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du has unveiled its Envision 2025 agenda, signalling a decisive push towards an AI-first future. The event is scheduled for 9 September 2025 at Atlantis, The Royal, and is designed to mobilise public and private sector leaders around AI-enabled smart communities and sovereign digital innovation.

The Envision 2025 blueprint brings together a distinguished roster of sponsors and partners. Oracle is confirmed as Host Sponsor, contributing expertise in cloud and sovereign AI capabilities. Cisco, as Platinum Partner, reinforces commitments to digital advancement. Gold Partners include HPE, Huawei, Akamai Technologies and CyberKnight, while Silver Partners—Dell Technologies, Fortinet, Accenture, Hexaware and Palo Alto Networks—support AI and cybersecurity resilience. Equinix and Joy Smart Technologies join as Bronze Partners, emphasising a collaborative approach to transformation. du charts AI-first future with Envision 2025 echoes this collaborative vision, emphasising alignment between leadership and technological innovation.

The threefold Envision platform will host both an exhibition and a conference, spotlighting cutting-edge domains: AI Data Centres, Sovereign Cloud, Generative and Agentic AI, GPU-as-a-Service, Industry 4.0, Advanced Robotics, and Cloud Computing. It seeks to provoke strategic alliances and stimulate discourse aligned with the UAE’s National AI Strategy and National Digital Government Strategy 2025.

Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Executive Officer of du, underscored the alignment with national vision, referencing the leadership of H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who asserted that “future is not something we wait for, but something we make.” Al Hassawi emphasised that converging leadership with advanced technology will underpin the creation of a scalable, secure, and AI-first UAE.

Jasim Al Awadi, Chief ICT Officer at du, described Envision 2025 as more than a technology event—but as a national platform uniting future shapers to align vision, innovation and execution. He stressed that the collaborators are vital to delivering secure, scalable, sovereign digital solutions that enhance smart communities, economic growth and quality of life.

Miguel Vega, Senior Vice President for Database Platform & Cloud Infrastructure at Oracle for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa, said Oracle’s participation will centre on advancing sovereign AI and cloud functions, aiming to help public and private sectors unlock greater levels of innovation, security and efficiency.

Abu Dhabi will host the BRIDGE Summit from 8 to 10 December 2025 at the ADNEC Centre, uniting heads of state, media executives, policymakers, technologists and content creators in an ambitious bid to redefine the global media landscape. Announced in Washington by Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, chairman of the National Media Office, alongside Dr Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, director-general of the NMO, the summit pledges to foster dialogue, innovation and sustainable growth across the sector. Attendance is expected to exceed 5,000 participants, underpinning its status as a global media landmark.

Preparatory efforts have extended worldwide. In June, a roundtable in London convened Al Hamed and Al Kaabi with media experts during London Tech Week to reinforce the summit’s commitment to transparency, accountability and cross-sector collaboration in an increasingly digital era. In Asia, the BRIDGE roadshow landed in Shanghai, following stops in New York, London and Osaka, each event contributing insights to shape the summit’s agenda. A mission to Seoul in August further advanced partnerships with technology and media firms, including I-ON Communications on AI and data storytelling; Dentons on regulatory frameworks; Lotte Caliverse on immersive media; and SM Entertainment on cultural collaboration. These discussions cemented shared goals around content credibility, technology ethics and investment in creative startups.

The BRIDGE Summit is embedded within a broader ecosystem spearheaded by the National Media Office. Alongside the summit lies the BRIDGE Foundation, a non-profit body dedicated to empowering media professionals, funding research and supporting startups. This aligns with the UAE’s pursuit of media as a force for societal development and economic progress. A recently published fact sheet outlines the summit’s six thematic zones—Academy, Diplomacy, Forum, Marketplace, Impact and Spotlight—designed to foster skills, policy engagement, tech innovation, social impact and cultural exchange across a three-day programme.

AI and ethics feature prominently among the summit’s themes. Organisers emphasise human values in storytelling amid accelerating digital disruption and algorithmic influence. Al Hamed has characterised media as a humanitarian force that must uphold integrity and cohesion, not merely chase clicks. The summit will address responsible AI’s potential and pitfalls, ethical journalism, and media business models fit for the digital age.

Beyond content and tech, BRIDGE seeks to bridge policy and practice. With roundtables and forums designed to foster international dialogue, policymakers, creators and academics will collaborate on frameworks that safeguard credibility while embracing innovation.

The summit’s global scope is reflected in its steady itinerary of international engagements. From Washington to London, Shanghai to Seoul, each stop has contributed regional perspectives and partnerships that will inform the summit’s structure, themes and participant networks.

United Arab Bank has formed a strategic alliance with Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange to enable its customers to subscribe for upcoming IPOs through the bank’s digital channels or ADX’s eIPO Investor Portal. This arrangement aims to simplify the process of accessing capital markets, offering a secure and intuitive experience to investors.

At a ceremony held at ADX’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the agreement was formalised in the presence of Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADX, and Shirish Bhide, Chief Executive Officer of UAB, alongside senior officials from both organisations.

This collaboration is designed to strengthen UAB’s wealth management proposition by embedding investment opportunities within its digital ecosystem. Customers will now be able to access IPO applications directly via UAB’s mobile application, replacing previously cumbersome procedures with streamlined, guided pathways that enhance transparency and usability.

According to Shirish Bhide, this partnership reflects the bank’s dedication to innovation and long-term value creation. By integrating investment services within UAB’s digital channels, customers gain more inclusive access to the UAE’s capital markets. Abdulla Salnuaimi added that this initiative reaffirms ADX’s aim to enhance the investor experience by collaborating with leading financial institutions and advancing digital solutions.

The move aligns with UAB’s broader digital transformation strategy, as demonstrated by prior efforts such as launching RegPRISM, an AI-powered regulatory intelligence platform developed with Smarbl to improve compliance and operational efficiency.

Further underpinning UAB’s financial robustness is its first-quarter 2025 performance. The bank reported a 49 per cent year-on-year increase in net profit—rising to AED 102 million—driven by growth in assets, loans, Islamic financing, and investments. Capital adequacy remains solid, with a CET1 ratio of 12.6 per cent and a total capital adequacy ratio of 17.1 per cent. Non-performing loans saw improvement from 4.8 per cent to 3.4 per cent, with coverage at 118 per cent.

These financial strengths were in part bolstered by a rights issue completed earlier, which raised around AED 1.03 billion and strengthened UAB’s capital position.

ADX, for its part, continues to pursue innovation in financial market infrastructure. In July, it collaborated with First Abu Dhabi Bank and HSBC to launch the Middle East’s first DLT-based digital bond, reinforcing its frontier role in tokenised finance.

Through this latest agreement, UAB and ADX are promoting a more integrated, accessible investment landscape—blending digital banking and capital markets participation in a manner that could redefine customer expectations and market engagement.

A group of social media users in the UAE have been referred to the Federal Public Prosecution for breaching the country’s media content standards. The National Media Office confirmed the development on Tuesday, highlighting the authority’s ongoing commitment to monitoring and enforcing the nation’s strict media regulations.

The NMO issued a statement via the official WAM news agency, stating that its team is dedicated to identifying violations in real-time and notifying users about their non-compliance. It further reiterated that such breaches, particularly those that fail to uphold the country’s foundational principles of respect, tolerance, and coexistence, will result in legal consequences for the offenders.

While the NMO did not disclose the identities or details of the specific violations, the action follows a prior reminder issued in March, warning social media users that any content deemed harmful or in violation of the country’s core values would be subject to prosecution. The reminder aimed to reinforce the country’s stance on maintaining a responsible media environment where positive and constructive dialogue is encouraged.

In line with the UAE’s broader vision for media, the NMO emphasized that these measures are in place to preserve the integrity of social media platforms and protect communities from harmful or non-constructive content. It is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that media activities, both traditional and digital, contribute positively to the nation’s social fabric.

The UAE has long maintained a strict regulatory framework for both traditional media and online content. The government regularly reminds both local and international users of the country’s media laws, which govern everything from speech to social media posts. These laws are designed to uphold public order and ensure that content aligns with the country’s moral and cultural values.

Although specific details of the recent violations were not disclosed, the NMO’s statement reflects the growing importance of regulating online platforms in the UAE. The country has increasingly tightened its oversight of social media activity, particularly as digital platforms play a larger role in daily life. As a result, many individuals and organisations are now more cautious about the content they post or share online.

The authorities continue to remind users that they are responsible for adhering to the UAE’s media standards. Social media users who engage in behaviour that contravenes these guidelines may find themselves subject to investigations, fines, or even criminal charges. This strict enforcement serves as a reminder to users that online behaviour is not without consequence in the UAE.

The UAE’s media laws focus heavily on maintaining public order and promoting social cohesion. The National Media Office stresses that social media must be a space where respectful, constructive discussions can occur, and where users contribute positively to the nation’s values. As such, users are encouraged to be mindful of the impact of their content, whether it be in the form of posts, comments, or shared material.

With these regulations in place, the NMO is poised to take swift action against those who undermine the principles of respect and tolerance, which are central to the country’s social contract. The agency has also emphasised its readiness to continue monitoring social media activity and enforcing compliance with the law.

The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority has entered into agreements with three national banks to offer top-up housing finance at subsidised interest and profit rates. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility to homeownership for UAE nationals, a central goal of the authority’s efforts to expand affordable housing options in the capital.

The latest collaboration will allow individuals who have already received funding under the ADHA’s housing loan programme to access additional financial support. The move is designed to ease the financial burden on homeowners by offering more flexible payment plans and lower rates, a critical factor in the current economic climate.

The newly established partnerships involve top national banks, further broadening the scope of the ADHA’s housing initiatives. By securing these collaborations, the authority aims to build stronger financial partnerships within the sector, ensuring more inclusive access to property ownership for citizens. In total, the initiative is expected to benefit hundreds of Emirati families, with an anticipated surge in demand due to the competitive financing terms.

These agreements come as part of a broader strategy to increase homeownership rates across the UAE. In recent years, the government has intensified efforts to make housing more affordable for nationals, with various initiatives addressing the financing gap for first-time homeowners and those wishing to upgrade their homes.

One key aspect of these new arrangements is the focus on easing the strain of high property prices, which have been a barrier to homeownership for many nationals, particularly in urban areas like Abu Dhabi. Under these new terms, eligible individuals can access additional funds to cover the increasing costs of property ownership while benefiting from interest rates that are considerably lower than the market average.

For the participating banks, this initiative represents a further opportunity to tap into the growing demand for home loans. The ADHA’s housing programme has already seen strong uptake, and these new partnerships are expected to foster a sense of long-term trust between the government and financial institutions. The banks are anticipated to leverage their extensive customer networks to ensure the accessibility of these financing options to as many eligible nationals as possible.

With the UAE’s real estate market still facing challenges, especially for first-time buyers, these developments signify a critical step towards more equitable homeownership opportunities. By working with national banks, ADHA is addressing the economic disparities that can prevent nationals from owning their homes, aligning with broader national goals of social stability and financial inclusion.

This collaboration also ties into the broader vision of diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on non-housing sectors by fostering homegrown economic growth. Providing affordable housing options for nationals is a pivotal part of these ambitions, ensuring that families can build long-term wealth and stability through property ownership.

The new financing schemes are part of an ongoing drive to not only increase the number of homeowners but also improve the living standards of UAE nationals by offering improved housing conditions. While much of the focus has been on infrastructure projects and urban development, there is now an increased emphasis on ensuring that the growing population of UAE nationals can access property that suits their needs and income levels.

The University of Sharjah has entered into a strategic partnership with Binance Academy, aiming to foster innovation and education in blockchain technology. The Memorandum of Understanding between UOS and Binance’s educational arm marks a significant step towards creating new opportunities in blockchain research and talent development. This collaboration aligns with both parties’ commitment to equipping students and researchers with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in the rapidly advancing Web3 ecosystem.

The MoU was officially signed by Professor Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies at UOS, and Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Officer at Binance, in a move designed to pave the way for long-term cooperation. The agreement will see both entities working together to enhance blockchain education, research, and skills development across a range of fields related to emerging technologies.

This initiative underscores the growing demand for expertise in blockchain, a field that continues to disrupt various sectors, from finance to logistics and beyond. UOS, known for its robust academic offerings, will integrate blockchain curriculum and training into its programs, ensuring that students are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge. Binance Academy, leveraging its global blockchain ecosystem, will provide support with educational materials, workshops, and expert-led sessions to ensure students and researchers have access to the latest industry insights and tools.

The partnership between UOS and Binance is set to contribute to the development of a highly skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and decentralized systems. With Web3 technologies rapidly transforming industries, it is essential for academic institutions and tech companies to collaborate in developing a skilled workforce capable of driving these innovations forward.

Experts predict that blockchain technology will play a key role in shaping the future of digital transactions, governance, and online security. As such, universities like UOS are increasingly looking to align their curricula with industry needs, preparing students for the evolving demands of the global job market. By working with Binance Academy, UOS hopes to offer an advanced understanding of these transformative technologies, with a focus on real-world applications.

The partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange, where UOS faculty and researchers can engage with blockchain pioneers and industry leaders. This two-way collaboration is expected to foster an environment where academic research can influence real-world blockchain solutions, while industry innovations can be tested and refined within the academic sphere. The ultimate goal is to create a pipeline of talent that is both theoretically grounded and practically skilled in blockchain technologies.

This agreement comes as blockchain adoption continues to accelerate across multiple sectors, with a particular focus on financial services, supply chain management, and data security. As governments and businesses explore the potential of blockchain to enhance transparency, efficiency, and security, the need for skilled professionals in the field is more critical than ever.

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has been a strong proponent of blockchain education through its Binance Academy. This initiative is designed to help users and institutions navigate the complexities of blockchain technology. Binance Academy offers free courses, educational resources, and hands-on training on topics such as decentralised finance, blockchain protocols, and crypto assets, all aimed at empowering the next generation of blockchain innovators.

For UOS, this partnership aligns with its broader mission of driving research excellence and innovation within the UAE’s educational landscape. The university has long been at the forefront of integrating emerging technologies into its academic offerings, and this collaboration with Binance marks a new chapter in its pursuit of excellence in research and education.

UOS also stands to benefit from Binance’s deep expertise in the blockchain space, providing students with access to a global network of professionals, innovators, and technologists. Through this collaboration, UOS aims to position itself as a leader in blockchain education within the region, attracting students and researchers who are eager to develop their expertise in a field that is shaping the future of technology.

Blockchain’s potential to decentralise systems and increase transparency has made it one of the most transformative technologies of the modern age. With widespread adoption expected across both developed and developing nations, educational institutions that focus on blockchain research and development are set to play a pivotal role in fostering the next generation of leaders in the space.

Emirates NBD has entered into a landmark partnership with global jewellery retailer Joyalukkas, providing a substantial AED 500 million working capital facility. This agreement marks a crucial step in the expansion of Joyalukkas’ operations across the UAE, as well as its key international markets, including the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.

The deal, announced today, highlights the growing collaboration between the two entities, cementing Emirates NBD’s role as a key financial partner in Joyalukkas’ global growth strategy. The working capital facility will allow Joyalukkas to bolster its operations, meet the increasing demand for luxury jewellery, and enhance its retail presence in multiple regions.

Joyalukkas, a household name in the jewellery industry with a vast network of outlets worldwide, is known for its exquisite designs and premium products. Founded in 1987, the retailer has rapidly expanded its footprint, particularly in the GCC region, India, and other high-potential international markets. This new facility from Emirates NBD enables Joyalukkas to navigate challenges associated with working capital and supply chain management while facilitating its growth in a highly competitive market.

The strategic decision to offer this significant financial support underscores Emirates NBD’s commitment to supporting leading UAE-based businesses with ambitious expansion plans. The partnership will also contribute to the local economy, enabling job creation and boosting the retail sector. With an extensive portfolio of services tailored for high-growth industries, Emirates NBD is positioning itself as a critical player in the UAE’s business ecosystem.

For Joyalukkas, the agreement reflects its robust financial health and operational readiness for a broader international reach. As luxury consumption in markets such as the UK, USA, and Australia continues to rise, the retailer is well-placed to capitalise on this growing demand. Furthermore, the working capital facility will enhance its ability to manage large-scale projects and optimise its inventory across regions.

With an extensive network of over 160 showrooms worldwide, Joyalukkas is keen to capitalise on its established reputation while strengthening its presence in key markets. The financial backing from Emirates NBD offers the flexibility required to support large-scale retail operations and secure further growth.

Analysts see this collaboration as a strong endorsement of Joyalukkas’ expansion strategy, particularly its targeted approach towards diversifying into high-potential international markets. As global luxury retail trends shift towards online platforms and omnichannel experiences, Joyalukkas has already begun adapting to these changes, with plans to enhance its digital presence alongside its physical stores.

Emirates NBD, one of the leading banks in the region, has long been known for its strategic partnerships with key players in the retail and manufacturing sectors. By offering tailored financial solutions, the bank has proven to be a crucial enabler of growth for businesses with global aspirations. This latest deal with Joyalukkas adds to the bank’s already impressive portfolio of financial support for companies looking to expand their market reach.

As both organisations look ahead, the partnership represents a shared vision for long-term growth, with Joyalukkas planning to increase its retail footprint in the coming years. The bank’s backing will facilitate Joyalukkas’ ability to expand both in terms of physical retail locations and in the digital domain, where it is likely to see increasing competition.

The deal is also a testament to the UAE’s growing position as a global hub for business and finance, with local institutions playing a pivotal role in helping regional businesses scale internationally. Emirates NBD’s deep involvement with international brands and retailers reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of global trade and commerce.

While the facility’s exact terms remain undisclosed, industry experts suggest that this could be one of many similar deals to follow, as both local banks and international businesses continue to seek mutually beneficial partnerships. The growing demand for high-end jewellery and the increasing prominence of luxury markets globally position this partnership as a key milestone in both organisations’ development.

The Dubai International Financial Centre has posted its best-ever half-year results in 2025, demonstrating strong growth across key sectors, including financial services, innovation, and fintech. The centre reported a remarkable 32 per cent increase in new active registered companies, bringing the total number of active businesses to 7,700 by mid-2025. This surge represents a 25 per cent year-on-year growth. The number of professionals working within DIFC has also experienced a significant rise, up by 9 per cent, reaching 47,901 employees.

DIFC’s expansion highlights the continued success of Dubai’s strategy to position itself as a leading global financial hub, particularly in the fields of fintech and innovation. The increase in registered companies signifies not only the centre’s growing appeal but also its vital role in the UAE’s broader economic vision.

The growing presence of fintech firms, along with traditional financial services companies, underscores DIFC’s evolving landscape. According to the Centre’s CEO, the influx of new businesses reflects Dubai’s robust infrastructure, strategic location, and regulatory environment. “The remarkable performance of DIFC is a testament to Dubai’s attractiveness as a global business hub,” said the CEO. “Our strong sectoral focus on financial services, fintech, and innovation is fostering an environment of growth, which will continue to fuel the region’s economic success.”

DIFC’s strategic emphasis on innovation and fintech has garnered attention from both regional and global investors. The centre’s business-friendly regulatory framework, alongside its collaboration with government-backed initiatives, has allowed fintech startups to thrive. As digital financial services evolve, Dubai’s proactive measures have made DIFC a hub for innovation, with new fintech companies flocking to the area to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available.

DIFC’s integration with the wider Dubai economy has fostered a synergy between financial services and other sectors, such as real estate and technology. This cross-sector collaboration has proven essential for the centre’s resilience during periods of global uncertainty.

The surge in the number of companies and professionals at DIFC comes as Dubai continues to enhance its reputation as a major global economic and business destination. This growth trajectory aligns with Dubai’s long-term strategic objective to diversify its economy, focusing on financial technology, digital innovation, and professional services, which have collectively contributed to DIFC’s increasing role in the regional and global markets.

While DIFC’s record-breaking performance in the first half of 2025 is commendable, industry analysts suggest that the second half of the year could see even more significant growth. The centre’s management has indicated plans to further streamline processes for international companies seeking to establish a presence in Dubai, as well as to continue fostering innovation. With the fintech sector expected to expand globally, DIFC’s evolving ecosystem makes it a key player in the broader financial services landscape.

In addition to fintech, DIFC has shown promising growth in more traditional financial services, including asset management, banking, and insurance. The influx of multinational financial institutions has been notable, with firms attracted by the centre’s sophisticated infrastructure and competitive regulatory environment. DIFC’s broad appeal to companies across various financial sectors has allowed it to remain one of the most diverse financial hubs in the region.

Al‑Futtaim Retail has agreed to acquire a 49.95 per cent stake in Cenomi Retail from major shareholders for about SAR 2.52 billion, signalling a major strategic shift in Saudi Arabia’s retail sector. The agreement, unveiled through a statement on Tadawul today, July 20, 2025, also includes a conditional shareholder loan to boost Cenomi’s balance sheet.

Under the share purchase agreement signed on July 18, Al‑Futtaim would purchase approximately 57.33 million shares from the Alhokair family, Saudi FAS Holding and FAS Real Estate at SAR 44 per share. Completion hinges on regulatory clearance and execution of a parallel SAR 1.3 billion loan agreement aimed at shoring up working capital.

Al‑Futtaim, a UAE conglomerate with a broad portfolio spanning franchising, automotive, real estate and financial services, brings deep retail expertise and a strong track record with global brands. Its investment is expected to stabilise Cenomi’s liquidity, support operational continuity and bolster its capacity for expansion.

Cenomi Retail, part of Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co., has navigated a challenging turnaround. It holds the largest brand portfolio in Saudi Arabia, operating over 800 stores across eight countries and managing more than 85 international brands, including Zara under a long-term agreement with Inditex. The firm successfully launched a landmark Zara concept store in Riyadh in December 2024, integrating digital and physical retail channels.

Despite these strengths, Cenomi has suffered persistent financial strain. It reported a SAR 1.1 billion net loss in 2023 amid deteriorating margins, asset write-downs and weakening equity. Total assets collapsed by 36 per cent to SAR 4.6 billion by end‑2024, while shareholder equity turned negative – warning signs that triggered restructuring efforts in 2024.

In response, Cenomi embarked on an aggressive restructuring: disposing of non-core brands and outlets, offloading 16 franchises in early 2024, divesting five further brands with 121 stores to Abdullah Al Othaim Fashion Co. in October, and appointing Salim Fakhouri as CEO. The divestments, totalling SAR 2 billion, aimed to streamline operations around “champion” brands like Zara. By mid‑2024, losses had mounted to SAR 1.5 billion.

Earlier this month, Cenomi confirmed it was in talks to bring in a strategic investor for nearly half its capital, accompanied by a shareholder loan. Today’s announcement reveals that investor as Al‑Futtaim, although final terms on the loan are still under discussion.

The deal aligns with broader growth trends in Saudi Arabia’s retail sector, which is projected to expand at roughly 7.1 per cent CAGR through 2029. Economic diversification under Vision 2030, expanding consumer spending and rising tourism are driving omnichannel retail innovation. Cenomi’s launch of cenomi. com and its O2O model position it to capitalise on these trends, though profitability remains a concern.

Analysts have flagged Cenomi as a high-risk, high-reward prospect. With a forward P/E of around 14.3x and a weak operating margin, its distressed balance sheet raises concerns over equity dilution. However, sustained operational cash generation—SAR 1.3–1.4 billion annually—suggests underlying business viability.

Al‑Futtaim’s entry provides a critical capital injection that could stabilise Cenomi’s finances and underpin its digital expansion. Industry observers note that Majid Al Futtaim and Emaar have successfully executed omni-channel models in the region; Al‑Futtaim’s deep supply chain know-how and brand partnerships could replicate that success in Saudi markets.

Following deal closure, which remains subject to approvals, Al‑Futtaim will command nearly half of Cenomi’s share capital and will have extended a substantial shareholder loan. The injecting of both capital and expertise is expected to bolster Cenomi’s capability to restore profitability and reclaim market leadership.

Ripple has formalised a partnership with UAE-based tokenisation platform Ctrl Alt to deliver institutional-grade digital asset custody services as part of a landmark initiative by the Dubai Land Department to digitise property ownership using blockchain infrastructure.

The agreement will enable Ctrl Alt to leverage Ripple’s custody solution to store and manage tokenised property title deeds on the XRP Ledger, as Dubai intensifies its push to integrate advanced digital frameworks into its real estate sector. The project marks a significant stride in DLD’s broader strategy to streamline property transactions and increase market transparency by replacing conventional title documentation with blockchain-native digital representations.

Ripple’s institutional custody platform, designed for banks and financial institutions, will play a central role in securing and scaling the digital assets underlying Dubai’s real estate tokenisation programme. Ripple’s solution will ensure regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and asset security as property titles are issued and exchanged through blockchain mechanisms.

The announcement positions Ripple as a key player in the UAE’s drive toward regulated digital asset ecosystems. The partnership also represents Ripple’s first custody deployment in the UAE, expanding its global digital asset custody network into the Middle East and further solidifying its presence across EMEA, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

Ctrl Alt, which had disclosed its participation in the DLD project earlier, is building tokenisation infrastructure tailored for real-world assets such as real estate. The firm will integrate Ripple’s technology to facilitate the issuance, transfer, and management of tokenised property deeds while ensuring institutional-grade security standards.

The Real Estate Tokenisation Project aims to transform Dubai’s property registry system by offering a fully digital framework that eliminates physical documentation and manual recordkeeping. Through the initiative, the DLD intends to increase efficiency in property ownership transfers, reduce fraud risks, and create a foundation for smart contract-enabled real estate solutions. By leveraging the XRP Ledger’s speed and cost efficiency, the project also seeks to attract global investors and developers to participate in tokenised real estate offerings governed by transparent, immutable ledger protocols.

Ripple’s expansion into the UAE’s digital asset space follows its broader global strategy to deliver enterprise-grade blockchain tools tailored to financial infrastructure, a focus that has intensified as global regulators and institutions begin adopting tokenisation at scale. Ripple’s digital custody division — established through its acquisition of Metaco in 2023 — has emerged as a core offering, providing secure storage infrastructure for tokenised assets in both public and permissioned blockchain environments.

Metaco’s digital asset custody platform, which now underpins Ripple’s institutional offering, was originally designed to meet the requirements of global banks and has been adopted by several financial institutions in Europe and Asia. Its integration with Ripple’s payment and liquidity tools enables a seamless experience for enterprises managing digital asset portfolios alongside tokenisation and cross-border payment rails.

Ripple’s custodial framework offers support for a wide range of tokenised assets, including stablecoins, real-world assets, and CBDCs. It provides multi-tier security, granular permission controls, and compliance features needed for institutional applications. The company’s leadership has highlighted tokenisation as a core theme in the evolution of financial infrastructure, predicting that trillions of dollars worth of real-world assets will migrate to blockchain ecosystems in the coming decade.

Ctrl Alt’s involvement in the DLD-led project comes as Dubai cements its role as a global testbed for blockchain innovation, with a supportive regulatory regime, ambitious smart city initiatives, and a growing appetite for Web3 integration. The company has built its platform to allow regulators, issuers, and investors to interact within a compliant digital asset ecosystem. Its participation in the project is expected to open the door for additional applications of tokenisation beyond real estate, including commodities, equities, and infrastructure.

Dubai’s real estate market, historically characterised by high-value transactions and global investor interest, is seen as an ideal candidate for tokenisation. By converting ownership documents into digital tokens recorded on a blockchain, authorities aim to offer fractional ownership models, enhance liquidity, and enable secondary market trading. The shift could also reduce costs and settlement times, while allowing retail and institutional investors to access real estate markets with lower capital thresholds.

Ripple’s role in the project is expected to be pivotal in meeting security, governance, and compliance requirements for digital custody. The partnership strengthens Ripple’s position as a go-to infrastructure provider for tokenisation use cases and reflects its strategic intent to deepen engagement in jurisdictions with progressive digital asset frameworks.