Aldar Properties has acquired Modon Holding’s full 17.45 per cent indirect stake in Aldar Estates, pushing its total ownership to 82.55 per cent. The shares had been held through Modon’s subsidiary ADNEC Group. Financial terms of the deal were not made public. With the transaction, Aldar retains its position as majority stakeholder, consolidating its influence over the real-estate services arm. Aldar Estates, launched in 2023 via a […]
Dubai’s engineering and construction powerhouse ALEC Holdings PJSC has fixed its IPO share price between AED 1.35 and AED 1.40, opening subscriptions for a 20 percent stake in the company. The offering will feature 1 billion existing shares, valuing the company at AED 6.75 billion to AED 7 billion at the time of listing. The subscription period began on 23 September and will close on 30 September […]
Electric vehicle insurance policies in the UAE are commanding about 72 per cent higher premiums than those for comparable petrol or diesel cars, largely because of elevated repair costs, limited workshop capacity, and parts supply chain challenges. Such figures, derived from data compiled by leading insurance and automotive analysts, shed light on systemic pressures across the market. Average comprehensive EV insurance is being priced at approximately AED […]
Wynn Al Marjan Island, a joint venture between Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding, is poised to open in March 2027 as the UAE’s first fully integrated gaming resort. The project has breached its 61st floor on the 70‐storey tower, and developers say construction is progressing “on plan.” The resort will feature over 1,542 hotel rooms, more than 22 restaurants and lounges, and a hotel tower […]
Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute and Nvidia have signed an agreement to establish the Middle East’s first joint laboratory dedicated to artificial intelligence and robotics. The new facility, known as the TII-NVAITC Joint Lab for AI and Robotics, will be located at TII’s headquarters. Its mandate is to push forward next-generation AI models, robotics platforms and humanoid technologies. The lab combines TII’s strength in applied research with […]
UAE’s construction sector is projected to reach US$ 130.8 billion by 2029, up from US$ 107.2 billion in 2024, as government-led projects and developmental pipelines drive a sustained growth trajectory of about 4% annually. Construction makes up 62% of all future pipeline projects across the Emirates, dwarfing the contribution from transport, power and water. Among construction subsectors, mixed-use projects lead the pipeline with about 42%, followed by […]
More than 180 UAE government Chief AI Officers gathered in Washington under the aegis of the US-UAE Business Council to build partnerships with US tech firms and experts, intensifying the country’s drive in AI governance and cybersecurity. The event leveraged sessions with global business leaders and government officials to share expertise in advanced technology, highlighting the AI Chief Executives Model as a catalyst for digital governance reforms.
Engineer Mohamed bin Taliah, Chief of Government Services, underscored that AI adoption across UAE government remains a top priority, anchored in strategic goals to elevate digital governance globally. He asserted that engaging directly with leading technology companies offers vital exposure to best practices, and that empowering local talent via high-level training is essential to establishing an innovative and “smarter” digital future.
Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, heading the Cybersecurity Council for the UAE Government, flagged an increase in complexity and frequency of cyber threats, saying that international cooperation is now non-negotiable. He described protection of critical infrastructure, data privacy, and AI-driven defence as areas requiring urgent collaboration, emphasising building resilience through national expertise and shared knowledge.
Dr Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud of the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office explained that the purpose of the visit is to position the UAE as a global node for innovation. He said the delegation’s exchanges aim at unlocking joint innovation opportunities, shaping practical AI solutions, and reinforcing the UAE’s digital transformation strategy.
Participants included leaders from SmartCohort, Dell Technologies, PwC, and organisations like Cisco, Google, IBM, Oracle, Applied AI, Akamai, Core42 and Cloudflare, among others.
UAE has set an objective of growing its business base to more than two million companies by 2031, while also aiming to see ten unicorns—start-ups valued at over US$1 billion—emerge within that period, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, has declared. He stated that at present about five unicorns have already originated in the country. The announcement came during a press briefing revealing […]
Abu Dhabi has finalised a major agreement to enforce greater transparency in crypto-asset taxation by signing the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement under the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework. The deal mandates automatic exchange of tax-related data on crypto transactions across jurisdictions, aligning the UAE with rising global norms on financial disclosure. The Ministry of Finance confirmed that CARF will start operating in the UAE in 2027, with the first […]
National Industries Park, the DP World-run industrial zone in Dubai, has secured over AED 1 billion in new project investments between January and September 2025, underpinned by a major push into greenfield manufacturing. It has leased more than 7 million square feet of land during that period, with much of the allocation going to fresh build-outs rather than expansions of existing facilities. The tenant roster has grown […]
Vista by Lara has unveiled an enhanced design and digital growth studio in the UAE, marrying artificial intelligence with Shopify-centric services to assist local brands in accelerating sales, improving customer experience and scaling operations. The Dubai-based outfit offers a full suite of tools including Shopify storefront construction, conversion rate optimisation, search engine optimisation, advanced analytics and proprietary AI creative utilities. Dr Lara, founder of Vista by Lara, […]
Abu Dhabi has formally joined the international regime for automatic exchange of tax information in the crypto-asset sector, with the Ministry of Finance signing the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement under the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework. Implementation of CARF in the UAE is set to begin in 2027, and the first exchanges of information under the framework are planned for 2028. The agreement lays out standards for sharing tax-related […]
Dubai’s telecommunications provider du has begun rolling out its upgraded 5G+ network, aiming to double existing 5G speeds and unlock new technology-driven opportunities for both urban infrastructure and entrepreneurship. The rollout is concentrated initially in central zones of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other major emirates, with plans to extend coverage more widely by the end of 2025.
Karim Benkirane, chief commercial officer at du, said 5G+ will enable the UAE to advance its smart city and sustainability agendas, while creating an ecosystem where start-ups can “really innovate in the future”. He added that the network will offer faster download speeds, lower latency, and more seamless connectivity—features vital for AI-powered applications, ultra-HD streaming, gaming and real-time virtual or augmented reality experiences.
The infrastructure uses 5G‐Advanced architecture, operating independently of existing LTE networks, and requires compatible devices and SIMs or eSIMs to access the enhanced service. du has said that users leveraging the 5G+ network in busy or downtown areas can expect significantly improved performance.
Enterprise uses are being emphasised as well. du believes that the upgraded network will support government initiatives and private sector innovation, particularly in fields that depend heavily on low latency and reliable data throughput—such as smart traffic systems, IoT deployments, creator-led content, and AI for public services.
Smart city ambitions are aided by 5G+’s ability to maintain connectivity even in crowded zones and to deliver consistent performance as demand grows. The network’s enhancements are intended to sustain video calls, streaming and online collaboration, even in high-traffic environments. du has framed 5G+ as a cornerstone for future digital infrastructure across the UAE.
United Arab Emirates holds between 40 and 45 per cent share of the Middle East and Africa space market, which is estimated at US$18 billion, according to a report from the Boston Consulting Group. The UAE invested approximately US$443 million in civil space activities in 2024—nearly half of all government space spending across MEA.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar follow with civil space investments of about US$220 million each. Saudi Arabia accounts for an estimated 20–25 per cent of MEA government space spending, while Qatar contributes about 5 per cent.
Downstream services—such as satellite communications, navigation, and Earth observation—comprise roughly 70 per cent of the global space industry. The UAE is positioned to capture more than half of the downstream services market within MEA, while Saudi Arabia aims for over 20 per cent. Qatar’s role remains modest in downstream services, at just under 5 per cent.
All three countries are expected to grow at or above the global space economy’s compound annual growth rate of 5 per cent through 2033.
The report identifies several flagship programmes in the UAE—MBZ-SAT, the Hope Probe, and Arab 813—that are likely to generate returns of roughly 3-4 times the investment. These initiatives illustrate how long-term strategic planning, public-private partnerships, risk-tolerant policy frameworks, and global cooperation are central to the UAE’s leadership in the sector.
Saudi Arabia is expanding its international partnerships, including with NASA and Axiom, while Qatar’s Es’hailSat is strengthening its role in regional satellite communications. Digital policy integration—especially in satellite broadband, low Earth orbit constellations, and Earth observation—is emerging as a key success factor.
UAE–India non-oil trade reached US$37.6 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 33.9 per cent increase over the same period last year, the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, announced. This growth is seen as firm evidence that both countries are on track to meet their shared goal of US$100 billion in annual non-oil trade by 2030. Dr Al Zeyoudi […]
Tensor is set to unveil the Tensor Robocar in Dubai at the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, as the first personally owned Level-4 autonomous vehicle. Customer deliveries are expected to begin in the second half of 2026. The Robocar has been designed from the outset for autonomy rather than being an adapted conventional EV. It integrates more than 100 sensors, including 37 cameras, 5 lidars and […]
Dubai Opera has unveiled its 2025–26 season, featuring over 50 international productions and more than 150 performances spanning opera, ballet, musicals, concerts, Arabic music, theatre and comedy. The programme brings together in excess of 1,000 artists from around the world, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to position itself as a leading global cultural centre. The season opens in September with a remarkable trilogy: Puccini’s La Bohème, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony […]
Abu Dhabi and Baku have sealed two Memoranda of Understanding between Presight and Azerbaijan’s government aimed at fuelling the country’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2028, with strong emphasis also placed on education. The agreements were formalised with top-level signatories during the state visit of the UAE President to Azerbaijan. Under the deal with the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, Presight will act as a strategic advisory and […]
Abu Dhabi’s XRG, the ambitious investment arm of ADNOC, has abandoned its US$18.7–19 billion bid to acquire Australia’s Santos Ltd after failing to agree on key commercial terms, while its takeover attempt of German chemicals firm Covestro AG faces serious threats from an EU competition and subsidy probe. The Santos takeover fell apart largely over valuation disagreements and tax liabilities, according to people familiar with the negotiations. […]
Alec Holdings is set to list about 20% of its shares in an initial public offering on the Dubai Financial Market, while Binghatti Holding is preparing for a possible IPO, as both seek to harness surging demand in Dubai’s real estate sector. These moves reflect growing confidence among developers and investors in a rapidly expanding market. Alec, wholly owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, will offer […]
Greenlogue/AP Gulf Cooperation Council nations captured only about $24 billion in green foreign direct investment out of more than $1 trillion globally between 2020 and 2024, even though six of the ten least expensive solar-power projects worldwide are hosted in the GCC, a Strategy& Middle East analysis finds. Saudi Arabia received $12.6 billion of that inflow, Oman $8.9 billion, with the United Arab Emirates drawing smaller but […]
Solmate, a newly launched Solana digital asset treasury headquartered in the UAE, is mobilising US$300 million to build on-chain infrastructure and deliver staking-based returns for investors. Marco Santori, formerly Chief Legal Officer of Kraken, has been appointed CEO. The company is setting up bare-metal validators in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with RockawayX, aiming for high reliability and performance in staking operations. Solmate’s backers include ARK Invest, […]
DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 September 2025 – VinFast has officially announced a strategic partnership with the Arabian Automobile Association (AAA), a leading provider of vehicle support services in the Middle East, to launch comprehensive roadside assistance for VinFast customers across six countries: the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in VinFast’s ongoing […]
Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group has struck a deal with Azerbaijan Transport and Communication Holding to build two shallow-draft container ships of 780 TEUs each at Baku Shipyard. The vessels, intended for operation across the Caspian Sea, are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2027. The contract marks the first time an international company has placed a cargo-ship order with Baku Shipyard. The agreement was […]
