UAE Weekly Business News 17/02/2025

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UAE Weekly Business News: Issue 227 published 17 February 2025.

UAE FREE ZONE NEWS

Dubai South sets new record for business aviation movements in 2024 (WAM 17/02/2025)

DIFC Courts growing workload – 114 claims filed for $7.6b in 2024 (Arabian Business 17/02/2025)

ASB Capital commences operations in Dubai, aims to bridge regional and global markets (Arabian Business 17/02/2025)

RAKEZ offers business solutions to global F&B stakeholders at Gulfood 2025 (WAM 14/02/2025)

MBRAH opens new Satys aircraft painting facility at Dubai South (Arabian Business 14/02/2025)

JAFZA, A-HEAT to establish largest heat exchanger facility in GCC (WAM 13/02/2025)

Dubai South inaugurates Satys aircraft paint facility (WAM 13/02/2025)

DIFC introduces new PropTech solution, boosting Dubai’s appeal as leading property investment destination (WAM 12/02/2025)

AquaChemie Global Chemicals opens AED 90mn advanced facility in KEZAD (WAM 12/02/2025)

Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Cordiant Capital sign MoU to strengthen strategic partnership (WAM 12/02/2025)

Sharjah Free Zones boost investment with Chinese businesses (WAM 12/02/2025)

DIFC and Keyper launch real time property data platform to boost investor transparency (Arabian Business 11/02/2025)

Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 welcomes 27 global tech startups with $145m funding (Arabian Business 11/02/2025)

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

UAE visa rules: Until what age can parents sponsor sons and daughters? (Khaleej Times 16/02/2025)

UAE: Can children stay to finish academic year after parent's visa gets cancelled? (Khaleej Times 16/02/2025)

New visa waiver rules for Indians to help them save AED750 per person, skip approval time (Khaleej Times 15/02/2025)

UAE jobs: Great Place to Work reveals top 100 companies for 2025 (Arabian Business 15/02/2025)

UAE visa: How to sponsor your family members—Everything you need to know (Arabian Business 15/02/2025)

UAE broadens visa-on-arrival to Indian nationals (WAM 14/02/2025)

UAE announces visa-on-arrival for Indians with residency permits from 6 new countries (Khaleej Times 14/02/2025)

UAE announces major visa rule change for Indians (Arabian Business 14/02/2025)

UAE announces launch of 10-year Blue Visa (Arabian Business 12/02/2025)

ADDED, GWU join forces to empower women in economic sector (WAM 11/02/2025)

Eswatini to qualify 300,000 programmers for digital job market in cooperation with UAE (WAM 11/02/2025)

UAE initiates first phase of decade-long Blue Visa system (WAM 11/02/2025)

UAE jobs: Why are employees ‘revenge quitting’? Dubai career experts weigh in (Arabian Business 10/02/2025)

UAE BUSINESS NEWS

IDEX, NAVDEX 2025 secure AED3.97b in deals on opening day (WAM 17/02/2025)

'Make it in the Emirates' forum attracts AED20b in investments during 2024 (WAM 17/02/2025)

50,000 electronic attacks countered daily by UAE Cybersecurity Council (WAM 17/02/2025)

ADDED issues resolution to regulate establishment, licensing of endowment companies (WAM 17/02/2025)

NAVDEX 2025: Connecting global maritime security community (WAM 17/02/2025)

EDGE unveils its most advanced line-up of all-domain defence & tech solutions at IDEX 2025 (WAM 17/02/2025)

EDGE Group, ELT Group explore potential establishment of Joint Venture in UAE (WAM 17/02/2025)

BrahMos Aerospace showcases its hypersonic missile system at NAVDEX 2025Rostec showcases 200 military products at IDEX 2025 (WAM 17/02/2025)

Middle East International Conference on Innovation and Sepsis concludes in Dubai (WAM 17/02/2025)

Gear Industries unveils world’s lightest ballistic plate at IDEX 2025 (WAM 17/02/2025)

UAE's growing workforce to fuel economic prosperity, drive 5% GDP growth in 2025 (Khaleej Times 17/02/2025)

Dubai Loop: High-speed underground transport system to cut travel time, ease traffic (Khaleej Times 17/02/2025)

Dubai commercial real estate boom: Prime office spaces set for 12% value appreciation in 2025 (Arabian Business 17/02/2025)

Emirati Conference on Medical Education 2025 begins in Abu Dhabi (WAM 16/02/2025)

Calidus to launch seven new UAE-made defense products at IDEX 2025 (WAM 16/02/2025)

ATERMES to showcase next-generation surveillance technology at IDEX 2025 (WAM 16/02/2025)

International Defence Conference 2025 kicks off in Abu Dhabi (WAM 16/02/2025)

The Smart Rent Index mitigates inflation in Dubai and enhances market transparency (Government of Dubai Media Office 16/02/2025)

Dubai’s strategic vision for global business leadership showcased at ‘Dubai Rising’ conference (Government of Dubai Media Office 16/02/2025)

AED18b UAE gaming market: Casino operator Wynn addresses concerns around competition (Khaleej Times 16/02/2025)

RTA opens 40 air-conditioned rest areas for delivery riders (Arabian Business 16/02/2025)

Tawazun Council issues resolution on 'Quality Mark for Military, Security Sector'  (WAM 15/02/2025)

GCC countries' crude oil production in 2023 logged about 17mbpd, ranking first worldwide in output, reserves, exports  (WAM 15/02/2025)

Abu Dhabi welcomes warships from across the world for NAVDEX 2025 (WAM 15/02/2025)

Al Zeyoudi engages with senior officials, ministers to accelerate trade ties in high-potential markets (WAM 14/02/2025)

Etihad Airways to launch flights to Sochi (WAM 14/02/2025)

Tawazun Council strengthens strategic partnerships, showcases initiatives at IDEX & NAVDEX 2025 (WAM 14/02/2025)

UAE calls for developing Agreement on Facilitating Trade Exchange (WAM 14/02/2025)

ADNEC Group launches first global hub for developing defence strategies against CBRNE threats (WAM 14/02/2025)

UAE has over 70,000 electric vehicles, targets 25% adoption in 10 years (Arabian Business 14/02/2025)

Omar Al Olama, Elon Musk launch 'Dubai Loop' to redefine transportation in Dubai (WAM 13/02/2025)

RTA and Boring Company sign MOU for ‘Dubai Loop’ (WAM 13/02/2025)

EWEC issues RFP for development of Al Sila Wind Power Project (WAM 13/02/2025)

UAE begins mapping air corridors for air taxis, cargo drones (WAM 13/02/2025)

XRANGE expands operations with new runway, advanced facilities, enhanced services (WAM 13/02/2025)

Etihad Airways registered 1.7 million travellers during January (WAM 13/02/2025)

ADDED facilitates business expansion in Abu Dhabi for firms registered in other emirates without physical premises (WAM 13/02/2025)

Dubai records world’s lowest electricity Customer Minutes Lost per year (WAM 13/02/2025)

1.5 million subscribers for 'e& money' app (WAM 13/02/2025)

EAD issues regulations on administrative penalties to enhance proactive environmental protection (WAM 13/02/2025)

PwC Middle East spotlights government innovation with insights on healthcare, climate, trade (WAM 13/02/2025)

UAE champions AI governance, technology innovation: KPMG-WGS report (WAM 13/02/2025)

Saif bin Zayed meets Kurdistan's Prime Minister (WAM 13/02/2025)

MBRSG, UNDP sign MoU to advance digital transformation, AI governance (WAM 13/02/2025)

UAE re-elected to UNWTO Executive Council (WAM 13/02/2025)

Dubai Chambers publishes report on role of Business Climate Index in economic forecasting (WAM 13/02/2025)

MBRSG releases Arab Region SDG Index & Dashboards Report (WAM 13/02/2025)

Saif bin Zayed meets Roblox International CEO (WAM 13/02/2025)

Dubai signs massive deal with Elon Musk to build new underground transport system ‘Dubai Loop’ (Arabian Business 13/02/2025)

Dubai Loop: Stations, 100,000 passenger target, top speeds, everything you need to know (Arabian Business 13/02/2025)

‘We are the main act’: Bentley CEO on upcoming electric launch, Dubai car taste (Arabian Business 13/02/2025)

Probable Ramadan 2025 start date announced (Arabian Business 13/02/2025)

UAE home to GCC region’s most diversified economy, reveals Global Economic Diversification Index 2025 (WAM 12/02/2025)

Zayed International Airport secures 3 Pearl Estidama rating in construction (WAM 12/02/2025)

UAEU conducts research studies to develop green thermal insulators from palm waste (WAM 12/02/2025)

Dubai Municipality launches new vision for future cities (WAM 12/02/2025)

Dubai Coffee Auction sets new record prices with Panamanian Geisha sold for $10,000 per kilo (WAM 12/02/2025)

EDGE launches POWERTECH to establish global propulsion systems manufacturer (WAM 12/02/2025)

Airbus Executive: Global aviation sector recovering; UAE key hub for growth, manufacturing (WAM 12/02/2025)

UAE’s economy demonstrated high resilience to withstand global shocks (WAM 12/02/2025)

Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed meets Starbucks Chairman (WAM 12/02/2025)

Creative Media Authority partners with Innovative Film Academy to grow creative industries ecosystem in Abu Dhabi (WAM 12/02/2025)

WGS, Strategy & Middle East unveil 2nd edition of Productivity Potential Index (WAM 12/02/2025)

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to host Artificial Intelligence Week February 17 (WAM 12/02/2025)

Maktoum bin Mohammed meets with CEO of Schneider Electric (WAM 12/02/2025)

UAE in top 10 countries with most AI companies; how Golden Visas and investment will unlock $91bn GDP boost (Arabian Business 12/02/2025)

Dubai real estate: Freehold ownership changes and Smart Rental Index add confidence and stability to market as sales hit $9.6b in January (Arabian Business 12/02/2025)

Taaleem, ADIO ink pact to open first Harrow International School on Saadiyat Island in 2026 (Arabian business 12/02/2025)

Deloitte research shows over 65% of organisations in Middle East plan to increase investment in AI (WAM 11/02/2025)

UAE to launch National Cybersecurity Strategy (WAM 11/02/2025)

Hamdan bin Mohammed meets with CEO of Baidu (WAM 11/02/2025)

Dubai Future Foundation, IBM join forces to make Dubai global AI hub (WAM 11/02/2025)

Vertiports to be constructed at 3 Abu Dhabi locations (Khaleej Times 11/02/2025)

Surge in premium fusion segment as foodies in Dubai turn to French cuisines with spicy Indian, healthy Mediterranean twists (Arabian Business 11/02/2025)

Emirates and Air Peace sign interline agreement, expanding travel choices to 13 cities in Nigeria (Government of Dubai Media Office 10/02/2025)

Abu Dhabi's business sector records significant growth in 2024 (Abu Dhabi Media Office 10/02/2025)

UAE FINANCE AND ECONOMY NEWS

du adds ‘cryptocurrency’ to payment options (Arabian Business 17/02/2025)

Tabreed’s net profit increases by 32% (Arabian Business 17/02/2025)

ADNH’ 2024 net profit soars 216% to AED1.33b (Arabian Business 17/02/2025)

UAE stock market cap expected to increase by AED1t in 4 years (Khaleej Times 17/02/2025)

e& reports 4.3% rise in 2024 net profit, driven by digital growth (Arabian Business 17/02/2025)

Bank of Sharjah acts as mandated lead arranger, bookrunner in US$155m loan for ‘Daewoo Engineering’ (WAM 16/02/2025)

AOI in negotiations with Emirati investors to establish three new factories (WAM 16/02/2025)

Tabreed reports revenue of AED2.434b in 2024 (WAM 14/02/2025)

AD Ports Group reports net profit of AED1.78b in 2024 (WAM 14/02/2025)

Julphar reports net profit of AED40.5m in 2024 (WAM 14/02/2025)

Empower reports AED3.3b in revenues in 2024 (WAM 14/02/2025)

Alef Education sustains strong growth in 2024, achieves revenues of AED759m (WAM 14/02/2025)

Union Properties continues its turnaround with a strong 2024 (Arabian Business 14/02/2025)

Alpha Data to list 40% of its shares on ADX (WAM 13/02/2025)

ADNOC Drilling reports record net profit of AED4.77b in 2024 (WAM 13/02/2025)

Alpha Dhabi reports revenue of AED63.4b in 2024 (WAM 13/02/2025)

TAQA reports net income of AED7.1b in 2024 (WAM 13/02/2025)

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development total funding reached AED229b (WAM 13/02/2025)

Ministry of Finance committed to building strong partnerships, effective communication (WAM 13/02/2025)

Air Arabia reports record AED1.6b profit in 2024 (WAM 13/02/2025)

Talabat over-delivers on guidance as net income grows 64% to $346m (Arabian Business 13/02/2025)

Massive spike in remittances by Gulf-based NRIs as rupee nosedives (Arabian Business 13/02/2025)

Phoenix Group reports record $167m profit in 2024, mining revenue up 236% (Arabian Business 13/02/2025)

Emaar reports $9.6b revenue and $5.1b profit (Arabian Business 13/02/2025)

Minister of Economy: 5% - 6% expected growth of UAE economy in 2025 (WAM 12/02/2025)

ADQ signs MoU with IFC to advance development projects in emerging markets (WAM 12/02/2025)

IFC provided over $2.3b in financing to UAE-based multinational companies by end of 2024 (WAM 12/02/2025)

ADNOC L&S announces revenue of $3,549m in 2024 (WAM 12/02/2025)

Modon Holding reports net profit of AED9.4b in 2024 (WAM 12/02/2025)

PureHealth 2024 financial results report net profit of AED1.7b (Abu Dhabi Media Office 12/02/2025)

Tabby hits $3.3b valuation as it eyes IPO within 18 months after $160m raise (Arabian Business 12/02/2025)

Spinneys revenue up 12.3% in 2024 to $870m (Arabian Business 12/02/2025)

Americana Restaurants shows resilience despite tough conditions in 2024 (Arabian Business 12/02/2025)

ADNOC Distribution reports record EBITDA for 2024 (WAM 11/02/2025)

NMDC Group delivers net profit of AED3.1b for 2024 (WAM 11/02/2025)

Tokinvest report highlights Dubai’s role in real-world asset tokenisation (Arabian Business 11/02/2025)

Deyaar reports 14.68% jump in PBT to $137.6m (Arabian Business 11/02/2025)

Lulu Retail revenue grows 4.7% to $7.6b in 2024 (Arabian Business 11/02/2025)

Mohammed bin Rashid, IMF Managing Director address global economic developments, explore means to strengthen cooperation between UAE, IMF (WAM 10/02/2025)

IHC posts robust preliminary full-year 2024 performance with 54.4% revenue growth (WAM 10/02/2025)

UAE M&A NEWS

Mubadala announces investment in Apleona (WAM 17/02/2025)

2PointZero acquires stake in EHC Investment Company (WAM 14/02/2025)

Capital Haus expands UAE presence with strategic wealth management acquisition (Arabian Business 11/02/2025)

UAE BILATERAL TRADE NEWS

UAE-Ukraine's CEPA will enter into force this year (WAM 17/02/2025)

UAE, Ukraine Presidents witness signing of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (WAM 17/02/2025)

UAE, Ukraine Presidents explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation (WAM 17/02/2025)

Korea's LIG Nex1 strengthens defence cooperation with UAE (WAM 17/02/2025)

Belarusian official highlights relations with UAE as 'strategic' (WAM 17/02/2025)

Hamdan bin Mohammed meets with Malaysia’s Defence Minister (WAM 17/02/2025)

Hamdan bin Mohammed meets with Kazakhstan’s Defence Minister (WAM 17/02/2025)

Hamdan bin Mohammed meets with Kuwaiti Minister of Defence (WAM 17/02/2025)

Hamdan bin Mohammed meets with President of Tatarstan (WAM 17/02/2025)

UAE-France High-Level Business Council to strengthen economic, investment cooperation (WAM 17/02/2025)

Abu Dhabi to further enhance trade, investments with China (WAM 17/02/2025)

UAE strategic centre for Malaysian food products (WAM 17/02/2025)

EDF, TAQA seal partnership to boost geothermal energy in Saudi Arabia (Arabian Business 17/02/2025)

UAE President receives Russian First Deputy Prime Minister (WAM 16/02/2025)

UAE participates in Alula Conference for Emerging Market Economies (WAM 16/02/2025)

UAE launches US$60m initiative to expand accessible education for visually impaired students in Ethiopia (WAM 15/02/2025)

Mansour bin Zayed receives First Deputy Prime Minister of Russian Federation (WAM 15/02/2025)

Abu Dhabi Mobility, Japan Cooperation Centre to develop smart transport solutions (WAM 14/02/2025)

Dubai Investments’ MoUs drive regional pharma, glass collaboration at Qatar Industrial Summit (Arabian Business 14/02/2025)

UAE, Cyprus announce strategic partnership in digital transformation, AI (WAM 13/02/2025)

Abdullah bin Zayed, Moldovan FM discuss bilateral relations (WAM 13/02/2025)

UAE a key partner in South Africa's push to expand technology, innovation ties (WAM 13/02/2025)

Lesotho keen to enhance cooperation with UAE in technology sector (WAM 13/02/2025)

Solomon Islands seeks to strengthen partnership with UAE in energy, trade (WAM 13/02/2025)

Timor-Leste’s ties with UAE witnessing rapid growth (WAM 13/02/2025)

UAE signs 3 agreements to drive sustainable development in Asia, Africa (WAM 13/02/2025)

Chad eyes enhanced air transport cooperation with UAE (WAM 13/02/2025)

Dominica draws inspiration from UAE's digital transformation (WAM 13/02/2025)

Mohammed bin Rashid, Georgian Prime Minister discusses bilateral relations (WAM 12/02/2025)

Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister of Laos discuss ways to boost bilateral relations (WAM 12/02/2025)

UAE, Philippines forge partnership to rehabilitate Pasig River (WAM 12/02/2025)

Mohammed bin Rashid, Sri Lanka’s President discuss close bilateral ties (WAM 12/02/2025)

Abdullah bin Zayed, Bhutan PM explore prospects for joint cooperation (WAM 12/02/2025)

UAE an active contributor to financing Honduras' Dry Canal project (WAM 12/02/2025)

ADNOC Gas signs 14-year LNG Supply Agreement with Indian Oil Corporation (WAM 12/02/2025)

UAE, Iraqi Presidents discuss bilateral relations (WAM 12/02/2025)

Montenegro keen to strengthen UAE ties, boost investments (WAM 12/02/2025)

UAE investments contribute to stimulating economic growth in Latvia (WAM 12/02/2025)

Fiji looking forward to more investment opportunities with UAE (WAM 12/02/2025)

Abdullah bin Zayed, Colombian Foreign Minister discuss strengthening cooperation (WAM 12/02/2025)

Saud bin Saqr, Costa Rica's Vice Minister of Expenditures discuss relations (WAM 12/02/2025)

UAE, Azerbaijan agree to strengthen bilateral cooperation (WAM 12/02/2025)

Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister: “We look forward to broader partnership with UAE in education, technology, sustainable development” (WAM 12/02/2025)

UAE President receives written message from Lebanese President (WAM 12/02/2025)

UAE President, US Secretary of State discuss bilateral relations (WAM 12/02/2025)

Maktoum bin Mohammed meets with Minister of Treasury of Türkiye (WAM 12/02/2025)

President of Seychelles: New projects with UAE on horizon (WAM 12/02/2025)

Hungarian capital investment in UAE reaches €35.8m in 2024 (WAM 12/02/2025)

AD Ports Group wins management contract for new Al Madouneh Customs Centre in Jordan (WAM 12/02/2025)

Eagle Hills buys land in Hungary for $12.4b Grand Budapest project (Arabian Business 12/02/2025)

Mohammed bin Rashid meets with Kuwait’s Prime Minister (WAM 11/02/2025)

Mohammed bin Rashid meets with Prime Minister of Pakistan (WAM 11/02/2025)

Mohammed bin Rashid meets with President of Colombia (WAM 11/02/2025)

Hamdan bin Mohammed meets with Prime Minister of Kurdistan (WAM 11/02/2025)

Hamdan bin Mohammed meets with President of Seychelles (WAM 11/02/2025)

Abdullah bin Zayed, Syrian FM discuss enhancing relations (WAM 11/02/2025)

DP World advances first phase of $80 million Sokhna Logistics Park in Egypt (WAM 11/02/2025)

Mansour bin Zayed, Kyrgyz PM discuss bolstering relations (WAM 11/02/2025)

Abdullah bin Zayed, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister discuss strengthening cooperation (WAM 11/02/2025)

Guatemala’s Economy Minister affirms her country's desire to develop economic relations, partnerships with UAE (WAM 11/02/2025)

Uzbekistan strengthens digital cooperation with UAE (WAM 11/02/2025)

Mansour bin Zayed, IMF Managing Director discuss latest global economic developments (WAM 11/02/2025)

UAE will train more than one million young people from Madagascar in programming (WAM 11/02/2025)

Guatemala seeks to boost tourism, trade with UAE (WAM 11/02/2025)

UAE President, Pakistani Prime Minister discuss bilateral cooperation (WAM 11/02/2025)

President of Poland committed to enhance connectivity, economic cooperation with UAE (WAM 11/02/2025)

dnata invests $17m in Sydney’s new airport for advanced inflight catering (Arabian Business 11/02/2024)

UAE-Japan trade hit $17.7b in 2024 (Arabian Business 10/02/2024)

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Written by Jenny Hunt

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

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