ABU DHABI — Deutsche Bank has obtained a new license within Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a strategic move that emphasises ADGM’s fast development as a key financial hub, challenging the dominance of Dubai’s DIFC. This expansion follows ADGM’s remarkable 245% increase in assets under management in 2024 and a 32% year-over-year growth in operational entities, establishing it as the fastest-growing financial centre in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Deutsche Bank’s decision aligns with its broader strategy to take advantage of Abu Dhabi’s progressive regulatory reforms, such as 50% fee reductions for non-financial firms and a corporate tax rate of zero per cent on qualifying income, benefits that remain unmatched by DIFC for cost-sensitive institutions. Although DIFC holds a prestigious status for banking institutions, ADGM’s 20.5% annual rise in new licenses and its efficient onboarding process, which allows firms to establish operations in under 72 hours, have attracted companies that prioritise operational agility.   The new branch of Deutsche Bank in ADGM, under the leadership of Jean-Pierre Habis, will focus on providing services such as “arranging credit” and “advising on investments,” personalised to meet the needs of Abu Dhabi’s expanding private equity and sovereign wealth fund sectors. Notably, ADGM’s recent partnership with Chainlink to develop frameworks for tokenised assets emphasises its leadership in digital finance, an area where Deutsche Bank is actively seeking to expand its blockchain-based solutions. With minimum lease rates of $15,000—greatly lower than DIFC’s threshold of $35,000—Deutsche Bank stands to benefit from substantial operational savings.   In addition, Abu Dhabi’s “We the UAE 2031” strategy, developed to attract foreign capital and foreign investment, confirms in return the bank’s shift to ADGM as part of a grand-strategic readjustment. Competitors like BlackRock and Morgan Stanley already have a presence there, attracted by its 39% increase in personnel in 2024—a precious talent pool for Deutsche Bank’s expanding fintech and sustainable finance franchise. The step is an intensification of the Abu Dhabi-Dubai competition as premier finance hubs. While DIFC has a more concentrated capital market network, ADGM’s common law jurisdiction and strict following of English precedents offer a stronger legal certainty to European firms. Deutsche Bank’s ADGM initiative will likely focus on cross-border structured finance and family office business, tapping into Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund ecosystem of approximately $1.5 trillion.   Deutsche Bank would qualify for ADGM’s “Incentives and Support Programs for Businesses”, could make a significant contribution to value added in the calculation, such as a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying profits, relief from import tariffs, and 50% fee rebates on non-financial business. These incentives, designed to attract global financial institutions, could help Deutsche Bank reduce operating expenses and extend wealth management coverage across the Middle East and North Africa. Furthermore, incentives for businesses with operations on Al Reem Island—including prospective customs-free importation of IT infrastructure—allow ADGM in its goal to simplify cross-border business logistics. The recent 245% growth in assets under management since 2024 underscores the compelling advantages of the new fee and tax structures, underpinning Deutsche Bank’s strategic build-out in the region.   To read more about Banking, head to the link.

AJMAN, UAE — The Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel was buzzing with energy as the Alleem Group opened an inspiring event that mixed community kindness, environmental care, and sports diplomacy through the Rashid Alleem Premier League (RPL). Reported by Al Mudassar News Agency from Dubai, UAE, the gathering highlighted how the UAE is pushing for all-around growth, with initiatives that could shake up the business and social scenes in the region.    The event began with Dr. Rashid Alleem, Chair of Alleem Group, sharing his vision of blending compassionate policies with real sustainability plans. He introduced Alleem Sustainability, a platform displaying 21 Alleem Sustainable Development Goals (ASDGs). Dr. Alleem stressed how working together is key to tackling climate issues while promoting comprehensive progress. The ASDGs are in line with international standards but focus on local needs like saving water, switching to renewable energy, and cutting down waste.    A real emphasis was the Kindness Revolution Certification Ceremony, recognising 20 people for leading some pretty cool community projects. Now in its third year, this initiative aims to make kindness a core part of society, especially in companies and schools. Experts say it lines up well with the UAE’s broader “Year of Sustainability” goals. The debut of the Rashid Alleem Premier League (RPL) marked a new way to connect sports with youth engagement and healthy living. The cricket league, launching at Sharjah Cricket World, showed off team jerseys made from recycled materials—a nod to the group’s commitment to circular economy practices.    Industry insiders think RPL could help the UAE become a global leader in “sports diplomacy.” A new partnership between Alleem Group and Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel was also announced, with plans to co-host the Alleem Business Congress and upcoming sustainability events. This partnership means top-notch logistics and hospitality, helping Ajman shine as a hotspot for big corporate events. To wrap it up, Dr. Alleem encouraged everyone—public and private—to accept the ASDGs, saying, “True progress comes from combining compassion with innovation.” The event’s focus on soft values and clear ecological goals shows a regional trend toward balancing economic growth with societal well-being. To read more about Business News, head to the link.  

Doha, Qatar — This week in Doha, Qatar, the 5th Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg, is kicking off under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The focus this year is on how technology is reshaping the global economy. More than 2,500 leaders from government, finance, and tech industries will gather from May 20 to 22 to talk about the big challenges and opportunities brought by digital change, energy security, and cross-border innovation. The theme this year is “The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy,” which means there will be a lot of discussions around AI, blockchain technology, and sustainable tech infrastructure. Some key emphasizes include: Let’s dive into AI & Geopolitics, where experts like Turkey’s Finance Minister H.E. Mehmet Şimşek and Blackstone’s Farhad Karim will chat about how to find the right balance between AI rules and global competition. Then, there’s Blockchain in Emerging Markets. Ola Doudin from BitOasis and Jenny Johnson from Franklin Templeton will share their thoughts on decentralised finance (DeFi) and what’s happening with startups in Africa, plus Bloomberg’s new Africa Startups to Watch list. Lastly, we’ll have discussions on Energy-Tech Cooperation with leaders like Ryan Lance from ConocoPhillips and Markus Krebber from RWE, focusing on mixing renewable energy with smart grid technology. There will also be virtual appearances by Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr., discussing innovation in the private sector. Meanwhile, Qatar’s own tech initiatives, led by the QRDI Council and Edaa, will emphasize advances in fintech and regulatory sandboxes. To read more on Press Releases, head to the link.

Dubai, UAE — Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), established in 1844, a well-known name in education services, has changed its brand identity with a fresh new look for its brand. This move puts a much needed focus on bringing the latest technology into lifelong learning, especially through tools that use AI and data to make education more personalized. The goal is to meet the evolving needs of digital education. So the new branding showcases the message about Pearson’s commitment to adaptive learning. This includes AI powered platforms that automatically adjust content based on what learners are doing, helping to fill skill gaps and track progress. By bringing neuroscience insights into their approach, Pearson aims to cater to different learning styles, especially as many sectors go through automation and digital change. Recent research from Pearson shows that people using their skill-building tools tend to stay more engaged and adapt better to their careers, even when learning gets tough. These insights have helped develop smarter algorithms that boost user retention and ensure skills are practical and useful. Ginny Cartwright Ziegler, Pearson’s Chief Marketing Officer, explained that this new look emphasises how technology can make learning both more accessible and more emotionally engaging. She pointed out tools that combine interactive content with real-world applications, like virtual simulations for hands-on vocational training. Omar Abbosh, the CEO, shared plans to grow partnerships with tech companies working on virtual reality (VR) and micro-credentials. He emphasised that Pearson wants to keep its offerings aligned with the latest labour market trends, using predictive analytics to regularly update curricula based on which skills are in demand. To read more on Press Releases, head to the link.

The Dubai Airport Show 2025 kicked off this week and is shaping up to be a major event in aviation, with projections suggesting a $1 trillion boost in the industry’s future. Held at Dubai’s World Trade Centre, this is the 24th edition of the show, and it brought together thousands of leaders from around the globe. Over 6,000 people—from government officials and airport operators to tech innovators—from more than 30 countries gathered to discuss the future of air travel. The focus was on creating smarter airports, accepting sustainability, and using artificial intelligence to improve infrastructure across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, known as the MEASA region. Dubai’s role in the huge airport development market was a major emphasis, especially as passenger numbers in the region are expected to reach around 1.1 billion by 2040. Big projects like the $35 billion expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which aims to serve 260 million flyers, and Saudi Arabia’s $50 billion Riyadh mega-hub, show how the Gulf countries are aiming to lead global aviation growth. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum emphasised that “Dubai’s airports are gateways to economic progress,” emphasising their importance in connecting the UAE to the world. Innovation and sustainability took centre stage this year. Schneider Electric introduced energy-efficient systems designed to lower airports’ carbon emissions, while WAISL displayed AI-powered tools like AEROWISE that help manage airport operations in real-time. Amel Chadli from Schneider Electric pointed out that “The future of aviation lies in balancing growth with environmental responsibility,” reflecting how the industry is shifting toward greener solutions. The event also put a spotlight on Africa’s growing aviation scene, with investments of around $2.3 billion going into upgrades such as Rwanda’s $650 million Kigali Airport and a new $60 million hub in Ethiopia. Meanwhile, India plans to build more than 220 new airports by 2035, with over $12 billion in investments, displaying the region’s fast development. Looking ahead, innovations like urban air mobility (UAM) and using AI in airport operations are expected to become more common. Experts predict that by 2040, the MEASA region could account for about 58% of new global air passengers. As the show previewed its 25th anniversary in 2026, forecasts indicate that the region will need around $151 billion in airport investments to keep up with growing travel demands. May Ismail from RX Middle East noted that “This is where innovation meets execution,” emphasising how the show connects stakeholders with exciting investment opportunities in Middle Eastern airports. Supported by major players like Emirates, dnata, and global tech firms such as Amadeus, the Dubai Airport Show 2025 is cementing its reputation as a leader in shaping the future of aviation, combining sustainability, technology, and incredible growth. (Source: Zawya) To read more on Aviation, head to the link.