AGP Executive Report

UAE Business & Trade: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) logged a record Dhs25.03bn in economic output in 2025, underlining how major events keep feeding investment and enterprise growth. Real Estate & Development: Reportage Group broke ground on SENSI at Saadiyat Island, expanding its Abu Dhabi residential pipeline with a premium, culture-led offering. Industrial & Logistics: GFH Bank signed an MoU with Octo Management Consultancies to develop a $300m logistics and industrial real estate platform across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, targeting warehousing, cold storage and distribution centres. Tech & Startups: Anytech launched Plany in the UAE, an AI-powered, calendar-first travel planning platform; Algebra AI also debuted in Dubai with $7m to build managed AI systems for midmarket firms. E-commerce & Retail Ops: A YRC study says reverse logistics is quietly eroding online apparel margins, with returns consuming 30% to 50% of orders in many cases. Consumer & Policy: Abu Dhabi’s Nutri-Mark initiative rolls out front-of-pack nutritional labels to help shoppers make faster, healthier choices at the point of purchase. Finance & Markets: Zuvees raised $1.6m to expand its AI-driven gifting platform, aiming for a Series A close of up to $8.8m.

UAE Business & Finance: CBUAE data shows gold bullion reserves at Dh40.816bn at end-April 2026, up 41.8% year-on-year, underlining continued demand for safe assets. Corporate Governance: The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism warns private joint-stock companies to hold AGMs by June 30, 2026 or face escalating penalties, including fines up to Dh10m. Capital Markets & Crypto: Bybit says early UAE and GCC demand is strong for its tokenised SpaceX IPO, with subscriptions running June 7-11 and trading expected from June 12. Labour & Compliance: MoHRE reintroduces the midday outdoor work ban for summer (12:30pm-3:00pm) and highlights high compliance rates; separate coverage also notes UAE work-permit procedures are being simplified and expanded digitally. Trade & Africa: Dubai Chamber of Commerce wrapped Africa trade missions with 1,460 bilateral meetings across Ghana, Ethiopia and South Africa, aiming to deepen partnerships and non-oil trade links. Real Estate: A beachfront plot on Naia Island Dubai sold for Dh560m, setting a new record for coastal land deals in the emirate. Energy Jobs: Abu Dhabi’s Manufacturers 2026 exhibition will offer 1,000+ energy-sector job opportunities for Emiratis. Business Expansion: SAHCO says it is exploring deeper Nigeria-UAE aviation partnerships to boost passenger, cargo and e-commerce flows.

UAE–South Africa Trade Links: Dubai Chamber hosted bilateral business meetings in Johannesburg with a delegation of 24 Dubai firms across sectors like construction, healthcare, ICT and retail, as non-oil bilateral trade rose 265% over the decade to end-2025. Mega Construction Deal: Majid Al Futtaim awarded a AED2bn ($544.6m) contract to ECC for Ghaf Woods’ Capria East and Capria West, including Maravelle Residences, in a push for eco-luxury living. Aviation Connectivity: Etihad and Romania’s TAROM signed a codeshare linking Bucharest to six Romanian cities and four Eastern European capitals, feeding into Etihad’s Abu Dhabi–Bucharest service from Dec 17, 2026. Capital Markets Meets Crypto: Bybit launched “Bybit IPO Express” to let UAE retail investors subscribe to tokenised IPO access at the offering price, starting with SpaceX. UAE Finance: Dubai Islamic Bank mandated a dollar-denominated perpetual non-call six-year AT1 sukuk, with joint lead managers including major regional and global banks. Real Estate Outlook: A report projects the UAE property market could reach AED2.98tn by 2031, supported by population growth and FDI. Logistics Expansion: Hellmann and INDU broke ground on a nearly 300,000 sq ft automotive logistics hub in Jafza to speed spare parts distribution across the GCC and beyond. Energy & Trade Risk: With Strait of Hormuz still disrupted and Red Sea tensions rising, analysts warn global trade faces a “two-front crisis” that could keep supply shocks and costs elevated.

Dubai Luxury Tourism Shift: Dubai’s top hotels are leaning on residents as war-related tourist pullback boosts staycations, with Palm resorts reporting fuller pools and weekend demand after rate cuts. Trade & Logistics: Dubai’s DIEZ logged record 2025 trade of about Dhs491bn (+46%), lifting its share of Dubai non-oil trade to 16%, led by imports and machinery/electronics plus precious metals. UAE-Belarus Ties: Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi wrapped up a Belarus visit, meeting senior officials and leading a business delegation under the UAE-Belarus Trade Day tied to the TISIA deal. Labour & Hiring: MoHRE rolled out a major work-permit overhaul under the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, cutting documents and speeding processing via unified digital platforms. Energy & Oil Markets: OPEC+ agreed a fourth symbolic July quota hike of 188,000 bpd even as Strait of Hormuz disruption keeps real supply constrained. Food Safety: UAE experts say food safety is being raised through tighter regulation, tech-enabled traceability and closer regulator-industry coordination. Cybersecurity: Abu Dhabi Police warned residents against fake search links and phishing ads, urging use of official channels and reporting via Aman.

Retail & Markets: SpaceX’s IPO is sparking a retail frenzy, with shares distributed via select US brokerages and eligibility rules varying by platform—Fidelity now as low as a $2,000 account minimum. Tourism & Consumer Impact: UAE luxury hotels are leaning on staycation demand as the Israel-Iran war fallout keeps international visitors away, with Palm Jumeirah properties reporting sharp occupancy drops. Transport Infrastructure: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority says 90% of the Dubai Harbour bridge is done, targeting June openings for key directions and improving access between Sheikh Zayed Road and the waterfront district. Energy & Climate Finance: Masdar and EDF signed a 15-year power deal for California’s Big Beau solar+storage project, while IRENA and Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) teamed up to back renewable financing via risk mitigation. Investing Products: Lunate says it manages Dh1.03bn in ETF assets and launched a Shariah dividend ETF for ADX listing later this month. Business Performance: UAE listed firms posted $17.4bn net profits in Q1 2026, up about 14.5% year-on-year, led by banking and utilities. Innovation & AI: Muzig AI launched a GPS-based “zero-prompt” music service that generates real-time audio from location and movement data. Sports & Lifestyle: Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (ADSS) opened with expanded facilities and 29 indoor activities running through August.

UAE–Global Trade & Finance: The UAE participated in the EBRD Board of Governors meeting in Riga, with the Ministry of Finance urging stronger economic governance to protect supply chains and energy/food security amid regional conflict. Energy & Markets: Jet fuel prices are rising on Middle East conflict, and IATA chief Willie Walsh warned more airlines could fail and consolidation may accelerate. UAE Business & Growth: GameExpo 2026 opened in Dubai at DWTC, drawing big crowds and pushing esports and digital entertainment as a DEF flagship. Climate & Utilities: Abu Dhabi reaffirmed its push for cleaner power and resilience on World Environment Day, stressing integrated energy and water governance. Regional Connectivity: Dubai Chambers discussed boosting trade and investment with Lesotho, pointing to Dubai’s logistics, infrastructure and digital economy. Health & Risk Controls: The UAE tightened travel restrictions tied to Ebola surveillance, while Mauritius also moved to ban entry from affected East African countries. Geopolitics & Security: The IAEA warned after a drone attack damaged an external generator at Abu Dhabi’s Barakah plant, stressing the risk of a direct hit on an operating reactor. Tech & Media: A Bellingcat probe again linked Abu Dhabi-based Viory and Russia’s Ruptly through shared digital infrastructure, which both sides deny.

Dubai Fraud Watch: Dubai Police warned residents about fake chalet and holiday-home rental offers on social media, after a family lost Dh8,000 to a scam that demanded a “refundable” deposit and insurance fee before the fraudster vanished. UAE-US Tech Ties: Khaldoon Al Mubarak led talks in Washington to deepen the UAE–US AI and economic partnership, building on the AI Acceleration Partnership. AI for Government: MoEI and 42 Abu Dhabi launched a specialised AI hackathon to build prototypes for faster, smarter services across energy, infrastructure, transport and housing. Renewables Finance: IRENA and Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) signed a partnership to back renewable energy project financing via credit insurance and risk mitigation. Energy & Sanctions: The US sanctioned an Iran-linked LPG smuggling network using UAE and China front firms and a “shadow fleet,” while oil prices eased on hopes of reduced US-Iran conflict. Markets & Crypto: Bitcoin dipped below $60,000 and UAE-linked fintech/wealth platform Vault22 expanded amid rising demand for AI-powered investing.

Careem Membership: Careem Plus will jump 53% to Dh29 a month from July 1, up from Dh19, with the higher fee tied to the next renewal date. Aviation Watch: Flydubai is running a feasibility study for a direct Pokhara–Dubai route, including on-site checks at Pokhara Regional International Airport. UAE–US AI Push: Khaldoon Al Mubarak met senior White House officials on US-UAE investment and the UAE’s $1.4tn plan, with Nvidia chips already arriving for AI infrastructure. AI Resilience Amid Iran Tensions: Tech experts say regional AI data-centre plans in the Gulf, including major UAE campuses, won’t be derailed long-term by the Iran threat. Travel Ban Q&A: A buy-now-pay-later firm can’t unilaterally block departures; only UAE authorities/courts can impose travel bans, and payment plans reduce the risk. SME Banking Access: Wio Bank partnered with Geidea to bring business banking and financing directly to UAE SMEs via Geidea’s merchant network. Dubai Property Deals: Dubai recorded high-value land and office transactions, including Umm Suqeim 1 plots worth about Dh406.5m and a Business Bay office sale of Dh61.5m. Dubai Transport: RTA issued traffic diversions from June 6 around Za’abeel Palace Street to ease congestion.

UAE-US Investment & Tech: Khaldoon Al Mubarak met US officials in Washington to push forward the UAE-US AI Acceleration Partnership and deepen cooperation across key sectors. Banking Snapshot: UAE banking assets rose to AED5.57tn at end-April, with credit and deposits both increasing, led by private-sector lending. Tourism Momentum: Global travel leaders told Elevate World’s Engage by Elevate that the UAE tourism rebound is set to outpace broader trends into Q4 and beyond. Property & Capital Flows: A new index ranked the UAE the world’s top property investment destination, with strong interest from regional and European investors. Circular Economy Push: Emirates said it recycled and reused 88,000kg of inflight Economy Class plastic via a closed-loop dining programme. Finance & Markets: ACME Solar concluded an INR 2,800cr QIP, with proceeds earmarked for debt reduction and balance-sheet strengthening. Business Support for SMEs: Dubai launched “SME in a Box” to help entrepreneurs start and run businesses faster at lower cost. Middle East Trade & Security: Iran claims “evidence” the UAE participated in military operations, as regional tensions continue to shape business risk.

UAE Climate Leadership: Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed said the UAE is advancing a global model for climate action, building on Sheikh Zayed’s legacy with sustainability, biodiversity protection and innovation-led solutions. Maritime & Trade Finance: SAFEEN Drydocks (AD Ports-linked) won AED 1.3bn in shipbuilding contracts, including four 140-metre multipurpose vessels for AD Ports and 18 marine support units for Nigeria’s Oilbank Logistics. Digital Payments & Crypto Rails: HashKey MENA launched a regulated stablecoin settlement corridor pilot linking the Middle East and Africa, while AvenuesAI received in-principle CBUAE approval for a Retail Payment Services Category III licence. Business & Investment Sentiment: Archers Valuation & Advisory said the UAE is still attracting capital amid regional uncertainty, with investors demanding tighter due diligence on asset quality and execution risk. Travel Risk Alert: The US issued a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory for the UAE and other Gulf states amid Iran-linked tensions. Airline & Aviation: Riyadh Air took delivery of its first two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, a milestone for the Saudi startup as it prepares to launch passenger flights. Energy Diplomacy: UAE pledged support for Bangladesh’s energy sector, including LNG, grid modernisation and bunkering, and highlighted green hydrogen ambitions.

UAE–Bahrain Banking Ties: UAE Central Bank governor Khaled Balama met Bahrain’s CBB chief to deepen financial coordination and speed up innovation, with both sides stressing stability and trade support. SME Push in Dubai: Dubai DET launched “SME in a Box” to help entrepreneurs start and run businesses faster via one entry point for licensing, banking, digital payments, logistics and telecom services. Startup Financing Pathways: MBRIF partnered with Numou (ADGM) to widen financing access for innovation-led firms through Numou’s digital marketplace and referrals into MBRIF guarantee and acceleration schemes. Real Estate Tokenisation: Integra and SettleMint signed an MoU to expand AI and blockchain-compliant real estate tokenisation across the UAE and US. Water & Impact Investing: First Abu Dhabi Bank partnered with Water.org and WaterEquity, investing in the WaterEquity Everspring Fund to expand safe water and sanitation financing. Energy & Trade Flows: UAE beat Saudi to become India’s second-largest crude supplier in May as Hormuz disruptions persisted, with UAE volumes routed via Fujairah and pipelines. Tourism & Business Travel: British Airways extended Dubai flight suspension until at least October, while Dubai’s tourism push highlighted record event-driven visitor demand. Global Finance Tech: Macao joined China’s mBridge CBDC project for sandbox testing of the digital Macanese pataca.

Gulf Security: Iran defended strikes on Kuwait and Bahrain as “self-defense” tied to U.S.-linked military sites, as Kuwait reported drone damage to its main airport and Bahrain said it intercepted missiles and drones—raising fresh risks for regional travel and trade. UAE Business & Markets: UAE lenders and banks were seen staying resilient amid volatile trading, while the CBUAE and CBB governors pushed deeper financial and monetary cooperation. Trade Policy: The U.S. proposed new Section 301 forced-labour tariffs covering 60 economies, with knock-on compliance pressure for exporters across the region. Energy & Infrastructure: EWEC awarded the Taweelah C 2.6GW IPP contract to a Taqa-led consortium, aiming to balance grid stability with decarbonisation. AI & Mobility: WeRide and Uber plan a Madrid robotaxi pilot, building on UAE operations, while Momenta secured permits for high-level autonomous driving demos in Wuxi. Finance & Investment: Arqaam Capital opened its MENA Investor Conference in Dubai, with Sheikh Nahyan highlighting UAE market leadership and capital scaling. Tech & Sanctions: A U.S.-Iranian tech CEO, Jamshid Ghomi, was arrested over alleged sanctions-busting sales of U.S. networking and encryption gear to Iran—an enforcement signal for cross-border procurement. Real Estate Capital: Kotak Alts closed its 14th India real estate fund at $1bn, backed by ADIA.

UAE Policy & Governance: Dubai issued new rules on body camera use by enforcement officers, tightening when footage can be recorded, how it’s stored and encrypted, and banning filming in highly private places. Power & Infrastructure: EWEC awarded the 2.6GW Taweelah C independent power producer (IPP) contract to a TAQA-led consortium, with a PPA running to 2050 and potential future carbon capture use. Life Sciences & Health Tech: M42 and Arcera signed an MoU to advance biopharma localisation in Abu Dhabi, using genomics data to support clinical development for genetic and rare diseases. Finance & Markets: Gulf stocks slipped on Iran war jitters, while Bank Indonesia moved to defend the rupiah as it weakened to around Rp17,900 per USD. Business Expansion: Danube Properties opened a new Central London sales office in Knightsbridge to market Dubai real estate to UK investors. Trade & Tariffs: The US proposed up to 12.5% additional tariffs under Section 301 after forced-labour findings, putting pressure on trade talks involving India and other economies. Venture Capital: du launched du Ventures, a $50m fund managed by Shorooq, to back startups and emerging tech in the UAE.

Dubai Enforcement Cameras: Dubai’s Executive Council issued a resolution setting rules for using cameras to document violations and judicial executions, with encrypted storage and strict access controls to protect privacy. Abu Dhabi Rent Relief: ADREC announced a temporary rent freeze in Abu Dhabi, cutting the allowed annual increase from 5% to 0% for renewals “until further notice,” while new contracts must match the prior rent. Mawarid Finance x Fimple: Mawarid Finance signed with Fimple to build Banking-as-a-Service via a composable “side core banking” layer, aiming to speed up new digital products and embedded finance. Abu Dhabi Testing Data Platform: ADQCC launched Mawthooq, a cloud platform linking labs to automate accreditation, audits and non-conformities, creating a trusted digital record of testing results. Oil Price Watch: ADNOC’s sales and trading chief said August could be a turning point for higher oil prices if the Iran war supply disruption persists, with full normalization possibly taking until mid-2027. UAE Nuclear Safety: IAEA DG Rafael Grossi praised the UAE’s peaceful nuclear programme after a Barakah plant visit, stressing continued cooperation on safety and security. AI Leadership Pressure: Dataiku research says UAE CEOs increasingly face investor and board pressure to deliver measurable AI outcomes by end-2026. UAE Business Resilience Push: DMCC unveiled a targeted acceleration package with licence renewal incentives, fee waivers and regulatory flexibilities to improve cash flow and reduce operating costs.

AI Infrastructure & Sovereign Cloud: Core42 (G42) expands its U.S. AI compute at Lake Mariner, boosting capacity from 18MW to 60MW with added NVIDIA and AMD resources, aiming to scale heterogeneous AI workloads. Payments & Fintech Expansion: OpenFX agrees to acquire Amsterdam-based Embed, adding EEA/UK payments infrastructure and licences, with closing expected in Q3 2026. Autonomous Logistics Funding: UAE driverless delivery firm CargoX raises $250m led by BlueFive Capital and appoints Tomaso Rodriguez as CEO to scale operations across Abu Dhabi and Dubai and beyond. Insurance & DIFC Growth: Allied World opens a regional office in DIFC to expand Middle East (re)insurance coverage, citing strong premium growth in the hub. Real Estate Development: DHG Properties starts work on Helvetia Marine, a premium Dubai Islands waterfront project targeting Q1 2028 delivery. Energy Markets Watch: OPEC+ is likely to raise July output targets despite delivery disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz and the UAE’s exit. UAE Policy & Cost of Living: Abu Dhabi rent-hike freeze rules are set to affect tenants, while Abu Dhabi also rolls out number-plate-based free-flow parking payments. SME Trade Support: DWTC Free Zone partners with DHL Express to help SMEs export via DHL GoTrade training and market access.

UAE Social Policy Update: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has issued a law creating Dubai’s Community Development Authority, tasked with regulating and expanding the emirate’s social services, protecting vulnerable groups (including children and people of determination), and supporting volunteer work and community centres. Capital Markets Integration: Jordan’s Amman Stock Exchange and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange launched an electronic trading link via Tabadul, aiming to broaden the investor base and boost cross-border trading efficiency. Smart Mobility & Payments: Abu Dhabi unveiled automatic parking payments using number-plate recognition, with fees deducted from the Darb e-wallet on exit under a Free Flow Parking System rollout. UAE Legal & Youth Rights: A new federal law took effect reducing the age of majority to 18 and allowing 18-year-olds to manage contracts, bank accounts, lawsuits and company formation independently. Energy & Trade Risk: Oil prices jumped above $94 as US-Iran talks and Strait of Hormuz disruption fears kept markets tense. Business & Finance: Uber is set to buy a controlling stake in UAE’s Careem for $100m, while Dubai’s real estate market saw 250 new projects launched worth Dhs75bn in early 2026. Regional Security Watch: US and Iran trade strikes continued, with Iran warning it could halt indirect talks and keep pressure on Hormuz.