Weekly Highlights · UAE & Qatar | Forte Technology's road cleaning robots debut in Abu Dhabi / Qatar standardizes the initial real estate registration system
Vortexinfo's Automatic Road Cleaning Robot Debuts at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
Vortexinfo showcased its automatic road cleaning robot at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), demonstrating the application of smart city technologies. This L4-level autonomous robot uses artificial intelligence and advanced sensors for road cleaning, supports remote operation, has a load capacity of 1.5 tons, and is designed to adapt to the high - temperature environment in the Middle East and meet safety standards. Sara Shen, the Global Investment Managing Director of Vortexinfo, said that the robot is part of the company's portfolio of intelligent robots for municipal and environmental management. The company plans to expand into the Middle East market through technology transfer and local cooperation, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency to assist the region's digital and clean energy transformation. (WAM)
UAE Startups Consolidate Their Position as the Core of Venture Capital in the Gulf Region
The UAE has solidified its position as the most mature and internationally well - connected startup hub in the Gulf region. Local startups completed 231 venture capital transactions throughout the year, leading in terms of the number of transactions, exit cases, and international investor participation. Fintech continued to dominate the market, with 152 transactions raising $1.04 billion, a year - on - year increase of 164%. AI - related companies raised $817 million, a 204% year - on - year increase. Funds also flowed into e - commerce retail, sports and fitness, telecommunications, and enterprise software, indicating a trend of industry diversification. UAE startups have benefited from digital applications, regulatory support, and the national AI strategy, consolidating their core role in the Middle East's venture capital ecosystem. (Gulf Times)
Dubai to Expand the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station to Handle Growing Passenger Flow
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed an agreement with Emaar Properties to expand the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. The total area will be increased from 6,700 square meters to 8,500 square meters. The project will optimize entrances and exits, pedestrian bridges, expand the concourse and platforms, add escalators and elevators, separate entry and exit gates, and expand the commercial area. After the expansion, the hourly throughput will increase from 7,250 passengers to 12,320 passengers, and the daily handling capacity will increase to 220,000 passengers, a 65% year - on - year increase. Mohamed Alabbar, the founder of Emaar, pointed out that this initiative demonstrates the public - private partnership model, ensuring Dubai's capacity to handle the continuous growth of tourists and shoppers, and promoting the city center to become a global destination for a convenient and livable city. (Arabian Business)
The UAE's Construction Industry Enters a New Stage of Digitalization, AI, and ESG
The UAE's construction and real estate industry is expected to enter a new stage centered on efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in 2026. The real estate market is expected to reach $759 billion by 2029. Project management is accelerating the transformation towards digitalization, artificial intelligence, and mobile collaboration. Deloitte data shows that in 2024, 37% of construction companies had applied AI and machine learning, a 42% year - on - year increase, saving about 10.5 hours of work per week. The industry accounts for about 39% of global energy - related carbon dioxide emissions. Under the net - zero target by 2050, ESG compliance has become the core of project delivery. The industry believes that companies with digital management as their core competency will gain an advantage in the competition. (Arabian Business)
Marina Marine Services Launches Marine Service Facilities in Qatar's Free Trade Zone
The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and Marina Marine Services launched marine service facilities in the Umm Alhoul Free Zone, covering an area of about 26,700 square meters. The facilities provide comprehensive services such as supply, maintenance, towing, anchoring, and offshore installation for offshore oil and gas activities. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al - Thani, the CEO of QFZ, said that the project is in line with Qatar's National Vision 2030 and helps to build a high - value - added marine service hub. Marina Marine Services pointed out that it will rely on the free trade zone's infrastructure and professional team to continuously improve the regional offshore oil and gas service capabilities and deepen cooperation. (The Peninsula)
Qatar Standardizes the Initial Real Estate Registration System to Enhance Investment Attractiveness
Khalid Ahmed Saleh Al Obaidli, the chairman of the Qatar Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat), said that the Minister of Justice issued a decision to standardize the "Initial Real Estate Register", clarifying the data and procedures, which helps to enhance the attractiveness of real estate investment, protect the rights and interests of beneficiaries, and regulate the market order. The new regulations detail the permit and legal enforcement mechanisms for off - plan property projects. The register includes applications, contracts, design schemes, and approved drawings, clearly defining property rights, areas, uses, and rights restrictions, providing transparent and traceable guarantees for the market, which is in line with Qatar's National Vision 2030. (The Peninsula)
The Energy Industry Supports the Stability of Qatar's Commodity Prices in 2026
Analysts pointed out that Qatar buffers the risks of global commodity price fluctuations through its strategic position in the energy sector. As a major exporter of liquefied natural gas, Qatar uses its diversified export structure and long - term supply agreements to stabilize short - term energy price fluctuations. Economist Abdul Salam said that the stable performance of natural gas and petrochemical products supports export revenues, and the decline in global agricultural product prices helps to reduce import costs. Stable exchange rates, prudent fiscal policies, and diversified supply chains enable Qatar to maintain a relatively stable commodity price environment in 2026. (The Peninsula)
Qatar's 3D Printing Market is Expected to Reach QR182 Million by 2028
The Qatar Development Bank (QDB) said that the size of Qatar's 3D printing market is expected to increase from QR78 million in 2023 to QR182 million in 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.4%. 3D printing technology is accelerating its penetration into industries such as manufacturing, construction, and healthcare, reducing costs and enhancing innovation capabilities for small and medium - sized enterprises. QDB pointed out that investment in advanced manufacturing technologies continues to grow, and the 3D printing industry shows resilience and capital attractiveness, which will help achieve Qatar's National Vision 2030 and promote the development of the private economy. (Gulf Times)
Qatar's Natural Gas Contract Value Doubled to $12.3 Billion in 2025
In 2025, the contract value in Qatar's natural gas sector doubled year - on - year to $12.3 billion, accounting for 53.2% of the total annual contract value and becoming the main growth driver. The EPCI contract for the second phase of the North Field Sustainable Development project was worth $4 billion and was won by the consortium of Saipem and CNOOC Engineering. In contrast, the value of oil contracts decreased by 6.4%, and the power industry ranked third. The report shows that the overall project contract value in the Gulf region decreased by 32% year - on - year, and only Kuwait and Qatar achieved growth, highlighting the resilience of Qatar's energy investment. (The Peninsula)
36Kr Global - Events
"Dubai Business Forum - China" to Be Held in Shenzhen in May. Registration is Open!
The Dubai Business Forum - China will be held in Shenzhen on May 14, 2026. With the theme of "Working Together for Greater Achievements and Building a New Economic Growth", the forum will introduce the diversified development opportunities brought by Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33) to the Chinese business community and explore new paths for bilateral cooperation and strategic investment. As a high - end platform for promoting strategic economic cooperation between Chinese and Dubai business leaders, the Dubai Business Forum - China will gather core representatives from China's top multinational corporations, unicorn companies, high - growth technology enterprises, venture capital institutions, and family businesses. A high - level delegation from Dubai will also attend. If you are interested in this year's Dubai Business Forum - China, welcomeClick "Here" or scan the QR code below to fill out the registration form and apply for a seat.
English Services
Service | KrASIA Launches New English Media Services for Chinese Outbound Enterprises
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