AGP Executive Report

UAE Visa Policy: The UAE will allow eligible Filipino travellers to get visa-on-arrival starting June 25, with 14-day entry for AED 100 (extendable once for AED 250) or a 60-day option for AED 250 (non-extendable), for holders of valid US/EU/Australia/Japan/Singapore/South Korea/Canada/New Zealand visas, residence permits or Green Cards. Energy & Industry: Abu Dhabi’s Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs awarded the Bab Gas Cap concession to ADNOC and partners, targeting large-scale gas output to boost gas self-sufficiency and LNG ambitions. Finance & Regulation: The UAE’s central bank fined a foreign bank branch AED 20m for money-laundering rule breaches, underscoring tighter compliance expectations. Cybersecurity: DEWA says Dubai’s power and water systems face 3,000 cyberattacks daily, with full countermeasures in place. Business & Growth: Zuvees, a UAE gifting platform, raised Dh12m in Series A funding to expand globally and scale AI-powered personalisation. Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met UAE leadership in Abu Dhabi to reassure Gulf allies on security concerns tied to the US-Iran deal. Aviation: Dubai Airports unveiled a redesigned ATC tower at DXB, placing the UAE flag at the centre of the landmark.

UAE Business & Economy: Aviation & Travel: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will launch direct flights to Aleppo from July 7 (three weekly services) and step up Damascus to daily from July 1, boosting UAE–Syria connectivity for business and tourism. Airport Infrastructure: Dubai Airports unveiled a redesigned DXB air traffic control tower with UAE flag colours, underlining aviation’s role in the national economy. Hospitality: Marriott Executive Apartments opened in Jumeirah Lakes Towers with 150 furnished units and long-stay business-friendly amenities. Real Estate & Finance: Dubai’s “Win Your Home in Dubai” campaign kicked off with a first live draw awarding a studio apartment, with weekly draws running to August 30. Energy & Markets: Oil & Shipping: As Iran–US talks ease Strait of Hormuz constraints, more tankers are exiting and global crude prices face pressure from renewed supply, while Adnoc’s tender activity continues to shape flows. Geopolitics: US–Iran Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed to reassure Gulf allies on the US-Iran framework, including the push to prevent any tolls on the Strait of Hormuz. Industry & Sustainability: Aluminium Recycling: EGA inaugurated the Al Taweelah aluminium recycling plant, targeting 185,000 tonnes/year and expanding domestic low-carbon billet production. Business Setup: Logistics: GWC Group partnered with Meydan Free Zone to simplify company setup and regional expansion across the GCC. Workforce: A surge in private firms seeking to hire Emiratis is being reported ahead of the June 30 Emiratisation target deadline. Culture & Events: Louvre Abu Dhabi announced its 2026–2027 programme, shifting from games and trade routes to contemporary art and heritage protection.

FDI Boost for Dubai: Dubai pulled in Dh32.4bn ($8.82bn) of greenfield FDI in 2025, adding nearly 39,000 jobs as it topped global inflows for a fifth straight year. Real Estate Flexibility: Dubai Land Department launched “Easy Lease” to give tenants more rental flexibility, including monthly/quarterly/semi-annual payment options. AI in Trade & Commerce: AD Ports Group unveiled an AI-powered intelligence headquarters (IHQ) to embed digital workers across 20 workstreams, aligned with the UAE’s AI strategy. Etihad Rail Momentum: Tickets for the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah passenger service starting June 30 are nearly sold out, with fares from Dh55. Hormuz Watch: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington will not accept any tolls/fees on the Strait of Hormuz as US-Iran talks continue, while oil prices eased as shipping flows resume. UAE–Malaysia Business Ties: Malaysia’s MITI highlighted UAE-linked trade strength, especially in petroleum and logistics, as it looks to deepen strategic cooperation. Digital Payments for Rent: Spare partnered with Rewa to modernise rental payments via pay-by-bank using the Central Bank of the UAE open finance framework.

UAE Passenger Rail Launch: Abu Dhabi officially kicked off the UAE’s first passenger rail service, with the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah leg starting June 30 and cutting travel time to about 1 hour 45 minutes; fares begin at Dh55 (Comfort) and Dh120 (Premium), with Dubai and Al Dhaid stations due Sept 30 and further expansion to Al Dhafra by Dec 2026 and Sharjah by March 2027. Dubai Commercial Real Estate: fäm Properties facilitated the sale of 40,000 sq ft of Grade A office space at Vision Tower, Business Bay, in a record AED124m deal. Sustainability in Tourism: Marjan Group retained its EarthCheck Silver Certification for 2024, reinforcing its focus on energy, water and waste performance in Ras Al Khaimah. Construction Momentum: Palma Development advanced Serenia District in Jumeirah Islands, appointing APCC Piling & Marine Contracting for piling and shoring at Serenia District East and confirming foundation completion at West Residence. Finance & Compliance: amana partnered with Zoya to embed Sharia-compliance screening in its trading app, adding a Sharia-only category and instant asset tagging. Aviation Finance: ITOCHU took a strategic stake in Abu Dhabi’s Sirius Aviation Capital, backing growth in mid-life aircraft leasing. Digital Services: Dubai DET’s official WhatsApp channel, Dubai Info Hub, surpassed 100,000 subscribers, boosting demand for verified city updates.

UAE Business & Economy: Abu Dhabi’s business licensing engine keeps accelerating: ADRA/ADDED reported a 21% jump in new economic licences in Q1 2026, with growth across regions and sectors (notably professional licences up sharply) and more industrial facilities moving into full operations. Policy & Labour: The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation reiterated that 30 June is the final deadline for private firms with 50+ workers to meet Emiratisation targets for H1 2026, urging use of the Nafis platform. Health & Regulation: The Emirates Drug Establishment issued an urgent alert over a counterfeit Botox batch, warning providers to verify authenticity and stop use of the specified batch number. Finance & Markets: Rezolve Ai said its Reward platform is powering Mashreq and Visa “Everyday Cashback” for UAE cardholders, offering merchant-linked cashback up to 20%. Real Estate & Construction: Emaar Properties delayed the Dubai Creek Tower tender by 3–4 months citing port closures that affected material costs and pricing. Tech & Security: TrendAI launched in the UAE, positioning enterprise AI security as the country pushes deeper into AI and digital resilience. International Trade Link: Oman’s trade surplus edged up in Q1 2026 as exports and imports both fell, with the UAE remaining its top partner.

Telecom & AI Strategy: e& UAE unveiled a blueprint for “Autonomous Networks” with TM Forum, aiming to shift from reactive automation to AI-native, intent-driven, closed-loop operations by 2030. Labour & Emiratisation: MoHRE set a 30 June deadline for private-sector Emiratisation H1 targets, urging firms to use the Nafis platform to hire skilled Emiratis. Public Finance Transparency: UAE MoF, with an IMF technical mission, ran a Dubai workshop to upgrade Government Finance Statistics and Public Sector Debt Statistics in line with international standards. Energy & Utilities Expansion: DEWA launched “DEWA International” to export Dubai’s energy and water model globally, while Abu Dhabi rolled out a Solar Energy Self-Supply Policy to boost clean power use. Capital Markets (Sukuk): Burjeel Holdings marketed a debut USD 5-year sukuk, and FAB is set to issue Reg S Tier 2 capital securities. Defence Procurement Watch: Reuters reported India is in talks with the UAE to sell systems including BrahMos and Akashteer. Business & Consumer Impact: Dubai Duty Free retained its Middle East top honour for 25 years, and a study says expanded obesity care could add up to $51bn to the UAE economy by 2031. Regional Trade & Markets: Gulf stocks edged higher as US-Iran talks showed progress, but oil slid on easing supply fears.

UAE–Egypt Deal: Majid Al Futtaim and Egypt’s Midar signed a $3.1bn integrated New Cairo (Mada City) development pact, with total value seen rising above $4bn and future returns projected at 40bn Egyptian pounds. Regional Energy Shock: US–Iran talks in Switzerland opened as Iran said it re-closed the Strait of Hormuz, threatening renewed disruption to global oil and LNG flows. UAE Logistics Push: AD Ports launched an integrated Khalifa Port–Umm Qasr weekly shipping link to strengthen trade corridors across the region, including routes toward Türkiye and Europe. Digital Dubai Boost: Brand Finance ranked Dubai fifth globally, with Digital Dubai contributing about AED31bn and lifting the emirate’s brand strength score. AI for Governance: UAE Ministry of Finance workshops and IMF-backed efforts aim to improve government finance statistics, debt reporting and fiscal transparency. Child Safety Rule: UAE’s under-15 social media ban is backed by developmental research, with platforms required to use stricter age verification. Abu Dhabi Space Upgrade: Space42 expanded its SAR satellite constellation to enhance monitoring for emergencies in all weather and lighting. Business Expansion in AI: Northslope opened its first Abu Dhabi office to deliver production-focused AI software deployments.

DEWA Global Push: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority launched DEWA International, a wholly owned subsidiary to develop conventional and clean energy projects worldwide and export Dubai’s energy and water know-how, with the move backed by strong financial performance and a focus on sustainability and digital transformation. UAE Finance Standards: The Ministry of Finance, with an IMF technical mission, held a Dubai workshop on Government Finance Statistics and Public Sector Debt Statistics to strengthen data quality and align reporting with international standards. Oil Market Watch: ICICI Bank Research expects Brent to stay in a $75–85/bbl band in 2H2026 before a downside shift in 2027 as supply recovers, amid the Strait of Hormuz reopening and a fragile geopolitical backdrop. Dubai Trade Links: Dubai Chambers met Ontario’s agriculture minister in Toronto to boost cooperation in food trade, agritech and food technology, citing AED 12.6bn non-oil trade with Canada in 2025. Abu Dhabi Water Infrastructure: TAQA Water Solutions is building a Dh288m emergency water lagoon in Abu Dhabi, with NMDC Infra awarded the contract for a 1 million cubic metre capacity project. Crypto Market Buzz: Pepeto says it has passed $10.29m raised ahead of exchange listings, positioning its presale momentum as a key driver for early trading demand. Aviation Connectivity: Air India Express opened bookings for direct Navi Mumbai–Abu Dhabi flights from July 15, adding a new international gateway for the Mumbai region.

Strait of Hormuz Watch: Iran says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again, blaming Israeli attacks in Lebanon and US “bad faith,” while negotiators head to Switzerland—raising fresh uncertainty for oil and shipping flows that had started to recover after the interim US-Iran ceasefire push. UAE Digital Policy: The UAE moves to restrict social media for children under 15, requiring AI-backed age verification and stronger platform safeguards, with implications for youth access and content strategies. Dubai Markets: DGCX will launch a same-day physically settled Gold Spot T+0 contract on June 22, aiming for faster settlement and more transparent physical gold trading. Aviation & Connectivity: flydubai wins “Best Connectivity Airline in the Middle East,” Etihad racks up multiple Business Traveller Middle East awards, and Riyadh Air starts daily direct Riyadh–Dubai flights. Trade & Partnerships: Dubai Chambers meets Ontario leaders to deepen trade, investment, and AI collaboration. Business Governance: Sheikh Mohammed restructures Etihad Credit Insurance’s board, while Dubai Police dismantle an encrypted satellite TV piracy ring. AI & Policy at Marrakech: UAE’s FNC backs an AI hub idea linking Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf partners, pushing investment and governance cooperation.

UAE Business & Policy: Sheikh Mohammed approved the restructuring of Etihad Credit Insurance’s (ECI) board, appointing Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi as chairman, a move aimed at strengthening the insurer’s governance. Market Infrastructure: Dubai’s DGCX launched a same-day gold trading contract, enabling same-day trade, settlement and physical delivery in UAE dirhams to boost price discovery and efficiency. Defence & Industry: Hanwha Aerospace signed a teaming agreement with UAE-based Generation 5 Holding to manufacture and sell the K9 155mm self-propelled howitzer across the Middle East. Water & Utilities: WABAG expanded its Gulf footprint with a UAE wastewater design-and-build deal for Ajman’s Sewage Biorefinery Plant (Phase 3) and a major desalination contract in Kuwait. People & Mobility: UAE announced a 30-day visa grace period (until July 9) for travellers affected by regional flight disruptions; the ICP also set a July 9 deadline for overstay-exemption holders. Social Rules: UAE schools backed the new Cabinet resolution restricting social media for children under 15, with age verification safeguards for platforms. Regional Trade Watch: Oman reported an OMR1.54bn trade surplus in Q1 2026, with the UAE its top non-oil export partner. Travel Services: India’s passport/visa/attestation services in the UAE pause June 26–30 as the embassy switches to a new outsourced provider.

UAE Business & Economy: Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA) is waiving late licence renewal fines and offering 50% discounts on eligible permits until Aug 15, 2026, via the TAMM platform—aimed at easing costs for entrepreneurs and the private sector. AI & Government Efficiency: UAE Cabinet-backed push will convert 50% of federal government operations to agentic AI within two years, with a new national workshop involving 600 employees to redesign public services and procedures. Social Media Regulation: UAE sets a minimum age of 15 for social media use, with under-15s barred from creating or operating accounts; enforcement will involve media and digital regulators, with a transition period for platforms. Finance & Markets: DGCX/Dubai exchange moves toward same-day physically settled gold trading with a T+0 contract, positioning Dubai as a faster, regulated hub for bullion transactions. Investment & Deals: Abu Dhabi AI investor MGX is exploring a potential acquisition of Singapore data-centre operator DayOne, a move that could expand its global tech footprint. Logistics & Trade: AD Ports Group launches a new weekly logistics link between Khalifa Port and Umm Qasr, boosting container and Ro-Ro flows across the UAE, GCC and parts of the Levant. Energy & Shipping: Strait of Hormuz tanker traffic is rising after the US-Iran agreement reopened the corridor, with commercial crossings still below pre-war levels.

Healthcare Giving: Al Jalila Foundation and Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation will donate Dh20m to Dubai Health’s Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, backing advanced life-safety, fire alarm and power distribution systems. Energy & Trade: ADNOC issued a fourth crude tender for June–August loading, letting buyers lift cargoes inside Hormuz (FOB from Zirku or Das Island) or via Fujairah and ship-to-ship routes, as Hormuz activity resumes. Logistics: AD Ports Group launched integrated logistics linking Khalifa Port to Umm Qasr Port in Iraq, aiming to strengthen regional corridors. Child Safety & Social Media: The UAE set a minimum social media age of 15, with strict age verification and limits for under-15s; platforms face compliance oversight and penalties. Finance & Payments: Lean Technologies launched a Pay-by-Bank suite in the UAE under Open Finance. Retail Investment: The UAE launched its first sovereign retail T-Sukuk, starting from Dh1,000. Banking: Gulf International Bank Saudi raised a $250m three-year term loan. Gold Watch: UAE gold prices moved with Fed signals, with Dubai 24K briefly slipping below Dh500/g. Aviation: Emirates adds four weekly Dubai–Accra flights from July 12.

UAE Social Safety Net: The UAE will ban social media use for children under 15, with a one-year grace period for platforms to meet strict age-verification rules, aiming to curb addiction, cyberbullying and harmful content. Regional Travel Relief: The UK Foreign Office lifted “do not travel” warnings for the UAE and other Gulf destinations after the US-Iran interim deal reduced immediate risks. Visa Compliance Support: The ICP granted a 30-day grace period (until July 9) for people affected by the Iran war disruption to regularise status or exit without overstay fines. AI for Defence: Abu Dhabi’s TII showcased three sovereign AI startups at Eurosatory—TACTICA AI, SIRBAI and CENTAURE.AI—targeting decision support and security operations. Economy & Finance: UAE boards are cited as leading in AI governance and innovation in a Board Value Index report, while HSBC and DDS teamed up to automate digital recurring payments via direct debit. Global Competitiveness: The UAE ranked fifth overall in IMD’s World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, topping economic performance. Higher Education Boost: Khalifa University entered the QS top 150, rising to 147th. Energy & Trade Risk: With Hormuz reopening under the US-Iran interim agreement, oil flows are returning—but the UAE is pushing “zero Hormuz dependency” through port and pipeline expansion.

UAE Digital Rules: Abu Dhabi has set a minimum age of 15 for social media use, banning under-15s from creating or using personal accounts and requiring platforms to use robust age checks (no self-declaration), with 15–16-year-olds allowed only under safeguards and a 12-month rollout window. Middle East Growth Outlook: A new report warns the Middle East economy will contract 4.1% in 2026, with the GCC shrinking 2.4%, before rebounding 8.1% in 2027 as trade routes normalise after the US-Iran deal. Energy & Markets: Oil and gasoline prices slid after the US-Iran interim agreement and early signs of Hormuz reopening, while analysts flag that reopening could release tens of millions of barrels and reshape regional crude differentials. Logistics & Trade: Qatar’s GWC launched a fully operational air-to-land corridor via Hamad using the TIR system, aiming to speed GCC cross-border cargo under a single customs document—highlighting the UAE’s role in regional routing. UAE Finance: Citi appointed Rajeev Garg as Head of Wealth for Citibank N.A., UAE, as the bank pushes client-centric wealth growth. Connectivity: e& UAE awarded a contract to roll out the world’s first commercial U6GHz mobile network, targeting a second-half 2026 launch. Road Safety: Abu Dhabi restricted delivery motorcycles on highways (120km/h+ roads), citing higher serious crash risks for riders. Corporate/Deals: Dream raised $260m to reach a $3bn valuation for sovereign AI and cyber defence for governments and critical infrastructure.

UAE-Iran Money Claims: The UAE has categorically denied Reuters reports that it would unlock billions of frozen Iranian funds as part of a US ceasefire push, with officials stressing no transfer or conversion of UAE funds to Iran. Markets & Energy Watch: Optimism around a US-Iran MoU has lifted UAE bourses to their highest levels in three months, while analysts flag that Strait of Hormuz reopening may still mean slower, uncertain oil and LNG flows. Dubai Finance & Regulation: DIFC welcomed Oak Hill Advisors after DFSA approval, underscoring Dubai’s pull for global credit-focused managers. Islamic Fintech Push: Alaan launched an AI-powered, Shariah-compliant business bank account in the UAE with ruya, embedding payments, invoice automation and accounting workflows. Sovereign Debt for Retail: The Ministry of Finance unveiled the UAE’s first sovereign retail T-sukuk, with investment opportunities starting from Dh1,000. Startup Ecosystem: Abu Dhabi’s startup ecosystem value surged 3,057% to $73.4bn, placing it among the world’s top emerging hubs. DP World Expansion: DP World is in exclusive talks to enter the US container market via a deal to develop and operate a terminal at Corpus Christi, targeting a new growth lane after a 20-year absence.

G7 Diplomacy & Regional Stability: South Korea’s President Lee urged Donald Trump to help secure peace with North Korea, pointing to the US-Iran track as a model, as G7 talks in Evian also covered the Iran ceasefire and trade. UAE Travel & Insurance: Emirates rolled out an industry-first “Comprehensive Travel Cover” with medical protection for conflict-related incidents plus disruption support, including rebooking and hotel help. Energy & Trade Routes: Leaked US-Iran interim terms say the Strait of Hormuz will reopen and Iran can sell oil freely once the deal is signed, easing near-term shipping risk for the Gulf. Fintech Regulation: Revolut received final authorisation from the UAE central bank to run stored-value and retail payments services, setting up a UAE launch. Digital Currency Push: China’s digital yuan cross-border platform (CBETS) added 26 institutions, including UAE-linked participants, advancing RMB internationalisation. Business Deals: Dubai Chambers met Canada’s British Columbia to boost trade, investment and innovation links; Pakistan’s ITANZ won a $5mn UAE digital transformation contract. Telecom/Platform Dispute: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov alleged Reliance (and WhatsApp) lobbied for a Telegram ban in India and disrupted access outside India, including the UAE. Infrastructure Finance (Abu Dhabi): Abu Dhabi’s AED55bn PPP pipeline is set to deepen private capital in transport, water and social assets through 2026-27.