FINANCIAL SERVICES-

Global investment technology platform FinBursa, backed by cofounder and Saudi Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf Al Saud has launched in the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), according to a press release (pdf). The platform aims to digitize and streamline access to private market investments by connecting investors, capital seekers, and advisors through an AI-powered interface to streamline investing processes.

The offering: Targeting high-net-worth individuals, family offices, asset managers, and startups, it operates on a subscription-based model with zero success fees. It aims to turn “fragmented workflows into seamless, institutional-quality efficiency,” CEO Ismail Badereldine said, adding that FinBursa was built with AI at its core to help users match with investors more effectively and digitize processes with precision.

What’s next? Finbursa plans to expand into MENA, North Africa, and Southeast Asia over the coming year.

AI-

#1- AI risk-tech firm Exiger to set up regional HQ in Abu Dhabi: Global risk and supply chain intelligence company Exiger will establish its regional HQ in Abu Dhabi as part of the UAE’s NextGen FDI initiative, according to a press release. The firm will invest mns of USD into AI-driven infrastructure and hire over 100 specialists in the UAE.

About Exiger: Exiger specializes in AI-powered risk and supply chain intelligence, and secured USD 1.2 bn in investment in 2023 to fuel its AI innovation. Over the past two years, Exiger has acquired five firms specializing in supply chains and cyber AI.

#2- SEE Holding partners with Micropolis to integrate AI, robotics in Sustainable City 2.0: SEE Holding, the developer of the Sustainable City 2.0 project, will collaborate with UAE-based Micropolis to deploy AI and robotics in its net-zero project, Wam reports. Unveiled earlier this month, the city will convert all waste into usable resources through repurposing, recycling, or energy conversion, and mobility will be fully electric and autonomous.

HOSPITALITY-

UK-based InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) inked a management agreement with API Hotels and Resorts to introduce the first Kimpton hotel to the UAE, IHG said in a press release. Kimpton Dubai will offer 280 rooms, three dining concepts, seven meeting areas, and leisure amenities including a rooftop pool, spa, fitness center, and retail outlets. It is set to open in 1Q 2026 and is located in the Business Bay Canal.

LOGISTICS-

DP World’s USD 165 mn expansion of its container terminal at Mozambique’s Maputo Port is now underway, it said in a statement. The project aims to double its annual capacity from 255k to 530k TEUs, extend the quay area, deepen the berth to accommodate larger vessels, and expand the container yard. Additional equipment will be introduced to boost its capacity as a logistics hub for Southern Africa.

ICYMI- Last year, DP World secured cabinet approval for a USD 2 bn expansion plan at Maputo Port, extending its concession until 2058 and committing USD 1.1 bn in further investment by 2033. The port capacity will be upped to 54 mn tons whilst container throughput will reach 1 mn TEUs annually. DP World also previously reaffirmed its commitment to Mozambique, with plans to develop industrial parks and expand regional trade links.

AGRICULTURE-

Zayed Foundation partners with Egyptian food bank on irrigation project: The Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation inked an agreement with the Egyptian Food Bank to develop a solar-powered agricultural project to irrigate a 180-200 acre plot of land in Egypt’s New Valley Governorate, Wam reports.

The details: The project includes drilling a 750-meter deep well, building a 36k cubic meter water storage lake, and installing a 224-panel solar power system with a 150 kW capacity to power irrigation. Additional funding will support other projects including a renewables-powered water desalination project.