Analysis Tech Investors turn to data centres in Gulf and Mena tech push Investor appetite for data centres in the Middle East is soaring as the region, particularly the Gulf, accelerates its digital transformation. Experts say they are seeing increased levels of investment and interest from international operators, who are looking to capitalise on the region’s growing need for data processing and storage. Earlier this year the Saudi […] October 12, 2023
Renewable Energy Alcazar Energy in $200m Montenegro wind farm deal Renewable energy investor Alcazar Energy has acquired the rights to a $200 million wind farm in Montenegro as the company turns its focus to investments in the Western Balkans. The company, which is based in the UAE, said the deal for the 118MW Bijela wind farm represents a milestone in its ambition to build the […] October 12, 2023
Transport Abu Dhabi plans centre for autonomous vehicle industry Abu Dhabi has unveiled plans to establish a centre for smart and autonomous vehicle industries which aims to add up to AED120 billion ($33 billion) to the UAE economy. Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has endorsed the project, which seeks to generate 50,000 jobs. Sheikh Khaled said it is part […] October 11, 2023
Retail Cenomi enters Uzbekistan as new mall launches Saudi franchiser Cenomi Retail has announced plans to enter Uzbekistan as part of its capital city’s urban redevelopment. The retailer has signed an agreement for nine international brands to open in Tashkent City Mall, an upcoming 250,000 sq m project. Having signed Aldo and Cinnabon agreements in April, the company confirmed that it will also […] October 11, 2023
Trade UAE-Georgia deal to treble non-oil trade by 2028 The UAE and Georgia have signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (Cepa) which aims to more than treble non-oil bilateral trade to $1.5 billion within five years. The deal builds on growing economic relations that resulted in non-oil trade exceeding $225 million in the first half of 2023, up 28 percent on the year-earlier period. […] October 11, 2023
Tech Founder returns to Dubai lifestyle app The Entertainer The founder of The Entertainer, a Dubai tech business that offers thousands of lifestyle product discounts, has returned as CEO to steer the company through a shake-up as it seeks to revive sales. Donna Benton launched the Entertainer in 2001 and played a pivotal role in its success before her departure in 2018. Now she […] October 9, 2023
Analysis Banking & Finance Dealmakers expect record year for UK-GCC M&A The GCC region – in particular Saudi Arabia and the UAE – is seeing a “significant influx” of interest in mergers and acquisitions from UK investors. Lumina Capital Advisers, a mid-market corporate finance company, said record levels of M&A activity are expected this year between the Gulf and the UK, based on a new survey […] October 6, 2023
Retail Saudi fashion brands attract first international investment The first international investment in Saudi Arabian fashion brands has been agreed in what represents a key milestone in the country’s ambition to rival Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Consumer-focused private equity firm Turmeric Capital has invested undisclosed sums in Saudi-founded streetwear brand 1886 and ethical luxury label Abadia. The company, which has its headquarters in […] October 5, 2023
Analysis Economy UAE double digit surplus to continue until 2025 The UAE’s current account surplus will narrow this year but remain in double figures until 2025, analysts predict. It will be boosted by stronger than expected growth in non-oil exports, re-exports and tourism in the first six months of the year. The surplus will slip from nearly 15 percent last year. But experts have raised […] October 4, 2023
Renewable Energy Masdar enters Tajikistan with solar and hydro ambitions A joint venture between Abu Dhabi state clean energy company Masdar and W Solar Investment is exploring floating solar power and hydropower projects in landlocked and water-abundant Tajikistan. MW Energy has signed an agreement with Tajikistan’s Ministry of Energy and Water Resources and plans to develop at least 500MW capacity of clean energy. With an […] October 3, 2023
EXCLUSIVE Logistics Dubai company’s EVs aim to deliver ‘last mile’ in 100 cities Dubai company One Moto, which aims to decarbonise “last mile” deliveries using electric vehicles, has said it plans to serve 100 cities by 2028. After launching the company in the UAE, serial entrepreneur Adam Ridgway has gained a foothold in the UK, Bahrain, Jordan, Sri Lanka, Chile, Iraq, Nepal and Ethiopia. It is in talks […] October 3, 2023
Economy Abu Dhabi’s non-oil GDP grows 12% in second quarter Abu Dhabi’s non-oil economy hit a nine-year high in the second quarter of this year, driven by expansion in the construction, manufacturing and financial sectors. Non-oil GDP in Q2 was up by more than 12 percent on the same quarter of 2022, contributing to a 3.5 percent year-on-year increase in total GDP, according to Statistics […] October 2, 2023
Exclusive Banking & Finance $250m Aliph Fund expects closure on GCC deals Aliph, a private equity fund that attracted $125 million from an Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund last year, is aiming to close up to three investments in GCC states UAE and Saudi Arabia by the end of 2023. The Aliph Fund, set up by Aliph Capital and one of the few female-led private equity companies […] October 2, 2023
Health Saudi Arabia injects $133m into vaccine factory Saudi Arabia is planning to invest SAR500 million ($133 million) in a factory to boost local vaccine and medicine manufacturing capacity as the kingdom seeks to become a regional centre for biotechnology. Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, also known as Modon, has signed an investment agreement with the Vaccine Industrial Company to […] September 28, 2023
Energy Dubai’s Amea Power brightens Tunisia’s solar ambitions Dubai’s Amea Power has reached financial close on its first 120 megawatt (MW) solar project in Tunisia as the North African country seeks to boost its renewable energy production. The $86 million solar plant will be located in Metbassta, in the north-western Kairouan governate. It is being built by Kairouan Solar Plant, a company registered in […] September 27, 2023
Markets Qatari company seeks $43m over ‘systematic defamation’ A Qatari company has filed a civil lawsuit seeking more than QR157 million ($43.1 million) for defamation in the run-up to its stock market listing. Mekdam Holding Group, which has interests in technology, engineering, procurement and construction, oil and gas, and logistics, said its compensation claim had been filed with the country’s Investment and Trade […] September 27, 2023
Analysis Trade Southeast Asia on the rise as UAE shifts trade focus Officials from the UAE are headed to Singapore as the country looks to improve ties and strengthen trade with Southeast Asia. Top officials from the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) stock exchange will arrive in Singapore on Wednesday to hold their first international investor roadshow there. The debut aims to underline DFM’s commitment to broaden its […] September 27, 2023
Leisure & Hospitality Lottoland founder sets sights on $1bn Dubai lottery The founder of the global lottery betting platform Lottoland has revealed plans to launch the world’s first $1 billion overnight jackpot in Dubai. David von Rosen-von Hoewel told AGBI he is set to hold talks with the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). The UAE’s new industry watchdog was established earlier this month, which will lay […] September 26, 2023
Industry Algeria’s rail tender aims to boost iron ore mining sector Algeria has issued a construction tender for a rail project that the government hopes will unleash the potential of an iron ore mine in a remote province. Anesrif, a transport business set up by the government to expand and modernise the railway system, is seeking companies to build a 575km section to the Gâra Djebilet […] September 26, 2023
Markets Bahrain’s Investcorp completes first IPO in Indonesia Investcorp has successfully listed its Indonesian franchisee of the Mothercare brand as its focus on Asia continues to grow. The listing of PT Multitrend Indo is the Bahrain alternative investment company’s first IPO on the Indonesian stock exchange and the 26th in its 40-year history. Mothercare is one of Indonesia’s leading baby and kids retailers, […] September 25, 2023
Giga-projects Saudi developer wins $610m Qiddiya giga-project contract A SAR2.3 billion ($610 million) contract has been awarded to carry out key infrastructure work on Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya giga-project, described as the country’s capital of entertainment. The Saudi Real Estate Company said in a filing on the Saudi Stock Exchange on Monday that contracts have been agreed between the Qiddiya Investment Company and one […] September 25, 2023
Water Alpha Dhabi takes over water specialist Metito Investment company Alpha Dhabi announced on Monday the acquisition of a majority stake in Metito Holdings, a company involved in the water and wastewater industry worldwide. Pending regulatory approvals, the deal marks Abu Dhabi-based Alpha Dhabi’s entry into the water and wastewater sector, with its CEO saying the need for sustainable water solutions “has never […] September 25, 2023
