UAE In-Focus—Industry Ministry signs $70.8m deals to boost domestic medical equipment production

UAE Industry Ministry signs $70.8m deals to boost domestic medical equipment production. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 23 October 2022
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UAE In-Focus—Industry Ministry signs $70.8m deals to boost domestic medical equipment production

RIYADH: The UAE's Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology has signed memoranda of understanding worth an accumulated 260 million dirhams ($70.8 million) with key pharmaceutical and medical devices firms in the emirate to increase domestic production of medical equipment, Emirates News Agency WAM reported. 

The deals fall in line with the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology as well as the National In-Country Value Program, both of which aim to lure investors and producers to the UAE’s pharmaceutical and medical equipment sectors. 

Biofuels factory launched 

The Circular Economy Council has announced the launch of the Lootah Biofuels factory in Dubai Industrial City, Zawya reported. 

By utilizing cutting-edge global technologies, the new factory will work on assembling used cooking oil, treating it, and converting it to biodiesel at a competitive price point when compared to regular diesel.

The plant is expected to boost biodiesel production capacity in the country by 100 tons daily. This falls in line with the UAE’s objective of attaining 5 percent of transportation fuel from food waste and other biofuel resources. 

M7 Real Estate opens office 

British capital market firm M7 Real Estate Limited has announced its first office in Dubai amid efforts to expand its presence in the Middle East & North Africa, Zawya reported. 

There is a high demand from investors in the MENA region for premium European real estate.

Located in the Dubai International Financial Centre, the new M7 office will focus on flourishing its capital raising function, as well as further developing existing investor relationships in the region.

DIEZ forms partnership with DP World 

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, or DIEZ, has announced that it has partnered with Emirati multinational logistics firm DP World to bolster the Tumoohi training program, according to the Government of Dubai Media Office. 

The Tumoohi initiative aims to help young and capable Emiratis develop crucial skills and competencies that will give them an edge in today’s highly competitive job market. 

Under the new collaboration, DIEZ will ensure that applicants receive professional and practical hands-on experiences and opportunities that will help elevate their career paths. 

 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to 10,894

Updated 13 January 2026
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to 10,894

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index extended its upward trend for a third consecutive day this week, gaining 148.18 points, or 1.38 percent, to close at 10,893.63 on Tuesday. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index stood at SR6.05 billion ($1.61 billion), with 144 listed stocks advancing and 107 declining. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also rose by 81.35 points to close at 23,668.29. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index edged up 1.71 percent to 1,460.89. 

The best-performing stock on the main market was Zahrat Al Waha for Trading Co., with its share price advancing 10 percent to SR2.75. 

Shares of CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co. increased 8.27 percent to SR23.04, while Abdullah Saad Mohammed Abo Moati for Bookstores Co. saw its stock climb 6.17 percent to SR50.60. 

Conversely, the share price of Naseej International Trading Co. declined 9.90 percent to SR31.48. 

On the announcements front, Arabian Drilling Co. said it secured three contract extensions for land rigs with energy giant Saudi Aramco, totaling SR1.4 billion and adding 25 active rig years to its backlog. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company said one rig is currently operational, the second will begin operations by the end of January, and the third — currently suspended — is expected to resume operations in 2026. 

Since November 2025, Arabian Drilling has secured seven contract extensions amounting to SR3.4 billion, representing 55 committed rig years. 

The three contracts have durations of 10 years, 10 years, and five years, respectively.

“Securing a total of SR1.4 billion in new contracts and expanding our backlog by 25 rig-years demonstrates both the trust our clients place in us and our ability to consistently deliver quality and reliability,” said Ghassan Mirdad, CEO of Arabian Drilling, in a statement. 

Shares of Arabian Drilling Co. rose 3.15 percent to SR104.70. 

Separately, Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Co. said it signed a 36-month contract valued at SR43.35 million with National Water Co. to operate and maintain water networks, pumping stations, wells, reservoirs, and related facilities in Tabuk. 

In October, Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Co. announced it had been awarded the contract by NWC. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company said the financial impact of the deal began in the fourth quarter of 2025. 

The share price of Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Co. declined 0.49 percent to SR120.70.