Sign in
TELECOMS-
Space tech is coming to the UAE:Yahsat is launching a “direct-2-device” program in a bid to use satellite networks to bring connectivity to underserved areas, state news agency Wam reports. The project, dubbed Project Sky, will use three geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites, which it plans to launch this year, to boost connectivity.
The timeline: The company plans to provide voice and messaging services this year, followed by the introduction of texting and IoT capabilities on smartphones by 2025. The second phase, Project BlueStar, aims to establish comprehensive connectivity through a satellite network.
ICYMI- Yahsat merged with G42 subsidiary and geospatial services provider Bayanat last December to create a USD 4.1 bn space tech company dubbed Space42. The merger is expected to be completed in 2H 2024.
FOOD & BEVERAGE-
Orkla India sets up Dubai office: Consumer brands investment company Orkla India has launched a Middle East subsidiary in Dubai named Orkla India Middle East and Africa, according to a press release. The company already sells products of its Indian food brands MTR and Eastern Condiments in 20k stores across the region, with the Middle East accounting for 70% of its international business.
TAX-
Licenses for Tax 10 platform up for grabs: The Federal Tax Authority inked an agreement with digital platform 01GOV to offer 100 licenses allowing representatives of tax authorities across the GCC countries to use the Tax 10 platform for a month, according to a press release. Launched in March 2023, Tax 10 provides a catalog of over 3k international government innovation practices across 15 fields.
BUSINESS-
IFZA to bring German SMEs to Dubai: Dubai’s International Freezone Authority (IFZA) inked a partnership agreement with the German federal association of SMEs, Bundesverband mittelständische Wirtschaft (BVMW), to officially represent BVMW and set up a regional office for the association in Dubai, according to a press release (pdf). BVME’s regional office will collaborate with IFZA to facilitate the expansion of German businesses in the emirate, and help connect German businesses with potential partners across the region, the statement says.
TECH-
AI for sustainable development? Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) inked an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to use AI to mark off sustainable development goals, including water resource management, climate adaptation, social cohesion, and reducing inequalities, reports state news agency Wam. As part of the partnership, MBZUAI signed on as a founding knowledge partner for the UNDP’s AI for Sustainable Development Platform.
MANUFACTURING-
Vittorio expands into Middle East with new factory in Sharjah Airport Freezone: Azerbaijani perfume and cosmetics producer Vittorio will build an AED 18.4 mn factory on 215k square feet of land in Sharjah Airport Freezone (SAIF Zone), state news agency Wam reports. The new facility is projected to have an annual production capacity of 5-6 mn packages, with exports aimed at markets in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the US.
New automotive component factory in Kezad: Al Ghurair Group subsidiary Automotive Precision Technology (APT) inked a lease agreement to establish a 30k sqm automotive aluminum component manufacturing facility in Kezad, set to be operational by early 2025, Wam reports.
TRADE-
Dubai Chambers headed an inaugural exporter roundtable with 140 majorexporting companies, according to the Dubai Media Office. Attendees discussed challenges in the export sector and set priorities to ramp up Dubai’s foreign trade, with a focus on expanding the reach of Dubai-based companies in global markets.
MEDIA-
Media training from Wam: State news agency Wam and Sharjah’s Al Qasimia University (AQU) signed an MoU to collaborate on media training and design and deliver programs for media students, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf).
REAL ESTATE-
Dubai’s first-ever 3D printed building completed: Nakheel completed the 3D printing process for buildings in its Al Furjan Hills project in 20 days, after receiving the first license for construction using 3D printing technology in December, the Dubai Media Office said on X.
EDUCATION-
Siemens Energy unveiled its global innovation center at Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa University of Science and Technology, aimed at bolstering knowledge exchange and capacity building with an eye to creating 75 “high-skilled” jobs in the emirate by 2025, according to a press release.
