AGP Executive Report

UAE Weather: NCM reported the lowest temperature across the country on Tuesday was 26.3°C at Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah. Regional Security: Bahrain and other Arab states, including the UAE, condemned an attempted drone attack on Saudi oil facilities, calling it a serious breach of international law; aviation advisories remain in place for parts of the Gulf. UAE Business & Finance: Etihad Credit Bureau expanded credit reports by adding Buy Now, Pay Later data from Tabby and Tamara, aiming to improve lending decisions as BNPL use grows. AI & Payments: Abu Dhabi’s G42 joined Nvidia’s Open Secure AI Alliance, backing open-weight/open-source AI with a focus on security and sovereign control. UAE Investment Outlook: UAE sovereign funds and firms are set to deepen India investments, with AI, logistics, food security and infrastructure highlighted as key areas. Travel Disruption: A Dubai-to-Mumbai IndiGo flight made an emergency landing in Rajkot after a smoke alert in the cargo hold; all passengers were safe.

UAE Humanitarian Readiness: President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed received Abu Dhabi Civil Defence’s UAE Urban Search and Rescue team after it retained UN INSARAG Heavy classification, underlining the UAE’s disaster-response credentials. Dubai Mobility & Logistics: RTA expanded its e-bike delivery service to seven more areas, adding Al Twar, Al Qusais, Dubai Media City, JLT and Dubai Marina to the existing coverage. Payments & Sovereignty: Dubai Islamic Bank launched the Jaywan debit card for localised card transactions, supporting the UAE’s push for resilient, homegrown payments infrastructure. Labour Oversight: MoHRE fined 42 domestic worker recruitment offices in the first half of 2026, citing failures to refund recruitment fees on time. Community Giving: IACAD’s AlFreej Mosques initiative topped AED 3 million in Q2 contributions, funding mosque carpets and operational needs. Weather Watch: Eastern UAE saw rain and hail, with more unsettled conditions expected over the coming days. Global Context: Saab announced a ~$1bn order for two GlobalEye spy planes for an undisclosed Middle East customer, with deliveries set for 2030.

UFC Abu Dhabi buzz: Carlos Ulberg says the light heavyweight title picture needs a four-man tournament to pick the next challenger, while Magomed Ankalaev insists he’ll fight Paulo Costa only if the Brazilian brings the fight. Local sports & culture: Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has debuted the DC-themed “Kryptonite Collider” ride, and Sharjah’s SCCI showcased its National Food Factory project at the Al Dhaid Date Festival. Dubai upgrades: The RTA has started upgrading lighting on 30 pedestrian bridges with motion-sensor tech, and Dubai Police issued summer parking and traffic-delay reminders. UAE in the world: The UAE is tied for second in the Henley Passport Index, and Wadi Wurayah in Fujairah has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Regional pressure: Red Sea shipping and Bab el-Mandeb traffic have dropped after Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure, keeping Hormuz transit low.

UAE-UK Ties: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed spoke by phone with UK PM Andy Burnham, discussing ways to deepen bilateral cooperation. Dubai Animal Welfare: Dubai Municipality opened an integrated pet shelter in Warsan, with care standards and new clinic MoUs to boost adoption and responsible pet ownership. Abu Dhabi Finance Links: CBUAE Governor Khaled Balama met Indonesia’s ambassador to explore cross-border payments, digital finance innovation and stronger banking ties. Humanitarian Support: UAE expressed condolences to Syria after a deadly Damascus–Deir ez-Zor bus crash, and sent five Gaza aid convoys carrying 938 tonnes of food, shelter and water. Business & Startups: Khalifa Fund backed Emirati SMEs at Al Ain Dates Festival, while KFED and Hub71 hosted MZN Hub71 Demo Day for 17 founders. Energy & Infrastructure: DEWA International met EDF, TotalEnergies and Engie in Paris to explore renewables, green hydrogen and advanced desalination. Travel & Aviation: Air Arabia will add a third daily Sharjah–London Gatwick flight from Oct 25. Regional Security: US pauses Iran strikes as Iran signals it will halt attacks if the US maintains the pause.

Gulf Security Shake-Up: Bahrain and Kuwait reportedly struck Iranian drone and missile sites earlier this month, with the UAE providing intelligence and air cover—signalling a bigger regional willingness to confront Tehran. Regional Tensions: Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities are raising fears of wider conflict as the US weighs whether to escalate while Gulf allies stay exposed. Dubai Premium Education: Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City, opens next month with fees from Dh93,000 to Dh136,604 for nursery to Year 8, aiming to bring a UK state-school model to the UAE. Travel Disruption: Etihad has extended Abu Dhabi–Kuwait cancellations and flagged more Bahrain–Abu Dhabi cancellations; Emirates and flydubai advise passengers to check updates amid summer demand. UAE Labour Rights: A legal explainer clarifies salary during annual leave versus basic-salary-only encashment of unused leave on termination. Sanctions Watch: US Treasury sanctioned firms and individuals tied to Babak Zanjani’s “Dot One” network, alleging help evading Iran sanctions via a global web that includes UAE-linked entities. Gold in Dubai: Dubai gold prices held steady on July 26, with safe-haven demand supporting bullion despite higher US yields. UFC Abu Dhabi: Magomed Ankalaev returned to form with a fifth-round TKO over Bogdan Guskov, while Steve Erceg’s title hopes took a hit after a brutal KO loss to Ramazan Temirov. UAE-Canada Trade: Canada and the UAE concluded CEPA talks, aiming to cut tariffs and boost non-oil trade, with sectors including aerospace and clean technology.

UNESCO Win for Fujairah: Wadi Wurayah National Park has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, marking the UAE’s first natural heritage site and a major milestone for Fujairah’s conservation push. Eid Al Etihad Prep: President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed met the organising team for the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, praising their efforts and highlighting the celebrations’ Zayed legacy. Skills for Energy Jobs: The Ministry of Higher Education says industry and energy roles are shifting fast—87% of jobs will see higher demand for new skills, with 20% becoming entirely new roles, including AI and robotics-focused work. Dubai Tourism Incentive: Dubai is paying residents rewards worth over Dh3,000 in deals (not cash) for inviting visitors between July 20 and Oct 31, with eligibility rules for Emirates ID holders. Weather Watch: Sharjah saw rainfall in areas like Suhailah and Al Dhaid, with temperatures set to drop and low clouds/fog possible as conditions turn cooler. UAE Court Update: The UAE’s top court overturned a death sentence in a scissors murder case, ordering a fresh review after concerns over how key defence points were handled. UFC Abu Dhabi Buzz: UFC returns to Etihad Arena with Magomed Ankalaev vs Bogdan Guskov as the headline, plus major local interest around the event.

UAE-Weather Watch: NCM says Saturday’s lowest UAE temperature hit 21.4°C in Raknah, with generally fair skies and easing daytime highs. Travel Disruptions: Etihad cancelled Abu Dhabi–Bahrain flights (July 23-25) and extended Abu Dhabi–Kuwait cancellations (until July 26); Emirates also extended some Dubai regional cancellations—passengers are urged to check flight status. Gold Update: Dubai gold rose on Saturday as safe-haven demand and geopolitical uncertainty supported bullion, though a stronger US dollar capped gains. UFC Abu Dhabi: Fight Night 282 lands at Etihad Arena with Magomed Ankalaev vs Bogdan Guskov headlining, plus Steve Erceg vs Ramazan Temirov and other bouts. Health & Fitness Trend: UAE experts say GLP-1 drugs are reshaping gym plans—more focus on strength training, protein and muscle preservation. Robotics Win: Dubai’s Team ORBIT made history as the first UAE team to win an international FIRST Tech Challenge Premier Event; Team UFORCE also earned global recognition with a top Inspire Award finish. Local Life: Abu Dhabi Police warned motorists not to leave cars running unattended; EHS now lets parents get newborn birth certificates instantly online. Trade Deal: UAE finalised a CEPA with Canada to cut trade barriers and boost investment in areas like energy, AI and ports.

Tourism Push: Dubai has launched “A Dubai Invite,” paying UAE residents rewards worth over 3,000 dirhams to bring friends and family to visit on tourist visas, with benefits redeemable until end-2026 as visitor numbers slump amid regional tensions. Capital Markets: RAprime secured a UAE Capital Market Authority Category 5 licence for its Dubai office, allowing financial marketing, consultation and client introductions while execution stays with its existing licensed entity. Travel Safety: UAE MoFA urged Golden Visa holders to use an emergency Return Document if passports are lost or damaged abroad, plus a 24/7 hotline for consular help. Consular Cooperation: The UAE and Jordan signed an MoU to set up a Joint Consular Committee to improve services and coordination. Public Safety: Abu Dhabi Police warned drivers not to leave cars running unattended at places like malls, fuel stations and ATMs. Markets: UAE stocks edged lower as Middle East conflict fears weighed on sentiment. Humanitarian Aid: The UAE launched urgent relief for victims of Ghana’s June 29 floods, delivering food and shelter materials. UFC Abu Dhabi: Ankalaev vs Guskov headlines Saturday’s card at Etihad Arena, with betting markets already active.

Tourism Push: Dubai is paying residents about £600 (over 3,000 UAE dirhams) to invite friends and family under the “A Dubai Invites” scheme, with hotel, dining and attraction perks; the programme runs for visitors arriving by Oct 31 and saw huge early demand. Golden Visa Support: The UAE foreign ministry says Golden Visa holders abroad can access 24/7 consular help, including emergency assistance, return documents, and repatriation and burial arrangements. Family Visa Rules: Dubai’s GDRFA sponsorship requirements clarify salary floors: Dh4,000 for first-degree relatives, Dh8,000 for extended family, and Dh15,000 for sponsoring friends. Humanitarian Aid: The UAE launched urgent relief for flood-hit Ghana, sending food and shelter materials after dozens died and tens of thousands were displaced. Jobs for Emiratis: The UAE’s Federal Youth Authority unveiled “Ghatareef,” an 11-month skills programme for high school graduates with placements, certificates and monthly allowances. Public Sector AI: Abu Dhabi’s DGE launched an AI-powered policy training for senior leaders to improve policy design and implementation. Energy & Markets: Oil jumped above $100 as Red Sea shipping risks returned after attacks on Saudi tankers, raising pressure on regional supply routes.

UAE–Red Sea Security: The UAE strongly condemned a Houthi attack on a Saudi-flagged vessel in the Red Sea, calling it a grave threat to navigation and reaffirming solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Shipping Disruption: More oil tankers reportedly diverted after Houthi warnings, as US-Iran tensions spill into key maritime routes and oil prices jump. Tourism Push: Dubai launched “A Dubai Invite,” offering residents rewards worth over AED 3,000 (about $800) to bring friends and family between July 20 and Oct. 31. National Data Overhaul: Sheikh Mohammed approved a statistics modernization programme, updating GDP measurement with 2024 as the new base year and integrating tax and administrative data. Youth & Community: Abu Dhabi rolled out the “Where Life Pulses” initiative to help children and youth turn ideas into real business projects during Abu Dhabi Summer Sports. Business & Travel Links: Kenya and Dubai launched a Kenya Business Council to boost trade and investment, while Etihad and Air Peace signed an interline agreement connecting 20 destinations across Nigeria and West/Central Africa. Finance Results: FAB reported H1 2026 net profit of AED 10.73bn, and ADCB posted H1 net profit of Dh6.737bn (+34%). Tech & Regulation: FANR launched the UAE’s first National Environmental Radiation Measurements Portal for real-time radiation monitoring. Sports & Culture: Abu Dhabi announced the Ghatareef readiness programme for Emirati youth, and Sphere Abu Dhabi named AtkinsRéalis and ALEC to lead delivery ahead of its 2029 opening.

UAE–Saudi Rapprochement: UAE and Saudi officials used social media to underline deep-rooted ties and shared history, with media leaders stressing unity after months of regional strain. U.S.–Saudi Nuclear Deal: The US and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation pact that could pave the way for uranium enrichment, sparking fresh concern in the region and in Washington over proliferation risks. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: As US-Iran tensions intensify, the US says it is carrying out further strikes tied to protecting shipping, while DP World confirms plans for new Fujairah terminals to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. UAE Weather: The National Centre of Meteorology forecasts settled summer conditions with temperatures expected to soar, with highs reaching around 46°C today. India–UAE Consular Moves: India and the UAE agreed to deepen cooperation on consular matters, including mobility and legal assistance, as new passport/visa processing centres in the UAE ease earlier delays. Digital Dubai Push: DMCC launched a cyber security hub and Digital Dubai signed a deal with Emirates Group to expand shared digital platforms and data services.

Abu Dhabi Festival: The 2026 Abu Dhabi Festival (Oct 10–Dec 19) unveiled major additions including Hans Zimmer at Etihad Arena on Nov 13, plus the UAE National Orchestra opening the season on Oct 10 and soprano Sondra Radvanovsky on Oct 17. Energy & Industry: ADNOC approved a $6.2bn final investment decision for the Umm Shaif Gas Cap project in Abu Dhabi, with partners TotalEnergies, Eni and CNPC, and EPC packages worth $5.1bn. Regional Security: The UAE condemned renewed Iranian missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, calling them a violation of sovereignty. Payments Upgrade: Al Etihad Payments and Mastercard announced the first “Jaywan–Mastercard” co-badged credit card in the UAE, aiming to boost global acceptance and local processing. Trade & Logistics: DP World plans to expand Fujairah’s container capacity with two multipurpose ports under a 50-year concession, strengthening the UAE’s gateway network. Dubai Living: Dubai launched “A Dubai Invite” to reward residents for bringing family and friends, with benefits verified via GDRFA-Dubai. Property Watch: Abu Dhabi home prices rose in H1 2026 despite Iran-war uncertainty, with strong gains in Yas and Al Reem. Sports (UFC Abu Dhabi): Magomed Ankalaev returns in Abu Dhabi this weekend, targeting a heavyweight trilogy fight with Alex Pereira after a late replacement opponent change.

UAE–Saudi Security: The UAE condemned Houthi statements targeting Saudi Arabia, stressing freedom of navigation and calling for UN resolutions to be upheld, while reaffirming full solidarity with Riyadh. U.S.–Iran Escalation: The U.S. carried out its 11th night of strikes on Iran as diplomacy faltered; Iranian state TV reported air defences activated around Tehran. Nuclear Diplomacy Shock: Reuters reports the Trump administration plans a U.S.–Saudi “123 Agreement” to share nuclear power tech without “gold standard” safeguards, and separately that Trump approved a deal that could enable Saudi uranium enrichment. Energy Investment: ADNOC is set to invest $6.2bn in the Umm Shaif gas cap project, aiming to unlock major gas volumes and boost the UAE’s evolving energy mix. UAE Tech at Airports: Dubai Airport trials AI border checks that can clear passengers in about 3.4 seconds, using biometric “Smart Corridor” style processing. UFC Abu Dhabi: Guskov steps in on short notice for Ankalaev, with the event at Etihad Arena drawing major local attention. Weather: UAE temperatures may reach 49°C inland with dusty winds in exposed areas.

Middle East Security: The UAE strongly condemned renewed Iranian missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, warning they violate sovereignty and threaten regional stability. Aviation Disruptions: Air France suspended flights to Riyadh and Dubai until July 28, with Beirut service halted until Aug 2, as airlines reassess routes amid the Iran-linked escalation. UAE-Iran Tensions at Sea/Air: UKMTO reported a projectile hit a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz east of Fujairah, damaging steering gear; separate reports also flagged ongoing regional alerts. Payments Upgrade: Al Etihad Payments and Mastercard announced the first Jaywan–Mastercard co-badged credit card and a new UAE operations centre to process domestic and international flows. UAE Tax Relief for Homebuilders: The FTA said VAT refund approvals for UAE nationals building new residences rose to about 4,000 applications worth AED353.5m in H1 2026. Abu Dhabi Tech for Water Safety: Abu Dhabi Mobility activated a Waterway Monitoring and Control Centre to boost maritime safety with smart monitoring and coordination. Business/Investment: Arada appointed Gensler, Arup and Planit for Thameside West’s first phase in London, a 1,500-home project worth $3.27bn. Connectivity: flydubai launched daily non-stop flights to Aleppo, adding a second Syrian destination alongside Damascus.

UAE National Payments: Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed inaugurated “Jaywan,” the UAE’s first national card scheme, with banks and licensed financial institutions starting nationwide issuance for domestic payments. E-invoicing Push: Tax Star was approved as an e-invoicing provider as UAE deadlines near for staged rollout, with penalties for late compliance. Healthcare Talent: Dubai Health announced the third cohort of Emirati scholars securing residency and fellowship training in the US and Canada. Aviation & Travel Disruption: As US-Iran tensions flare, flights to and from the region face cancellations and delays, including UAE route impacts. Maritime Risk: UKMTO reported projectile strikes on vessels near the UAE and Oman, underscoring shipping hazards around the Strait of Hormuz. Business & Markets: Sanad posted record H1 revenue of Dh4.31bn, while Dubai gold prices stayed steady despite geopolitical risks. Weather & Safety: Temperatures are dropping with dusty winds strengthening, and UAE parents were reminded that drowning can be silent—constant supervision matters.

UAE Foreign Policy: The UAE condemned renewed Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, calling them a flagrant violation of sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. Regional Diplomacy: Mediators have proposed a 10-day ceasefire between Iran and the US to revive an interim deal, as tensions keep rattling Gulf shipping and energy markets. BRICS Cooperation: The UAE joined the Third BRICS Transport Ministers’ Meeting in Nagpur, backing work on sustainable transport, decarbonisation, smart mobility and SAF, with a joint declaration roadmap. Payments & Finance: The UAE rolled out Jaywan, the national payment card scheme, and FAB launched the Jaywan Debit Card for domestic use. Digital Government: The World Economic Forum recognised UAE PASS as a global GovTech model for integrated digital government infrastructure. Business & Investment: Khalifa Fund expanded its financing ecosystem with seven integrated programmes to support enterprise growth; Invest bank won Fitch’s first long-term issuer rating of BBB+ (stable). Humanitarian Aid: The UAE sent 70 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Venezuela and also delivered major relief shipments to Gaza. Economy & Industry: Sanad reported Dh4.31bn revenue in H1 2026 (+35%); Dubai Chamber launched a Kenyan Business Council to boost trade links. Travel & Mobility: Saudi introduced a new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, while UAE flight disruptions continue amid the US-Iran escalation.