UAE Weekly Business News 19/01/2026

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UAE Weekly Business News: Issue 272 published 19 January 2026.

UAE FREE ZONE NEWS

Student body grows 15% at Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Knowledge Park (WAM 15/01/2026)

KEZAD Group signs 50-year land lease with Jotun Abu Dhabi to set up AED450m facility (WAM 15/01/2026)

Solico Group invests AED130m in new SoFood production facility in Jafza (WAM 15/01/2026)

SPARK, MEA-Comm to drive UAE digital transformation (WAM 14/01/2026)

Specialised chemical hub opens at Jebel Ali Free Zone (Khaleej Times 14/01/2026)

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

Over AED6.6b in social security expenditures in 2025 (WAM 16/01/2026)

UAE BUSINESS NEWS

Abu Dhabi named world’s safest city for 10th consecutive year (WAM 18/01/2026)

36.8% drop in road fatality rate in Dubai during Q4 2025 (WAM 18/01/2026)

UAE participates in World Economic Forum 2026 (WAM 18/01/2026)

RTA receives 250 new buses, including electric ones, under 735-bus contract (WAM 18/01/2026)

Momentum in the UAE’s real estate likely to continue this year (Khaleej Times 18/01/2026)

RTA inaugurates bridge expansion leading to Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 (WAM 17/01/2026)

UAE records major achievements in energy, infrastructure, housing in 2025 (WAM 17/01/2026)

Dubai Municipality launches Ramadan Market (WAM 16/01/2026)

Etihad Airways, Tunisair launch codeshare partnership (WAM 16/01/2026)

Abu Dhabi University inaugurates research-driven 3D concrete printed research chamber (WAM 16/01/2026)

Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs introduces Carbon Capture Policy (Abu Dhabi Media Office 16/01/2026)

ADQCC launches Abu Dhabi Quality Policy to further enhance economic competitiveness (Abu Dhabi Media Office 16/01/2026)

Etihad Airways named World’s Safest Airline 2026 (Abu Dhabi Media Office 16/01/2026)

Is 2026 really a buyer’s market? Dubai’s delivery data tells a different story (Khaleej Times 16/01/2026)

Dubai air taxi flights will take off this year (Arabian Business 16/01/2026)

Abu Dhabi named World’s Best Cruise Destination for 2025 as arrivals near 700,000 (Arabian Business 16/01/2026)

UAE issues recall of additional Nestlé infant formula (Arabian Business 16/01/2026)

DoE launches Efficient Appliances Procurement Policy for Government Entities (WAM 15/01/2026)

EAD launches framework to establish reuseable foodware ecosystem on Yas Island (WAM 15/01/2026)

MoEI, BEEAH, LOHUM to form Joint Venture advancing plans for UAE’s first EV battery recycling facility (WAM 15/01/2026)

Abu Dhabi Biobank, AstraZeneca to advance precision medicine, translational research (WAM 15/01/2026)

30% rise in World Future Energy Summit visitor numbers (WAM 15/01/2026)

Maktoum bin Mohammed meets with Chairman of BYD (WAM 15/01/2026)

Golden List of Pharmaceutical Companies launched in Abu Dhabi (WAM 15/01/2026)

Dubai Municipality signs Memorandum of Cooperation with Society of Engineers (WAM 15/01/2026)

National Agriculture Centre, Sheraa launch Agriboost 2026 to advance sustainable agriculture solutions (WAM 15/01/2026)

RTA, Emaar to expand Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station (WAM 15/01/2026)

Masdar, Elite Agro Holding to launch first agricultural photovoltaic project in MENA region (WAM 15/01/2026)

Emirates Council for Balanced Development, ADNOC Distribution to support emerging producers in Emirates Villages (Abu Dhabi Media Office 15/01/2026)

Dubai real estate shows strength as developers drive sales across luxury and affordable sectors (Khaleej Times 15/01/2026)

UAE-built Arabic AI model outperforms systems twice its size (Khaleej Times 15/01/2026)

UAE construction enters new phase in 2026 as digital discipline, AI and ESG reshape project delivery (Arabian Business 15/01/2026)

Tadweer Group targets 80% waste diversion by 2031 (WAM 14/01/2026)

MoEI assessing technologies to boost energy efficiency in hyperscale data centres (WAM 14/01/2026)

Dubai Chamber of Commerce member exports up 15.1% to AED356.5b in 2025 (WAM 14/01/2026)

MoHESR grants automatic recognition for degrees issued by 34 UAE-based universities (WAM 14/01/2026)

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Snap to launch augmented reality experiences (WAM 14/01/2026)

UAE’s current installed renewable energy capacity exceeds 7.7GW (WAM 14/01/2026)

Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed meets CEO BYD (WAM 14/01/2026)

Creators HQ, 500 Global support creator-led startups collectively valued at over $130m (WAM 14/01/2026)

Commercial Companies Law boosts investment flexibility, drives UAE's global leadership (WAM 14/01/2026)

Petrochem and DP World inaugurate AED300m terminal at Jebel Ali Port (Government of Dubai Media Office 14/01/2026)

DCAD, Oscar de la Renta to debut exclusive Emirati caftan during Abu Dhabi Trunk Show (Abu Dhabi Media Office 14/01/2026)

Dubai closes 2025 with a record AED547b property market (Khaleej Times 14/01/2026)

Dubai closes 2025 with its strongest ever property sales quarter at AED187b (Khaleej Times 14/01/2026)

AED30b Mercedes-Benz City opens for sale (Khaleej Times 14/01/2026)

Emaar to launch tender for Dubai Creek Tower in three months (Khaleej Times 14/01/2026)

How UAE is powering AI-driven innovation for the future (Khaleej Times 14/01/2026)

AI agents go mainstream in Middle East, but security gaps persist (Arabian Business 14/01/2026)

Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Silal partner to enhance energy, water efficiency in agriculture (WAM 13/01/2026)

Dubai Police call for vigilance over AI forged documents (WAM 13/01/2026)

Masdar's renewable energy portfolio capacity reaches 65GW (WAM 13/01/2026) 

KEZAD Group, BEEAH form JV for targeted waste-management services (WAM 13/01/2026)

ADAFSA opens Al Sila Veterinary and Agricultural Services Centre (WAM 13/01/2026)

Barakah Nuclear Power Plants supply 57% of UAE household electricity bills (WAM 13/01/2026)

Clean energy demand doubles sector activity in region (WAM 13/01/2026)

Zoho Corporation opens its first data centres in UAE (Khaleej Times 13/01/2026)

India Blockchain Alliance and TheBlock. Launch the UAE–India Web3 & AI Business Corridor (Khaleej Times 13/01/2026)

Xiaomi opens new interactive store at Al Ghurair Centre (Khaleej Times 13/01/2026)

NMDC Infra and CCC to establish NMDCCC (Arabian Business 13/01/2026)

ADNOC launches EV Megahub on E11 with 60 high-speed chargers (Arabian Business 13/01/2026)

Temu opens platform to UAE sellers, expanding local e-commerce opportunities (Arabian Business 13/01/2026)

Emirates to launch daily Dubai to Helsinki flights from October 2026 (Arabian Business 13/01/2026)

Dubai real estate transactions exceed AED917b in 2025 (WAM 12/01/2026)

PureHealth launches Abu Dhabi Health Research Centre to advance global leadership in clinical innovation (WAM 12/01/2026)

Emirates Drug Establishment approves heart failure drug, Inpefa (Sotagliflozin) (WAM 12/01/2026)

Etihad Airways carries 22.4 million passengers in 2025 (WAM 12/01/2026)

Dubai retail and warehouse markets surge amid tight supply and rising demand (Khaleej Times 12/01/2026)

World’s largest solar plants anchor UAE’s rising renewable energy influence (Arabian Business 12/01/2026)

UAE FINANCE AND ECONOMY NEWS

 (WAM 19/01/2026)

A47 secures $2m funding to build AI native news platform (Khaleej Times 18/01/2026)

 (WAM 17/01/2026)

Maktoum bin Mohammed meets with Group CEO of Richemont (WAM 16/01/2026)

US$870.7m Green Bonds issued for Al Dhafra Solar Plant (WAM 16/01/2026)

AD Ports Group signs AED840m land sale agreement with Danube Properties (WAM 16/01/2026)

Earning Dh15,000 salary? Dubai bank launches first digital home loan pre-approval (Khaleej Times 16/01/2026)

National Bank of Canada opens its first office in the region in Dubai (Arabian Business 16/01/2026)

UAE banks set to defend strong profitability in 2026 (Khaleej Times 15/01/2026)

UAE retail investors favoured tech and AI-driven stocks in 2025 (Khaleej Times 15/01/2026)

Over 50% of MENA private equity portfolios to integrate AI by end of 2026 (Arabian Business 15/01/2026)

Arabian Travel Market 2026 sees surging global demand as Middle East travel spend set to top $60bn (Arabian Business 15/01/2026)

MOCCAE launches UAE Adaptation Financing Capacity Assessment (WAM 14/01/2026)

IHC, DFC to mobilise global capital across strategic sectors (WAM 14/01/2026)

Digital payments now dominate in UAE as cash use declines, Visa report shows (Khaleej Times 14/01/2026)

Gulf capital emerges as shock absorber for AI valuations (Khaleej Times 14/01/2026)

UAE poised to lead GCC IPO rebound in 2026 as pipeline rebuilds (Khaleej Times 14/01/2026)

Lionsoul Global announces strategic partnership with ALTNovel (Khaleej Times 14/01/2026)

Commercial Bank International receives approval to close Islamic banking window (Arabian Business 14/01/2026)

HSBC taps into UAE rising wealth inflows with new asset management arm (Arabian Business 14/01/2026)

flydubai, Network International announce Push to Pay payments at Dubai International Airport (Arabian Business 14/01/2026)

UAE economy to grow 5% in 2026; 5.1% in 2027 (WAM 13/01/2026)

Ministry of Finance launches ‘Federal Government Real Estate Assets Platform’ (WAM 13/01/2026)

Gross banks’ assets rise 0.8% to AED5,251.9b by November 2025 (WAM 12/01/2026)

DFSA implements major updates to Crypto Token regulatory framework (WAM 12/01/2026)

UAE M&A NEWS

NMDC Infra acquires 51% stake in Spain’s Lantania Aguas (WAM 19/01/2026)

Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC reportedly mulling Venezuela gas investment (Arabian Business 16/01/2026)

UAE-based NMC Healthcare sale inevitable but not imminent (Arabian Business 16/01/2026)

UAE BILATERAL TRADE NEWS

UAE-DRC Trade and Investment Day highlights partnership opportunities (WAM 19/01/2026)

ADDED leads delegation to Italy, strengthening partnership for investment and long-term growth (Abu Dhabi Media Office 19/02/2026)

UAE-Cameroon Trade and Investment Day explores new partnership opportunities (WAM 18/01/2026)

 (WAM 17/01/2026)

Abdullah bin Zayed, Argentine FM discuss strengthening bilateral ties (WAM 16/01/2026)

Abdullah bin Zayed, Venezuelan FM discuss strengthening bilateral relations (WAM 16/01/2026)

Reem Al Hashimy concludes official visit to Ecuador, Guyana as part of Latin America tour (WAM 16/01/2026)

Zanzibar's First Lady visits Mleiha Wheat Farm (WAM 16/01/2026)

ENEC partners with two Canadian institutions to advance nuclear research (WAM 16/01/2026)

Dubai Chambers explores expanding business cooperation with Illinois (WAM 16/01/2026)

Masdar, EPCG to explore joint venture for development of renewables in Montenegro (WAM 16/01/2026)

UAE President, Prime Minister of Slovakia discuss bilateral ties (WAM 15/01/202

Lunate launches Boreas range of thematic ETFs in Europe (WAM 15/01/202

UAE-UK technology exchange, renewed investment embolden hydrogen, industrial decarbonisation ambitions (WAM 15/01/202

UAE President receives written message from Japanese Prime Minister (WAM 15/01/202

UAE, China industrial collaboration to manufacture, export energy storage technologies to Global South (WAM 15/01/202

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi partners with Kuwait-based DAWI (WAM 15/01/202

UAE, Senegal Presidents discuss bilateral ties (WAM 15/01/202

Khaldoon Al Mubarak meets with President of Republic of Korea (WAM 15/01/202

FNC, Japan-UAE Parliamentary Friendship League discuss cooperation (WAM 15/01/202

Dubai Chambers to cooperate with 18 Chinese entities in investment, trade promotion (WAM 15/01/202

Masdar achieves financial close for 300MW Solar, 75MWh battery energy storage system project in Uzbekistan (WAM 15/01/2026)

Emirati firms explore deploying solar-powered mobile clinics in Global South (WAM 15/01/2026)

UAE joins US-led AI supply chain initiative Pax Silica, bolsters economic ties (Khaleej Times 15/01/2026)

UAE’s Masdar and RWE secure CfD for their mega Dogger Bank South projects (Arabian Business 15/01/2026)

Abdullah bin Zayed, Turkish Foreign Minister discuss bilateral relations (WAM 14/01/2026)

Noura Al Kaabi meets Minister of Foreign Affairs of Commonwealth of Dominica (WAM 14/01/2026)

UAE President receives Turkish Foreign Minister (WAM 14/01/2026)

UAE, Mozambique review expanding trade, investment ties (WAM 14/01/2026)

Masdar showcases Central Asia projects at ADSW (WAM 14/01/2026)

UAE President, Georgian Prime Minister discuss strengthening bilateral ties (WAM 14/01/2026)

UAE President meets Serbian President (WAM 14/01/2026)

CBUAE, Bank of Finland strength partnership in financial stability, fintech (WAM 14/01/2026)

Chinese firms showcase solar technologies at ADSW (WAM 14/01/2026)

Tadweer Group expands Waste-to-Energy footprint in Australia (WAM 14/01/2026)

Emirati-German Energy Partnership holds 10th High-Level Steering Group Meeting in Abu Dhabi (WAM 14/01/2026)

Abdullah bin Zayed, Iranian FM discuss bilateral relations (WAM 13/01/2026)

Abdullah bin Zayed, Norwegian FM discuss enhancing bilateral relations (WAM 13/01/2026)

Abdullah bin Zayed meets Uzbek Deputy PM (WAM 13/01/2026)

Abdullah bin Zayed, South African Minister of International Relations & Cooperation discuss enhancing ties (WAM 13/01/2026)

Gulf region primed to unlock massive green energy gains (WAM 13/01/2026)

Al Hajeri receives Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Philippines (WAM 13/01/2026)

Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister discuss enhancing economic, investment cooperation  (WAM 13/01/2026)

EDGE, Indra Group to establish new defence manufacturing entity in Spain (WAM 13/01/2026)

UAE President meets Prime Minister of Montenegro (WAM 13/01/2026)

Al Hajeri receives Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia (WAM 13/01/2026)

UAE, Nigeria forge stronger economic ties with signing of CEPA (WAM 13/01/2026)

UAE, Nigerian Presidents discuss bilateral cooperation (WAM 13/01/2026)

UAE, Japan discuss strengthening partnership (WAM 13/01/2026)

UAE President meets President of Mozambique (WAM 13/01/2026)

Eight Japanese firms showcase energy transition solutions at ADSW (WAM 13/01/2026)

Dubai Airports, Salik to enable seamless E-Wallet Parking Payments at DXB (WAM 13/01/2026)

UAE, South African Presidents discuss bilateral cooperation (WAM 13/01/2026)

UAE, Philippines share vision for resilient, open economies (WAM 13/01/2026)

UAE, Philippines sign CEPA (WAM 13/01/2026)

UAE, Philippines Presidents meet (WAM 13/01/2026)

Vice President of Namibia tours Museum of the Future (WAM 13/01/2026)

DIAC receives Permanent Arbitral Institution recognition in Russia (WAM 13/01/2026)

Abdullah bin Zayed, Canadian FM discuss strengthening ties (WAM 12/01/2026)

Abu Dhabi hosts fourth UAE–France High-Level Business Council plenary meeting (WAM 12/01/2026)

DP World, Pakistan Railways, NLC break ground on Pipri Freight Corridor & Multimodal Logistics Park (WAM 12/01/2026)

FNC, Israel's minister of education discuss cooperation (WAM 12/01/2026)

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Written by Jenny Hunt

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

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