02 | Saudi Arabia’s Ceer Unveils Its First Locally Developed Electric Vehicles

As of 2026-09-22, Ceer’s first vehicle launch shows that Saudi automotive policy is moving beyond brand and factory development into product delivery. Businesses seeking a place in the local supply chain should now focus on production schedules, procurement systems, and localization requirements—not only the size of the vehicle market.

Saudi Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and PIF Chairman Mohammed bin Salman unveiled EXOBOT, Ceer’s flagship electric vehicle line, comprising a sedan and an SUV. Both vehicles were designed and engineered locally in Saudi Arabia and are scheduled for production at the Ceer Manufacturing Complex. They form part of a seven-model portfolio that Ceer plans to launch over the next five years, with future models covering midsize and compact segments and offering various propulsion options.

Ceer projects that it will contribute USD 8 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and USD 21 billion to the country’s trade balance by 2034, while creating direct and indirect jobs. These targets align with PIF’s efforts to develop a local automotive ecosystem, attract investment, and expand private-sector participation.

Source: Yahoo Finance, 2026-09-21

03 | UAE Rail Launches Fujairah–Abu Dhabi Container Service

The significance of this service is not simply the addition of another transport option. It connects a port, rail infrastructure, inland customs clearance, and an industrial zone within one freight corridor. Manufacturers, importers, and regional distributors operating in the UAE can now compare transport plans based on clearance location, handling requirements, and final delivery distance—not just road and sea freight costs.

Etihad Rail and AD Ports Group have launched a container rail service between Fujairah Terminals and the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, covering around 200 km and initially operating three times per week. Containers arriving at Fujairah Terminals can travel directly by rail to ICAD for inspection, customs clearance, and release.

ICAD has become a customs-enabled inland cargo gateway and has received the UN/LOCODE AECAD. Shipping lines, freight forwarders, and cargo owners can book it as both the destination and clearance point, helping reduce additional handling and long-distance road transport between the two locations.

Source: Container News, 2026-09-21

04 | Saudi PIF Launches the Tawrid Supply-Chain Finance Platform

Tawrid sends a clear signal: as Saudi Arabia strengthens local supply chains around major projects, it is also expanding working-capital tools for suppliers. Businesses already participating in—or preparing to enter—Saudi project supply chains should assess procurement eligibility, receivables cycles, and financing channels alongside contract value.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced the launch of Tawrid Company for Financing Solutions. The digital platform provides supply-chain financing products to companies in the Saudi market and has received a Saudi Central Bank permit to operate within the regulatory sandbox.

The platform connects buyers, suppliers, and funders and offers products such as early settlement against approved invoices to improve working-capital efficiency and liquidity management. Tawrid has commenced operations and signed binding agreements with Gulf International Bank, Saudi National Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, ROSHN Group, and Nesma & Partners.

Source: Public Investment Fund, 2026-09-20

06 | UAE AI Office and Dell Partner to Build Agentic AI Capabilities

This collaboration indicates that the UAE government’s AI agenda is moving from proof of concept toward deployable applications, workforce capabilities, and technology environments. Companies offering AI products to government bodies and large institutions should put security, scalable deployment, and measurable operational impact at the start of solution design.

The Artificial Intelligence Office in the Government of the UAE and Dell Technologies have launched a strategic collaboration to turn AI opportunities into government applications and advance the deployment of Agentic AI in government operations and services. The collaboration includes developing prototypes and implementation-ready solutions, as well as organizing specialist knowledge and practical sessions for government entities.

Participating entities can also draw on Dell Technologies’ experience in AI strategy design and implementation to build secure and flexible technology environments. The UAE delegation was introduced to the Dell AI Factory, an ecosystem combining computing infrastructure, software, data, and services to support the development, training, and deployment of AI models.

Source: ZAWYA, 2026-09-20

Other updates

  • 09 | Kuwait Oil Company approves 24 onshore drilling and well-maintenance contractors: KOC updated its electronic contractor list, approving 24 companies for onshore drilling and shallow-well maintenance. The approved businesses come from Kuwait, China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, India, Germany, and other markets. (Source: Arab Times, 2026-09-21)
  • 11 | Abu Dhabi designates three breast cancer Centres of Excellence: The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi designated Burjeel Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and SEHA Tawam Hospital as Oncology Centres of Excellence for Breast Cancer; early screening rates in the emirate increased by 85% over the past year. (Source: Gulf News, 2026-09-21)
  • 12 | JINGDONG Logistics offers eight categories of international logistics services across 25 markets: As of 2025-12-31, the company operated nearly 200 bonded, direct-distribution, and overseas warehouses across 25 markets, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, while providing eight service categories such as cross-border line haul, cold chain, and reverse logistics. (Source: The American Reporter, 2026-09-20)
  • 14 | Dubai Customs plans to expand the Green Corridor model: Dubai Customs said the Green Corridor between Dubai’s Hatta border crossing and Oman’s Al Wajjah border crossing increased trade flow by about 175%. It plans to replicate the model in different forms and announce new partnerships and initiatives. (Source: Voice of Emirates, 2026-09-19)
  • 15 | Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail explore air–rail connectivity: The companies are studying a shuttle service between Zayed International Airport and Mohammed Bin Zayed City Passenger Station. (Source: CairoScene, 2026-09-16)
  • 16 | The Red Sea Hospital begins operations: Red Sea Global and Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group inaugurated the hospital, which the latter will manage and operate for employees, residents, local communities, and guests. (Source: PR Newswire, 2026-09-21)
  • 17 | Nvidia’s open AI model could deepen the UAE’s connection with the US technology ecosystem: Nvidia plans to release an open-weight model that will be free to download by the end of 2026. The report says its use alongside the UAE’s existing Nvidia hardware base could strengthen the country’s links with the US AI ecosystem. (Source: Rest of World, 2026-09-21)
  • 18 | Saudi Arabia’s ESNAD advances mining-sector operating capabilities: As the executive and operational arm of the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, ESNAD supports implementation of the National Mining Strategy through licensing, digital transformation, and mining compliance. (Source: International Finance, 2026-09-21)
  • 21 | iCapital receives permission to expand Sharia-compliant alternative investment services in ADGM: iCapital received a Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market and expanded the range of Sharia-compliant alternative investment strategies available to eligible investors in the region. (Source: Hubbis, 2026-09-22)
  • 25 | Address Hotels announces three new properties: Address Hotels + Resorts will develop hotels at Dubai’s Emaar Beachfront, Riyadh’s Diriyah district, and Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island. Address The Bay is scheduled to open in 2027 and Address Diriyah in 2028. (Source: Business Traveller, 2026-09-21)
  • 27 | UAE accelerates efforts to take national products to global markets: The country is strengthening links among agriculture, food, advanced manufacturing, product identity, marketing, and exports while using retail channels, digital platforms, and major supply chains to increase the reach of national products. (Source: Gulf News, 2026-09-19)
  • 28 | IHG will bring the Noted Collection brand to Amman: IHG Hotels & Resorts signed a franchise agreement with Al Ameed Coffee for a 50-key Noted Collection hotel inspired by Jordan’s coffee culture. (Source: IHG Hotels & Resorts, 2026-09-21)
  • 29 | Majid Al Futtaim’s CEO sees a path to doubling equity value over the next five to seven years: Ahmed Galal Ismail said that despite the impact of regional conflict on tourism, travel, and consumer spending, the group sees a path to doubling its equity value over the next five to seven years and is continuing with a nearly USD 30 billion development pipeline. (Source: CNBC, 2026-09-19)
  • 30 | Burjeel and Al Mabarrah partner to expand healthcare access: Under a memorandum of understanding, charitable initiatives will cover all or part of treatment costs for eligible cases. Burjeel Medical City will provide medical reports and cost estimates, while Al Mabarrah will review cases and determine the form of support. (Source: Healthcare Asia Magazine, 2026-09-21)

Last updated: September 2026. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.