VISIT ABU DHABI

Xi Jinping is expected in New Delhi for the BRICS summit, his first India visit in seven years. Investment scrutiny, visa delays and equipment restrictions continue to constrain business ties.

Apple unveiled the $1,999 iPhone Duo, its first foldable phone, with a 7.6-inch display and A20 chip. The launch opens a premium category as the iPhone supplies over half of Apple’s revenue.

Amazon raised £4.25bn in its first sterling bond sale after receiving orders above £10.65bn. Hyperscalers have issued over $200bn of debt this year as they finance AI investment.

Silver Lake-backed Cegid and Silae plan to merge into a European software group valued above €10bn. Silver Lake will retain control, with completion expected in the first half of 2027.

DP World and GulfCap Africa agreed to develop a 222-hectare special economic zone in Mombasa, starting with 40 hectares. More than 60 companies have shown interest, with over 20,000 jobs expected.

DIFC’s inaugural Dubai Future Finance Week will run on 2–6 November with more than 850 speakers and 85 events. It spans fintech, private capital, family wealth and tokenisation.

Dubai Holding awarded its largest construction contract, worth Dh5bn, to CSCEC Middle East. It covers a new headquarters due in 2029 and 754 branded residences due in 2030.

Google will invest at least €13bn in Finnish AI infrastructure over two years and buy up to 50% of one nuclear plant’s output for 22 years. It is Google’s largest AI investment in Europe.

Assets under management at ADGM rose 54% year on year in H1 2026, while its workforce reached 49,027. The growth underscores Abu Dhabi’s expanding role as a base for global asset managers.

IHC is acquiring 80% of Marlan Holding through International Tech Group, subject to approvals. The deal adds Abu Dhabi satellite maker Orbitworks and AI-enabled Earth-observation assets to its portfolio.

The UAE and Germany will sign investment, AI and energy deals worth several billion dollars on Thursday. The package opens a new phase in ties, building on $15.5bn in annual non-oil trade.