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HEALTHCARE-
Dubai to get a gastroenterology hospital: UAE-based investment group Scope Investment and South Korea’s biggest hospital Asan Medical Centre have broken ground on a gastroenterology hospital, the Asan-UAE Gastroenterology Hospital, at phase two of Dubai Healthcare City, Wam reports. The hospital is scheduled to be completed by 2026.
Services provided at the hospital will include endoscopy, bariatrics, gastrointestinal oncology treatment, liver transplantation management, and gastrointestinal health check-ups. The hospital will feature two basement levels and seven floors, housing 65 beds in addition to VIP rooms. A medical team from South Korea will join the hospital to train the local staff.
TRANSPORT-
Dubai trials 3D-printed Abra: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) initiated the trial of the first 3D printed electric abra, developed in partnership with the private sector, according to the Dubai Media Office. This abra retains its traditional design, accommodates 20 passengers, and aims to reduce manufacturing time by 90% and costs by 30%.
The details: The abra will be tested on the TR6 line from the Sheikh Zayed Road Marine Transport Station. Its performance will be monitored in comparison to the current 20-passenger fiberglass abras, Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the RTA, said.
INVESTMENT-
UAE inaugurates cashew processing factory in Ivory Coast: UAE’s Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Ivory Coast Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé inaugurated a new UAE-backed cashew processing factory in the northern Ivory Coast town of Boundiali, with a daily processing capacity of 100 tons, Wam reports. The factory is owned by Pan African Agro Commodities Holding, which is incorporated in the Abu Dhabi Global Market zone.
ALSO- Al Zeyoudi held talks with Côte d’Ivoire Prime Minister Mambé to ramp up private sector cooperation, while exploring cooperation with the ministers of trade and industry, and mines, energy and petroleum.
REAL ESTATE-
#1- Gulf Islamic Investments-owned OFFA launches BTL mortgage services: The UK’s first Sharia-compliant bridge finance provider OFFA has launched a buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage service for British residents and expats looking to own properties in England and Wales, the Gulf Islamic Investments -owned company said in a statement. “Our streamlined digital application process[…]means clients can potentially get a fair decision within minutes,” said the company’s Chief Commercial Officer Sagheer Malik.
Uh, Enterprise, what’s BTL mortgage? BTL mortgage is a type of mortgage loan, popular in the UK, that targets home buyers who want to purchase residential property for the purpose of renting it out to tenants.
#2- MS Homes taps Dubai’s real estate market with Iluka: Pakistani-born developer MS Homes Developers launched its first project in Dubai, Iluka Residences, an eight-storey luxury residential building located on Marina Boulevard in Dubai Islands, according to local media reports (here and here). The project features 57 apartments and is slated for delivery in 3Q 2026.
#3- Ajman has a new real estate player: Real estate developer Aldar Real Estate Towers has officially launched its operations, with Chairman of the Ajman Ruler’s Court Majid Bin Saeed Al Nuaimi inaugurating the company’s headquarters in Ajman on Thursday, according to local media reports (here and here). The firm will offer land and property sales, leasing, and real estate brokerage services. No further details were provided on the company.
#4- Real estate developer RDK Group opened the first of three Marriott-branded towers in Dubai, the Marriott Residence Al Barsha South, according to a statement picked up by Zawya. The 24-storey tower boasts 138 units, with two more towers slated to open at the start of 4Q 2024.
#5- New residential project coming to Al Sinniyah Island: Dubai-based developer Sobha Realty inked an agreement with the Umm Al Quwain emirate to build a luxury real estate project on Al Sinniyah Island, off the emirate’s coast, Wam reports. The development will feature waterfront residential neighborhoods, along with several community amenities such as a family golf course, a floating pavilion, and an events hall.
SUSTAINABILITY-
Emirates Transport is rolling out EV charging stations: The Energy and Infrastructure Ministry — through UAEV, the first state-owned EV charging network in the country — has partnered with Emirates Transport (ET) to install and operate EV charging stations across ET’s buildings, Wam reports. The ministry and ET will aso work together to set policies incentivizing private-sector EV adoption. UAEV aims to install 100 chargers in 2024, and 1k chargers by 2030 across the UAE.
BANKING-
ADCB launches travel credit card: Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) launched a new credit card offering cashback and offers on flight tickets and hotel bookings, Al Khaleej reports.
BUSINESS-
The Sharjah Business Women Council (SWBC) will now have financial, administrative, and technical independence per a new decree issued by the Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Wam reports. The decree also allows its Honorary President Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi to establish other branches throughout the emirate and to appoint a president and a director to manage the council.
About the council: Established in 2002, the Sharjah Business Women Council has been tasked with creating a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs, facilitating their involvement in economic activities, and providing technical assistance and training to help them get their businesses off the ground.
EMPLOYMENT-
Jahiz launches upskilling initiatives for Emirati youth: The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, in partnership with the Federal Youth Authority, will introduce a series of initiatives through the Jahiz platform to enhance youth participation across the UAE’s public and private sectors, Wam reports. The initiatives will focus on youth empowerment by offering specialized skill development and training programs.
About Jahiz: Jahiz is a national digital platform equipping federal government workers with skills that will be needed in the future, such as data skills, artificial intelligence, and digital expertise.
