Category: Talking Point

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 4,992 annually, whereas for internal combustion engine vehicles of similar body types, premiums average

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 Nvidia’s expertise in accelerated computing. One of the centrepieces is Nvidia’s “Thor”

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 to beyond 400 firms, collectively providing in excess of 24,700 jobs.Key players

A trial parcel delivery by drone has been carried out in Abu Dhabi, with a package flown from Al Samha to the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi using an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a robotic arm. The operation, overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre and LODD Autonomous, relied on state-of-the-art navigation technology to ensure precision and efficiency.The initiative aligns with the emirate’s strategy under the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council to lead in smart mobility

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. The offer, made in June and backed by a consortium including ADNOC, ADQ, and

Abu Dhabi has become the newest member of a 14-country initiative called the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership, a coalition committed to defending “open and free” trade in response to rising global protectionism.The partnership, unveiled with a joint declaration, seeks to tackle barriers that impede cross-border commerce, amplify foreign direct investment, and ensure that trade rules are inclusive and transparent. Its launch reflects growing concern over the risks posed by high tariffs, increasing economic fragmentation, and rising non-tariff trade

Majid Al Futtaim has terminated operations of Carrefour across Bahrain, with all its stores ceasing activity as of 14 September. HyperMax, the group’s new grocery retail brand, immediately replaced Carrefour with six stores operating under its banner.Carrefour’s exit from Bahrain follows similar withdrawals from Oman in January and Jordan in November 2024. HyperMax is now operating across Bahrain, employing over 1,600 people and partnering with over 250 local farmers, producers, suppliers and small-and-medium enterprises.Majid Al Futtaim holds

Swiss private bank Lombard Odier executives have stressed that the Middle East is no more inherently risky than other global markets—but warned that wealth managers must perform rigorous due diligence to avoid regulatory pitfalls in future. The bank is increasing its investment in the region and is aiming to more than double its assets under management there.Frédéric Rochat, managing partner at Lombard Odier, and Ali Janoudi, head of new markets, state that wealth managers should treat the Middle East

Kuwait Petroleum Corp is evaluating a plan to lease sections of its pipeline network as part of its drive to raise between $5 billion and $7 billion, to support a broader investment programme totalling $65 billion that spans upstream oil operations and petrochemicals. The deal under consideration would see 13 pipelines leased out on a 25-year basis.The firm has appointed Centerview Partners LLC as an adviser on how to structure the leasing arrangement. Approval from Kuwait’s government will be

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has opened a newly widened section of Sheikh Zayed Road near the Umm Al Sheif Street exit, expanding one direction from six lanes to seven over a 700-metre stretch. The upgrade increases capacity by about 16 per cent, allowing up to 14,000 vehicles per hour through that section.The work focuses on traffic flowing from Abu Dhabi towards central Dubai, a corridor long plagued by congestion at the Umm Al Sheif junction. Overlapping traffic movements

Nearly 90% of Chinese companies plan expansion across the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE emerging as the most favoured para­l­lel investment destinations, according to a PwC survey of 136 firms. The findings show that 84% of respondents are targeting Saudi Arabia and 79% favour the UAE.The study, conducted between April and May 2025, reveals that 44% of these companies have already formalised business plans. Financial performance is improving: 40% now report profitable operations in the region,

du is offering up to 342 million shares—equating to 7.55 per cent of its share capital and roughly three-quarters of Mamoura’s holding—to the public under a secondary offering that boosts liquidity and investor access. The shares are priced between AED 9.00 and AED 9.90, with the final offer price announced via a book-building process set for 15 September.This sale, orchestrated entirely by Mamoura Diversified Global Holding, a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, involves existing shares only; thus du will receive

The UAE achieved 3.9 per cent real GDP growth in the first quarter of 2025, reaching AED 455 billion compared with the same quarter a year earlier. Non-oil activity expanded 5.3 per cent to AED 352 billion, with oil-related sectors accounting for 22.7 per cent of total output. Remarkably, non-oil industries contributed a record 77.3 per cent to GDP—a record non-oil contribution to GDP for the UAE.This performance underscores the UAE’s ongoing diversification efforts and signals confidence from

Aldar has unveiled plans to deliver the UAE’s first Tesla Experience Centre on Yas Island, comprising a purpose-built showroom, service centre and delivery hall integrated into one state-of-the-art facility. Spanning more than 5,000 sqm of leasable area, the development aims to offer an elevated customer experience while boosting operational efficiency and reinforcing Tesla’s long-term growth strategy in the region.The complex will feature 170 dedicated parking spaces and 20 V4 Tesla Supercharger stalls, enabling rapid charging alongside a seamless suite of

Bankers across the Gulf anticipate a surge in initial public offerings over the coming months, aiming to offset a sluggish first half that was disrupted by Ramadan’s overlap with March, followed by heightened volatility tied to US tariffs and escalating regional tensions. They project that this end-of-year activity will allow the UAE to rival Saudi Arabia in dollar-volume IPO activity.Arabian bankers expect Middle East dealmaking surge to end year strong and raise ambitions as construction giant Alec, backed by Dubai

Dubai Holding Asset Management has unveiled Dubai Retail as the new unified brand bringing together more than 40 malls and lifestyle destinations across the emirate. This consolidation stems from the 2024 integration of Nakheel and Meydan into Dubai Holding, aimed at driving scalability, efficiency and long-term competitiveness across its retail operations. The newly branded network spans 10 malls, 15 lifestyle destinations and 18 community-focused retail centres, housing upwards of 6,500 retailers in over 13 million square feet of gross leasable

EU antitrust authorities have pressed pause on the investigation into Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s €14.7 billion takeover of Germany’s Covestro, granting the European Commission extra time to collect detailed information on the transaction. Authorities have set a decision deadline of 2 December 2025.The deal, agreed last October, stands as ADNOC’s largest-ever acquisition and one of the most significant foreign takeovers within the European Union by a Gulf entity. Covestro, a leading German chemicals firm, is known for its production of

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is negotiating with the Public Investment Fund over a potential acquisition of approximately 75 per cent of Al Hilal Football Club, marking what may become a landmark transaction in the kingdom’s football privatisation agenda. The discussions remain preliminary; financial details and final ownership structure have yet to be finalised, and there is a possibility that negotiations might not reach completion.The Public Investment Fund currently controls that stake, with the remainder held by the Ministry of Sport.

Google has eliminated around 35 percent of managers overseeing small teams, opting to shift many into individual contributor roles in a decisive drive to flatten its organisational structure. Brian Welle, vice president of People Analytics and Performance, revealed during an all‑hands meeting that the company now has substantially fewer managers and direct reports compared to this time last year. The aim is to reduce bureaucracy and accelerate decision‑making within its expanding business priorities.Amid the wider industry trend of organisational flattening, companies

Banque de Commerce et de Placements, the Swiss private bank based in Geneva, has elevated its presence in the Middle East by transforming its Dubai Representative Office into a fully operational branch under a Category 4 licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority within the Dubai International Financial Centre. This development empowers BCP to offer comprehensive advisory services across the region.The move reflects BCP’s dedication to expanding its regional reach, reinforcing a footprint that dates back to its initial activity in

TECOM Group has committed AED 1.6 billion to acquire 138 land plots totalling 33 million sq ft from Dubai Holding Asset Management. The move enlarges the Group’s land portfolio to over 209 million sq ft and directly addresses strong customer demand for industrial space at Dubai Industrial City, which currently operates at 99 per cent occupancy.The acquisition reinforces TECOM Group’s role as a key contributor to the industrial sector within the UAE, aligning with national economic objectives such as Operation 300 bn, Make it in the Emirates, and the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’.Chief Executive Officer Abdulla Belhoul stated

Sotheby’s will stage its first auction series in Abu Dhabi this December as part of a broader push by the emirate to emerge as an international hub for art and luxury. The event, named Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week, is set to run from 2 to 5 December and promises to captivate collectors with offerings spanning fine jewellery, rare watches, collector cars and premium real estate.The drive behind this initiative stems from strategic investments and cultural positioning. In October 2024, Abu Dhabi’s

ADNOC has sealed a 15‑year Sales and Purchase Agreement with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd for the annual supply of 1 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas, marking a definitive move from the previous memorandum. The cargoes will be eligible for delivery to any port across India, reinforcing ADNOC’s position as a dependable supplier to meet India’s expanding energy needs and energy security demands.ADNOC’s Ruwais LNG project, located in Al Ruwais Industrial City, Abu Dhabi, is slated to commence operations in

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company has secured a significant financial boost in the form of an AED 8.5 billion term loan aimed at enhancing liquidity and supporting its growth strategies. This loan agreement marks a strategic move by the company as it seeks to continue its expansion and strengthen its financial position.The loan facility, which has a two-year term, is denominated in UAE dirhams and comes with a floating interest rate. A one-year extension option provides TAQA with