UAE Weekly Business News 04/05/2026

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UAE Weekly Business News: Issue 287 published 4th May 2026.

UAE FREE ZONE NEWS

Rokos Capital Management opens new office in ADGM (WAM 01/05/2026)

DIFC announces consultation of amended Prescribed Company Regulations (WAM 30/04/2026)

Sharjah Media City partners with Ziina to offer Shams firms advanced digital payment solutions (WAM 29/04/2026)

DIFC reports strong client growth during first Q1 2026 (WAM 29/04/2026)

Emirates Stallions Group posts AED370m revenue in Q1 2026 (WAM 29/04/2026)

GROW Investment Group secures in-principle approval from ADGM’s FSRA (WAM 28/04/2026)

ADGM, Hashed publish policy report following Web3 Leaders Roundtable at ADFW 2025 (WAM 28/04/2026)

UAE VISA NEWS (inc. employment, Emiratisation, human resources, jobs, training and women)

UAE labour law explained: Can you encash unused annual leave and carry it forward? (Khaleej Times 03/05/2026)

UAE jobs: Alhind announces 300 roles at new Indian passport service centres (Khaleej Times 02/05/2026)

Abu Dhabi Labour Court settles AED309m in workers’ claims in 2025 (WAM 01/05/2026)

No minimum investment for Dubai property visa (Khaleej Times 01/05/2026)

Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, MoHRE launch AI project to boost labour market productivity (WAM 30/04/2026)

ICP warns of fraud attempts via fake calls, websites using its name, logo (Khaleej Times 30/04/2026)

New UAE worker housing rules explained: Free internet, safety, hygiene updates (Khaleej Times 30/04/2026)

UAE to use AI, robotics to screen work permit applicants from May (Khaleej Times 30/04/2026)

FAHR launches 'HR 2.0 Talent Management' programme (WAM 29/04/2026)

Dubai updates two-year residency visa rule for property investors (Khaleej Times 29/04/2026)

Multi-entry UAE visa applications rise up to 30% in April as ceasefire holds (Khaleej Times 29/04/2026)

UAE's women farmers blend tradition with innovation to build new income streams (Khaleej Times 29/04/2026)

Pakistan embassy in UAE announces suspension of passport processing service (Khaleej Times 29/04/2026)

Diageo launches campaign to promote UAE’s beverage talent (Arabian Business 29/04/2026)

UAE leads GCC in women’s board representation for third year (WAM 28/04/2026)

GCC board diversity reaches 7%; UAE leads with 15% female representation (Arabian Business 28/04/2026)

Dubai draws one-third of global finance recruits despite regional tensions (Khaleej Times 27/04/2026)

UAE BUSINESS NEWS

ADNOC launches 'Industrial Resilience Program' at Make it in the Emirates 2026 (WAM 04/05/2026)

Mira Aerospace to launch upgraded HAPS platform by year-end (WAM 04/05/2026)

Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, Orbitworks to expand satellite monitoring services (WAM 04/05/2026)

ADREC reveals latest property market performance indicators in Abu Dhabi (WAM 04/05/2026)

Abu Dhabi Judicial Department completes 10,000 English notary transactions in 15 months (WAM 04/05/2026)

Community Development Authority in Dubai announces results of 8th Social Survey (WAM 04/05/2026)

Mada Media signs contracts worth nearly AED1b in Q1 2026 (WAM 04/05/2026)

DHA launches unified medical report project (Government of Dubai Media Office 04/05/2026)

Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre expands SEHHI programme, enhancing access to healthy food options in workplaces (Abu Dhabi Media Office 04/05/2026)

Abu Dhabi’s manufacturing sector achieves major milestones in 2025 (Abu Dhabi Media Office 04/05/2026)

'Freedom to produce': UAE explains impact of Opec exit on energy strategy (Khaleej Times 04/05/2026)

Investing in UAE is 'no longer optional', Adnoc CEO tells private sector (Khaleej Times 04/05/2026)

'Focus not just on recovery': UAE plans strategy to stay ahead of global shocks (Khaleej Times 04/05/2026)

UAE withdraws from Arab oil exporters group Oapec after Opec exit (Khaleej Times 04/05/2026)

The UAE's next infrastructure play: Turning biology into intelligence (Khaleej Times 04/05/2026)

UAE's exit from Opec not directed against anyone, Adnoc CEO says (Khaleej Times 04/05/2026)

Parsons wins Dubai Loop role as Musk’s The Boring Company advances underground transport project (Arabian Business 04/05/2026)

UAE strengthens its position in regenerative medicine, stem cell therapies (WAM 03/05/2026)

ADNOC’s ‘Local+’ list prioritizes UAE-made products, supporting local manufacturers (WAM 03/05/2026)

Dubai’s digital ecosystem unlocks new paths to high-value opportunities, sustainable growth (WAM 03/05/2026)

New industrial establishments in Abu Dhabi up 53% in 2025 (WAM 03/05/2026)

UAE continues to advance integrated industrial model (WAM 03/05/2026)

UAE infrastructure drives rise as global sports destination (WAM 03/05/2026)

ADNOC to accelerate growth, and strategy delivery with AED200b in project awards (WAM 03/05/2026)

Tunnelling works start for Dubai Metro Blue Line (Government of Dubai Media Office 03/05/2026)

Adnoc unveils $55b expansion plan between 2026 and 2028 (Khaleej Times 03/02/2026)

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi launches flights to Amman City Airport (Khaleej Times 03/02/2026)

Dubai property sales jump 20% in April despite tensions (Khaleej Times 03/02/2026)

Normal air traffic operations resume in UAE airspace (WAM 02/05/2026)

Greater production flexibility benefits ADNOC’s listed companies (WAM 01/05/2026)

SEHA programme highlights impact of clinical nutrition on metabolic health (WAM 30/04/2026)

PCFC records over 9 million vehicles entering ports, free zones in Q1 2026 (WAM 30/04/2026)

Emirates SkyCargo expands freighter network to Toronto (WAM 30/04/2026)

Dubai Chamber of Commerce, FedEx discuss supply chain readiness (WAM 30/04/2026)

UAE’s transport, supply chain system continues to operate efficiently, steadily (WAM 30/04/2026)

Al Dhannah Community Harbour inaugurated as Abu Dhabi’s 1st fully integrated solar-powered community port  (Abu Dhabi Media Office 30/04/2026)

UAE oil pivot set to unlock US investment, test Opec’s market power (Khaleej Times 30/04/2026)

E-Commerce businesses regain confidence as sector sees 10.1% CAGR (Khaleej Times 30/04/2026)

Abu Dhabi orders restaurant in Mussafah, M17 to close over food safety violations (Khaleej Times 30/04/2026)

What makes Dubai so special? Sheikh Hamdan says it's the people (Khaleej Times 30/04/2026)

UAE Arabic Language Law: 10 key sectors, what it means for workplaces, schools (Khaleej Times 30/04/2026)

Amazon says Bahrain and UAE cloud regions damaged in Middle East conflict (Arabian Business 30/04/2026)

Dubai’s Parkin to roll out autonomous transport hubs with Glydways partnership (Arabian Business 30/04/2026)

Emirati hospitality key pillar for sustainable tourism growth: DCT Abu Dhabi (WAM 29/04/2026)

Economic Development Department launches instant industrial license at AED1,000 to boost Sharjah manufacturing sector (WAM 29/04/2026)

UAE identifies 150 vital goods to boost supply chain resilience (WAM 29/04/2026)

Latifa bint Mohammed launches ‘Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio’ (WAM 29/04/2026)

UAE Circular Economy Council discusses role of innovation in growth of food industries (WAM 29/04/2026)

AD Ports Group, AZCON Holding to explore collaboration in transport, logistics infrastructure (WAM 29/04/2026)

Minister of Health reviews enhancing national system resilience with private sector (WAM 29/04/2026)

National Programme to Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience launched in the UAE (WAM 29/04/2026)

Abu Dhabi residential market posts second-strongest quarter in Q1 2026 (Khaleej Times 29/04/2026)

UAE to introduce Arabic Language Law by 2027 to protect identity, boost cultural role (Khaleej Times 29/04/2026)

UAE takes new measures to combat money laundering and financial crime (Khaleej Times 29/04/2026)

Paid parking has now started in Abu Dhabi’s commercial areas (Arabian Business 29/04/2026)

‘Nando’s expands UAE footprint with new openings and refurbishments (Arabian Business 29/04/2026)

Paid parking has now started in Abu Dhabi’s commercial areas (Arabian Business 29/04/2026)

Saudi Arabia, UAE to build new data centres after $2b in external investment (Arabian Business 29/04/2026)

Mastercard sees UAE digital commerce drive next growth cycle (Arabian Business 29/04/2026)

UAE unveils $272m fund, 5,000 products push ahead of Make it in the Emirates 2026 (Arabian Business 29/04/2026)

Ministry of Economy & Tourism blocks 13,667 violating websites during first quarter (WAM 28/04/2026)

Etihad Airways launches codeshare with Air Cambodia, opening gateway to Angkor Wat (WAM 28/04/2026)

RAK posts 15.5% growth in economic licence capital in Q1 (WAM 28/04/2026)

DEWA sets new world record with 0.82 minutes annual power disruption (WAM 28/04/2026)

UAE announces decision to exit OPEC & OPEC+ (WAM 28/04/2026)

UAE's Opec exit was a policy decision, not a political one (Khaleej Times 28/04/2026)

Al Fahim Motors, Li Auto Inc. to launch premium energy vehicles in the UAE (Khaleej Times 28/04/2026)

How Emirati brothers turned UAE’s Ghaf tree into a nutritional powerhouse (Khaleej Times 28/04/2026)

How innovation is reshaping Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism ecosystem (Arabian Business 28/04/2026)

UAE-based Paradigm Holdings signs DRC gold deal to expand supply network through Dubai (Arabian Business 27/04/2026)

UAE FINANCE AND ECONOMY NEWS

Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed meets Group CEO of HSBC (WAM 04/05/2026)

MoF discusses latest fiscal framework, public debt strategy with investors (WAM 04/05/2026)

2PointZero reports AED2.3b net profit in Q1 2026 (WAM 04/05/2026)

DEWA explores strategic collaboration with Rothschild & Co (WAM 04/05/2026)

UAE in talks with US for currency swap line to boost trade (Khaleej Times 04/05/2026)

UAE fintech Sarwa crosses $1b in assets amid rise in retail trading (Arabian Business 04/05/2026)

UAE FinTech boom sees country dubbed ‘Silicon Valley’ as digital finance transforms services (Arabian Business 04/05/2026)

Foreign inflows into UAE markets hit $5.1bn as trading jumps (Arabian Business 04/05/2026)

Abu Dhabi ranks among lowest debt globally, rated at ‘AA’: Fitch rating (Khaleej Times 03/05/2026)

UAE e-invoicing: Firms above AED50m in revenue first to roll out from July (Khaleej Times 02/05/2026)

GCC countries rank among world’s most economically free as index beats global average (Arabian Business 02/05/2026)

PureHealth reports revenue of AED7.3b in Q1 2026 (WAM 01/05/2026)

Dubai Financial Market Q1 2026 net profit up 43%; ADTV exceeds AED1b (WAM 30/04/2026)

Awqaf Dubai grows its portfolio of healthcare endowment assets to AED552m (WAM 30/04/2026)

CBI posts AED47.1m net profit in Q1 2026 (WAM 30/04/2026)

Mashreq reports AED1.9b net profit in Q1 2026 (WAM 30/04/2026)

Dubai SME provided AED44m in funding to startups in 2025 (WAM 30/04/2026)

CBUAE, ICP, ADCB launch digital bank account opening services through 'Tourist Identity' initiative (WAM 30/04/2026)

ADX hosts region’s first IOP for US-based ETF (WAM 30/04/2026)

Visa appoints Emirates NBD as official National Net Settlement Service Agent in UAE (WAM 30/04/2026)

Ghitha Holding records strong Q1 2026 revenue of AED1.62b (WAM 30/04/2026)

EasyLease reports AED20.7m net profit in Q1 2026 (WAM 30/04/2026)

Borouge delivers Q1 2026 net profit of $15m (WAM 30/04/2026)

NMDC Group posts AED6.6b revenues in Q1 (WAM 30/04/2026)

CBUAE maintains Base Rate at 3.65% (WAM 29/04/2026)

Abdullah bin Zayed receives Canadian Prime Minister's Senior Advisor on Foreign, Defence & Security Policy (WAM 29/04/2026)

Emirates NBD reopens GCC debt capital markets with $750m AT1 issuance (WAM 29/04/2026)

ADIB net profit before tax up 8% to AED 2.1b for Q1 2026 (WAM 29/04/2026)

MoF discusses latest fiscal framework, public debt strategy with investors (WAM 29/04/2026)

TECOM Group reports AED403m net profit in Q1 2026 (WAM 29/04/2026)

DAE reports $102.2m net profit in Q1 2026 (WAM 29/04/2026)

Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign trade grows 36% in 2025 (WAM 29/04/2026)

Americana Restaurants posts Q1 2026 profit, margins are up (Arabian Business 29/04/2026)

RAKBANK announces $544.5m extra credit limit for SMEs, relief measures to support business growth (Arabian Business 29/04/2026)

Sukoon posts 24% profit growth in Q1 2026 (Arabian Business 29/04/2026)

Citadel secures Dubai approval, prepares launch in UAE hedge fund hub (Arabian Business 29/04/2026)

Dubai Islamic Bank posts AED1.7b net profit in Q1 2026 (WAM 28/04/2026)

e& reports AED19.4b consolidated revenue, up 15.1%, in Q1 2026 (WAM 28/04/2026)

National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering, Combating Financing of Terrorism & Proliferation Financing adopts key decisions, initiatives (WAM 28/04/2026)

Creators HQ, Alfan open applications for Content Creators Fund (WAM 28/04/2026)

Maktoum bin Mohammed meets with CEO of CVC Capital Partners (WAM 28/04/2026)

Nasdaq Dubai welcomes listing of AED1.1b Islamic Treasury Sukuk (WAM 28/04/2026)

Aldar Q1 2026 net profit up 20% to AED2.3b (WAM 28/04/2026)

NMDC Energy announces its financial results for Q1 2026 (WAM 28/04/2026)

Dubai Investments clarifies status of DIP IPO, says no final decision on timing (Khaleej Times 27/04/2026)

UAE investors remain confident despite geopolitical tensions (Arabian Business 27/04/2026)

UAE M&A NEWS

ADNOC Drilling acquires 80% stake in MBPS, adds 22 additional rigs across Gulf markets (Arabian Business 04/05/2026)

UAE BILATERAL TRADE NEWS

MoHAP showcases UAE healthcare system achievements in Latvia (WAM 04/05/2026)

UAE President receives written message from Singapore's President (WAM 02/05/2026)

Saeed Al Hajeri meets with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia (WAM 02/05/2026)

Abu Dhabi restaurant heads to London; founder proves UAE not just about importing brands (Khaleej Times 02/05/2026)

UAE, UK discuss relations (WAM 01/05/2026)

UAE's Humantra expands into Germany as brand targets European growth push (Arabian Business 01/05/2026)

UAE President and New Zealand Prime Minister discuss ties (WAM 30/04/2026)

UAE-Korea CEPA officially enters into force on 1st May (WAM 30/04/2026)

Menassah Distribution boosts UAE publishers’ presence at Canadian Arabic Book Fair (WAM 30/04/2026)

UAE President receives President of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region (WAM 30/04/2026)

UAE, Azerbaijan hold 2nd meeting of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Cooperation Committee (WAM 29/04/2026)

UAE President, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed meet with King of Bahrain (WAM 29/04/2026)

Mansour bin Zayed receives Russian Deputy Prime Minister (WAM 29/04/2026)

UAE, Asia drive gold investment boom as global demand hits record $193b (Khaleej Times 29/04/2026)

UAE President, Swedish Prime Minister discuss bilateral relations (WAM 28/04/2026)

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Written by Jenny Hunt

Founder, Gateway Group, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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