ENERGY-
UAE-based Al Nowais’ AMEA Power got the greenlight from the Egyptian cabinet to expand its renewable energy projects in the country by next summer, according to a statement. The expansion will see AMEA up its renewable capacity in the country by 2 GW.
Remember: AMEA Power is currently working on 1 GW-worth of renewable energy projects in Egypt — a 500 MW solar Abydos plant which is set to begin operations by the end of September, as well as a 500 MW wind farm in Ras Ghareb that is lined up for completion mid-2025.
Part of a bigger plan: The UAE and Egypt are working to introduce some 4 GW of renewable energy into the national grid by next summer in a bid to help Egypt meet heightened energy demand.
AUTOMOTIVE-
Taiwanese supplier to introduce electric buses in the UAE: Taiwan-based Tron Energy Technology has inked an MoU with its UAE-based subsidiary Map Tron-E to establish a JV for developing and manufacturing electric buses in the UAE, according to a press release.
The JV plans to kick off ground testing of the buses in the UAE by late 3Q this year, with manufacturing expected set to commence in 1Q 2025. Initial phases will see the JV run efficiency tests for the eclectic buses, followed by full-scale production and distribution across the Mena region.
RETAIL-
Ajman Chamber Chairman meets Gulf Chinese Trading Corp. on investment expansion: The Chairman of the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Muwaiji, met with a delegation from the Gulf Chinese Trading Corporation, which manages Ajman’s China Mall, to discuss cooperation and plans to expand investments, Wam reports. The parties discussed increasing China Mall investments and attracting Chinese firms in renewable energy, advanced industries, AI, health, and tourism sectors.
MANUFACTURING-
Rakez to host Xpro India’s first global manufacturing unit: India-based conglomerate Birla’s dielectric film producer Xpro India will develop a AED 100 mn global manufacturing unit in the UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (Rakez), slated for operation in 2Q 2025, according to a statement. The project will be the firm’s first manufacturing unit overseas, dubbed Xpro Dielectric Films, and will export to the US, Europe, and the Far East.
Details: The facility will produce 4.5k tonnes of dielectric films per year and is expected to create 80 new jobs in the UAE.
TRANSPORT-
#1- UAE rolls out first autonomous vehicle trial: Dubai South has carried out the first stage of the UAE’s autonomous vehicle trials in partnership with UAE-based Evocargo, according to a statement. The trial included checks for hardware, software, and reliability of the unmanned electric vehicle — dubbed Evocargo N1.
#2- Ajman to accept card payments on public transport: Ajman Transport Authority has inked an agreement with global digital payments firm BPC to introduce its smart mobility service, O-City, on public buses in Ajman, according to a press release. The agreement will allow commuters to pay for their trips directly with bank cards. The accompanying mobile application will also allow commuters to track public buses in real-time, view their trip histories, and purchase tickets online.
BANKING-
Sadad Ajman is getting an upgrade: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and its subsidiary Magnati will collaborate to develop new solutions for Ajman’s government digital payment platform Sadad Ajman and its digital wallet, after inking a service agreement with the emirate’s Department of Finance, Wam reports. Per the upgrades, the multi-channel payment platform will support various payment methods, including different types of bank cards, payment points, and the Ajman wallet, and include value-added payment features, such as enabling digital wallets like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. Ajman government’s prepaid electronic payment cards will also be rolled out onto the platform with features and benefits.
Background: Sadad Ajman was launched in 2019, in a bid to automate and unify government revenue collection. The platform allows users to securely settle fees for government and independent services through multiple channels and payment plans.
TOURISM-
Abu Dhabi + Dubai cultural institutions join forces: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism inked an agreement with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority to collaborate on museum, archaeology, and heritage initiatives, including research, training, and conferences, according to a statement from the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
CONSTRUCTION-
Emirates Steel will partner with Malaysian steel structure firm Eversendai to supply steel for a project in Saudi Arabia’s Neom, according to a press release. Under the agreement, Emirates steel will provide its low-carbon premium steel beams for the construction of the Trojena Ski Village in Neom.