Author: Sam Allcock

Maalexi, a Hub71 startup operating in agri-trade FinTech, has confirmed plans to develop the world’s first Agricultural Asset Token Exchange. The platform, named MAATEX, will be deployed on Avalanche and will focus on tokenised agricultural assets supported by real world data, risk analytics, and automated intelligence. The exchange will use Maalexi’s patented technology across Internet of Things, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. By pairing these systems with Avalanche’s blockchain infrastructure, MAATEX aims to change how agricultural commodities are owned, settled, and delivered across domestic and international markets. Enabling faster and more secure agri transactions MAATEX will allow verified buyers and suppliers…

VentureOne has announced its first entry into the European market through new agreements with Finland’s Unikie and Solita. VentureOne operates under the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). The partnerships will assess the use of secure autonomy systems across safety, security, and infrastructure programmes in Finland and northern Europe. The agreements were signed during a recent state visit from Finland to the UAE. They reflect growing international demand for secure and resilient technologies to protect critical systems. As part of the collaboration, Unikie and Solita will incorporate VentureOne’s secure flight and communications technologies into their portfolios. These include Saluki, a secure…

Azizi Developments has once again sponsored the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Ladies, marking its ninth year of involvement. The race took place on 6 January 2026 as part of the 19th edition of the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam. The 120-kilometre race opened the five-day festival, which is recognised as one of the leading endurance events worldwide. Held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the festival continues to draw top riders and stables from across the…

Volkswagen Abu Dhabi has announced a new pre-booking campaign for the Passat and Jetta, offering customers early access to two long-standing Volkswagen sedan models as 2026 begins. The initiative includes a range of ownership benefits aimed at supporting daily use and long-term value. The pre-booking campaign will start in the first week of January 2026. Customers can reserve the Volkswagen Passat with prices starting from AED 109,000 or monthly payments from AED 1,549. The Volkswagen Jetta will be available from AED 91,000 or AED 1,299 per month. Each model comes with a standard ownership package. This covers a three-year unlimited…

BlueFive Capital has secured the role of General Partner for a newly formed Fund of Funds created by CICC Capital and HBIS Group. The platform marks a new collaboration between financial and industrial partners in China and overseas markets. The fund will deploy capital through both fund investments and direct equity stakes. Investment activity will reflect HBIS Group’s strategic priorities across traditional industries and emerging sectors, including advanced materials, clean energy, and next-generation information technology. The fund plans to raise RMB32 billion over a 15-year life and will pursue domestic and international opportunities. The investment framework rests on three principles:…

Cultural Foundation, operating under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has announced its programme of events for the first half of 2026. The season includes performances, exhibitions, learning activities, and family programmes. From January to May, the Foundation will host international and regional artists across dance, music, theatre, and film. Alongside performances, the programme includes a major exhibition by Shezad Dawood, community learning initiatives, and expanded children’s and studio programmes. Performances January begins with Romeo and Juliet on 9 January and Cinderella on 10 January, performed by the Russian State Ballet Mari El in partnership with Art…

The Kayan Wellness Festival will return to Abu Dhabi from 6 to 8 February 2026 for its second edition. Hosted on Fahid Island, the festival continues to support the emirate’s long-term vision for wellbeing, sustainability, and healthy living. The three-day event brings together wellness professionals from across the world to deliver a programme focused on movement, reflection, and practical health tools. Sessions are built around the themes of mind, body, and soul, offering structured experiences for people at different stages of their wellness journey. The 2026 programme features a mix of international speakers and regional practitioners. Sessions focus on mental…

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), part of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has announced the release of Falcon H1R 7B, an artificial intelligence model designed to deliver strong reasoning performance using fewer computing resources. Falcon H1R 7B contains 7 billion parameters and focuses on practical deployment needs such as speed, memory use, and energy demand. Independent testing shows the model competing with and often outperforming larger open-source models from Microsoft, Alibaba, and NVIDIA. The release reflects TII’s research direction and the UAE’s growing role in global AI development. His Excellency Faisal al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President…

Thumbay Healthcare has reported the birth of two healthy newborns at its facilities in Ajman and Fujairah, marking the beginning of 2026 with positive outcomes for families from different communities. At Thumbay University Hospital Ajman, Mrs. Kafayat Uyomide, a Nigerian national, gave birth to a healthy baby girl at 2:41 a.m. The newborn, named Baby of Kafayat, had a birth weight of 3.27 kg. Mrs. Kafayat and her husband welcomed their first child. Speaking after the delivery, she said, “I am very happy; I cannot explain my joy. This is my first baby.” Both mother and baby are progressing well…

Manama, 29 December 2025 – National Bank of Bahrain has been announced as a Forum Partner for the fourth edition of Sustainability Forum Middle East. The event will be held on 27–28 January 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain, with the support of the Supreme Council for Environment and in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil & Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs. The Forum will take place under the theme “Advancing Alignment, Innovation, and Implementation for Energy and Climate Transformation”. Proceedings will begin with a Special Address by H.E.…