UAE Weekly Business News 16/02/2026

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UAE Weekly Business News: Issue 276 published 16 February 2026.

UAE FREE ZONE NEWS

SRTA launches electronic toll gate for trucks (WAM 16/02/2026)

ADGM introduces Broker Classification Framework to raise real estate standards (WAM 12/02/2026)

CapitaLand Investment opens office at DIFC (WAM 12/02/2026)

DIFC Courts review 2025 service statistics, including AED18.6b claim value (WAM 11/02/2026)

Dubai South achieves 17% growth in business aviation movements in 2025 (WAM 11/02/2026)

Juspay strengthens Middle East presence with DIFC HQ (Government of Dubai Media Office 11/02/2026)

Ghassan Aboud Holding, EasyLease launch major aftermarket facility in Dubai’s JAFZA (Arabian Business 11/02/2026)

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone Authority takes part in Tamil Nadu Expo in India (WAM 10/02/2026)

Robertet inaugurates its regional headquarters at Dubai Science Park (WAM 10/02/2026)

DIFC announces enactment of new Variable Capital Company Regulations (WAM 10/02/2026)

Financial Markets Tribunal upholds DFSA’s decision to impose fine on Al Ramz Capital LLC (WAM 10/02/2026)

DMCC Set to Join Natural Diamond Council (Government of Dubai Media Office 10/02/2026)

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

How long can you stay in the UAE after work visa is cancelled? (Khaleej Times 15/02/2026)

UAE jobs: Over 2,700 employees to be hired by Wynn Al Marjan in 2026 (Khaleej Times 15/02/2026)

Around 600 new jobs to be created in UAE, GCC hospitality sector (Khaleej Times 13/02/2026)

Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Health to support Emiratisation of healthcare professions (WAM 12/02/2026)

UAE Labour Market: A pioneering model in social security, protecting workers’ entitlements (WAM 12/02/2026)

MoHRE reduces working hours for private sector during Ramadan (WAM 12/02/2026)

Emirati Women record landmark achievements in STEM fields (WAM 11/02/2026)

Burjeel Holdings to advance medical education, clinical training (WAM 11/02/2026)

MoHRE shuts 230 unlicenced accounts offering domestic worker recruitment (WAM 11/02/2026)

Digital Health Solutions, TELUS Health to advance AI-powered employee wellbeing solutions (WAM 10/02/2026)

MoHRE launches updated version of UAE Labour Market Observatory (WAM 10/02/2026)

Jobs in UAE: AI-skilled employees earn more, but face tighter scrutiny (Khaleej Times 10/02/2026)

UAE BUSINESS NEWS

Drydocks World joins Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre (WAM 16/02/2026)

flydubai launches double-daily service to Bangkok (WAM 16/02/2026)

'Khalifa University' records significant increase in global research publications (WAM 16/02/2026)

Maktoum bin Mohammed meets with chairman of CLP Holdings and The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels (Government of Dubai Media Office 16/02/2026)

Dubai Traders initiative, IQ Fulfillment to unlock end-to-end logistics and automation capabilities for SMEs (Government of Dubai Media Office 16/02/2026)

Abu Dhabi asks developers to submit EoIs for off-plan projects digitally (Khaleej Times 16/02/2026)

Christy expands UAE presence through strategic Jumbo Group partnership (Khaleej Times 16/02/2026)

UAE advances space ambitions with first hybrid rocket launch (Arabian Business 16/02/2026)

UAE airlines’ new global routes for 2026 (Arabian Business 16/02/2026)

VIP chauffeur firm Taylor Group moves to capture UAE’s high-end wedding market (Arabian Business 16/02/2026)

UAE strengthens global leadership in entertainment industry (WAM 15/02/2026)

802 million riders used Dubai public transport, shared mobility, taxis in 2025 (WAM 15/02/2026)

ADPIC, ASPIRE to accelerate infrastructure innovation in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Media Office 15/02/2026)

Dubai aims to eliminate landfill sites by 2041 (Khaleej Times 15/02/2026)

Dubai-Salalah travel: Oman Air launches 3 weekly flights for Khareef season (Khaleej Times 15/02/2026)

Burjeel Medical City launches Sarcoma & Bone Centre (WAM 14/02/2026)

Lulu Retail plans to open 50 new stores, creating hundreds of job opportunities ((Khaleej Times 14/02/2026)

Burjeel launches dedicated Heart Institute in Al Ain (WAM 13/02/2026)

Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association approves 2026 plans (WAM 13/02/2026)

Etihad Airways carried 2.2 million passengers in January (WAM 13/02/2026)

UAE solidifies global leadership in aviation, tourism in 2025 (WAM 13/02/2026)

Emirates expands reach in China through interline partnership with Loong Air (Government of Dubai Media Office 13/02/2026)

NAFFCO unveils Middle East’s first dual-mode rail ambulance in Dubai (Arabian business 13/02/2026)

Thumbay Group launches healthcare destination to with 3,000 student capacity, 1,000 jobs to serve population of 6,000 (Arabian business 13/02/2026)

Emirates Drug Establishment, Emirates Medical Association sign cooperation agreement (WAM 12/02/2026)

Airspace Restructuring Project - Phase 4 to be implemented (WAM 12/02/2026)

DP world records rise in food flows through Jebel Ali ahead of Ramadan (WAM 12/02/2026)

Inside the $35b shift as influencer marketing gains ground in the region (Arabian Business 12/02/2026)

UAE consolidates position as global AI leader with 42% of institutions classified as 'AI Leaders' (WAM 11/02/2026)

Emirates Health Platform showcases national efforts to advance health policies, legislation (WAM 11/02/2026)

Dubai Health, DNDi to advance research, training in neglected diseases (WAM 11/02/2026)

UAE met nuclear non-proliferation obligations, 78% of inspectors UAE nationals (WAM 11/02/2026)

Dubai International Airport welcomes 95.2 million guests in 2025 (WAM 11/02/2026)

Inside the rise of the smart hospital: GE HealthCare’s Elie Chaillot on AI, genomics and the future of care in the Middle East (Arabian Business 11/02/2026)

UAE virtual reality market forecast to quadruple by 2030 (Arabian Business 11/02/2026)

Aster DM Healthcare to build two new hospitals in Dubai (Arabian Business 11/02/2026)

Emirates Drug Establishment, Mubadala Bio Limited to develop pharmaceutical manufacturing (WAM 10/02/2026)

UAE President receives Mohammed bin Rashid (WAM 10/02/2026)

SITA launches early warning alerts to protect flight operations before delays spread (WAM 10/02/2026)

Integrated Transport Centre to advance smart mobility (WAM 10/02/2026)

Baidu, Uber partner to bring Apollo Go autonomous ride-hailing to Dubai (WAM 10/02/2026)

TikTok-enabled SMBs add AED1.1 billion to UAE economy, support 7,000 jobs (WAM 10/02/2026)

Khazna, Presight sign contract for AI-powered data centre unified command, control platform (WAM 10/02/2026)

ADI Foundation, Apeiro to advance healthcare claims verification project (WAM 10/02/2026)

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performs first remote robotic kidney telesurgery (WAM 10/02/2026)

Dubai unveils new desert oasis as part of $1b green investment push (Arabian Business 10/02/2026)

Emirates Drug Establishment launches major initiative to boost UAE pharmaceutical manufacturing (WAM 09/02/2026)

Emirates Driving Company announces strategic transition to Emirates Mobility (WAM 09/02/2026)

Dubai’s welcomes 19.5 million international visitors in 2025 (WAM 09/02/2026)

Ras Al Khaimah records 31.5% rise in new business licences in 2025 (WAM 09/02/2026)

UAE FINANCE AND ECONOMY NEWS

Waha Capital reports AED1b net profit for 2025 (WAM 16/02/2026)

Nasdaq Dubai posts strongest year with Sukuk value surpassing US$100b (WAM 16/02/2026)

Dubai Chambers empowers SMEs with alternative banking solutions in cooperation with 4 fintech (WAM 16/02/2026)

ADNOC Group's listed companies report AED190.1b in revenues for 2025 (WAM 15/02/2026)

UAE banks well-positioned to cope with outflows amid rising geopolitical risks (Khaleej Times 15/02/2026)

Lulu Retail reports record $7.9b revenue for 2025 (WAM 14/02/2026)

ADNH reports 21% revenue growth to $949.2m in 2025 (Arabian Business 14/02/2026)

IHC generates AED34.7b net profit in 2025 (WAM 13/02/2026)

IHC launches 'Judan Financial' with AED870b in assets under management (WAM 13/02/2026)

Al Ansari Financial Services reports net profits of AED401m in 2025 (WAM 13/02/2026)

AD Ports Group records AED2.1b net profit in 2025 (WAM 13/02/2026)

Tabreed reports revenue of AED2.4b in 2025 (WAM 13/02/2026)

Abu Dhabi’s MGX co-leads in $30b Series G funding of Anthropic (Arabian Business 13/02/2026)

Air Arabia reports AED1.8b profit in 2025 (WAM 12/02/2026)

Emaar achieves record sales, revenue, profit in 2025 (WAM 12/02/2026)

RAK Ceramics delivers resilient 2025 performance (WAM 12/02/2026)

Investcorp Capital reports resilient half-year 2026 results (WAM 12/02/2026)

Alef Education reports revenues of AED769.5m in in 2025 (WAM 12/02/2026)

Minister of Economy and Tourism: 5% projected growth for national economy, 5.5% for non-oil sectors in 2026 (WAM 12/02/2026)

ADNOC Drilling reports net profit of $1.4b in 2025 (WAM 12/02/2026)

TAQA posts AED7.5b net profit in 2025 (WAM 12/02/2026)

Presight reports 36.9% revenue growth in 2025, surpassing AED3b (WAM 12/02/2026)

CBUAE approves launch of UAE dirham-backed stablecoin 'DDSC' on ADI Chain (WAM 12/02/2026)

Nasdaq Dubai welcomes United Terra Enterprises PLC’s debut listing of $150m bond (Government of Dubai Media Office 12/02/2026)

PureHealth reports net profit of AED2b for 2025 (Abu Dhabi Media Office 12/02/2026)

Spinneys posts revenues of $980m and profits up 14.5% in 2025 (Arabian Business 12/02/2026)

ALEC Holdings' reports AED687m net profit for 2025, up 89% (WAM 11/02/2026)

Fertiglobe delivers over $1b EBITDA in 2025 (WAM 11/02/2026)

CBUAE gold reserves near AED38b in 2025 (WAM 11/02/2026)

ADNOC L&S posts revenues of AED18.4b in 2025 (WAM 11/02/2026)

Alpha Dhabi reports net profit of AED15b in 2025 (WAM 10/02/2026)

Burjeel Holdings reports 39.5% net profit growth in 2025 (WAM 10/02/2026)

Emirates Health Services unveils advanced clinical care models (WAM 10/02/2026)

ADNIC profits reach AED479.9m in 2025 (WAM 10/02/2026)

DEWA reports AED9b net profit in 2025 (WAM 10/02/2026)

Empower profits grow 10.5% in 2025 (WAM 10/02/2026)

Nasdaq Dubai welcomes Al Masraf’s $500m debut bond (WAM 10/02/2026)

DHCA announces year of sustainable growth, 27% increase in existing business partners (WAM 10/02/2026)

EMSTEEL revenues reach AED8.9b in 2025 (WAM 10/02/2026)

Dubai-based AI real estate startup Smart Bricks raises $5m led by a16z (Arabian Business 10/02/2026)

Certain sports entities exempt from Corporate Tax to support development of sports ecosystem (WAM 09/02/2026)

Banking assets rise AED780b in 2025 to AED5.34t (WAM 09/02/2026)

UAB delivers 45% growth in net profit in 2025 (WAM 09/02/2026)

UAE M&A NEWS

DEWA to increase its ownership in Empower from 56% to 80% (WAM 10/02/2026)

Mubadala Capital and TWG to acquire US advertising company Clear Channel (Arabian business 10/02/2026)

UAE BILATERAL TRADE NEWS

UAE, Bahrain launch pilot phase of 'One-Point Air Travelers' Project (WAM 16/02/2026)

UAE President holds phone call with Greek Prime Minister (WAM 16/02/2026)

Iraqi-UAE consortium to build $700m 'WorldLink' fast data cable network (Khaleej Times 16/02/2026)

BinDawood makes Qatar debut with first franchise store (Arabian Business 16/02/2026)

Rove Hotels expands to Egypt with new Cairo property (Arabian Business 16/02/2026)

UAE, Turkish Presidents discuss bilateral cooperation (WAM 15/02/2026)

Shakhboot bin Nahyan highlights UAE’s commitment to long-term partnership with Africa (WAM 14/02/2026)

UAE celebrates European energy, industrial partnership at Munich Security Conference (WAM 14/02/2026)

UAE President welcomes Emir of Qatar on arrival in Abu Dhabi (WAM 14/02/2026)

UAE strengthens market oversight to ensure price stability for Ramadan (WAM 14/02/2026)

UAE President receives phone call from Prime Minister of Pakistan (WAM 14/02/2026)

Abdullah bin Zayed, Bosnia and Herzegovina FM discuss strengthening bilateral relations (WAM 13/02/2026)

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to lead UAE delegation at AI Impact Summit in India (WAM 13/02/2026)

Dubai, Cyprus chambers discuss strengthening economic ties (WAM 13/02/2026)

Dubai Chamber of Commerce supports Al Barakah Dates expansion in Indonesia (WAM 13/02/2026)

SEHA, Germany’s Schoen Clinic Group to enhance rehabilitation services in UAE, Gulf region (Abu Dhabi Media Office 13/02/2026)

UAE President receives Crown Prince of Bahrain (WAM 12/02/2026)

UAE, Ugandan Presidents discuss bilateral ties (WAM 12/02/2026)

YPF, Eni, XRG sign Joint Development Agreement advancing Argentina LNG (WAM 12/02/2026)

AD Ports Group joins Africa Ports Development’s 30-year concession for new dry bulk terminal in Douala Port - Cameroon (WAM 12/02/2026)

Nasdaq Dubai welcomes United Terra Enterprises PLC’s debut listing of $150m bond (WAM 12/02/2026)

CBUAE, Hong Kong Monetary Authority deepen financial cooperation, market connectivity (WAM 12/02/2026)

Abu Dhabi strengthens tourism partnerships at Fitur 2026 in Madrid (WAM 12/02/2026)

UAE-Korea defence industries forum explores partnership opportunities (WAM 11/02/2026)

UAE and Finland Presidents review bilateral ties (WAM 10/02/2026)

UAE President receives phone call from Grand Imam of Al-Azhar (WAM 10/02/2026)

SAASST launches inaugural UAE-Italy Bilateral Forum on Space Science & Astronomy (WAM 10/02/2026)

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Written by Jenny Hunt

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

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