ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Global Market, the emirate’s global financial free zone, has partnered with UAE Exchange to help startups engaged in the remittance, foreign exchange and payments business develop and deploy financial technology.
UAE Exchange and ADGM will jointly implement innovation programs emerging payments, blockchain and distributed ledgers, artificial intelligence, and P2P solutions, a statement said.
ADGM’s Regulatory Laboratory — or RegLab — is the Middle East region’s first fintech incubator where startups can benefit from a more flexible regulatory regime during the early stages of their operation, before they go on to full regulatory membership at the Abu Dhabi financial free zone.
“This strategic partnership dovetails well with ADGM’s vision to establish a vibrant and well-functioning fintech ecosystem that bolsters innovation, facilitates investment flows and supports greater growth of financial services activities,” Richard Teng, the chief executive of the ADGM regulator Financial Services Regulatory Authority, said in the statement.
“The collaboration with UAE Exchange will create a feedback loop for ADGM as a financial services regulator to fine-tune and enhance its rules and regulatory approach to financial innovation.”
“Collaboration between established financial services providers and fintech start-ups is necessary to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem. Our partnership with ADGM will nurture local fintech innovation through incubator, accelerator and academic programs,” said Promoth Manghat, the chief executive UAE Exchange. “Such partnerships will add greater depth to the financial services industry, creating additional value for customers through digitally delivered services.”
The ADGM in May chose the first batch of fintech startups — from 11 applicants — to mentor under its RegLab program, with two of those in the list coming from the UAE.
The UAE companies, Now Money, which uses mobile technology to help low-income migrant workers to access banking and remittances services, and Titanium Escrow, an automated escrow services company that seeks to bring stability to the cash cycle of small businesses, joined India’s CapitaWorld and Rubique as well as Finalytix, a US robo-advisory platform.
Abu Dhabi Global Market, UAE Exchange partner to promote fintech
Abu Dhabi Global Market, UAE Exchange partner to promote fintech
Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran
- Saudia says decision taken in line with aviation safety and security standards
- Emirates said it temporarily suspended it's operations out of Dubai
RIYADH: Major international airlines across the Middle East and South Asia have suspended, canceled or rerouted flights following ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran and the resulting airspace closures, according to official statements issued via X.
Saudia said in an official statement that it had canceled a number of flights due to developments in the region and the closure of airspace.
The airline said the decision was taken in line with aviation safety and security standards, noting that its Emergency Coordination Center is closely monitoring developments with relevant authorities.
Saudia urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and said guests would be notified of updates through the contact details associated with their bookings.
The carrier added that further information would be announced in a subsequent statement if available.
بيان رسمي من #الخطوط_السعودية pic.twitter.com/CHfjKj9yLX
— Saudia Group | مجموعة السعودية (@SaudiaGroup) February 28, 2026
Air Arabia said its flights were experiencing cancellations, delays or rerouting as a result of the evolving situation and airspace closures.
The airline advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport by visiting its website or contacting its call center.
Customers booked on affected flights will be notified directly, the airline said, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.
Air India announced a broader suspension, stating that “in view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.”
The airline said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew and will continue to assess the safety and security environment for flight operations, adjusting services proactively as required.
Air India said its teams would extend necessary support to passengers and advised customers to check flight status online or contact its 24/7 call center for assistance.
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India (@airindia) February 28, 2026
In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to…
All flight operations at Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International are suspended until further notice, according to a post by Dubai Media Office on X.
Dubai-based Emirates reported that regional airspace closures had caused disruption to several of its flights and that the airline had temporarily suspended its operations from its hub Dubai.
The airline said it is actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments.
The carrier apologized to affected customers and said it is assisting them with rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements, reiterating that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.
Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai.
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) February 28, 2026
Emirates urges customers to check https://t.co/Ucm3UswfVh and https://t.co/yehFUeWZQq for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport.
We are actively monitoring… pic.twitter.com/SLDC7iNaUN
Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
The airline said it is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations once the airspace reopens.
It warned that delays are anticipated when usual operations resume and said additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist passengers.
Temporary Suspension of Qatar Airways Flights due to Qatari Airspace Closure
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) February 28, 2026
Qatar Airways Group confirms the temporary suspension of its flights to, and from, Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the…
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that British Airways had canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, adding to the list of carriers adjusting operations.
Across their statements, airlines consistently cited airspace closures and safety considerations as the primary reasons for suspensions and disruptions, while urging passengers to monitor official channels for updates as the situation continues to evolve.
