AGP Executive Report

UAE Sports: The UAE women’s Under-19 team booked a spot at the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup by beating Malaysia by one run in the Asia qualifier final in Kuala Lumpur, finishing unbeaten in five matches. UAE-Serbia Diplomacy: President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed arrived in Belgrade for talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who said Serbia’s EXPO 2027 plans were discussed and that the UAE will be among participants. UAE Business & Economy: e& reported H1 growth, with revenue up to AED38.1bn and net profit rising 2.4%, while CBRE said Abu Dhabi office occupancy is about 96% and Dubai rents rose 13% year-on-year. UAE Regional Links: UAE Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed condemned renewed Iranian missile attacks on Jordan and a drone strike on Egypt’s Damietta Port in phone calls. UAE in the News: ROX opened its first Abu Dhabi showroom and plans a major aftersales centre, and GT Lines launched the Khorfakkan Tanzania Express to connect the UAE with East Africa.

UAE-Iran energy ripple: A QatarEnergy-controlled LNG tanker (Al Areesh) exited the Strait of Hormuz overnight for Pakistan, the first QatarEnergy-controlled LNG departure since July 11, while an ADNOC Gas-controlled LNG vessel (Mraweh) reappeared inside the strait in ballast—underscoring how regional tensions keep reshaping Gulf shipping routes. UAE aviation ties: The UAE and Egypt signed a five-year framework to expand bilateral air traffic rights in phases, aiming to boost connectivity, tourism and investment. Local infrastructure: DEWA says its electricity transmission investments now top US$2.7bn, with major substations and transmission line work commissioned in H1 2026. Finance & business: Commercial Bank of Dubai launched CBD Invest, a digital wealth platform inside its mobile app for affluent clients, offering consolidated views and US equity/ETF trading. Travel disruption watch: Traffic is building on key Dubai roads, and more airlines are suspending or reducing Gulf services amid security concerns. Legal/tech: Australia moved to court against Telegram over alleged failure to remove terrorism content; Telegram is registered in the UAE.

AI + Regulation: The UAE Economic Integration Committee met to push AML/CFT legislative upgrades and market oversight, highlighting a new AI-powered regulatory ecosystem and a national statistics system to boost investor confidence. Payments + Tourism: Burj Khalifa’s online ticketing now accepts India’s UPI, letting visitors book via UPI-enabled apps before travel. Business + Tech: Robo.ai is partnering with Abu Dhabi’s Eleven International Holding to launch Alif Holding, an Abu Dhabi-based intelligent industrial group focused on government and critical infrastructure. Labour + Digital Services: MoHRE says it completed 16 million digital transactions in H1, pointing to faster, simpler customer journeys under the Zero Bureaucracy push. Markets: Nasdaq Dubai logged $13.8bn in new fixed income listings in H1 2026, with outstanding debt securities reaching $141bn. Security + Region: The UAE condemned Iran’s renewed missile attack on Jordan, calling it a violation of sovereignty and a threat to stability. Healthcare + Diabetes: DiabMart launched a UAE digital diabetes platform aimed at bridging the “89-day gap” between clinic visits with tools, products and lifestyle support.

Aviation Disruptions: Etihad cancelled Abu Dhabi–Kuwait flights EY653/EY654 and also scrapped Abu Dhabi–Dammam EY575/EY576 after Dammam airport’s temporary closure; Air Arabia cancelled multiple Sharjah routes including Kuwait, Bahrain and Abha, as regional security warnings keep travel planning tense. Sudan Humanitarian Alarm: Thousands sheltering in el-Obeid face renewed danger as RSF fighters advance, with UN agencies warning families have “no safe options” and displacement camps swelling again. UAE Credit Update: Etihad Credit Bureau expanded UAE credit reports to include BNPL account data from Tabby and Tamara from July 2026, aiming for a fuller view of consumer obligations and broader financial inclusion. Crypto Payments at Emirates: Emirates rolled out Crypto.com Pay for eligible UAE residents to book flights via emirates.com and the Emirates app. UAE Economy Watch: Moody’s said the UAE’s strong buffers and diversified economy should help it weather regional shocks despite a negative outlook for MENA sovereign credit conditions. Mobile Art in Abu Dhabi: Kenaz Art Studio is bringing a mobile, community-based art programme across remote UAE areas, using paint made from coffee grounds and spices.

UAE Justice Tech: Abu Dhabi Judicial Department unveiled the world’s first AI-powered judicial platform, with human review built in; rollout starts in September and expands over 18 months. US-UAE Defence AI: CENTCOM and the UAE will set up the first bilateral military AI task force, “Talon Synapse,” based in Abu Dhabi, aiming to speed up AI development for intelligence and security. Regional Diplomacy: Netanyahu met Trump at the White House for their first in-person talks since the Iran war began, as both sides focus on Iran and expanding the Abraham Accords. UAE Economy & Markets: Abu Dhabi stocks stayed subdued amid regional uncertainty; banking shares helped cushion moves, while Fertiglobe posted gains after strong Q2 results. Hospitality Pressure: CBRE says UAE hotel occupancy fell sharply in H1 2026, with Abu Dhabi holding up better than Dubai. Labour Enforcement: MoHRE fined 42 domestic worker recruitment offices for 135 violations, including late or missing fee refunds. Space Regulation: UAE Space Agency granted a 90-day grace period from 27 July for space-sector entities to regularise status. Crypto Payments: Emirates began accepting crypto payments via Crypto.com Pay for flight bookings.

UAE Weather: NCM says the lowest temperature across the country on Tuesday was 26.3°C at Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah. UAE Travel & Aviation: EASA extended its safety advisory for airlines operating over the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and parts of the Gulf of Oman until Aug 31, while the UK and US kept travel warnings in place as regional security remains unpredictable. Finance & Credit: Etihad Credit Bureau expanded UAE credit reports by adding Buy Now, Pay Later data from Tabby and Tamara, effective July 2026, to help lenders assess borrowers more fully. Tech & AI in Finance: Fikra Ventures partnered with Glimmer Technologies to commercialise enterprise AI for banks and fintechs across the Gulf, including a new Arabic, region-compliant deployment push. Real Estate: Alyakka Developers handed over Waha Living in Jumeirah Garden City, a freehold project now about 70% occupied. Regional Security: Bahrain and other Arab states, including the UAE, condemned an attempted drone attack on Saudi oil facilities.

Cybersecurity in Focus: A UAE-focused report says organisations faced an average of 2,197 cyber attacks per week in H1 2026, with double-digit year-on-year growth even after April’s peak. Payments Push: DIB has launched the Jaywan debit card for current and savings customers, positioning it as a homegrown step to boost payments sovereignty and resilience. Abu Dhabi Emergency Readiness: Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed received the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence USAR team after it retained Heavy classification in an INSARAG reclassification, underlining the UAE’s disaster-response capability. Food Security & Farming: ADAFSA’s newly formed board, chaired by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, reviewed Abu Dhabi’s agricultural transformation strategy and AI-enabled smart agriculture plans. Regional Shipping & Energy Pressure: Red Sea traffic slowed after Houthi attacks on Saudi oil installations, while Bab al-Mandeb saw the lowest commodity vessel crossings in months—raising crude cargo prices. Weather Watch: Eastern UAE saw rains and hail, with more unsettled conditions expected over the next few days. Aviation & Trade: Euroairlines appointed Aeroprime as its cargo GSA for India and passenger GSA for the UAE, aiming to expand connectivity and interline options.

Tour de France Glory: UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s Tadej Pogačar sealed a record-equaling fifth Tour de France title in Paris, finishing 6:26 ahead of Remco Evenepoel after a dominant final week. Regional Shipping Pressure: Red Sea traffic dipped after Houthi attacks on Saudi oil sites, while Strait of Hormuz transit stayed low—raising fresh concerns for energy and trade routes. Hormuz Diplomacy: The US paused strikes on Iran as Tehran signaled it would halt responses if Washington does, with Oman hosting new talks on the Hormuz chokepoint. UAE Logistics Push: Moody’s says DP World’s planned Fujairah terminals could reroute imports and re-exports to reduce disruption risk from Hormuz closures. UAE Weather Watch: The NCM forecasts 48°C heat with possible afternoon rain in eastern areas, plus fog or mist at times. UAE Global Spotlight: Wadi Wurayah in Fujairah was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, adding another major natural landmark for the UAE.

UAE Humanitarian Relief: Five UAE aid convoys entered Gaza with 76 trucks carrying 938 tonnes of food, shelter supplies and 20 water tanks under “Operation Chivalrous Knight 3,” coordinated through the UAE Humanitarian Aid Logistics Centre. Abu Dhabi Readiness Push: Abu Dhabi launched the National Readiness Forum for First Line Defenders and First Responders, with training and a National Mobile Training Center to boost emergency response skills across government, private and community institutions. Mental Health Upgrade: Emirates Health Services (EHS) rolled out BYANNLI, a long-acting schizophrenia treatment given once every six months, at Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital. Regional Solidarity: The UAE sent condolences to Syria after a deadly Damascus–Deir ez-Zor bus collision, wishing recovery for the injured. Finance & Payments: CBUAE Governor Khaled Balama met Indonesia’s ambassador to discuss stronger banking ties and faster cross-border digital payments. UAE-UK Ties: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed spoke by phone with UK PM Andy Burnham on boosting bilateral cooperation. Travel & Mobility: Air Arabia will add a third daily Sharjah–London Gatwick flight from Oct 25, 2026, using the A321LR. Sports (Abu Dhabi): UFC Abu Dhabi featured Jacoby vs Saidov, with Jacoby listed as the favorite ahead of the bout.

UFC in Abu Dhabi: Magomed Ankalaev returned to form with a dominant fifth-round TKO over Bogdan Guskov at Etihad Arena, putting him back in the title conversation after losing the belt last October. West Asia security: A Wall Street Journal report says Bahrain and Kuwait carried out strikes on Iranian drone and missile sites, with the UAE reportedly providing intelligence and air cover—while regional tensions keep rising. Travel disruptions: Etihad extended Abu Dhabi–Kuwait cancellations and flagged more Abu Dhabi–Bahrain disruptions; Emirates and flydubai also issued summer travel guidance as Gulf flight disruptions continue. Health & consumer safety: The UAE’s drug regulator says it has targeted 71 violators over unapproved peptide weight-loss products, including action against online promoters. UAE–Canada trade: UAE and Canada wrapped up CEPA talks, with officials highlighting faster, record-time progress and broader economic cooperation. Tour de France: Tadej Pogacar is set to seal a record-equalling fifth title as Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz won Stage 20 on Alpe d’Huez.

UAE Weather: Rain and humidity are set to linger across parts of the country after Saturday showers in Sharjah, with the NCM warning of possible afternoon rain in the east and low clouds, fog or mist into Monday. Eid Al Etihad: President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met the organising team for the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, praising their efforts and highlighting the event’s Zayed legacy. Jobs & Skills: The UAE Ministry of Higher Education says 87% of jobs in energy and industry will see higher demand, with 20% of roles emerging in areas like robotics and AI quality assurance. UAE-Canada Trade: Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi co-chaired a Toronto business roundtable to deepen UAE-Canada ties, building on $4.2bn non-oil trade in 2025. UNESCO Win: Wadi Wurayah in Fujairah has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking the UAE’s first natural heritage site recognition. Aviation Safety: EASA extended its Gulf aviation safety alert until August 31, warning airlines about risks from military activity. Fuel Watch: UAE fuel prices for August will be announced July 31, with motorists watching for any change after July’s drop. Sports (Abu Dhabi): UFC Abu Dhabi continues tonight, while UFC 333 is confirmed for Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Oct 24, 2026.

UAE Weather & Travel: NCM reported the lowest UAE temperature on Saturday was 21.4°C in Raknah, with cooler conditions expected to continue, while Etihad and Emirates cancelled or adjusted multiple regional routes amid operational reasons—passengers are urged to check flight status and update contacts. UAE-Region Security & Diplomacy: The US warned Americans across Middle East embassies that limited departure options could tighten as US-Iran tensions rise, as the UAE renewed condemnation of regional attacks and countries including the UAE and others condemned Israeli incursions at Al Aqsa. Trade & Supply Chains: With Strait of Hormuz disruption fears and new US forced-labour tariffs, companies are being pushed to rethink logistics, including DP World’s plan for an east-coast UAE port route to bypass the chokepoint. UAE Business & Tech: OGold crossed 1.5 million users for Shariah-compliant digital gold and silver, while ADS Management launched Aicountant.tech to help SMEs prepare for mandatory e-invoicing. Sports & Community: Dubai’s Team ORBIT made history as the first UAE team to win an FTC Premier Event, and UAE-based footballer Enock Sakala moved to Kyrgyz club FK Abdysh-Ata Kant.

UAE Travel & Consular Support: The UAE MoFA is urging Golden Visa holders to review summer consular services abroad, including a new emergency “Return Document” for when passports are lost or damaged, plus access to a 24/7 hotline. UAE Tourism Push: Dubai has launched “A Dubai Invite,” paying residents to bring visitors to the emirate, with benefits worth up to AED3,000 per package between July 20 and Oct 31. Healthcare Partnership: PureHealth signed an MoU with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to strengthen MS awareness, earlier diagnosis and care pathways across the UAE. Aviation Connectivity: Etihad Airways says it will resume Nigeria flights with daily Lagos services from March 2027 and a codeshare with Air Peace. Regional Security Watch: UN calls for safe evacuation of about 6,000 seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz as US-Iran tensions disrupt shipping. Global Trade Shock: The US rolled out forced-labour tariffs covering 60 economies, with UAE-linked firms named in new Iran-related sanctions.

Tour de France Update: Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz won Stage 18 in the Alps, while UAE Team Emirates-XRG leader Tadej Pogacar kept his overall lead; the Emirati squad also faced setbacks as Adam Yates struggled with an upset stomach and Brandon McNulty pulled out with illness. Red Sea Shipping & Oil: New reporting says Iran sent IRGC commanders and missile/drone components to Yemen’s Houthis, as Red Sea tensions keep pressuring crude routes and freight. UAE–Gaza Humanitarian Aid: The UAE launched urgent relief for flood-hit Ghana and also continued Gaza support, including large aid convoys. UAE–India Business Push: UAE eyes deeper investment ties with Gujarat in food security, energy, logistics and semiconductors, with Investopia dialogues boosting the agenda. Dubai Tourism Incentives: Dubai is offering residents up to £600 (more than 3,000 dirhams) to bring friends and family as the emirate tries to lift visitor numbers amid regional disruption. UAE Mobility & Travel: UAE passport power remains a headline, with rankings placing the UAE among the world’s top performers. U.S.–Saudi Nuclear Deal: Trump added a new condition: Saudi Arabia must normalize ties with Israel via the Abraham Accords for the civilian nuclear agreement to proceed.

US–Saudi Nuclear Deal: Trump says the US-Saudi civilian nuclear pact is “totally subject” to Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords and normalising ties with Israel, adding confusion after the deal was signed without clear details. UAE Health Rules: MoHRE issued a guide on worker health insurance, stressing employers must pay, coverage must stay valid for the whole work permit, and policies can’t be cancelled mid-permit. Summer Health Alert: Doctors warn UAE heat is driving more kidney stone cases as dehydration concentrates urine; they urge steady hydration and watching urine colour. Red Sea Security: The UAE 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. Trade & Ports: DP World and Fujairah Ports Authority signed deals to develop two multipurpose container terminals in Fujairah, boosting UAE handling capacity and supply-chain links. Tourism Push: Dubai is offering residents a way to invite friends and relatives with perks worth over $800 to revive visitor numbers amid regional disruption.

UAE–Saudi Ties: UAE and Saudi officials posted on social media to underline unity after months of tension, with media and diplomatic figures highlighting “fraternal” bonds. Regional Security & Shipping: With US-Iran strikes continuing and Strait of Hormuz risks rising, DP World confirmed plans to build new Fujairah terminals to bypass the strait, while reports say Saudi crude tankers turned back in the Red Sea after Houthi threats. Nuclear Diplomacy: The US signed a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia, raising fresh debate over enrichment and safeguards; the UAE’s 2009 “gold standard” approach is repeatedly cited in comparisons. UAE Business & Payments: KamelPay and Paymentology launched AbsoluteCard, a corporate card platform for UAE firms, aiming to boost spending controls and expense management. Tech & Governance: Mindware and Jamf partnered to strengthen Apple device management across the UAE and wider region. Weather: Abu Dhabi is set for settled summer conditions, with temperatures pushing into the mid-40s.