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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.

The RNTrust Group is set to roll out its digital-trust architecture under the banner “Infinite Trust” at GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai. The offering is built around three flagship technology pillars—BOAT orchestration, cyber-intelligence, and stratum-level time synchronisation—aimed at solving friction points faced by large enterprises operating across complex, digital ecosystems.

At the core of the strategy is Coopera BOAT, RNTrust’s enterprise orchestration and automation engine, which integrates bots, APIs, microservices, content, case-management, and AI agents under a unified platform. The company positions BOAT as a successor to legacy BPM and ECM systems, enabling long-running and cross-domain workflows across IT and business domains. Integrated AI and generative flows help with decision intelligence and unstructured data extraction. RNTrust claims the platform aligns with market forecasts that predict the orchestration market will expand markedly in the coming years.

Complementing BOAT is ThreatLeap, a cyber threat intelligence and compliance platform operating 24/7 to scan external attack surfaces, detect leaks, misconfigurations, phishing domains and advanced threats, and flag compliance gaps across regulations such as NIS2, DORA, GDPR and PCI-DSS. The system is portrayed as proactive, intended to reduce risk exposure rather than simply respond to incidents.

Lastly, the group is spotlighting StratumOne, a time-synchronisation solution leveraging GNSS signals, atomic clocks and precision engineering to deliver nanosecond-level accuracy. Target sectors include finance, telecoms, 5G networks and critical infrastructure where time precision is essential.

RNTrust leadership will host product demos and discussions at the Novotel World Trade Centre during the expo, targeting CIOs, CISOs, system integrators and partner firms. The platform claims deployments and partnerships across the GCC, Europe and the U. S., drawing on R&D centres in Southeast Europe, Italy and the UAE.

The company frames “Infinite Trust” as a unification strategy—bringing orchestration, security and timing coherence into a cohesive architecture that can scale across diverse enterprise landscapes. This positioning aims to appeal to large organisations wrestling with digital transformation, hybrid workloads, compliance burdens and the growing attack surface of distributed systems.

Market watchers note that digital trust is becoming a key battleground for software and cybersecurity vendors. The integration of orchestration and security is a direction echoed by peers embedding zero-trust and AI decision engines into automation platforms. The time-sync component adds a niche yet strategic dimension, tapping into sectors where precision timing is a regulatory and technical requirement.

Branded residential developments in the Middle East and North Africa are now capturing a larger share of global signings, with standalone projects set to make up 45 per cent of the regional portfolio—well above the global average of 36 per cent.

Data from Global Branded Residences shows that the MENA region now accounts for 36 per cent of new global branded residence signings, outstripping traditional hubs such as North America, Europe and Asia. The region currently has 99 completed branded residences and 241 under development, representing 13 per cent of existing global supply and 25 per cent of the pipeline. The UAE leads with 201 projects, followed by Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Dubai remains the most active city globally, with nearly 160 branded developments either completed or in the pipeline—surpassing markets like Miami, London, and New York. The breakdown in MENA shows that 31 per cent of completed branded residences are standalone, while 51 per cent of the pipeline comprises standalone projects. This shift indicates broader confidence among developers in models unlinked to hotel operations.

Fashion and lifestyle brands are playing an increasingly prominent role in driving the shift away from purely hospitality-anchored residences. In MENA, fashion labels account for 51 per cent of non-hotel branded projects—nearly double the global average of 26 per cent. Non-hotel brands now represent 30 per cent of the regional pipeline, up from 24 per cent among completed schemes. In effect, branded residences in the region are diversifying beyond hotels into lifestyle, design and luxury branding.

Fairmont is poised to be the largest operator in the region, with 19 schemes across completed and pipeline stages. New entrants include jewellery brand De Grisogono and hospitality/lifestyle brand Nobu.

Globally, the branded residences sector has expanded rapidly over the past decade. The total number of schemes globally stands at 1,746—779 completed and 967 under development. Across this global portfolio, hotel brands still dominate, accounting for 79 per cent of projects. However, standalone branded residences—those without hotel attachments—are projected to rise from about 8 per cent of the world’s projects to 12 per cent over time.

Broadly, the market is seeing several converging trends. Buyers are increasingly willing to pay a premium—often 20 to 35 per cent or more—for branded units over comparable non-branded luxury real estate, citing consistency of design, service, and long-term resale value. Developers, in turn, see branding as a differentiator that supports stronger pricing, absorption rates and margins. In fast-growing wealth markets, branding provides credibility and global marketing reach.

Asia Pacific has also moved into the spotlight. GBR has formally launched operations in APAC, targeting markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, India, Malaysia and emerging resort destinations. The firm forecasts that branded development projects in APAC may more than double, with the region evolving into one of luxury real estate’s fastest growing markets.

Nevertheless, challenges remain. Aligning brand partnerships with regional regulatory, legal and operational frameworks is complex. Delivering consistent service quality over time, especially in newer locations with less mature hospitality infrastructure, is no small task. In denser branded markets, developers must differentiate amenities, design and buyer experience to avoid commoditisation.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company announced that its six publicly traded subsidiaries will distribute AED 158 billion in dividends through to 2030, nearly doubling the AED 86 billion cumulative payout since the first listing in 2017.

The announcement came during ADNOC’s inaugural Investor Majlis in Abu Dhabi, where the group underscored its commitment to shareholder returns and transparent governance. The dividend programme is subject to customary approvals and will provide long-term visibility to investors across its diversified portfolio of listed entities.

ADNOC’s six listed companies currently account for more than AED 550 billion in market capitalisation on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and represent nearly 40 percent of the annual dividends distributed on the market. Under the new plan, three additional entities—ADNOC Distribution, ADNOC Gas, and ADNOC Logistics & Services—will join ADNOC Drilling in issuing quarterly dividends.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, ADNOC’s Managing Director and CEO, also serving as UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, described the dividend target as a “landmark step” adding clarity to the group’s capital return path. He stated the move would “enhance value” for citizens, residents, and partners, and reaffirmed ADNOC’s focus on cost discipline, efficiency and growth.

Each listed unit announced specific dividend floors and policy reforms. ADNOC Drilling set a cumulative floor of AED 25 billion by 2030, representing a 26 percent minimum return over the period. ADNOC Gas pledged a target of AED 90 billion, with dividends moving to a quarterly basis from 2025 onward. ADNOC Logistics & Services raised its guidance to AED 8.1 billion for 2025–2030 and intends to adopt quarterly distributions from the third quarter of 2025.

Other units will also tighten their dividend structures. ADNOC Distribution expanded its dividend policy through 2030 and targets cumulative returns exceeding 30 percent over the 2025–2030 period. Borouge affirmed a dividend floor for 2025 and envisaged a payout ratio of 90 percent of net profit in future years. Fertiglobe flagged interim dividend payments and share buybacks for 2025 to support yield.

Beyond dividends, ADNOC disclosed key developments across its upstream, LNG and petrochemical segments. ADNOC Gas has secured a long-term feedstock agreement worth AED 147 billion with its Ruwais LNG facility. Over 80 percent of project capacity is under contract. The group also reported that the merger of its petrochemical assets with OMV—that is, combining Borouge and Borealis into Borouge Group International —remains on course for completion in Q1 2026. Financing for the transaction, valued at AED 56.6 billion, is in place and synergies of at least AED 1.8 billion annually have been identified.

Earlier this year, ADNOC transferred its stakes in several listed subsidiaries—namely Distribution, Drilling, Gas and Logistics & Services—to its wholly owned investment arm, XRG, via off-market moves. The transfers, completed or pending regulatory clearance, were explicitly stated not to affect operations, leadership or dividend policies. Control remains with ADNOC via its 100 percent ownership of XRG.

Analysts view the dividend pledge as a strategic signal in a more competitive capital-raising environment. It strengthens the case for long-term investor confidence, especially amid global volatility in energy markets and shifting sector dynamics. Some warn, however, that such large commitments require careful balance with capital expenditure demands, especially for exploration, decarbonisation and upstream expansion to meet rising regional energy and gas demand.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health will present a portfolio of artificial intelligence–based healthcare solutions at the upcoming GITEX Global 2025 event in Dubai. The showcase is intended to reinforce the emirate’s ambitions to lead in digital health transformation and embed AI into clinical and public health systems.

DoH plans to display tools ranging from predictive diagnostics to personalised wellness platforms, emphasising preventive care and data-driven interventions. H. E. Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, stated that leveraging AI is central to “reshaping how care is delivered” and enabling people to “live healthier, longer lives.”

The Abu Dhabi delegation will also highlight the emirate’s efforts to integrate AI across healthcare infrastructure, including hospital systems and community services. As part of the pitch, DoH intends to advance models that predict health risks, flag early disease onset, and streamline patient journeys from diagnosis to treatment.

The timing of this unveiling aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader push into AI research and high-tech partnerships. In September 2025, Nvidia and Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute launched a joint lab focusing on robotics and advanced AI models, including deployment of Nvidia’s “Thor” chip for robotic applications. That initiative is part of the UAE’s wider effort to become a global AI player.

At GITEX Global—a technology exhibition scheduled from 13 to 17 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre—the DigiHealth & Biotech track is expected to draw startups, tech firms and health ministries showcasing innovations across genomics, diagnostics, telemedicine and biotech. The exhibition emphasises frontier domains: physical AI, quantum computing, semiconductors and data-centre infrastructure.

Abu Dhabi is also seeking to signal that its AI investments are more than pilot projects. Through collaborations with private technology firms, academic institutions and regional health authorities, DoH aims to build a scalable, interoperable health data ecosystem. Under its strategy, AI modules would be deployed not just in tertiary hospitals, but in primary care, clinics, remote monitoring and wellness programmes.

Critics point to challenges ahead, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, regulatory oversight and integration with legacy systems. Effective AI deployment in health requires robust patient consent frameworks, transparent models and continuous validation across diverse populations. Observers note that many AI health systems falter when scaled beyond controlled environments.

Dubai Investments has revealed that its wholly owned subsidiary, Emirates Float Glass, will expand its float-glass manufacturing capacity by launching a second production line that will raise output from 600 tonnes per day to 1,200 tonnes. The upgrade is slated to introduce Ultra Clear low-iron glass—marketed as a first in the MENA region—with advanced automation and energy-efficient systems, and is scheduled for commissioning between late 2027 and early 2028.

Under the plan, the second line will incorporate next-generation process control technology to ensure consistent product quality while curbing energy consumption and lowering the environmental footprint. Dubai Investments emphasises that this aligns with its broader industrial growth strategy and the UAE’s ambitions in high-value manufacturing.

Abdulaziz Bin Yakub Al Serkal, CEO of Dubai Investments’ Industrial Platform, described the move as crucial for strengthening regional competitiveness. He said the introduction of Ultra Clear glass will allow EFG to penetrate premium markets, give clarity advantages over conventional float glass, and support growing demand from architectural, infrastructure and design sectors. The project involves a collaboration with Germany’s HORN Glass Industries, which will supply glass-melting furnaces and associated systems, while local civil-works contractors and international project teams will oversee implementation.

EFG currently operates out of its float plant in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, where its capacity now stands at 600 tonnes per day. The expansion marks the second phase of investment in the plant. Dubai Investments’ announcement underlines its commitment to scaling up industrial assets and achieving technological differentiation in its manufacturing portfolio.

The expanded capacity is seen as a response to rising demand across the Gulf and broader regional markets, where premium architectural glass is gaining traction, driven by growth in high-rise construction, sustainability mandates and demand for energy-efficient façades. Analysts note that the move helps EFG hedge against rising competition from international glass producers by offering higher-clarity, value-added products.