Author: Emirates Insight

A Brisbane startup developing hydrogen-powered aircraft engines and hypersonic Unmanned Aerial Vehicles has raised $46 million in a Series A as NASA prepares to test its 3D-printed ideas. The round for Hypersonix Launch Systems was led by UK national security investor High Tor Capital, with support from European defence company Saab and Polish family office RKKVC, as well as the federal government’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC), which chipped in $10 million for its first defence sector investment, plus the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC). It values the defence startup at $141 million.  Hypersonix was founded in 2019 by Michael Smart and David…

The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), the United Arab Emirates’ regulator overseeing securities, commodities, and financial markets, and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), are pleased to announce a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing audit oversight and fostering greater regulatory cooperation between the two organisations. The agreement will help to strengthen the regulatory oversight of the audit function,and will include areas such as firm registration and inspection, helping to improve financial reporting, market integrity, and boost investor confidence in the United Arab Emirates’ financial sector. Under the…

Standard Chartered Global Private Bank today released its research findings on ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families, revealing 71% of UAE families believe they should strategically invest in digital assets such as cryptocurrencies, NFTs or tokenised traditional assets, compared with 69% globally. The research also found that 75% trust AI tools to support wealth decisions, reflecting a growing comfort with integrating technology into family wealth strategies, provided that human advisers remain part of major judgment calls. These insights place the UAE among the world’s most progressive wealth centres for digital and AI adoption. Families in the UAE are approaching innovation with both confidence…

Sixteen ambitious founders from within and outside the UAE are stepping into the spotlight as The Final Pitch – Dubai makes its regional debut this November. Set against the striking backdrop of Expo City Dubai, the new series shines a light on the region’s thriving start-up scene, from homegrown innovators tackling everyday problems to international founders building the next wave of tech and sustainability ventures. The show premieres 17 November, exclusively on OSNtv and OSN+. This first Middle East adaptation of the award-winning Asian The Final Pitch franchise brings together entrepreneurs from sectors including technology, sustainability, health, fintech, and social…

XRP trades at $2.65 as analysts track $2.70–$2.82 resistance. Charts suggest one final wave down before a possible longer-term rally. Ripple’s XRP is trading at around $2.65 with a 24-hour volume of over $4.4 billion. The token has gained more than 9% over the past week, holding above the $2.6 level despite broader market volatility. However, some analysts believe XRP is not yet in a confirmed uptrend and may be facing one final wave lower before a larger move higher begins. Meanwhile, technical analysts continue to monitor price levels around $2.7 and $2.82 for any signs of a trend…

Twelve standout teams from the Hunter and Central Coast have made it to the final stage of this year’s I2N accelerator program, including several ventures led by University of Newcastle students and alumni. The 2025 cohort is tackling mental health breakthroughs, menopause support, smarter job platforms for international students, next-gen loan tech, foolproof plant care and even dating apps that get people off their phones and into real life, by founders from some of the region’s most promising new businesses. I2N began with 30 teams in a 10-week pre-accelerator program, before 20 founders advanced to the bootcamp phase. Now 12…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will collaborate and partner with more than 20 African nations in tourism, aviation, transport, logistics, infrastructure, and digital transformation. The new investment mapping was announced in a joint ministerial statement following a high-level ministerial roundtable meeting in Dubai. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Held under the theme ‘Tourism at the Heart of Africa’s Growth Agenda’, the roundtable was attended by Abdulla…

Emirates NBD (“the Bank”), a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, has successfully executed its aircraft finance lease facility with IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, providing financing to support the acquisition of two Airbus A321neo aircraft. This transaction underscores Emirates NBD’s dedicated Aviation Desk’s commitment to supporting the growth of the aviation sector in India. The financing comes as IndiGo strengthens its position as India’s largest domestic airline. With one of the industry’s largest order books, IndiGo is expanding its fleet and international footprint to connect more destinations and meet rising demand for air…

Domain Days Dubai 2025 – hosted by AEserver.com at the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah – concluded its most successful edition yet, cementing its status as the region’s premier event for the domain name and digital infrastructure industry. Held on October 22–23, the conference welcomed 319 attendees and 51 speakers, with record-breaking international participation from top-tier executives, investors, and innovators. The upgraded venue and expanded exhibition space enabled dynamic networking, product showcases, and strategic meetings – culminating in a spectacular after-party aboard the 74-metre mega yacht “Lotus” under the Dubai skyline which was sponsored by Nova Registry & Domora by Freename.…

Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, has expanded its partnership with dnata Travel Group to bring premium ground transport options to business and leisure travellers across the UK, Middle East, and Asia. The move builds on an existing collaboration that provides Pure Luxury guests, a division of dnata-owned tailor-made tour operator Gold Medal, with complimentary chauffeur-driven UK airport transfers in all itineraries. Under the new agreement, travel agents booking through more than 20 dnata Travel Group brands including Arabian Adventures, Destination Asia, Gold Medal, Travelbag and Travel Republic will now be able to add Blacklane’s first-class chauffeur service as part of…