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BUSINESS-
Estonia-based ride-hailing app Bolt has made its UAE debut in Dubai, Wam reports. Bolt tapped the Dubai Taxi Company (DTC), among other partners, to use their limousines to support its initial fleet. The next phase will introduce taxi services on the app.
More in the pipeline: Bolt plans to expand into other emirates and add more services to its app, including delivery services, e-scooters, and car rentals.
TELECOM-
China Unicom launches operations in Dubai: Chinese telecom provider China Unicom Global launched its operations in Dubai, marking its first foray into the Middle East, Al Bayan reports.
The company currently operates 40 branches worldwide, oversees over 60 international submarine cables, and manages more than 400 service access points across over 200 countries and regions.
REAL ESTATE-
Lasirena Group eyes UAE for its first overseas expansion: Egyptian real estate and tourism developer Lasirena Group is stepping outside its home market for the first time, partnering with Abu Dhabi-based HE Holding to develop multiple projects in the emirate, according to a press release. The group, which has developed over 15 projects in Egypt, is also exploring additional international investments alongside plans to expand domestically. Details of the Abu Dhabi projects have yet to be disclosed.
BANKING-
Jaywan cards arrive at Mbank: Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank), the UAE’s first fully integrated digital bank, has launched Jaywan cards, the UAE’s first national debit card, through its blockchain-powered Mbank Wallet platform, according to a press release. The cards enable payments at all POS terminals in the UAE, international money transfers, and cash withdrawals. Other UAE banks can also integrate the cards into their systems using Mbank’s digital wallet infrastructure.
Background: Developed by the UAE’s digital payments body, Al Etihad Payments, Jaywan cards are part of a phased rollout aimed at replacing 10 mn debit cards over the next two and a half years. The cards can function independently or alongside global card schemes like Visa and Mastercard.
HOSPITALITY-
Jumeirah expands into Africa: State-owned luxury hotel brand Jumeirah is tapping into the African market through a partnership with South African hospitality group Thanda, according to a press release. The duo is launching Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa.
HEALTHCARE-
Beeah Group tapped Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) as the architectural developer for its Jawaher Boston Medical District in Sharjah, Wam reports. The project, developed in collaboration with US medical institutions Mass General Brigham and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, will feature a 266-bed hospital offering services in women’s health, oncology, and pediatrics. The design includes a solar panel canopy and aims for net-zero energy, according to RPBW Chairman Renzo Piano.
SPACE-
Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Lockheed Martin partnered to develop aerospace and defense technologies, Wam reports. The partnership will include expanding Lockheed’s center of innovation and security solutions (CISS) into Khalifa University’s main campus. CISS will focus on research and developing solutions in the fields of AI, simulation technologies, autonomous systems, and data analytics.
FINANCE-
The UAE has joined the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) as an observer — becoming the first country in the region to achieve this status, Wam reports. The observer role allows the UAE to participate in group discussions and collaborate with member states to strengthen regional efforts against money laundering and terrorist financing.
About the EAG: Established in 2004 as an associate member of FATF, the Eurasian Group includes nine member states: Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
MANUFACTURING-
Green Coast to open USD 5 mn packaging factory in Saudi: Dubai-based Green Coast is planning to open a packaging factory in Saudi in 1Q 2025, with investments of USD 5 mn, CEO Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar Hussain told Asharq Business (watch, runtime: 1:36) on the sidelines of inauguration of the EG FCO polyethylene pipes factory in Egypt. The company also plans to invest an additional USD 200 mn in the renewable energy sector over the next five years, Hussain added.
ICYMI: Green Coast is planning to invest some USD 50 mn in Egypt over the next three years, focusing on renewables and infrastructure.
