AGP Executive Report

UAE–US Ties: Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Mansour sent messages to President Donald Trump on the US Independence Day, reaffirming the UAE’s long-standing economic and strategic partnership. Gulf Investment Push: Libya’s PM Abdul Hamid Dbeibah met Qatar’s PM in Doha to focus on boosting Qatari investment and expanding cooperation, including aviation. Maritime Security: France’s Macron held talks with UAE, Qatar and Oman on protecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and reducing escalation risks for global shipping and energy. E-invoicing Compliance: Advintek received UAE FTA approval as an Accredited Service Provider for e-invoicing readiness ahead of the January 2027 mandate. Rail & Tourism: Etihad Rail launched its first introductory passenger service, with officials calling it a strategic investment to boost inter-emirate connectivity and tourism, including Fujairah. Education for Work & Life: Dubai’s KHDA rolled out “Skills for Life” to build mental resilience, financial literacy and digital skills from 2026-27. Cyber & Fraud Alerts: UAE’s Cyber Security Council foiled sophisticated attacks on financial firms, while a Dubai “crown prince” deepfake romance scam reportedly duped a victim out of about $1,625. Business & Capital Markets: Bank of Baroda settled the NMC Health dispute via an out-of-court deal, paying $600m through its Abu Dhabi branch.

UAE Cybersecurity: The UAE Cybersecurity Council says the national system successfully thwarted sophisticated cyberattacks targeting financial-sector organisations, using around-the-clock monitoring and incident response, with attackers increasingly using AI. AI Fraud Watch: Dubai victims are being targeted by romance scams that impersonate Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan via AI deepfakes and realistic video calls, with fraudsters pushing payments for “royal” documents and meetings. Local Courts: A Dubai misdemeanours court jailed a European woman for a month and fined her Dh18,750 for using another person’s bank card for unauthorised digital payments, ordering her phone seized and deportation after the sentence. Transport & Infrastructure: Dubai Loop construction is underway for a high-speed underground network with 45,000 tonnes of precast concrete planned in phase one, aiming to cut DIFC–Dubai Mall travel time from 20 minutes to about three. Business & Diplomacy: UAE trade ties got a boost as the UAE’s Thani Al Zeyoudi met Guyana’s president to expand economic partnership. Abu Dhabi Life Sciences: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health says it signed 22 strategic partnerships during a US mission to advance genomics, AI, advanced therapeutics and precision medicine. Gold & Markets: Gold posted its first weekly gain since May, rising about 3.1% as expectations for further Fed rate hikes eased. Sports Hosting: Abu Dhabi’s organising committee reviewed operational plans for the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship at Mubadala Arena in August.

UAE Financial Tech & Payments: The UAE Central Bank has licensed Adyen for expanded operational capabilities, while the dirham-pegged stablecoin DDSC received a Central Bank No Objection Certificate to go live on selected VARA-regulated exchange platforms, supporting broader AED digital payments and settlement. Cybersecurity: The UAE Cyber Security Council says it foiled sophisticated cyberattacks targeting the financial sector, using phishing, malware and AI-driven tactics, and urged firms to strengthen controls and reporting. Transport Infrastructure: Etihad Rail’s passenger service is now operating across the UAE, with Sheikh Nahyan highlighting it as a strategic connectivity boost; the network is also set to expand with Ajman added to the passenger rail plan. AI & Digital Assets: Zentro announced expansion of digital asset services in the UAE focused on crypto liquidity and payment solutions, and BlueFive Capital co-led major funding for Kling AI’s video-generation push. Real Estate & Markets: UAE PMI signals softer non-oil momentum in June, while Dubai gold prices moved higher amid market jitters. Business & Trade Links: Lebanon’s ambassador says Emirati capital is welcome as talks expand in ports, airports and digital governance.

Cybersecurity Watch: UAE Cybersecurity Council says it blocked “advanced” cyberattacks on the financial sector, including AI-assisted phishing, vulnerability exploits and malware attempts, and urged firms to keep systems updated and report suspicious activity fast. Fraud Alert: A new AI romance scam is impersonating a “Dubai prince,” using deepfake-style profiles and voice to lure victims into sending money or sharing sensitive details. Banking & Legal: Bank of Baroda agreed to a $600m out-of-court settlement tied to the NMC Health collapse, with payment via its Abu Dhabi branch, ending years of cross-border litigation. Markets & Deals: Adani Enterprises shares surged after announcing a ₹1.08 lakh crore aluminium JV with Abu Dhabi’s IRH in Odisha. UAE Economy Pulse: UAE non-oil private sector stayed in expansion in June, with PMI at 50.8, though tourism weakness and price pressures weighed on demand. Trade & Investment: RAKEZ wrapped a China roadshow to deepen ties in new energy and smart manufacturing, while Dubai Chambers held a Shanghai roundtable to attract Chinese investors. Business Tech: Cars24 overhauled its hierarchy under its “Flatland” model, and UAE-linked initiatives highlighted AI-ready digital services and smart housing partnerships with e&.

Dubai Digital Twin: Sheikh Hamdan attended the launch of Dubai’s Digital Twin Platform, aimed at smarter urban planning and decision-making as part of Dubai’s D33 push. Aviation Expansion: Etihad ramps up capacity with more flights to Brussels and Kraków, makes Abu Dhabi–Dhaka year-round, and extends Zanzibar and Palma services. Premium Travel Experience: Emirates unveiled a next-generation lounge concept, with new designs rolling out across key cities and AED50m investment per lounge. Payments for SMEs: Visa expanded Visa Destinations to 10 locations and rolled out smartphone-based payment tools for small merchants via Visa Accept/Direct. UAE Security & Trade: US and 12 Middle East countries agreed to intensify efforts to keep trade flowing through the Strait of Hormuz. Energy Markets: Oil futures fell for a fourth straight week as Strait of Hormuz shipping recovered and UAE exports neared pre-war levels. Business & Finance: Dubai Police hit a 99.9% daytime safety perception score in 2025. Corporate/Legal: Alibaba agreed to pay $600m to settle US allegations tied to illegal pharma imports. Real Estate: MERED launched its Bay Villas collection on Al Reem Island, blending French Riviera inspiration with Emirati design cues.

Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk: The UAE Ministry of Finance has listed its inaugural Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai after strong retail demand, with subscriptions reaching AED445m (about 9x the initial AED50m target) and the issuance size lifted to AED100m. Aerospace MRO Expansion: Mubadala’s Sanad invested over $6.8m to expand LEAP engine maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities in Abu Dhabi, adding testing for LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B. Abu Dhabi Heat-Safety Push: Abu Dhabi City Municipality held a heat-safety workshop for 404 construction firms, stressing compliance with the Midday Work Ban (12:30-15:00) during summer months. Retail Finance & Ratings: PureHealth’s Daman received Moody’s A1 Insurance Financial Strength Rating (stable outlook), the highest IFSR for a UAE insurer and top across the GCC. Al Taweelah Restart: Emirates Global Aluminium said it has restored 89 reduction cells at Al Taweelah and is ramping casthouse and recycling operations as it works toward full output. M&A/Infrastructure: BlueFive Capital agreed to buy a 70% stake in UAE dredging firm Gulf Cobla, backing the company’s next growth phase. Real Estate Momentum: The UAE central bank reported strong Q1 2026 growth in Abu Dhabi and Dubai transactions, with off-plan leading gains. UAE-Africa/Trade Finance: Maalexi raised $2.8m in an oversubscribed round led by Tawuniya to expand its AI/IoT/blockchain agri-trade platform and regulated exchange infrastructure. Dubai Parking Upgrade: Parkin signed a five-year deal with Al Ghurair Centre to roll out fully ticketless parking at Deira mall.

UAE–ASEAN Diplomacy: Abu Dhabi hosted the 4th ASEAN Committee meeting, co-chaired by Saeed Al Hajeri, to push the UAE-ASEAN action plan and deepen cooperation after the UAE became an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner. Dubai Infrastructure Push: Sheikh Hamdan approved Dhs18bn in Dubai projects spanning culture, trade, infrastructure, Emiratisation, finance and urban planning. Waste Compliance Enforcement: Dubai Municipality selected consortia for the $22bn Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnels (DSST) project, while a separate case in the UK highlights tougher action against businesses that fail to manage waste properly. Aviation & Travel Demand: Dubai International Airport expects about 3 million passengers in early July, with July 12 the busiest day; Etihad also launched its inaugural Abu Dhabi–Dhaka service to boost passenger and cargo links. AI & Investment Momentum: MGX raised $49bn for an AI-focused fund, and UAE-linked investment activity by Gulf sovereign funds hit a record first-half total of $53.9bn despite Iran-war volatility. Regional Trade & Shipping: US-Iran talks in Qatar continued with focus on Strait of Hormuz maritime traffic and unfreezing funds, as a ship reportedly ran aground while using an Iran-unapproved route.

UAE-Iran Trade & Shipping: Direct cargo shipping between the UAE and Iran has resumed via Jebel Ali, easing supply-chain delays after months of disruption from regional tensions. Strait of Hormuz Disruption: Iran’s state TV says a foreign container ship ran aground after not following Iran-approved routing, as talks aim to stabilise passage through the waterway. UAE Aviation Growth: flydubai launched daily flights to Bangkok’s Don Mueang, adding a new gateway for UAE-Thailand travel and trade links. Abu Dhabi Connectivity: Etihad is boosting capacity across Europe and Asia, including making Abu Dhabi–Dhaka year-round and extending seasonal services to Zanzibar and Palma. Finance & Wealth: Arab Bank Switzerland opened its Middle East business in DIFC and appointed a new CEO for the region, signalling deeper UAE wealth-management ambitions. Real Estate Deals: Sobha Realty and NBQ signed an MoU for preferential home financing for off-plan purchases across the UAE. AI Capital Push: Abu Dhabi’s MGX closed a $49bn AI-focused fund, backing major AI players and infrastructure across the stack. Payments Trend (UAE-linked): UPI usage continues to expand internationally, with UAE among the countries where the Indian payment system is already available.

UAE Travel & Tourism: Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 will spotlight Dubai’s tourism resilience, running Sept 14-17 at Dubai World Trade Centre, with organisers pointing to government stimulus, safety upgrades and the emirate’s aviation, hospitality and events strength. Dubai Education: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed reviewed progress under Dubai’s Education 33 strategy, stressing high-quality, values-driven schooling and KHDA-led initiatives around Arabic learning, wellbeing and future skills. Crypto & Finance: MiCA’s July 1 deadline is pushing crypto firms to re-route to Dubai; Dubai-based legal teams report a surge in European enquiries as EU-unauthorised providers lose the ability to serve EU clients. Wealth Trends: UBS says 6,277 new millionaires were created in the UAE in 2025, lifting total millionaire wealth to $814.41bn. Energy & Trade: Ship-tracking data shows UAE crude and condensate exports hit record June levels after leaving Opec, while Hormuz tensions continue to shape regional shipping risk. Business Mobility: Etihad Rail begins operations with UAE’s first passenger rail service, with ticket sales already underway ahead of broader network links.

Autonomous Motorsport: Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) will debut internationally at Italy’s Imola Circuit on Sept 5, with up to five fully autonomous Dallara SF23 cars, after two seasons at Yas Marina. Fuel Relief: UAE petrol and diesel prices drop for July 2026, ending four months of hikes; Super 98 falls to Dh3.40/litre and diesel to Dh3.60/litre, easing pressure on household budgets. Trade & Logistics: DP World and Arcapita’s Lintara break ground on a 20,000 sqm Grade A logistics centre at Jafza, due for completion in Q1 2027. Maritime Energy: AD Ports Group signs an MoU with IRH Global Trading to explore bunkering and alternative marine fuels (including LNG, biofuels and methanol) at Khalifa Port. Digital Governance: Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment launches an updated Dubai Data Manual to strengthen data governance and AI readiness across government entities. Crypto Regulation Shift: With EU MiCA deadlines looming, crypto firms are increasingly looking to Dubai after many failed to secure full EU licences. UAE-Ukraine Trade: UAE-Ukraine CEPA enters into force on July 1, cutting customs duties on most UAE-Ukraine goods to boost trade flows.

GCC Wealth Momentum: Assets under management in the GCC jumped 10% in 2025 to a record $2.7tn, led by a 14% retail surge; institutional funds still dominate at 93% of total AuM. UAE Capital Markets: Foreign investors kept UAE equities hot, with ADX and DFM seeing strong participation and market capitalisation gains in June. NIIF Funding Boost: India’s Cabinet approved an extra Rs 30,000 crore (~$3.2bn) for NIIF, doubling its commitment to Rs 60,000 crore to back infrastructure, energy, digital and e-mobility. UAE Space Regulation: The UAE Space Agency set a 90-day grace period from July 6 for firms to regularise space-sector status and obtain licences. Air Connectivity: Dubai received its first Tehran flight since the Iran-US conflict began, signalling cautious restoration of the Tehran–Dubai route. Energy & Trade Signals: Oil rose on hopes for US-Iran peace talks, while Iraq pushed for a bigger OPEC quota amid revenue pressure. Healthcare Innovation: Abu Dhabi launched the UAE’s first genomics-driven Alzheimer’s trial, using Emirati genetic screening to identify high-risk patients early.

UAE Real Estate: Zoya Developments has started construction of Calisi, an AED 80m residential project in Dubai South, launched just 30 days earlier, offering furnished 2-bedroom apartments from AED 686k with completion targeted for Q3 2027. Abu Dhabi Energy: ADNOC’s Bab Gas Cap project is set to unlock up to 1.5 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, boosting domestic supply and LNG exports. Healthcare & Life Sciences: Abu Dhabi DoH has signed an MoU with Eli Lilly to advance AI-enabled obesity care and a genomics-driven Alzheimer’s centre of excellence. Halal Trade: Dubai’s HTMC (DIEZ) signed an MoU with Korea’s KITA to help Korean firms enter and scale in UAE and wider MENA halal markets. Transport & Infrastructure: Dubai RTA has issued prequalification bids for the AED 34bn ($9.2bn) Metro Gold Line, a fully underground expansion adding 18 stations. Business & Finance: Mashreqbank has mandated banks for a $500m 5.5-year AT1 dollar bond issuance. Tech & Cyber: ESET helped disrupt the Amadey botnet and Stealc infostealer as part of a wider international operation. Sports Business: IVSM and Edge Group signed an MoU to sponsor jiu-jitsu tournaments, including Abu Dhabi Grand Slam events.

UAE–US Trade & Investment: A UAE delegation in Washington highlighted trade of over $40bn in 2025 and a $1.4tn investment commitment, with focus on AI, advanced manufacturing, financial services and energy. UAE–Panama Diplomacy: The UAE took part in Panama’s Global Leaders Forum to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties, marking 33 years of relations. UAE–Saudi Solidarity: The UAE expressed condolences after a Saudi Aramco helicopter crash killed 14 people in Ras Tanura. Strait of Hormuz Risk: Shipping firms warned the Strait is entering a “new normal” of operational chaos as Iran shifts crude flows and regional strikes resume, while Oman weighs possible service fees. Etihad Rail Launch: Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Rail begins first passenger journeys between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah from June 30, with daily trips and expanded routes planned later. Abu Dhabi Entertainment: Etihad Park is renamed “Etihad Live” as Ethara ramps up infrastructure for bigger international productions. Sports Economy Push: Dubai unveiled a plan to grow its sports sector’s GDP contribution by 80% by 2033. Real Estate Recognition: Msheireb Properties CEO Ali Al Kuwari won “CEO of the Year” awards across Gulf and Asia-Pacific real estate platforms. Food & Exports: Khorfakkan Mango Festival drew 40,000 visitors and expanded exhibition space by 70%, while GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja mangoes reached UAE shelves via APEDA-linked exports. Cyber & Online Safety: UAE set a minimum age of 15 for social media use, with implementation timelines and parenting guidance on managing the transition.

UAE–US AI diplomacy: The UAE joined 35 countries at the Pax Silica Summit in Washington to push secure AI supply chains and trusted cross-border deployment, with G42, Core42, MGX and TDRA among the delegation. Capital markets: Nasdaq Dubai listed a $500m sukuk from The Arab Energy Fund, oversubscribed and priced at SOFR+70bps, reinforcing Islamic finance momentum. Central banking rules: The UAE Central Bank expanded its framework for dormant accounts and unclaimed funds, requiring institutions to document outreach and transfer balances to the regulator if beneficiaries can’t be reached. Trade & travel links: Direct Iran–UAE flights are set to resume from July 1 after aviation approvals, easing travel disruption for business and passengers. Regional risk watch: Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait after US strikes, while tensions around the Strait of Hormuz threaten shipping and the fragile ceasefire track. Real estate sentiment: Amid war jitters, commentary points to Abu Dhabi as a preferred destination over Dubai for certain investment plays. Startup funding: Global venture capital is shifting toward stablecoin payment infrastructure and AI inference systems, signaling a move from consumer crypto to enterprise rails.

Geopolitics & Trade Routes: The U.S. says it struck multiple targets in Iran for a second day as the Iran-U.S. ceasefire strains, with Iran launching drones at Bahrain and a tanker reporting damage in the Strait of Hormuz—raising fresh shipping and energy-route risk for the Gulf. Aviation & Connectivity: Iran-Dubai direct flights are set to resume from June 30, while Etihad launched its inaugural Abu Dhabi–Dhaka service, adding passenger and cargo capacity to South Asia links. UAE Economy & Finance: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development approved $25m concessional loans for solar projects in Mauritius and Rwanda; Dubai’s economy is still expected to benefit from Expo demand, and S&P projects growth pickup in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. Business & Policy: UAE e-invoicing pilot moves forward, and Dubai Customs rolls out duty instalments with major fine reductions. Security & Compliance: UAE Central Bank fined a foreign bank branch AED 20m for compliance breaches. Healthcare: Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital breaks ground on a major Abu Dhabi extension to expand inpatient and specialty rehab services.

Visa & Travel: The UAE expanded its visa-on-arrival programme for eligible travellers, with new rules effective June 25 and additional nationalities added to simplify entry for tourism and business travel. Regional Diplomacy: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed discussed a US-brokered Lebanon-Israel framework with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, offering political, economic and social support. Business & Finance: HDFC Bank said an independent legal review found no basis for former chairman Atanu Chakraborty’s resignation-related governance concerns, after external law firms examined board records and interviews. Public Services: Abu Dhabi’s Halfway Houses drug rehabilitation scheme says about 70% of graduates secure jobs, using a family-first model to reduce relapse risk. Trade & Food Exports: APEDA facilitated the first commercial export of GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja mangoes from Madhya Pradesh to the UAE, aiming to open regular seasonal shipments. Geopolitics & Shipping: With Iran-US tensions ongoing, the US Navy says a route near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz is expanding for more traffic, while drone and tanker attacks keep risk high for regional trade.