Author: Sam Allcock

Comera Finance has received its final regulatory approval from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company. The company is part of Comera Financial Holdings, which sits under Abu Dhabi’s Royal Group. The licence authorises Comera Finance to provide retail and wholesale financing services across the UAE. The approval enables Comera Finance to deliver regulated lending solutions in line with national financial regulations. It supports the group’s strategy to create a technology-driven and compliant financial services platform for individuals, SMEs, and corporate clients. The licensing process followed a comprehensive regulatory review that assessed governance,…

flyadeal has opened a new Integrated Operations Control Centre at its Jeddah headquarters. The facility was inaugurated by His Excellency Engr. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of Saudia Group. The Minister was welcomed by His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group and Chairman of flyadeal, alongside flyadeal Chief Executive Officer Steven Greenway. The opening marks a major operational milestone for the airline. The new IOCC is a dedicated standalone facility with four times the capacity of the previous centre. It provides more monitoring capability and workspace to support the…

Miruna is marking the festive season with two collections that focus on bold design and individual style. ‘MY MOM SAID NO’ and ‘FLUFF STUFF’ are created for women who want clothing that works across social events, from planned celebrations to spontaneous nights out. Launched from Dubai in December 2025, the collections reflect Miruna’s approach to modern dressing. Each range offers a distinct mood while maintaining a clear focus on structure, fabric, and wearability. ‘MY MOM SAID NO’: statement pieces for evening wear The ‘MY MOM SAID NO’ collection centres on sculpted fits, shine, and strong detailing. The designs are intended…

Omantel and UK-based Archangel Lightworks have entered into a strategic partnership to support the development of laser and optical communication services in Oman. The agreement was announced on 16 December 2025 in Muscat. Under the agreement, the two organisations will work together to introduce optical satellite ground station technology into Omantel’s network. The goal is to support higher-capacity data services and help establish Oman as a key location for advanced satellite communications in the region. The partnership was developed through the Smart Industry Initiative, a joint effort involving the British Omani Society, BSG International and Oxford Science Enterprises. The initiative…

Planys Technologies, a deep-tech company within the Hub71 ecosystem, has secured approximately USD 12 million in primary funding to support global expansion. The round was led by investors Ashish Kacholia and Lashit Sanghvi, with participation from existing backers including Pratithi Investment, Samarthya Investment Advisors, 3i Partners, LetsVenture, and angel investors. The investment will fund the expansion of Planys’ inspection services across Middle East markets. The company focuses on infrastructure that requires continuous operation, including ports, oil and gas facilities, petrochemical plants, desalination assets, and power stations. Planys delivers inspections using robotic platforms and an AI-enabled digital inspection twin, allowing operators…

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has signed a multi-year collaboration agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS). The partnership focuses on advancing artificial intelligence research, expanding skills development, and supporting startup growth in the UAE and across the region. The collaboration builds on MBZUAI’s objective to connect academic research with practical use in industry. It also supports the UAE National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, particularly the Expanded Professional Experience initiative. This initiative promotes hands-on learning through industry engagement, applied research, and campus-based projects. A key element of the agreement is the creation of a Strategic Research Program…

Alpago Group has launched Curve DiLusso, a beachfront villa on Palm Jumeirah priced at AED 95 million. The property is designed as a private residence and includes five bedroom suites, leisure facilities, and direct access to the shoreline. Alpago Design & Build, part of Alpago Group, has completed Curve DiLusso, a new residential villa on Palm Jumeirah. The project reflects the firm’s approach to high-end residential design, combining architectural structure with detailed interior delivery. Situated on Frond C, the villa spans three levels and sits within a landscaped beachfront plot. A central marble wall defines the interior layout and extends…

AtkinsRéalis partnered with Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals to deliver the “Powering the Future: Oman Electricity Innovation Showcase” on 10 December 2025. The event brought together decision-makers from government, regulators, utilities and industry to review how Oman can respond to rising power demand driven by AI and digital development. The focus was on using a mix of nuclear energy, renewables, grid upgrades and storage to meet demand while supporting Oman’s net zero goal for 2050. “A secure and sustainable power system is central to our industrial strategy and economic ambitions, which includes recently announced initiatives like the Oman Digital…

Alliance supports the next phase of HealthPlus IVF & Women’s Health Olive Rock Partners (ORP) has announced a strategic collaboration with Cedro Strategy to guide the next stage of development for HealthPlus IVF & Women’s Health Abu Dhabi. ORP is an investor in the Gulf healthcare sector, while Cedro Strategy specialises in healthcare transformation. Together, they aim to support long-term clinical quality and operational improvement at the Abu Dhabi-based provider. This move builds on the ownership change completed earlier this year, when Olive Rock Partners assumed full control of HealthPlus IVF & Women’s Health Abu Dhabi from global healthcare platform…

INSEAD and ADGM Academy (ADGMA) have joined forces to introduce a new scholarship initiative aimed at Emirati professionals. The announcement coincides with ADGMA’s seventh year of delivering education in banking, finance, and public services. The scheme will provide ten scholarships for UAE Nationals to attend INSEAD’s open enrolment executive education programmes in 2026. The partnership was unveiled at Abu Dhabi Finance Week and highlights a shared goal to develop leadership skills that support the UAE’s economic priorities. Both organisations aim to help professionals respond to shifts in global markets and financial systems. ADGM Academy will identify and nominate Emirati candidates…