UAE Weekly Business News 20/10/2025

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UAE Weekly Business News: Issue 259 published 20 October 2025.

UAE FREE ZONE NEWS

ADGM’s Registration Authority launches integrated suite of services (WAM 20/10/2025)

DIFC surpasses 8,000 companies as banking assets triple to $240b (Arabian Business 20/10/2025)

IFZA expands global footprint with new representative office in Shanghai (WAM 16/10/2025)

DIFC, Institute of International Finance partner for inaugural Dubai Future Finance Week (WAM 16/10/2025)

ADGM introduces new licensing rules for legal, tax and company service providers (Arabian Business 16/10/2025)

Dubai Internet City, Skolkovo Foundation to foster innovation (WAM 15/10/2025)

RAKEZ powers ahead in Q3 2025 with over 3,490 new businesses (WAM 15/10/2025)

CME Group expands into the Middle East with DIFC opening (Government of Dubai Media Office 16/10/2025)

DFSA Connect: New digital services streamline regulatory approvals processes (WAM 13/10/2025)

Al Ghurair to launch UAE’s first corn starch plant in Kezad (Khaleej Times 13/10/2025)

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

UAE Golden Visa: Exclusive benefits for long-term residents, support for expats (Khaleej Times 20/10/2025)

Fewer UAE professionals negotiate salaries as global competition rises (Arabian Business 20/10/2025)

EHRDC, e& to support Emiratisation, develop national talent (WAM 17/10/2025)

Dubai grants UAE Golden Visa to Waqf donors under humanitarian category (Khaleej Times 17/10/2025)

A $500b opportunity? How women-only spaces are reshaping the Gulf economy (Khaleej Times 17/10/2025)

Probation period in UAE: How to ace the first 90 days in the job (Khaleej Times 16/10/2025)

UAE announces consular services for Golden Visa holders (Khaleej Times 14/10/2025)

UAE to roll out smart cars to detect visa violators (Khaleej Times 13/10/2025)

UAE BUSINESS NEWS

ADJD completes 87,000 digital notarial transactions in H1 2025 (WAM 20/10/2025)

Viola Communications, iShout partner to deliver AI influencer platform (WAM 20/10/2025)

ADCMC signs MoU with e& to enhance Abu Dhabi’s digital infrastructure (WAM 20/10/2025)

Record visitation numbers across Yas and Saadiyat Islands in summer 2025 (Abu Dhabi Media Office 20/10/2025)

Etihad Airways hits 300 daily flights as global expansion accelerates (Arabian Business 20/10/2025)

Aldar Education, Manchester City announce first elite football school in Abu Dhabi (Arabian Business 20/10/2025)

IBM, AWS expand collaboration to serve UAE and Saudi Arabia better (Arabian Business 20/10/2025)

Ellington Properties signs AED1b construction deal with China Railway for Uptown Dubai project (Arabian Business 20/10/2025)

UAE hotel sector posts double-digit growth as investors target mature market (Arabian Business 20/10/2025)

UAE data centre market to exceed $3.3bn by 2030 (Arabian Business 20/10/2025)

RTA regulates delivery bike use on roads starting in November 2025 (WAM 19/10/2025)

New AI initiatives approved to fast-track Dubai’s digital transformation (WAM 19/10/2025)

Creators Ventures Accelerator programme attracts 1,131 applicants from 70 countries (WAM 19/10/2025)

UAE strengthens global leadership in cloud investments, data centre projects (WAM 19/10/2025)

Dubai’s 10,000 AI-firms goal to power UAE's startup vision (Khaleej Times 19/10/2025)

Dubai real estate sector recorded $4b of transactions last week (Arabian Business 19/10/2025)

11th Pre-Owned Boat Show in Dubai to kick off with yachts, boats worth over AED200m (WAM 18/10/2025)

Dubai Police, Parkin to link traffic systems with smart parking platforms (WAM 18/10/2025)

InfraX, Itron, MEA-Comm to accelerate smart utility, IoT solutions (WAM 18/10/2025)

Low-code, no-code platforms power Middle East’s digital leap (Khaleej Times 18/10/2025)

AI becomes the cornerstone of digital transformation in the Middle East (Khaleej Times 18/10/2025)

Binghatti launches 13 Dubai projects worth $3.3b in 2025 (Arabian Business 18/10/2025)

On a mission to sell more camel milk (Arabian Business 18/10/2025)

Emirates Auction, Parkin to develop joint services, create smart, innovative solutions (WAM 17/10/2025)

Abu Dhabi DoE, Google Cloud to advance digital transformation in energy sector (WAM 17/10/2025)

DoH signs three strategic MoUs to advance AI, innovation in healthcare (WAM 17/10/2025)

InfraX, e& sign MoU to advance Dubai’s connectivity landscape (WAM 17/10/2025)

Digital Dubai, Oracle to develop digital skills (WAM 17/10/2025)

ITC signs agreement on issuing wireless device permits for marine vessels in Abu Dhabi (WAM 17/10/2025)

Moro Hub, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services to enhance smart healthcare capabilities (WAM 17/10/2025)

MBRSC, 'Dubai's Ports and Customs' to develop maritime monitoring platform (WAM 17/10/2025)

Dubai Rental Disputes Centre, Tableegh to reinforce digital judicial services (WAM 17/10/2025)

EDGE entity ORYXLABS, Cyber Security Council release regionwide report (WAM 17/10/2025)

Salik strengthens digital ecosystem with innovative communication channels (Government of Dubai Media Office 17/10/2025)

Air India Express to reinstate UAE flights from Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram (Khaleej Times 17/10/2025)

Smart home entertainment gains ground in the Gulf as Valerion eyes regional expansion (Khaleej Times 17/10/2025)

2-year licence fee exemption for businesses in some RAK areas (Khaleej Times 17/10/2025)

Voxtron eyes AI-driven growth in UAE’s customer experience market (Khaleej Times 17/10/2025)

Which are the key sectors to invest in the GCC in Q4? (Khaleej Times 17/10/2025)

Dubai real estate: 6 trends defining the property market in 2025 (Arabian Business 17/10/2025)

ION launches regional-first unified EV charging platform (WAM 16/10/2025)

Presight, Dubai Taxi Company to accelerate AI-powered mobility transformation (WAM 16/10/2025)

Dubai Ports Authority unveils 'Port Eye' smart drone system to boost port safety (WAM 16/10/2025)

UAE key investment hub for Tealium AI strategy (WAM 16/10/2025)

Presight, Khazna to deploy AI-driven facility management system across data centre network (WAM 16/10/2025)

Tajmee’e launches AI-powered waste, environmental monitoring pilot (WAM 16/10/2025)

G42 advances construction of Stargate UAE AI Infrastructure Cluster (WAM 16/10/2025)

DP World launches new Jebel Ali-Berbera shipping route (WAM 16/10/2025)

Latifa bint Mohammed meets with WEF President (WAM 16/10/2025)

Arada awards AED397m contract for Rove Aljada complex (WAM 16/10/2025)

BEEAH, Hashgraph to deploy decentralised digital identity solution across BEEAH ecosystem (WAM 16/10/2025)

EDGE, UAE Cybersecurity Council unveil cyber threat detection package (WAM 16/10/2025)

ITC launches ‘Shary’ digital service for buying, selling vehicles (WAM 16/10/2025)

DIFC Courts conducts 90% of hearings in 2025 remotely (WAM 16/10/2025)

Abu Dhabi DoE, Space42 to advance geospatial, AI solutions (WAM 16/10/2025)

Amna Al Dahak highlights UAE’s role in global food sustainability (WAM 16/10/2025)

Abu Dhabi Customs, Ras Al Khaimah Customs to enhance integration, cooperation (WAM 16/10/2025)

UAE launches National MRV System to support UAE’s net zero goals (WAM 16/10/2025)

EDGE, e& pioneer region’s first Unmanned Traffic Management solution in Abu Dhabi (WAM 16/10/2025)

Global Village welcomes Season 30 (Government of Dubai Media Office 16/10/2025)

Zayed National Museum to open on 3 December 2025 (Abu Dhabi Media Office 16/10/2025)

Over 50% of online content generated by AI, but failing to engage, says UAE minister (Khaleej Times 16/10/2025)

UAE emerges as global luxury hotspot as experiential spending redefines wealth (Khaleej Times 16/10/2025)

Traveling through Abu Dhabi? Airports to connect directly with buses, trains (Khaleej Times 16/10/2025)

ADCDA launches Drawings Review Service via video call (WAM 15/10/2025)

RTA, MoIAT to strengthen integration across transport, infrastructure, national industries (WAM 15/10/2025)

ITC, K2 to advance innovation in smart, sustainable mobility in Abu Dhabi (WAM 15/10/2025)

UAE global model for future foresight: President of World Economic Forum (WAM 15/10/2025)

MoHESR shuts down training centre over unlicenced operations, safety violations (WAM 15/10/2025)

Openness, diversity of UAE market key to global investment: Alibaba Cloud (WAM 15/10/2025)

Space42, Autonomous A2Z to advance smart mobility ecosystem in UAE (WAM 15/10/2025)

DoH world’s 1st AI-powered Population Health Intelligence platform (Abu Dhabi Media Office 15/10/2025)

Al Mal Capital REIT adds NMC Royal Hospital to Dh1.4b portfolio (Khaleej Times 15/10/2025)

UAE’s smart home appliances market projected to double by 2031 (Khaleej Times 15/10/2025)

Hamdan bin Zayed issues resolution on biodiversity policy in Emirate of Abu Dhabi (WAM 14/10/2025)

Dubai Municipality launches world’s first smart self-service lab for testing precious metal purity (WAM 14/10/2025)

DP World expands its electric internal terminal vehicle fleet at Jebel Ali Port (WAM 14/10/2025)

Alibaba Cloud launches second data centre in Dubai (WAM 14/10/2025)

Thuraya 4 approaches commercial operations readiness (WAM 14/10/2025)

ADIO, AD Ports Group, Stellantis to develop integrated automotive ecosystem in Abu Dhabi (WAM 14/10/2025)

K2, Neolix to advance adoption, operations of autonomous delivery vehicles in UAE (WAM 14/10/2025)

7X, UAEV partner to advance sustainable mobility infrastructure (WAM 14/10/2025)

Khazna Data Centres hits 650MW operational capacity in UAE (WAM 14/10/2025)

Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, MBRSC to develop smart maritime navigation solutions (WAM 14/10/2025)

Miral and e& enterprise launch Yas Island Metaverse to advance virtual business event planning at Yas Island destinations (Abu Dhabi Media Office 14/10/2025)

Dubai Municipality launches 'Dubai Live' platform for real-time city operations management (WAM 13/10/2025)

OMODA & JAECOO expand UAE presence with new showroom in Abu Dhabi (Khaleej Times 13/10/2025)

UAE FINANCE AND ECONOMY NEWS

National AML/CFT Committee General Secretariat, University of Birmingham Dubai to boost future anti-financial crime capabilities (WAM 20/10/2025)

Compliance key to banking industry, sustainable development: UAE Banks Federation (WAM 20/10/2025)

Dubai advances position as Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s leading global financial centre (Government of Dubai Media Office 20/10/2025)

Dubizzle posts strong UAE profits ahead of Dubai Financial Market IPO (Arabian Business 20/10/2025)

UAE ombudsman Sanadak slashes financial complaint resolution time to 15 working days (Arabian Business 20/10/2025)

Saudi fintech Tamara gains UAE Central Bank approval for Gulf expansion (Arabian Business 20/10/2025)

Moro Hub, Dubai Financial Audit Authority to strengthen collaboration in sustainable digital solutions (WAM 19/10/2025)

Ajman Bank taps Emirati fintech Lune to boost digital banking experience (Khaleej Times 18/10/2025)

Skyro UAE, Fasset to enhance digital financial services across GCC (WAM 17/10/2025)

Salama shareholders approve capital restructuring (Khaleej Times 17/10/2025)

Bolt, Network International to elevate payment experience for riders, drivers (WAM 16/10/2025)

MoI, Microsoft to advance AI cooperation in investment analytics, financial forecasting (WAM 16/10/2025)

UBS opens advisory office in Abu Dhabi (WAM 16/10/2025)

Laser Digital becomes first to receive Vara approval for fund tokenisation (Khaleej Times 16/10/2025)

Dubai Police, DoF to advance 'Dubai Cashless Strategy' (WAM 15/10/2025)

University of Dubai launches AED100m 'Dubai Tech X Fund' for deep tech, AI startups (WAM 15/10/2025)

DOF, DLD conduct initial implementation involving settlement of Digital Assets in UAE dirham (WAM 15/10/2025)

ALEC Holdings debuts on DFM in UAE’s largest-ever construction sector IPO (WAM 15/10/2025)

Maktoum bin Mohammed receives President, CEO of World Economic Forum (WAM 15/10/2025)

Comera Pay joins with TAMM to power digital payments in Abu Dhabi (Khaleej Times 15/10/2025)

IMF raises its forecast for UAE’s GDP to 4.8% for 2025, 5% for 2026 (WAM 14/10/2025)

FTA, Abu Dhabi Customs to develop joint procedures through electronic linking channels (WAM 14/10/2025)

Nasdaq Dubai welcomes CNY1b bond listing by Emirates NBD (WAM 14/10/2025)

MERGER & AQUISITION NEWS

Emirates NBD to acquire majority stake in RBL Bank (Government of Dubai Media Office 18/10/2025)

UAE’s digital payments boom gets a boost with Network International–Magnati merger (Khaleej Times 18/10/2025)

IHC acquires majority stake in First Women Bank Limited (WAM 17/10/2025)

MGX, Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership, BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure partner to acquire Aligned Data Centers (WAM 16/10/2025)

IHC plans strategic AED120b merger of 2PointZero, Multiply Group, Ghitha Holding to create next generation listed investment powerhouse (WAM 15/10/2025)

Multiply Group announces plans to acquire 2PointZero, Ghitha Holding via share swap (WAM 15/10/2025)

AMCREIT announces acquisition of NMC Royal Hospital (WAM 14/10/2025)

DELTA Wealth Partners announces strategic investment in Taka Sports (Khaleej Times 14/10/2025)

UAE BILATERAL TRADE NEWS

UAE President, Prime Minister of Slovakia discuss bilateral ties (WAM 20/10/2025)

ICO implements AED11m projects in Egypt in 9 months (WAM 20/10/2025)

Dubai International Chamber launches its first Eastern Europe representative office in Poland (WAM 19/10/2025)

Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development leads visit of entities and economic institutions to London to boost UK business ties (Abu Dhabi Media Office 19/10/2025)

UAE, Germany explore avenues to expand cooperation, strengthen relations across sectors (WAM 17/10/2025)

UAE President receives letter of invitation from Saudi Crown Prince to participate in Expo 2030 Riyadh (WAM 16/10/2025)

UAE, China strengthen cooperation in audit, oversight (WAM 16/10/2025)

EGA Spectro Alloys to further expand Minnesota aluminium recycling plant (WAM 16/10/2025)

Presight to enter new markets across four continents (WAM 16/10/2025)

ADFD finances strategic road project to boost connectivity in Eastern Uganda (WAM 15/10/2025)

UAE, Uzbekistan convene high-level meetings on combating economic crimes (WAM 15/10/2025)

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, 28DIGITAL to support digital partnerships between Dubai, Europe (WAM 15/10/2025)

Ministry of Investment, Department of Industry of Canada to drive investment cooperation in data centres, AI projects (WAM 15/10/2025)

M42’s ADHDS launches 'Digital Health Centre' in Jordan (WAM 15/10/2025)

Crescent Petroleum, Dana Gas boost Khor Mor gas capacity by 50% (WAM 15/10/2025)

Hong Kong trade body eyes deeper tech collaboration with UAE amid growing trade ties (Khaleej Times 15/10/2025)

GITEX expands to Latin America, propelling US$950b digital future (WAM 14/10/2025)

G42 to launch sovereign AI cloud in France (WAM 14/10/2025)

Noura Al Kaabi meets President of Palau (WAM 14/10/2025)

Mansour bin Zayed meets Emir of Qatar (WAM 14/10/2025)

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Written by Jenny Hunt

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

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