Abu Dhabi

Binance announced that its tokenized securities offering, bStocks, has surpassed $500 million in assets under management (AUM) just seven weeks after its June 11, 2026 launch. The product has expanded from five to over 46 listings, including major companies like Apple, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs. Data shows bStocks is attracting a crypto-native audience, with Gen Z accounting for 44% of trading activity and 41.5% of users making their first traditional finance investment through tokenized securities. Outside U.S. market hours, bStocks represent 58% of equity-linked trading volume on Binance, with $2 billion in weekend volume. The offering allows 24/7 trading and free instant conversion between tokenized and underlying stocks, integrated with Binance's broader ecosystem of spot, equities, and perpetual futures.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 01:00 PM UTC

Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that the 2026 season will conclude in Europe if the final two scheduled races in Qatar (Nov 27-29) and Abu Dhabi (Dec 4-6) cannot be held due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The sport had already cancelled April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with Bahrain's Grand Prix relocated to Malaysia in October. Domenicali stated that F1 will wait until mid-September to decide, citing 'Brexit-connected documentation' as a reason Europe is the only viable alternative. Imola is a potential replacement venue, though not confirmed. The calendar has been reduced to 23 races after losing the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Domenicali remains hopeful the original schedule can be maintained but acknowledged the risk of cold weather for late-season European races.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 11:00 AM UTC

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the United Arab Emirates announced Task Force Talon Synapse, the first bilateral military AI unit, based in Abu Dhabi. Comprising about 20 American and Emirati experts in AI, data, and cybersecurity, the task force will integrate AI into intelligence support, protect critical infrastructure, and monitor regional security. The initiative follows discussions between CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper and UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed al-Nahyan, deepening US-UAE defense technology cooperation amid broader Pentagon AI acceleration efforts.

8 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 29, 10:47 AM UTC

Corient, the Miami-based registered investment advisor owned by Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Investment Company, has acquired Seven Bridges Advisors, a New York-based multi-family office and wealth manager with $4.9 billion in assets under management. Founded in 2011 by Larry Cohen, Seven Bridges focuses on serving entrepreneurs, financial services executives, and ultra-high-net-worth families. The firm's six partners will become partners of Corient upon deal closure. Corient, founded in 2020 as the RIA arm of CI Financial (taken private by Mubadala in 2024), now has over 300 partners and 2,700 employees managing approximately $535 billion globally. This acquisition continues Corient's aggressive expansion strategy, following recent deals including the $10.7 billion Bedrock Group in Europe and Chicago-based Vivaldi Capital with $5.6 billion in AUM.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:00 PM UTC

Formula 1 has moved the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit due to security concerns from the Iran war, which forced cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The race, still branded as the Bahrain Grand Prix and funded by Bahrain, will take place October 2-4, marking F1’s return to Malaysia since 2017. The calendar remains at 23 races, but future rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are uncertain, with European tracks like Portimão and Imola as potential replacements.

10 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 26, 02:21 PM UTC

Magomed Ankalaev reinforced his status as a top UFC light heavyweight contender with a fifth-round TKO victory over Bogdan Guskov in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on July 25, 2026. The event, held at Etihad Arena and broadcast on Paramount+, featured six main card bouts and seven prelims. Notable performances included Ramazan Temirov's first-round KO of Steve Erceg and Valter Walker's calf slicer submission. The Fight of the Night bonus ($100,000 each) went to heavyweights Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune. Performance of the Night bonuses ($100,000 each) were awarded to Temirov and Walker. Five fighters received $25,000 finish bonuses. The article also discusses Ankalaev's potential next opponent, suggesting a title fight against champion Carlos Ulberg or an interim title bout against Jiri Prochazka or Paulo Costa.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 11:15 PM UTC

At UFC Abu Dhabi, heavyweight Valter Walker secured his fifth consecutive first-round submission victory, this time using a calf slicer instead of his signature heel hook. The win extends his streak of first-round leg lock finishes. After the fight, Walker called out referee Herb Dean, suggesting he should be more cautious in stopping fights. Walker also expressed interest in fighting top-ranked heavyweight Ciryl Gane and stated his intention to renegotiate his UFC contract, saying he is 'not stupid' to fight ranked heavyweights 'for peanuts.' He compared his leg lock prowess to Ronda Rousey's armbars and aims to use it to win UFC gold.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 04:01 PM UTC

A woman from Patha Gudur village in Jagtial district, Telangana, has appealed to the Chief Minister's Pravasi Prajavani program to urgently repatriate her son, K. Abhilash, from Abu Dhabi, UAE. Abhilash traveled to Abu Dhabi on a tourist visa on July 8, 2026, through a licensed Gulf recruiting agency. He was issued an employment visa on July 13. The next day, he received an email shortlisting him for the Physical Screening Test of the Indian Army's Agniveer Recruitment Rally. However, his employer refuses to release him unless a visa cancellation penalty of AED 4,100 (approx. ₹1.08 lakh) is paid. The mother submitted a representation at Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad. In response, CM Prajavani State Nodal Officer K. Vidyasagar has written to the Special Chief Secretary, GAD, requesting immediate intervention to facilitate Abhilash's urgent return to India so he can participate in the recruitment process.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:50 PM UTC

The article previews UFC Fight Night 282 (UFC Abu Dhabi), headlined by former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev vs. short-notice replacement Bogdan Guskov on July 25, 2026, at Etihad Arena. The main event was altered after Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew due to injury. Ankalaev seeks to rebound from a title loss to Alex Pereira, while Guskov aims to extend his five-fight unbeaten streak with a 100% finish rate, becoming the first Uzbekistani fighter to headline a UFC card. The co-main event features Ramazan Temirov vs. Steve Erceg, and a ranked heavyweight bout between Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune. The article provides a 'Hype Score' for all 13 fights, with the main event scoring 80/100 and the overall card rated 60/100 ('Solid'). Submission specialist Valter Walker's prelim bout is highlighted as a potential title eliminator.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 11:23 PM UTC

Coinbase has invested in a project to tokenize Mubadala, Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund. Infrastructure provider KAIO will build the necessary blockchain architecture to create a tokenized version of Mubadala's private-markets fund. This initiative represents a significant step in bringing traditional sovereign wealth assets onto blockchain platforms, potentially increasing liquidity and accessibility for investors. The partnership highlights the growing intersection between major cryptocurrency exchanges and state-owned investment vehicles in the Middle East.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 11:45 AM UTC

Binance announced updates to its VIP Program, effective July 21, 2026, lowering the VIP 3 Wallet Assets threshold from $3,000,000 to $1,000,000 to make VIP status more accessible. Additionally, OTC Spot Trading Volume will now count at a 4x multiplier toward Spot Trading Volume for VIP qualification, and the previous cap at VIP 4 for OTC-related qualification has been removed, allowing progression up to VIP 9. The changes build on a March 2026 refresh and aim to better recognize users active across both Spot and OTC trading. Users who qualify under the new criteria will be automatically upgraded daily at 08:00 UTC. No changes were made to VIP trading fees. The announcement was made by Catherine Chen, Head of VIP and Institutional at Binance.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:07 AM UTC

Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC has made a $6.2 billion final investment decision to develop the Umm Shaif Gas Cap offshore field, partnering with TotalEnergies, Eni, and CNPC. The project includes $5.1 billion in EPC contracts and a $365 million drilling program, targeting production of over 600 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas by 2030. This is part of ADNOC’s strategy to boost domestic gas supply and expand LNG exports, including a recent $900 million order for new LNG carriers.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:44 AM UTC

The article criticizes Republican lawmakers who have stoked anti-Muslim and anti-Sharia law sentiment for remaining silent on the proposed purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount, which is funded by sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar—nations that apply Sharia law. The merged company would be 49.5% owned by these three non-democratic states, raising concerns about CNN's independence. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has not investigated the deal, reportedly due to Trump administration support for the Ellison family's control. Democratic senators have called for scrutiny, while prominent anti-Sharia Republicans like Chip Roy, Keith Self, and Tommy Tuberville have made no public statements on the matter, highlighting their selective outrage.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:17 PM UTC

The article criticizes Republican lawmakers who have stoked anti-Muslim bigotry and campaigned against Sharia law, yet remain silent on the proposed purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount, funded by sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. These three non-democratic nations, whose legal systems incorporate Sharia law, would collectively own 49.5% of the merged company, including CNN. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has not investigated the deal, reportedly due to the Trump administration's desire for the Ellison family to control CNN. Democratic senators have raised concerns about national security and media independence. The article highlights the hypocrisy of figures like Reps. Chip Roy and Keith Self, and Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who have not commented on the foreign ownership despite their anti-Sharia rhetoric.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:17 PM UTC

Manchester City, the English Premier League club owned by Abu Dhabi and managed by Pep Guardiola since 2016, is undergoing major changes. Guardiola has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season, marking the end of a highly successful era with 20 trophies. Midfielder Rodri, recently crowned world champion with Spain, reportedly dreams of joining Real Madrid, though the Spanish club's interest is not mutual. Manchester City is also pursuing legal action against Enrique Riquelme for allegedly promising to recruit Erling Haaland to Real Madrid. The club, founded in 1894 and nicknamed the Cityzens or Skyblues, has eight English league titles and was a Champions League finalist in 2021. Guardiola's departure has prompted emotional farewells from players including Bernardo Silva, and the manager plans to take a break from coaching.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:37 AM UTC

A consortium backed by BlackRock and Abu Dhabi-based fund MGX announced on July 21, 2026, that it has committed an additional $5 billion in growth capital to Aligned Data Centers, following the closing of its $40 billion acquisition of the data center operator. The investor group agreed last year to buy Aligned from Macquarie Asset Management to secure computing capacity for AI. Founded in 2013 and based in Texas, Aligned builds and operates data centers for hyperscalers and cloud computing companies, with 51 campuses and over 6.4 gigawatts of operational and planned capacity globally. CEO Andrew Schaap will continue to lead the company. The group aims to deploy $30 billion of equity capital initially, with potential to reach $100 billion including debt. The acquisition reflects a wave of investment in digital infrastructure for AI tools like ChatGPT.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:41 AM UTC

A consortium backed by BlackRock and Abu Dhabi-based fund MGX announced on July 21, 2026, that it has committed an additional $5 billion in growth capital to Aligned Data Centers, following the closing of its $40 billion acquisition of the data center operator. The investor group agreed last year to buy Aligned from Australian asset manager Macquarie Asset Management to secure computing capacity for AI. Founded in 2013 and based in Texas, Aligned builds and operates data centers for hyperscalers and cloud computing companies, with 51 campuses and over 6.4 gigawatts of operational and planned capacity globally. CEO Andrew Schaap will continue to lead the company. The group aims to deploy $30 billion of equity capital initially, with potential to reach $100 billion including debt. The acquisition reflects a wave of investment in digital infrastructure for AI tools like ChatGPT.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:41 AM UTC

Binance announced further updates to its VIP Program, effective July 21, 2026. The changes lower the VIP 3 Wallet Assets threshold from $3,000,000 to $1,000,000, making VIP 3 benefits more accessible. Additionally, OTC Spot Trading Volume will now count at a 4x multiplier toward Spot Trading Volume for VIP qualification, and the previous cap of VIP 4 for OTC-related qualification has been removed, allowing users to progress up to VIP 9. The updates build on a March 2026 VIP Program refresh and aim to create a more flexible path for high-value users. No changes to VIP trading fees were made, and eligible users will be automatically upgraded daily. Catherine Chen, Head of VIP and Institutional at Binance, stated the changes better reflect user engagement across the platform.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:00 AM UTC

The Supreme Court of India on July 20, 2026, declined to intervene in a Delhi High Court decision that quashed tenders for outsourcing Consular, Passport, and Visa (CPV) services at Indian missions in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Singapore, and Canberra. The High Court had found the technical evaluation of bidders lacked transparency and was unfair. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant allowed the Ministry of External Affairs to temporarily continue engaging incumbent contractors or successful bidders from the earlier tender to avoid service disruption. The court directed that a fresh Request for Proposal (RFP) process be completed within three months, with the temporary arrangement subject to the final outcome. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued the tender was based on individual competence, while senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing a thwarted bidder, said lower bids were ignored. The court noted the High Court's observation that the bid assessment terms created an 'unworkable situation'.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:03 PM UTC

In an interview with The Hindu, Netherlands women's cricket coach Neil MacRae discusses the team's remarkable journey to qualify for the T20 World Cup in England, a first for the squad. The 54-year-old former Scotland international highlights the severe obstacles faced by the associate nation, including training in unheated indoor halls during zero-degree winters, limited funding, and scarce playing opportunities. MacRae praises his home-grown, Dutch-origin players for their passion and determination, which he says inspired him. He recounts the dramatic Global Qualifier in Abu Dhabi (2024) and the emotional victory over the USA in Nepal that secured their World Cup spot. MacRae, a professional coach for 17 years, also reflects on the realities of associate cricket and briefly mentions batting alongside Rahul Dravid in 2003.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 06:25 PM UTC

This article profiles Dani Afiouni, a Lebanese endurance athlete and former corporate executive who founded Longevity Wellness Hub in Dubai in 2019. Drawing on a decade of extreme endurance challenges—including marathons at the North Pole and on Everest—Afiouni built a data-driven wellness company focused on helping clients optimize their bodies and minds through recovery and stress management. The business has expanded from a single recovery studio to a longevity-focused hub with locations in Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah, with plans for Abu Dhabi and international growth from September. Afiouni credits Dubai's forward-looking environment and the COVID-19 pandemic as catalysts for the business's growth. He is also launching an impact initiative to help residents heal from conflict-related stress.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:07 AM UTC

Dani Afiouni, a Lebanese endurance athlete and former corporate executive, founded Longevity Wellness Hub in Dubai in 2019 after a decade of extreme sports including Arctic and Everest marathons. The data-driven wellness business, which began as a recovery studio for athletes, has expanded to Saudi Arabia (Riyadh and Jeddah) with Abu Dhabi planned next and international growth expected from September. Afiouni credits his extreme sports experiences for teaching him about recovery and stress management, which became the foundation of his business. He is also launching an impact initiative to help residents heal from conflict-related stress. The article is part of City AM's series on entrepreneurs who succeeded in the UAE.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:07 AM UTC

Dani Afiouni, a Lebanese endurance athlete and former corporate executive, founded Longevity Wellness Hub in Dubai in 2019 after a decade of extreme sports including Arctic marathons and Everest climbs. The data-driven wellness business, born from his experiences in recovery and stress training, has expanded from a recovery studio to a longevity-focused hub with locations in Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah, with Abu Dhabi and international expansion planned. Afiouni also launched an impact initiative to help residents heal from conflict-related stress. He credits Dubai's forward-looking environment and the Covid pandemic as catalysts for the business's growth, describing it as a passion project that keeps on giving.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:07 AM UTC

A Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton named Gus sold for US$50.1 million at a Sotheby's auction on July 14, 2026, setting a new record for the highest price ever paid for a dinosaur fossil. The previous record was US$44.6 million for a stegosaurus named Apex in 2022. Gus, discovered on a cattle ranch in Harding County, South Dakota, is described as one of the largest and most complete T-Rex skeletons ever found, being 61% complete by bone count and up to 80% complete by bone mass. The buyer was not immediately identified. The sale highlights growing investor interest in dinosaur fossils as collectibles, but also draws criticism from scientists who argue private ownership makes specimens inaccessible for research. The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology opposed the sale.

1 reports · 1 sources

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE on May 15, 2026, India and the United Arab Emirates formalized a strategic defence partnership and significant energy deals. The agreements include expanding crude oil storage capacity to 30 million barrels, securing LPG supplies, and enhancing cooperation in maritime security and cyber defence. Amidst regional instability from the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruptions, the UAE also committed $5 billion in investments to strengthen bilateral economic ties and ensure India’s energy security against global market volatility.

15 reports · 11 sources · Updated May 16, 01:30 PM UTC

Abu Dhabi, through its sovereign wealth fund subsidiary Mubadala Energy, has committed to financing the construction of a new $13 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Louisiana, United States. The project, developed by American energy group Caturus under the name Commonwealth LNG, secured $9.75 billion in project financing. This investment highlights the strategic shift toward American fossil fuels as global buyers seek supply security following disruptions in the Middle East, specifically the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to conflict with Iran. While Mubadala Energy describes the move as a long-term investment in a dynamic market, analysts note that the US is currently the only major producer capable of delivering significant LNG growth at scale, given constraints on Russian, Australian, and Qatari supplies. The facility aims to produce 9.5 million tons annually. This deal aligns with the Trump administration's push for American energy dominance, marking the first export license granted under his second term. The US LNG export capacity is projected to reach 241 million tons by 2035, reinforcing the country's position as a critical global energy supplier.

1 reports · 1 sources

French heavyweight fighter Ciryl Gane has stated he will not alter his fighting style despite controversy surrounding accidental eye pokes during his recent title bout against Tom Aspinall in Abu Dhabi. Gane addressed the incident publicly for the first time, dismissing accusations that the fouls were intentional or indicative of dirty fighting. He explained that the eye contact occurred when he attempted to push Aspinall’s face away after landing a middle kick, describing it as an unfortunate but common occurrence in Mixed Martial Arts. Gane criticized Aspinall for exaggerating the severity of the injuries, noting that observers cannot truly judge the situation from outside the cage. Despite criticism from various figures in the combat sports community, Gane remains steadfast in his approach. Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall has expressed interest in a rematch, aiming to face the interim title holder upon his return from injury. The article also mentions Gane's upcoming scheduled fight against Alex Pereira, highlighting that the eye-poke drama continues to overshadow his career narrative despite his refusal to adapt his technique.

1 reports · 1 sources

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a rare, extensive interview to US broadcaster CBS's 60 Minutes, filmed at a private residence in Jerusalem. The interview's significance was amplified by a subsequent statement from Netanyahu's office claiming he secretly visited the UAE in March to meet President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, describing it as a historic breakthrough. However, the UAE Foreign Ministry issued a sharp public rebuttal, labeling the claims unfounded and emphasizing that relations are conducted transparently under the Abraham Accords. Despite the denial, Israeli officials, including former spokesman Ziv Agmon, doubled down on the account, detailing the welcome Netanyahu received. The incident highlights the complex and often opaque diplomatic dynamics between Israel, the UAE, and the US amidst ongoing regional conflicts. The article also notes US Ambassador Mike Huckabee's confirmation that Israel provided Iron Dome defenses to the UAE during recent tensions, underscoring the strategic depth of their security cooperation despite the public diplomatic spat over the nature of their high-level engagements.

1 reports · 1 sources

Trasteel Holding S.A., a global steel trading and industrial group, has announced the establishment of QTrasteel, a new joint venture with UAE-based Al Qalaa International Group. The partnership, structured with equal 50-50 ownership, aims to accelerate growth and market access in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. QTrasteel will focus on steel trading, project development, industrial services, and advisory activities, leveraging Trasteel’s global network and Al Qalaa’s regional institutional relationships. The venture will operate under a four-member Board of Directors with equal representation and a Joint Management Committee for strategic oversight. This move aligns with Trasteel’s broader strategy to expand in high-growth markets and follows its recent announcement of a planned public listing through a business combination with Sizzle Acquisition Corp. II. The joint venture is designed to serve as a local operating platform within the Gulf Cooperation Council, facilitating risk-mitigated trading opportunities and efficient project execution for both parent companies.

1 reports · 1 sources

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, affirming India's readiness to support efforts for restoring peace and stability in West Asia. During the discussions, PM Modi strongly condemned recent drone attacks on the UAE, which injured three Indian nationals at the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone. He praised the UAE President for his restraint and wisdom amid escalating regional tensions. The leaders emphasized the critical importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and safe, highlighting its role in global energy and food security. This comes after Iran closed the strategic waterway following US-Israeli attacks, causing uncertainty in global petroleum markets. PM Modi reiterated that respecting international law is essential for maintaining uninterrupted movement through the strait. He also expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for their care of the Indian community during these challenging times. The meeting underscored the strong bilateral ties between India and the UAE, with Modi stating that India stands shoulder to shoulder with its partner. The dialogue addressed both immediate security concerns and broader regional stability issues amidst intensifying conflict.

1 reports · 1 sources