ADQ, the UAE-based sovereign investor focused on critical infrastructure and global supply chains, and Azerbaijan Investment Holding (AIH) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration aimed at advancing shared development objectives.

Under the agreement, the two entities will examine opportunities in the financial services sector, focusing on initiatives that enhance market connectivity and strengthen the investment ecosystem to support sustainable growth.

The partnership builds on a joint investment platform launched in December 2023, where ADQ and AIH committed equal capital to projects in agriculture, technology, pharmaceuticals, and energy infrastructure across Azerbaijan, the UAE, and Central Asia, with potential expansion into other markets.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, MD and group CEO of ADQ, said: “The latest agreement with Azerbaijan Investment Holding demonstrates our ability to build long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships with aligned institutions, while showcasing ADQ’s approach of deploying patient capital and investment expertise to advance priority sectors across key geographies. Through this, we are enabling the diversification of economies, driving industrial expansion, and creating opportunities that strengthen regional connectivity and global competitiveness.”

ADQ-AIH partnership to unlock opportunities for Azerbaijan’s growth

Ruslan Alikhanov, CEO of AIH, said: “Our partnership with ADQ marks an important step in unlocking new opportunities for Azerbaijan’s continued progress. Working together, we are channeling capital and expertise into key industries, fostering more diversified growth across the country.

“This collaboration fuels our ambitions for economic transformation, strengthens connections within the region, and helps position Azerbaijan as a dynamic participant on the global stage.”

Established in 2020, AIH manages and strengthens state-owned enterprises, supporting Azerbaijan’s economic modernisation through governance improvements, efficiency gains, and targeted investment.

Trade and investment ties between the UAE and Azerbaijan continue to grow, with non-oil trade rising 43 per cent year-on-year to reach $2.4bn in 2024. The UAE has invested over $1bn in Azerbaijan, highlighting a bilateral relationship that has endured since 1992.

Read: UAE and Azerbaijan sign CEPA to boost trade, investment ties

Dar Global, the London-listed luxury real estate developer, said on Monday it had acquired a 28,800-square-metre plot in Jeddah as part of its plans to develop a branded mixed-use project.

The development will include premium residences, serviced apartments, retail space, and offices, positioning the scheme as a key addition to the city’s ongoing urban transformation.

The project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to enhance Jeddah’s appeal for investment, business, and modern living through internationally benchmarked design and architecture.

Project reflects Dar Global’s commitment to the kingdom’s development

Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, said: “As a company whose roots are in Saudi Arabia and now stands at the heart of international luxury development, this acquisition represents more than just the first steps of a new project development. Indeed, it reinforces our commitment to the country’s bold future.

“By bringing together Saudi expertise in design and development with global standards of delivery, we aim to create a landmark destination in the heart of Jeddah.”

The acquisition marks Dar Global’s continued focus on high-profile projects in the kingdom, leveraging both local experience and global development standards to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s evolving urban landscape.

Read: Eric Trump on why the Gulf is the future of luxury real estate

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced plans to install several battery-swapping stations for electric bikes across strategic locations in the emirate, in a move aimed at promoting sustainable transport and reducing emissions.

The initiative will be developed in collaboration with Terra Tech, a MENA-based B2B micro-mobility technology start-up specialising in battery-swapping infrastructure. It marks the first project of its kind in the region to support zero-emission delivery fleets.

The partnership includes the creation of an integrated system tailored to the delivery sector, designed to meet operators’ charging requirements while helping reduce the total cost of ownership.

Delivery, commercial partners invited to engage with the RTA-Terra initiative

Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of RTA’s Licensing Agency, said the initiative is aligned with the Commercial and Logistics Land Transport Strategy 2030, which aims to cut carbon emissions by 30 per cent through the development of 36 operational locations across Dubai.

“This collaboration supports the development of alternative sustainable energy solutions and enhances the emirate’s readiness to adopt future technologies and operational practices that help reduce emissions, minimise noise pollution, and improve service quality for both citizens and residents alike,” Mahboob said. He added that RTA invites delivery and commercial partners to engage with the initiative to foster a more efficient and sustainable future.

Husam Al Zammar, CEO of Terra, described the collaboration as an important milestone. “RTA has always been achieving major accomplishments in infrastructure and sustainable transport services for all segments of society, particularly in the regulation, expansion, and development of the delivery sector, which plays a vital role in driving the growth of Dubai’s GDP,” he said.

Al Zammar added: “We value RTA’s confidence in our solution for developing battery-swapping stations for the delivery sector, and we look forward to working together to empower the electric bike delivery ecosystem in Dubai.”

Read: Dubai to install 200 ultra-fast EV stations in residential, retail areas

As Apple opened preorders for the new iPhone 17, Kaspersky reported a surge in scams exploiting the launch hype. Fraudsters are using fake websites, bogus lotteries, and sham “tester” recruitment schemes to steal personal data and financial details, posing serious risks of identity theft and financial loss.

One scam involves counterfeit websites designed to mimic Apple’s official store, enticing users with “preorders before it sells out” but capturing bank card information during checkout.

Fraudsters are also promoting fake lotteries promising free iPhones, where participants must complete surveys, provide personal information such as emails and phone numbers, and pay a service or delivery fee. To boost credibility, these pages even feature fabricated feedback from supposed winners claiming to have received their “prizes.”

Another scheme advertises “tester” opportunities for the iPhone 17, targeting tech-savvy users willing to provide contact details and shipping addresses. Victims are charged a delivery fee in exchange for early access units that never arrive, often resulting in spam or phishing attacks.

“Cybercriminals thrive on the excitement of major product launches, turning consumer enthusiasm into a gateway for data breaches. We’ve seen these tactics evolve from crude phishing to highly polished sites that can look authentic. Users must prioritise verification over impulse to stay safe and avoid falling victim to these opportunistic threats,” comments Tatyana Shcherbakova, web content analyst at Kaspersky.

To help users stay protected against these scams, Kaspersky advises:

• Buy only from official sources such as Apple’s website, verified carriers, or authorized retailers.

• Verify URLs, avoid unsolicited offers, and ignore emails, texts, or ads promising deals or prizes.

• Never share sensitive data for “freebies” — legitimate contests rarely require card or address details upfront.

• Enable two-factor authentication on Apple ID and financial apps, and regularly monitor account activity.

Priority Pass has launched Priority Pass Private, a luxury full-service airport experience aimed at high-net-worth (HNW) travellers, with initial rollout across more than 70 airports in Europe and the Middle East.

The invitation-only product is designed for businesses such as private banks and wealth managers to reward top-tier clients.

It offers access to private terminals, expedited check-in and security, immigration fast-track, VIP lounges, gourmet dining and direct-to-aircraft boarding.

Priority Pass Private available across 76 airports

The service is available at 76 airports in over 30 countries, including hubs in London, Dubai, Paris, Los Angeles, Singapore, Zurich, Shanghai and Geneva.

Coverage spans six Middle Eastern countries – the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey – with access to private terminals in Dubai, Riyadh and Jeddah.

“In today’s evolving world of luxury travel, the most discerning and high-net-worth (HNW) travellers expect more than a seamless airport experience; they value time, privacy and exclusivity,” said Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International, which owns and operates Priority Pass. “Priority Pass Private was created to meet this need, transforming time in transit into time well spent.”

Chris Ross, chief brand officer at Collinson, added: “Priority Pass redefined what premium travel looks like. Now, with Priority Pass Private, we’re once again raising the bar, delivering an experience that truly elevates the airport journey.”

The company said the launch is the first phase of a broader global expansion plan for Priority Pass Private.