare is tasked with the technological integration of wallet, merchant and partner interfaces.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, described the initiative as a shift in role for airports: “Airports are evolving from gateways into platforms for seamless digital commerce. Through our partnership … we will pilot cashless, next-generation payment technologies that simplify every step of the traveller journey and redefine convenience, sustainability and financial access.”

Hamad Jassim Al Darwish, CEO of Al Hail Holding, emphasised the alignment with UAE policy goals: “By combining our expertise in governance, regulatory engagement and financial services with Abu Dhabi Airports’ operational capabilities, we will deliver solutions that benefit travellers and contribute to national economic growth.”

Xare’s co-founder Milind Singh noted that the firm’s existing stack—covering instant onboarding, programmable payments and merchant connectivity—positions it to deliver monetisation options and novel traveller experiences across airports and city ecosystems.

Within the MoU, a joint steering committee will guide development and execution. Abu Dhabi Airports will integrate the wallet systems into its broader ecosystem, Al Hail Holding will coordinate with regulators and manage financial arrangements, and Xare will build the interface connecting travellers, merchants and payment rails.

The digital wallet aims to offer travellers a secure, cashless method to pay for airport services and possibly retail, while also exploring stablecoin or digital-asset payments as part of the architecture.

Beyond payments, the partnership targets smart mobility upgrades across airport operations. Anticipated efforts include AI-enabled systems, intelligent transport technologies and infrastructure enhancements to increase efficiency, safety and environmental performance across Abu Dhabi’s airport network.

The project aligns with the UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which prioritise adoption of advanced fintech, digital assets and sustainable infrastructure across sectors.

The UAE Space Agency has rolled out a new digital platform designed to deliver space licences and permits entirely online via a smartphone app, enabling applicants to sign in using UAE PASS and monitor their application status. The launch took place in Dubai ahead of the GITEX Global 2025 tech expo.

This platform replaces traditional paper-based workflows with an integrated, automated system. Submissions, approvals and tracking are now consolidated into a user interface that aims to reduce processing times and increase transparency. Companies, start-ups and investors across the space sector will access the full lifecycle of licensing digitally, including renewals, amendments and compliance reporting.

UAESA’s chairman, Khalifa Al Shamsi, emphasised that the move aligns with the UAE’s ambition to become a regional space hub. “This platform reinforces our commitment to efficiency, sustainability and innovation,” he said. The agency expects that the system will eliminate redundancy, reduce human error and allow for better data analytics to guide policy decisions.

The system ties into UAE PASS, the country’s national digital identity service, meaning users can authenticate securely with existing credentials. Once logged in, applicants will receive real-time updates at each processing stage and be able to respond to requests or queries via the interface.

Behind the scenes, UAESA integrated the platform with multiple government entities—such as telecommunications regulators, frequency management and national security agencies—to ensure licensing decisions can access requisite data without repeated manual handovers. This interoperability was cited as a major technical hurdle during development, but UAESA says the system passes all requisite security audits.

Space industry observers see multiple competitive advantages. By cutting weeks or even months from licence cycles, the platform may attract foreign investment and accelerate project deployment. It also lowers the barrier for smaller actors — including universities or start-ups — to obtain permitting for satellite launches, ground stations or frequency allocations.

That said, challenges remain. Some firms have flagged concerns over the transition, especially those with legacy processes, noting that training and system migration will require internal adjustments. Also, regulatory complexity in cross-border space operations is unlikely to disappear entirely, so coordination with other national and international space authorities will still demand institutional engagement.

Bybit, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first fully licensed crypto exchange to operate in the UAE. This breakthrough comes amid the UAE’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a global hub for digital assets and blockchain technology.

The UAE has long been a proponent of embracing emerging technologies, particularly in the fintech and blockchain sectors. The government’s progressive stance has attracted numerous cryptocurrency firms looking to establish a foothold in the region. Bybit’s licensing by the UAE’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority solidifies its position within this growing market.

The FSRA’s approval marks a crucial development, as it provides Bybit with a clear regulatory framework to offer crypto trading services to customers in the UAE. The exchange, which has previously operated under regulatory frameworks in other jurisdictions, will now operate in full compliance with local laws. This licensing allows Bybit to offer a wide range of digital asset services, including spot and derivatives trading, to both institutional and retail investors.

The approval is a testament to the UAE’s regulatory efforts to integrate the cryptocurrency sector into its broader financial ecosystem. The country has been proactive in ensuring that regulations keep pace with the rapid evolution of digital assets, making it an attractive destination for crypto companies seeking a compliant and stable environment.

Bybit’s decision to seek a licence in the UAE comes at a time when the global crypto market faces heightened scrutiny and regulatory challenges. In a climate where several countries have been introducing stringent regulatory measures, the UAE’s more flexible approach to crypto regulation has set it apart. This has resulted in an influx of international crypto firms looking to operate in the region, as they see the UAE as a secure base from which to expand their services.

The approval process for Bybit was rigorous and comprehensive, ensuring that the exchange adhered to strict security measures, anti-money laundering protocols, and customer protection standards. The FSRA has been meticulous in its review, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a secure and transparent environment for digital asset trading.

UAE officials have long spoken about their vision to turn the country into a leader in the global digital economy, with blockchain and cryptocurrency playing key roles in that vision. The emirate of Dubai, in particular, has been a front-runner in attracting cryptocurrency firms, with its Dubai International Financial Centre and the Dubai Financial Services Authority offering frameworks tailored to the needs of digital asset businesses.

The Bybit licensing follows a series of initiatives launched by the UAE government, including the establishment of the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority. VARA’s creation was designed to regulate virtual assets, ensuring that companies operating within the region meet stringent compliance standards. This regulatory framework has been instrumental in bringing crypto companies into the fold, offering a more secure trading environment for users and businesses alike.

Bybit’s entry into the UAE market has also brought attention to the broader trends shaping the cryptocurrency industry in the Middle East. The UAE has become one of the leading markets for blockchain innovation, with numerous projects underway to integrate blockchain technology into sectors such as real estate, logistics, and finance. As the region’s appetite for digital innovation grows, companies like Bybit are poised to capitalise on this evolving landscape.

The licensing of Bybit is also expected to have a ripple effect on the wider cryptocurrency ecosystem. With the exchange now authorised to operate legally in the UAE, it may pave the way for other platforms to follow suit, thereby increasing the variety of options available to investors. This will likely enhance the overall appeal of the UAE as a destination for cryptocurrency trading and investment.

Despite the current global volatility in the crypto market, Bybit’s expansion into the UAE market reflects its long-term confidence in the future of digital assets. As the company continues to expand its services worldwide, the UAE’s stable regulatory environment offers a solid foundation for its growth in the Middle East.

GITEX, the iconic technology and innovation expo, is broadening its footprint by expanding into Vietnam, heralding a new chapter for the Southeast Asian nation’s burgeoning digital economy. With the event’s successful history in the Middle East and Asia, this expansion signals a strong shift towards positioning Vietnam as a central player in the global digital arena. The launch aligns with Vietnam’s ambitious vision to develop a digital economy worth over $200 billion by 2030, driven by the country’s evolving tech ecosystem, government-backed initiatives, and an increasingly connected population.

GITEX Vietnam, set to take place in Hanoi, is expected to be a major catalyst for the nation’s digital transformation. The expo, known for showcasing the latest advancements in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and smart technologies, will provide a platform for global tech giants and local startups to foster collaboration. This shift not only promises to boost local innovation but also offers international companies the opportunity to tap into Vietnam’s rapidly growing market. The country’s young, tech-savvy population and expanding digital infrastructure make it an ideal destination for the event, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between GITEX’s global platform and Vietnam’s digital future.

The expansion into Vietnam is a testament to GITEX’s strategic move to capture the rising tide of digitalisation across Southeast Asia. According to industry analysts, Vietnam’s digital economy is one of the fastest-growing in the region. With the government’s commitment to building a robust digital infrastructure, the country aims to integrate digital solutions across key sectors, including healthcare, education, logistics, and manufacturing. This government push is expected to further accelerate innovation in AI and blockchain technologies, sectors where Vietnam has begun to make notable strides.

One of the main drivers behind Vietnam’s digital economy ambitions is the government’s Digital Transformation Program, which aims to equip businesses and individuals with the tools to thrive in the new digital world. As part of this initiative, the Vietnamese government has pledged to support local startups and foster an environment conducive to technological advancements. Public-private partnerships are expected to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between government policy and the commercial sector, ensuring that both infrastructure and innovation go hand in hand.

GITEX’s involvement in this transformation is poised to elevate Vietnam’s digital capabilities on the global stage. By offering a comprehensive view of the latest trends, technologies, and business solutions, the event will expose Vietnamese enterprises to the tools and insights needed to enhance productivity, efficiency, and innovation. As part of the expansion, Vietnam’s homegrown tech companies will also be able to showcase their capabilities, fostering collaboration with global leaders in digital technologies.

The 2025 edition of GITEX Vietnam will feature a broad spectrum of sectors, including digital health, fintech, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. These areas align closely with the country’s vision to modernise key industries and improve overall living standards through technology. AI, for instance, is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Vietnam’s manufacturing sector, enabling greater automation and precision in production. Additionally, fintech’s rise in Vietnam promises to boost financial inclusion by offering innovative solutions to underserved populations, with digital payments and mobile banking expanding rapidly in urban and rural areas alike.

The growing momentum of GITEX in Southeast Asia is evident through its ongoing success in regions like the UAE, India, and Saudi Arabia, where it has served as a crucial platform for digital transformation discussions. The move into Vietnam further strengthens its position as a global tech hub, providing valuable opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Vietnamese companies, eager to expand their reach, will benefit immensely from the international exposure GITEX provides, potentially paving the way for future partnerships, investments, and technological breakthroughs.