China companies expand in the Middle East
Apollo Go operates driverless fleet at World Governments Summit
During the 2026 World Governments Summit, held in Dubai from February 3–5, Baidu’s Apollo Go operated as the event’s only designated fully autonomous ride-hailing fleet, transporting officials and guests.
The deployment marked a milestone for Chinese autonomous driving technology overseas and built on prior cooperation between Baidu and authorities in the UAE.
DataCanvas partners Sharjah on AI infrastructure
DataCanvas has signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Sharjah with the Sharjah Communication and Technology Authority and AI Caravan, accelerating its expansion into the Middle East.
The partnership centers on artificial intelligence and intelligent computing infrastructure, aligning with Sharjah’s digital transformation agenda. Local authorities said the collaboration will support the emirate’s transition to a knowledge-based economy, attract global AI investment and talent, and serve as a demonstration project for China-Arab digital economy cooperation under the Belt and Road framework.
Bio-Thera licenses BAT3306 to Avalon Pharma for MENA markets
On February 3, Bio-Thera Solutions signed a licensing and commercialization agreement with Saudi Arabia-based Avalon Pharma, granting it exclusive rights to commercialize BAT3306, a pembrolizumab injection, in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East and North Africa.
The total deal value could reach up to USD 7 million. Bio-Thera said the partnership will advance overseas commercialization of its therapies, accelerate monetization of its R&D pipeline, and strengthen its global expansion efforts.
Economic and policy developments
Aldar and Mubadala complete retail joint venture
Abu Dhabi-based developer Aldar has completed a joint venture with Mubadala Investment Company to establish a retail platform valued at approximately AED 10 billion (USD 2.7 billion), Arabian Business reported. The platform combines Yas Mall, owned by Aldar, and The Galleria Luxury Collection, owned by Mubadala.
Aldar will manage the platform, which is intended to enhance asset value through scale and integrated operations, and to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s high-end retail and lifestyle offerings.
Dubai releases 2030 roadmap
Dubai’s municipal government released a roadmap during the World Governments Summit, according to Gulf News, outlining plans to integrate natural elements more deeply into urban infrastructure through 2030.
The roadmap covers parks, beaches, waterfronts, afforestation, biodiversity protection, and circular systems, with total investment exceeding AED 4 billion (USD 1.1 billion). Authorities said the initiative is designed to improve livability, public health, and climate resilience, supporting Dubai’s long-term urban development objectives.
UAE non-oil PMI reaches 11-month high
The UAE’s non-oil purchasing managers’ index rose to 54.9 in January from 54.2 in December, reaching an 11-month high, Arab News reported.
New orders expanded at the fastest pace in nearly 22 months, driven primarily by domestic demand and new product and service launches. Companies increased output and purchasing activity, and inventories rose accordingly. However, intensifying competition constrained selling price increases, while input cost inflation climbed to an 18-month high, prompting some firms to absorb higher costs to remain competitive.
ADNOC plans RMB-denominated bond issuance
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is planning its first RMB-denominated bond issuance, potentially raising up to RMB 14 billion (USD 2.0 billion), according to AGBI.
The dim sum bond is expected to be issued in Hong Kong, with five-, ten-, and 30-year tranches, and could enter the market as early as this month. The move is viewed as a step toward deepening trade and financial ties between the UAE and China.
Dubai pilots Glydways autonomous transit network
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has signed an agreement with California-based Glydways to develop an autonomous transit network aimed at reducing traffic congestion, AGBI reported.
Glydways’ autonomous electric vehicles operate on dedicated lanes and carry four to six passengers at speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour.
The Roads and Transport Authority said the system can transport more than 20,000 passengers per hour and offers lower construction and operating costs than traditional transit systems. The project will follow a public-private partnership model and could begin operations by the end of 2026.
Saudi housing ministry offers more than 21,000 investment opportunities
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipal and Housing Affairs offered more than 21,000 investment opportunities to the private sector in 2025 through its municipal investment platform, Furas, with contracts totaling more than SAR 12.6 billion (USD 3.4 billion), Arab News reported.
The opportunities span municipal asset development and public service facilities. Officials said Furas standardizes processes, enhances transparency, and improves efficiency in managing municipal assets, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi non-oil private sector growth moderates as costs rise
Rising costs slowed growth in Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector at the start of 2026, AGBI reported. Riyad Bank’s PMI fell to 56.3 in January from 57.4 in December, marking a six-month low, though it remains in expansion territory.
The report cited accelerating increases in raw material, procurement, and labor costs, placing sustained pressure on businesses. Survey data indicated that the non-oil economy remains supported by stable demand, improved supply conditions, and cautious business sentiment.
Micropolis secures additional robot orders after Saudi pilot
Micropolis Robotics completed a pilot deployment of security robots at an Aramco refinery and the Riyadh National Power Plant in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior, according to Investing.com. The pilot validated the autonomous operation of its unmanned ground vehicles in high-security environments.
Following the pilot, the company received a letter of intent from QSS Robotics for an additional 270 robots, increasing its potential total order volume to 770 units. The Ministry of Interior is evaluating broader nationwide deployment, with the technology positioned to support Saudi Vision 2030.
CrowdStrike and Saudi Aramco advance cybersecurity cooperation
Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike has signed a MoU with Saudi Aramco to expand cybersecurity capabilities in Saudi Arabia, Investing.com reported.
The collaboration will focus on long-term cybersecurity investment, protection of critical infrastructure, and the acceleration of AI-related initiatives. The parties are also exploring the establishment of a regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia and the deployment of local cloud capabilities, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to enhance national cybersecurity and support AI-driven economic development.
Saudia in talks with Boeing and Airbus on aircraft order
Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia is in preliminary talks with Boeing and Airbus regarding a potential purchase of at least 150 narrowbody and widebody aircraft, according to Bloomberg.
If finalized, the deal would represent the airline’s largest aircraft order to date. The procurement is intended to partially renew its fleet and expand overall capacity, supporting Saudi Arabia’s strategy to develop a global aviation and tourism hub. In recent years, Saudia has placed multiple large aircraft orders and implemented management restructuring, service upgrades, and technology enhancements as part of its transformation plan.
QIA renews commitment to fund-of-funds program
Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and minister of foreign affairs of Qatar, said Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) plans to expand its fund-of-funds program by USD 2 billion to further support startups and venture capital, according to AGBI.
He added that Qatar will combine capital with technological capabilities, including dedicated computing resources for local startups. Data cited indicate that startup incentives in Qatar increased eightfold over the past year, with the number of registered startups doubling and applications exceeding 6,000.
QIA becomes founding investor in Hongkong Land’s Singapore fund
QIA has announced it is joining Hongkong Land’s first private real estate fund, the Singapore Core Private Real Estate Fund, as a founding investor.
Launched with assets under management of SGD 8.2 billion (USD 6.3 billion), the fund focuses on prime office-led commercial properties in Singapore’s central business district. Qatar Investment Authority said the investment reflects its long-term confidence in Singapore’s position as a global business hub.
Invest Qatar partners Doha Bank to support foreign investors
Invest Qatar signed a cooperation agreement with Doha Bank during Web Summit Qatar 2026 to improve market access for foreign investors and strengthen Qatar’s position as a global investment destination, Gulf Times reported.
Under the agreement, both parties will provide “one-stop services” for foreign enterprises, including business matching, knowledge sharing, and corporate referrals.
WareOne launches logistics marketplace platform
Qatari startup WareOne has launched a digital logistics platform described as an “Airbnb-style” marketplace for logistics and warehousing space, according to Gulf Times.
The company said its pay-as-you-go model can reduce storage costs for small and medium enterprises by up to 30%. In the 11 months since launch, WareOne has expanded to 25 partners across Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, serving more than 40 customers.
Qatar signs multiyear cooperation agreement with TikTok
According to Gulf Times, Qatar’s Government Communications Office (GCO) signed a multiyear MoU with TikTok during Web Summit Qatar 2026 to launch a three-year international creator support program.
Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, a director at the office, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating long-term value for content creators. He said Qatar is positioning Doha as a platform for creators to grow by offering space, infrastructure, and institutional support.
Qatar’s GCO signs MoU with AmCham Qatar
Qatar’s Government Communications Office also signed a MoU with the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar during Web Summit Qatar 2026, The Peninsula reported.
The agreement is intended to attract more US startups, investors, and decision-makers to participate in the summit and to deepen bilateral cooperation in technology and innovation. The memorandum is part of a broader series of partnerships concluded during the event to strengthen international collaboration and support the continued development of Qatar’s.
This article was adapted based on a feature originally written and published by Al Shasia. KrASIA is authorized to translate, adapt, and publish its contents.