Quest Global joins UAE's NextGen FDI Initiative to support local engineering research and development
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade has announced that Quest Global, a Singapore-based engineering research and development services company, will establish a presence in the United Arab Emirates through the NextGen FDI initiative – a pioneering program that seeks to attract high-impact companies from around the world through a suite of market-entry fundamentals such as rapid incorporation and fast-track issuance.
Quest Global will now open a number of client-centric, high-value engineering centers (HVECs) throughout the UAE, which will offer support to businesses in sectors such as energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing. Quest Global's engineering expertise, coupled with AI and digital technologies, will help transform companies by enhancing operations, fostering innovation and optimizing supply-chains.
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, welcomed Quest Global's entry into the UAE market, which he says underlines the country's status as a platform for growth: 'The NextGen FDI initiative was created to attract forward-thinking, ambitious enterprises such as Quest Global to the UAE. By enhancing our engineering ecosystem and offering bespoke services to manufacturing companies, their cutting-edge research centers will support our industrial transformation goals, improve productivity and develop national talent. Quest Global's participation in the initiative also helps reinforce the UAE's status as an economic hub that facilitates expansion into regional and global markets.'
Robert Vatter, Executive President Quest Global says that the NextGen FDI initiative opens up important opportunities for the company: 'Quest Global serves as a strategic ER&D partner to large global companies across energy, aerospace and defence, and other industries. By facilitating the establishment of high value engineering centers in the UAE, the NextGen FDI Initiative will enable us to extend this support to companies based in the UAE and the wider GCC – helping them realize their business ambitions, develop their talent and accelerate their contribution to the development a knowledge economy.'
Since its launch in 2022, the NextGen FDI Initiative has enabled a range of pioneering companies establish a footprint in the UAE, helping to develop clusters of excellence in future-focused sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, alternative energy and storage, hybrid aviation, and precision fermentation. Together, they are supporting the UAE's transition to a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
22 minutes ago
- Zawya
SalamAir reconnects Muscat, Beirut with direct flights
SalamAir, Oman's low-cost airline, has announced the return of Beirut, Lebanon, to its flight schedule, with direct flights operating twice a week starting December 3, 2025. This move comes as part of SalamAir's broader strategy to expand its regional network and enhance air connectivity across the Middle East and beyond. The reintroduction of Beirut marks a key milestone in the airline's continued growth and commitment to offering affordable, flexible and various travel options to its customers. Beirut is a cultural and historical gem offering stunning Mediterranean coastlines, world-class cuisine, and a rich blend of ancient and modern heritage. The city attracts tourists year-round, and its significance as a regional hub for business and leisure makes it a highly desirable destination for travelers from Oman and beyond. Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, commented: "Bringing Beirut back to our network reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening air connectivity and enhancing travel options for our guests. There is a significant Lebanese population in Oman, and currently, there are no direct flights between the two countries. Our new service aims to fill that gap, offering greater convenience and supporting increased tourism, trade, and business opportunities. This move also aligns with the broader objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in advancing the tourism and logistics sectors and driving economic diversification. As always, we continue to expand with competitive Lite Fares and easy add-ons to ensure real value for our guests." Albert Samaha, Ambassador of Lebanon to Oman, welcomed the resumption, stating: 'These long-awaited flights serve as a vital link for the Lebanese community residing in Oman and facilitate easier access to their homeland. It also paves the way for enhanced tourism, cultural interaction, and bilateral cooperation between our two nations. We sincerely thank the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman and SalamAir for realising this shared vision.' -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
22 minutes ago
- Zawya
ADQ acquires majority stake in top logistics group Aramex
ADQ, an active sovereign investor focused on critical infrastructure and global supply chains based in Abu Dhabi, has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in leading logistics group Aramex, thus increasing its shareholding in the company to 63.16% when combined with the shareholding held by AD Ports Group, in which ADQ holds a majority stake. Voluntary tender offer for Aramex submitted by its wholly owned indirect subsidiary Q Logistics Holding has become unconditional following receipt of all required regulatory and internal approvals, it stated. ADQ said the acquisition of a controlling stake in Aramex strengthens its position in the services layer of the logistics ecosystem, which includes express delivery, freight forwarding, third-party logistics, and warehousing. These functions are critical to enabling seamless trade flows and linking transport infrastructure to end users. This follows the receipt of all required antitrust and foreign direct investment regulatory approvals, as well as statutory exemptions and waivers from relevant governmental authorities within and outside the UAE, along with the satisfaction (or waiver) of all other conditions to the offer, it stated. With operations in over 65 countries, a leading trucking network in the GCC, and 800,000 sqm of global warehousing, Aramex brings scale, capabilities, and geographic reach. Its integration into ADQ's portfolio accelerates the development of a fully integrated, multimodal logistics platform that supports regional trade and economic growth, it added. Mansour AlMulla, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said: "ADQ's majority shareholding in Aramex marks a strategic step toward advancing our vision to build a globally integrated logistics platform anchored in the UAE." "Aramex brings strong capabilities and operational depth that complement our existing investments across air, sea, and land infrastructure. Its addition enhances the services layer of the logistics value chain and supports the development of end-to-end trade and supply chain solutions. We believe Aramex is well positioned to unlock long-term value through greater integration with ADQ's broader portfolio, and we are confident in its ability to deliver sustainable growth," he noted. Aramex will become part of ADQ's Transport & Logistics cluster, which plays a central role in advancing multimodal connectivity and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global transport and logistics hub, he added. -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
22 minutes ago
- Zawya
Saudi: Qiddiya City to become new global golfing hub
Qiddiya City, the world's first city built for play in Saudi Arabia, has announced two key developments that aim to make the city an international golfing hub. Qiddiya City said it has become a global partner of the Faldo Series, the world's leading pathway for young golfers, to help support grass roots golf in the kingdom and internationally, said a Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report. Qiddiya City will be a host venue for the kingdom's Faldo Series events, establishing Qiddiya City as the regional hub for youth golf. Qiddiya City also unveiled on Monday a new, Sir Nick Faldo signature designed 18-hole championship golf course set to open to the public in 2026 along with a state-of-the-art clubhouse, academy and practice facilities open from 2028. Placing a major emphasis on accessibility and innovation, the course features a number of unique design features, including a '3 hole return' layout system to allow greater access for all players. The announcement is also part of Qiddiya City's long-term ambition to become the premier destination in the kingdom for golf, attracting players of all ages and skills from young players to professionals and supporting the next generation of Saudi golf. Qiddiya Investment Company Managing Director Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood said: 'Qiddiya City's partnership with Sir Nick Faldo in designing a new golf course and becoming global partner of the Faldo Series underscores our commitment to growing the game of golf and nurturing the next generation of Saudi golfers.' Sir Nick Faldo, commenting on the partnership, added: 'This is a unique opportunity to become involved in one of the most exciting cities being developed today where a new way of city life is fused together with sport, entertainment and culture. Our partnership with Qiddiya City brings together the golf community with a whole nation bubbling with energy to be active and try new sports.' The new flagship golf course is set within a dramatic landscape, nestled against the towering 200-metre cliffs of the Tuwaiq Mountains. Designed to maximise playability, the course features floodlighting for extended hours and is thoughtfully crafted to challenge professionals while remaining accessible to amateur players. It will also offer tailored learning pathways for newcomers and those looking to elevate their game, combining traditional golf elements with innovative golf entertainment experiences. The course will be complemented by an iconic clubhouse and state-of-the-art driving range and academy designed by Patterson's which sits perfectly in the desert environment. It has both sustainability and world-class golfing features embedded within the design. The clubhouse will offer a comprehensive range of facilities to support the golf course while also serving as a vibrant community social and wellness hub. It will feature leisure amenities such as fitness and conditioning, wellness facilities, social meeting places, indoor and outdoor pools, and a variety of food and beverage options. The venue is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors annually. A green-roofed structure, open to the public for viewing and events, will connect three main zones: the Golf Clubhouse, serving as the central hub for operations and player interaction; the Social Wellness Hub, offering a wide array of sports and leisure amenities; and the Academy, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to golf instruction and practice. Qiddiya City is one of the world's largest city developments at 360 sq km and located just 40 minutes from Riyadh. With over 20 districts planned, the new city will be well-connected and anchored around entertainment, sports and culture with world-class facilities and events alongside new homes, offices, retail and hospitality. The new golfing attractions add to an impressive list of entertainment, sports and cultural facilities at Qiddiya City such as the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium which will host major sports and cultural events including the 2034 World Cup; the Speed Park Track for motor sports; the Mercedes AMG World of Performance which is an immersive and interactive experience including a public race track and the Performing Arts Center.
