Sign in
TECH-
UAE + Kenya ink digital infrastructure investment memorandum: The Investment Ministry and Kenya’s Information, Communications, and Digital Economy Ministry have inked an investment memorandum to establish a framework for investment collaboration in digitalization and technology, Wam reported on Friday.
The agreement will see the two sides exploring investments for digital infrastructure, AI services, and 1 GW data center projects in Kenya. The technical and investment angles of developing large AI language models will also be assessed, Wam writes. The agreement also involves setting up a “digital corridor” made up of network infrastructure to facilitate data exchange, hosting, processing, and transmission between the two countries.
WASTE MANAGEMENT-
Etihad Rail + Beeah ink waste management agreement: Beeah subsidiary Beeah Tandeef and Etihad Rail have agreed to cooperate on managing Etihad Rail’s waste, according to a statement out last week. Beeah will set a framework for waste treatment — including collection, transportation, disposal, and recycling — and together the pair will work on reducing energy consumption and curbing emissions from landfills. After recycling some of the waste, Beeah will convert it into fertilizer for local agricultural use.
BANKING-
Moody’s affirmed Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s local and foreign currency long-term issuer rating at A2 and short-term rating at P-1, the ratings agency said on Friday, according to Al Bayan. Moody’s also maintained a stable outlook for ADIB’s long-term issuer ratings and upgraded the bank’s baseline credit assessment to baa3 from ba1.
TRADE-
Dubai Trade to deploy AI in digital products:Dubai Trade, the unified digital window for cross-border trade and logistics in Dubai, is set to introduce generative artificial intelligence (AI) into its digital products, Wam reported last Wednesday.
TRANSPORT-
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has awarded contracts to develop 16 bus stations and six bus depots across the emirate, the Dubai Media Office reports. The project includes renovated terminals, added prayer rooms, improved facilities, upgraded depots, residential quarters for drivers, and traffic signal installations.
REAL ESTATE-
Nine developers back DLD’s real estate brokers program: The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has signed a partnership with nine private and state-backed real estate developers to sell 10-15% of their real estate projects through Emirati brokers, according to a statement. The signatories include Emaar Properties, Expo Dubai, Deyaar, DAMAC Properties, Azizi Developments, MAG, Sobha Realty, Ellington Properties, and Al Bait Al Duwaliy Real Estate Development.
AVIATION-
Emirates to begin SAF flights: Emirates began implementing its agreement with Neste to supply over 2 mn gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for its flights departing from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport throughout this year, according to a statement published last week. The SAF blend, fully integrated into Amsterdam Schiphol’s refueling system, will comprise 1 mn gallons of pure SAF. Emirates and Neste also plan to introduce SAF at Singapore Changi Airport in the coming months.
BUSINESS-
The Emirates Entrepreneurs Association and online platform Rest Hero have agreed to work together to provide support to Emirati entrepreneurs and SMEs in the food and beverage and e-commerce sectors, Albayan reports.
SUSTAINABILITY-
World’s first airshade system lands in Abu Dhabi: Dutch startup Airshade Technologies has wrapped an eight-month testing period for the world’s first air-operated shade system at the Masdar City solar power plant, reports Wam. The prototype relies on air pressure changes to open and close — as opposed to sensors, motors, or electricity — and mimics tree branches’ movements in the sun. The emirate plans to employ the technology to provide shade in large community spaces without electricity and improve buildings’ energy efficiency.
AD Ports Group and Archireef launch eco sea wall panels in Abu Dhabi: AD Ports Group and nature tech firm Archireef partnered to develop eco sea wall panels at Abu Dhabi’s Al Aliah Ferry Terminal and Saadiyat Marina and Ferry Terminal, according to a company statement. Made from natural materials, these panels aim to restore marine biodiversity to developed shorelines. The project is in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime, which is responsible for developing and managing the terminals.
HEALTHCARE-
Emirati businessman Abdul Rahim Mohammed Balghazouz Al Zarouni pledged AED 150 mn to establish an endowment medical complex, Wam reports. The donation is part of the contract inked between Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and Abdul Rahim Al Zarooni. The funds generated from this project will be allocated to MBRGI’s projects.
