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Finance & Investment

Banking, fintech, funds, capital markets and cross-border investment

Industry News
Source: Big News Network.com

UAE Investments in AI and Genomics Drive Middle East Biopharma Expansion

A report by World Health Expo and Frost & Sullivan indicates that UAE national investments in genomics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing are transforming Middle Eastern biopharma. The regional precision medicine sector is forecast to expand by over 10 percent over the next five to seven years. Key initiatives include the Emirati Genome Program, Abu Dhabi's AED 42 billion HELM cluster, and the 2025 launch of Mubadala Bio.

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Gulf News

UAE Companies Can Now Estimate ICV Scores Ahead of Official Certification

ADEPTS Chartered Accountants has launched a free online ICV Score Calculator for businesses competing for UAE government and semi-government tenders. The tool estimates performance across local spending, investment, Emiratisation, and employee costs using National ICV framework weightings. The firm highlighted that the tool serves as a planning mechanism and does not replace formal certification by authorized bodies.

Industry News
Source: Arabian Business

Standard Chartered, Mashreq, and LuLu Launch Hal SME Platform in UAE

Standard Chartered, Mashreq, and LuLu Financial Holdings have launched Hal, a new digital B2B marketplace for small and medium-sized enterprises in the UAE. Unveiled at Investopia Bridge 2026, the platform connects SMEs with buyers, suppliers, and essential financial, tech, and logistics partners. Ecosystem partners including Beehive, Microsoft, Visa, and Aramex have signed initial cooperation agreements.

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Iran International

Investigation Details Parsian Exchange Moving Millions in UAE Dirhams and Yuan

An investigation by Iran International based on leaked documents reveals that US-sanctioned Bank Parsian used its foreign-exchange arm, Parsian Exchange, to move funds abroad via intermediaries between November 2022 and May 2023. Leaked instruction letters directed roughly $36 million in UAE dirhams, Chinese yuan, and US dollars to overseas bank accounts designated by Iranian importers. The transactions utilized Iranian export proceeds held overseas to obscure ties to sanctioned Iranian institutions.

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