AGP Executive Report

Red Sea Shipping Shock: Yemen’s Houthis claim they attacked two oil tankers after the US launched another night of strikes on Iran, raising fears for global energy routes as threats target the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab corridor. Port Diversification: DP World signed an agreement in principle with Fujairah Ports Authority for a 50-year concession to build two new east-coast terminals (Al Rugaylat and Dibba), aiming to move cargo without relying on Hormuz. Banking Watch: Emirates NBD posted record H1 2026 profit before tax of Dh16.2bn (+5%); Emirates Islamic also reported strong H1 results, while First Abu Dhabi Bank said Q2 net profit rose 4%. Dubai Business & Services: Dubai South Properties and Emirates NBD will offer off-plan mortgage solutions; Dubai Municipality launched an Account Manager initiative for faster municipal service follow-up. Energy Infrastructure: DEWA said transmission investments now exceed AED10bn, with major substations and lines commissioned and more tenders planned. UFC Abu Dhabi: Islam Dulatov faces Wellington Turman on July 25, with the card streaming on Paramount+. Travel Disruption: Etihad extended Kuwait flight cancellations and adjusted Bahrain services amid regional instability.

UAE Foreign Policy: The UAE strongly condemned renewed Iranian attacks across the region, including strikes targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, reiterating solidarity with affected states and calling it a violation of sovereignty. Regional Security: The wider Gulf crisis continues to escalate as the US warns it will target civilian infrastructure in response to Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, while markets watch for any shift in diplomacy. Trade & Logistics: DP World signed an agreement with Fujairah Ports Authority to develop two new deepwater container terminals on the UAE’s east coast under a 50-year concession—aimed at boosting capacity and reducing reliance on Hormuz routes. Abu Dhabi Mega-Projects: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled witnessed the launch of Marsa Al Saadiyat, a Dh100bn waterfront development spanning 6.4m sqm, with a major marina and leisure infrastructure. Government Services: MoHRE launched “Tabby” to let residents pay MoHRE fees and fines in instalments over 4–12 months, up to Dh20,000 per transaction. Business & Property: Dubai’s commercial property sales surged 183% in H1 2026, while Abu Dhabi apartment prices rose 19.4% year-on-year as off-plan demand stays resilient.

Middle East Security: The US says it completed its 11th straight night of strikes on Iran, as diplomacy over a ceasefire collapses and fighting keeps tightening pressure around the Strait of Hormuz. UAE-Saudi Media Reset: Saudi and UAE senior officials posted coordinated messages on social media stressing “shared history” and urging responsible coverage after months of Gulf friction. UAE Travel Power: The UAE passport jumped to 188 visa-free destinations, ranking joint second globally in the latest Henley index. Health & Safety: UAE doctors warn ultra-processed foods are linked to major cardiovascular risks, while a sharp rise in e-scooter accidents is driving calls for stricter rules and stronger parent oversight. Business & Trade: Dubai Chambers met Shanghai business leaders to boost China ties; SolitAir won UK regulatory access to operate in British airspace; and Etihad signed an MoU with Abra Group to expand Latin America–Middle East connectivity. Abu Dhabi Infrastructure: Abu Dhabi started operating a centralised waterway monitoring and control centre to improve maritime safety and emergency coordination.

AI Border Control at DXB: Dubai Airports rolled out an AI-powered biometric border system that clears passengers in about 6–14 seconds, using cameras, flight data and passport pre-registration—now extended to arrivals and able to process up to 10 travellers at once. Dubai Security Promotions: Sheikh Mohammed approved promotions for 6,526 personnel across Dubai’s security agencies and elevated Tamim Al Muhairi to Lieutenant General. UAE Energy Push: ADNOC took a $6.2bn final investment decision for the Umm Shaif Gas Cap project, aimed at boosting gas supply and LNG growth despite regional instability. Aerospace Deal: Mubadala and Embraer signed a framework for long-term collaboration in manufacturing, MRO, R&D and Emirati workforce development. Visa Rules Update: Dubai clarified visa-on-arrival eligibility for Indians, Filipinos and other nationalities with approved foreign residence permits. Data Centres Boom: BlackRock-backed MGX and AIP committed $5bn to expand Aligned Data Centres after completing a landmark $40bn acquisition. Regional Tensions: Iran-US escalation continues to disrupt the region, with airlines adjusting routes and schedules. Weather Watch: NCM reported 49.5°C as the UAE’s highest temperature on Tuesday.

ADNOC Gas Push: Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC has approved a $6.2bn final investment decision for the offshore Umm Shaif Gas Cap, expected to add over 600 million standard cubic feet of gas per day from 2030, boosting LNG supply as regional shipping remains under pressure. UAE Payments Rollout: First Abu Dhabi Bank launched the Jaywan Debit Card under the UAE’s national domestic card scheme, supporting local in-store and online payments plus ATM cash withdrawals. Sovereign AI Infrastructure: e& UAE and Core42 unveiled a Sovereign AI Compute platform to give enterprises local GPU capacity with data staying in the UAE. Sustainability Finance: DIFC will host the inaugural Future Sustainability Forum on Nov 3, aiming to draw 400+ C-suite leaders to discuss sustainable finance and climate resilience. Regional Tensions, Travel Hits: Air France extended suspensions affecting Dubai and other Middle East routes, while more flight disruptions continue as US-Iran hostilities and Strait of Hormuz attacks persist. Cybersecurity Warning: Sophos’ ransomware report says compromised identities drive most attacks in the UAE, with high average recovery costs. Humanitarian Solidarity: The UAE expressed condolences to India after floods and landslides, and also backed relief efforts including aid to Gaza and Venezuela.

Maritime Security: UKMTO says a commercial vessel was hit by an unknown projectile 17 nautical miles east of Dibba, damaging steering gear; crew are safe and authorities are investigating. Regional Tensions & Aviation: Renewed US-Iran hostilities are disrupting Gulf travel, with Etihad extending Abu Dhabi–Kuwait cancellations until July 24 and Emirates cancelling multiple Dubai–Kuwait flights; Dubai airports say operations remain resilient. UAE Foreign Policy: The UAE condemns fresh Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, reiterating solidarity and backing measures to protect stability. National Payments Push: Abu Dhabi’s Central Bank rolls out “Jaywan,” the UAE’s first national card scheme, with banks and exchange houses starting phased issuance for local and online payments. Real Estate Pressure in Abu Dhabi: Tenants accuse some landlords of finding ways around the rent-freeze rules, demanding lump-sum payments or shorter renewals. Trade & Deals: UAE says it has concluded 37 CEPAs and is negotiating more; Mubadala Capital signs an agreement to buy French hospitality group Pierre et Vacances. Finance Markets: UAE stock markets were mixed as regional risks linger. Public Safety: Sharjah court orders deportation of a man convicted of illegal money transfers without the required licence.

U.S.-Iran Escalation: The U.S. launched fresh airstrikes on Iran for a ninth straight day after another American service member was killed, while Iran retaliated by targeting Bahrain and Kuwait; fears are rising as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains badly disrupted and Brent prices push above $90. Regional Travel Disruptions: Emirates cancelled Dubai–Kuwait flights on July 20–21, Etihad cancelled Abu Dhabi–Kuwait services for operational reasons, and Air Arabia also suspended multiple Kuwait routes—check airline updates before heading to the airport. Abu Dhabi–India Connectivity: DCT Abu Dhabi welcomed Air India Express for its first Navi Mumbai–Abu Dhabi international flight, with flights set to increase from two weekly to three from 29 July and Abu Dhabi now linked to 14 Indian cities. Dubai Aviation Comfort Upgrade: Emirates unveiled its viral Economy headrest, the U-Dream, rolling it out across much of its fleet to better support passengers during sleep. UAE Business & Trade: UAE non-oil foreign trade is reported near AED 2 trillion for H1 2026, and Dubai Customs announced new liquidity support packages for the private sector. Sports & Culture: World Cup integrity was questioned by a European rights body ahead of FIFA’s 2030 push; in Dubai, fans packed a fan zone to watch the final.

UAE-Pakistan Travel & IDs: Pakistan’s Embassy in the UAE has postponed the July 20 launch of e-passport services “until further notice” due to technical and administrative reasons, while existing MRP passport services will continue. Transport & City Planning: Dubai’s RTA has approved a five-year soft mobility plan through 2030, expanding safer walking and cycling links across 25 residential areas and around 63 public transport stations. Road Safety: Abu Dhabi Police launched a Safe Summer campaign focused on tyre safety, urging drivers to use approved tyres, check air pressure, and avoid damaged or substandard tyres in extreme heat. Weather Watch: The UAE weather body expects a temperature drop on Tuesday and Wednesday, with dust stirred at times and seas ranging from light to rough in parts. Business & Trade: Dubai Customs says its economic support packages have injected over Dhs79m in liquidity for 428 companies and helped keep trade flowing. Regional Security: The US and Iran escalated strikes again, with Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain activating defenses as the Strait of Hormuz faces renewed disruption. Tech & Outages: Meta services hit by a global outage, with UAE users reporting Facebook and Instagram disruptions.

U.S.-Iran Escalation: The U.S. ended another round of airstrikes on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard after an attack in Jordan killed American troops, with Washington saying it also hit coastal surveillance, air defence, maritime and missile/drone storage sites—while the UAE urged an immediate halt to escalation and condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure. Airport Disruption Watch: Dubai International Airport remains open and operating, but travellers face delays and reduced schedules; separately, UAE-Kuwait flights were cancelled or “awaiting update” amid regional tensions. UAE Legal Clampdown: Dubai’s Public Prosecution widened its probe into a false “explosions in Downtown Dubai” report, summoning those involved in publishing and reviewing whether proper verification steps were followed. Abu Dhabi Property Boom: ADREC reported AED117bn in Abu Dhabi real estate transactions in H1 2026, up 112%, with foreign direct investment reaching AED13.8bn. Sports & Pride: UAE women’s jiu-jitsu team won 6 medals at the Asian Championship in Kazakhstan, including 2 golds. Culture & Heritage: DCT Abu Dhabi unearthed a Late Bronze Age Wadi Suq-era cemetery in Al Ain, with plans for further studies and museum display.

Union Pledge Day: The UAE marked 55 years since the 1971 Declaration of the Union and the Constitution, with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed renewing the country’s commitment to unity and future progress. UAE Justice & Media Accountability: Abu Dhabi prosecutors expanded an investigation into a false report claiming explosions in central Dubai, even after Reuters withdrew the story and issued an apology—officials say they’re checking who prepared, approved and published it. Dubai Fraud Warnings: Dubai Police’s Anti-Fraud Centre warned residents about social media scams offering visas and jobs for cash, urging people to use only authorised channels and report attempts via the Dubai Police app or eCrime. Food Safety Crackdown (Abu Dhabi): ADAFSA temporarily shut down Yummy Indian Bite Restaurant for repeated food safety violations and risks to public health. Regional Tensions: The US said two troops were killed and one missing after Iranian attacks on a base in Jordan, while Iran’s supreme leader warned of “unforgettable lessons” and the UAE condemned renewed Iranian strikes on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Sports (Dubai-linked): UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s Tadej Pogacar won the Tour de France’s 14th stage to extend his overall lead. Education Funding: The UAE pledged $5m to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund to expand access to quality education worldwide.

Middle East Tensions: The US and Iran traded fresh strikes across the region as the Strait of Hormuz standoff deepened, with Iran reporting deaths from US attacks and the US saying it hit surveillance, logistics and maritime targets—pushing oil prices higher and raising fears of wider escalation. UAE Foreign Policy: The UAE condemned renewed Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan, calling them a threat to sovereignty and regional stability, and also criticised strikes on Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Union Pledge Day: UAE residents marked July 18 with renewed focus on unity and loyalty, with Emiratis pointing to major national projects—like Etihad Rail and digital systems—as proof the 1971 pledge still shapes daily life. Dubai Healthcare Deal: Dubai Investments agreed to buy the remaining 80% of Clemenceau Medical Center, moving the hospital to full ownership and expanding its healthcare footprint. Public Safety: Dubai Police summoned a driver who removed number plates to dodge enforcement and was caught speeding above 230 km/h. Health & Youth: Dubai Health launched youth programs to train future healthcare innovators, while a new national anti-drugs campaign warned families about illegal drugs concealed in vapes. Economy Watch: The IMF said the UAE is resilient and expects a rebound in the second half of the year as exports recover.

UAE-Iran Tensions: The UAE strongly condemned Iran’s attack on Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, calling it a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and a threat to regional security, while also reaffirming solidarity with the Kurdistan Regional Government after reports of missile strikes in Sulaymaniyah. Regional Security & Markets: As the US and Iran trade strikes and expand targets to infrastructure, the Strait of Hormuz risk keeps investors nervous—Dubai’s index fell to a five-week low while Abu Dhabi held up better. Abu Dhabi Economy: Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre reported Dh117bn in real estate transactions in H1 2026, with major growth in sales and foreign direct investment. Finance & Telecom: e& completed its Vodafone stake sale, netting total cash proceeds of about $5.95bn, and FAB reiterated its top-tier credit ratings with AA- or equivalent. Tech & Compliance: A UAE Ministry of Finance pre-approval cleared Tax Star as an e-invoicing provider as the law rolls out in stages from 2027. Culture & Family: Louvre Abu Dhabi opens “A Board Game Adventure” on July 18, a hands-on exhibition for families running until April 2027. Road Safety: Dubai Police summoned a driver who removed number plates to dodge enforcement, after AI-enabled systems tracked him during extreme speeding.

UAE Security & Media: Dubai Media Office (GDMO) and Dubai authorities again denied Reuters claims of explosions in Downtown Dubai, warning of legal action against outlets spreading false reports. Regional Tensions: The US expanded airstrikes on Iran, hitting bridges and a tower at Chabahar port; Iran retaliated with missile attacks, while Jordan said it intercepted three incoming missiles from Iran. Finance & Trade: China and the UAE linked retail QR payment networks to boost yuan cross-border use, with Bank of China and UnionPay involved. Business & Investment: EDGE agreed to acquire 100% of Brazil’s AKAER to deepen UAV and sensing engineering capabilities. Local Services: UAE citizens can renew Emirates ID up to one year early, and Abu Dhabi plans to divert 80% of waste from landfill via engineered eco-parks. Economy & Property: Dubai residential transactions fell 31% in Q2 but June activity rebounded, while Dubai gold prices dropped to their lowest in 90 days. Culture & Lifestyle: Museum of the Future will close mid-September for a refresh, and Abu Dhabi summer camps are rolling out AI, heritage and creative programmes.

Dubai misinformation crackdown: Dubai Media Office says a Reuters report claiming explosions in Downtown Dubai is false, urging residents to rely on official sources and warning action against outlets spreading unverified news. Regional security tensions: Witnesses reported booms in downtown Dubai amid US-Iran strikes; Iran-linked outlets also claimed missile hits near Bandar Abbas, as the situation remains developing. Health leadership in Sharjah: The Health Minister and Sharjah Health Authority leadership met, with clinic inspections and a push toward a unified national medical services system, plus a new health initiative promised soon. UAE travel rules update: Dubai’s GDRFA clarified the new five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for all nationalities—no sponsor needed, up to 90 days per visit (extendable once), with a $4,000 minimum bank balance requirement. Abu Dhabi archaeology: DCT Abu Dhabi uncovered a rare 4,000-year-old communal tomb in Al Ain, spanning Wadi Suq to Late Bronze Age. Weather: NCM forecasts partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with possible rain/drizzle in parts of the UAE. Business & markets: EDGE agreed to buy 100% of Brazil’s AKAER; ADX and Botswana Stock Exchange signed to connect via Tabadul. Tech & finance: US expanded UAE access to advanced AI chips after Abu Dhabi’s military support during the Iran conflict, according to reports.

UAE-Iran Tensions: The US expanded strikes deeper into northern Iran and fired at a ship it said tried to break its naval blockade, as Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks hitting Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait—raising fresh fears for the Strait of Hormuz and regional shipping. Dubai Mobility: The RTA launched a self-driving taxi service with Apollo Go in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with rides priced at 5 dirhams. Business Banking: Commercial Bank of Dubai rolled out UP by CBD, a mobile account for micro and small businesses with faster digital onboarding via the Dubai Unified License and instant business credit card access after licensing. UAE Fintech Regulation: Revolut received in-principle VARA approval for virtual asset services in Dubai, paving the way for regulated crypto broker-dealer, investment management and exchange offerings. Culture & Tourism: Abu Dhabi’s Dar Al Funoon (House of the Arts) was announced as a major new performing arts home opening in 2030 near Saadiyat. Safety & Weather: Abu Dhabi Police urged close supervision of children around swimming pools; meanwhile, the NCM forecast partly cloudy skies with possible rain in eastern and southern areas.

UAE-US AI chip access: The US Commerce Department says it has upgraded the UAE’s export status, easing licensing for advanced computing items and allowing faster access for firms including G42, with potential billions in economic upside. Dubai leadership tributes: Dubai marked Sheikh Mohammed’s 77th birthday with widespread public tributes, including a handcrafted figurine tribute by a local photographer. Markets & rail innovation: ADX held a world-first bell-ringing ceremony aboard a moving Etihad Rail train to celebrate new single-stock futures, expanding its derivatives lineup. Strait of Hormuz security: The UAE says two Emirati tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles, killing one Indian crew member and injuring eight; the UAE condemned the attack and warned it retains the right to respond. Crypto regulation: Revolut received in-principle VARA approval to offer regulated crypto services in the UAE, paving the way for buy/sell/hold features in the app. Aviation connectivity: Navi Mumbai International Airport began international operations with Air India Express flights to Abu Dhabi, giving Mumbai a second operational international gateway. Public safety: Abu Dhabi police warned against improper e-scooter use, urging riders to stick to permitted zones and safety rules. Humanitarian aid: Dubai Humanitarian sent its fourth Ebola relief airlift to Uganda, delivering 72.5 tonnes of supplies.