Latest news with #BadrAl-Olama
Fintech News ME
12-08-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Ant International Advances UAE Expansion with ADIO Agreement and Central Bank Approval
Ant International, a global provider of digital payment, digitisation, and financial technology services, has announced two developments that mark a step forward in its expansion in the UAE. The company has signed a MoU with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and received In-Principle Approval (IPA) for the Stored Value Facilities (SVF) and Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes (RPSCS) licenses from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). The MoU with ADIO is aimed at supporting the growth of Abu Dhabi's financial technology sector by using Ant International's technological expertise to assist local businesses and promote financial inclusion, as well as connectivity between the UAE and other markets. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: 'This agreement with Ant International reflects a broader inflection point in digital finance, where scale is no longer just about reach, but about resilience, trust and regulatory clarity. More than just welcoming global fintech players to join our thriving financial ecosystem, Abu Dhabi is actively shaping digital innovation for the future.' Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International, said: 'The support from ADIO has been instrumental in helping us to establish our presence in Abu Dhabi. This strategic collaborative relationship is foundational to our mission to empower local businesses, especially SMEs, and connect them to new global growth opportunities. We are excited to contribute to the UAE's growing digital economy and look forward to a future of shared success.' The IPA from the CBUAE is a prerequisite for obtaining full licenses to operate in the country. Once granted, Ant International intends to offer payment and related services in the UAE, including merchant acquiring, payment aggregation, e-wallet issuance, and domestic and cross-border fund transfers. These services are intended to support the UAE's digital ecosystem in line with the nation's 'We the UAE 2031' digitisation and fintech strategy. Yang added: 'Receiving this In-Principle Approval from the Central Bank of the UAE is a testament to our productive collaboration and shared vision for a digitally driven, inclusive economy. We are grateful for the guidance and support of CBUAE's Fintech Office as we work to bring our AI-powered fintech solutions spanning merchant services, wallet technology, and digitisation tools to help scale the UAE's growth.'
Al Etihad
11-08-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
ADIO partners with Ant International to advance innovation in the emirate's fintech ecosystem
11 Aug 2025 16:16 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ant International, a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider, to leverage Ant International's technological expertise towards expanding Abu Dhabi's financial technology sector, empowering local businesses with advanced digital tools, and promoting financial inclusion and connectivity between Abu Dhabi and key global on the MoU, Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: 'With progressive regulation, robust digital infrastructure and a strategic location, Abu Dhabi is a key jurisdiction for fintech firms that operate globally and seek to partner for longevity." He added: "This agreement with Ant International reflects a broader inflexion point in digital finance, where scale is no longer just about reach, but about resilience, trust and regulatory clarity. More than just welcoming global fintech players to join our thriving financial ecosystem, Abu Dhabi is actively shaping digital innovation for the future.'For his part, Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International, said: 'The support from ADIO has been instrumental in helping us to establish our presence in Abu Dhabi. This strategic collaborative relationship is foundational to our mission to empower local businesses, especially SMEs, and connect them to new global growth opportunities. We are excited to contribute to the UAE's growing digital economy and look forward to a future of shared success." The agreement forms part of ADIO's strategy to enable high-impact companies to scale from Abu Dhabi while deepening economic bridges between Asia and the UAE capital. Earlier this year, ADIO hosted the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo to further advance cross-regional flows of capital, innovation and trade. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Business Wire
11-08-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Ant International Partners with Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Receives IPA from Central Bank of the UAE to Support Local Digitalisation and Fintech Strategy
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ant International, a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider, today announces two milestones that mark a significant step forward for its business expansion in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and received In-Principle Approval (IPA) for the Stored Value Facilities (SVF) and the Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes (RPSCS) licenses from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). These developments underscore Ant International's commitment to supporting the Central Bank's digital transformation agenda and contributing to the UAE's fintech ecosystem. Strategic Collaboration with ADIO to Accelerate Abu Dhabi's Digital Finance Ecosystem Ant International's MoU with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) solidifies its commitment to the UAE by leveraging its technological expertise to support the growth of Abu Dhabi's financial technology sector, empowering local businesses with advanced digital tools, and promoting financial inclusion and connectivity between the UAE and the rest of the world. H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: 'With progressive regulation, robust digital infrastructure and a strategic location, Abu Dhabi is a key jurisdiction for fintech firms that operate globally and seek to partner for longevity. This agreement with Ant International reflects a broader inflection point in digital finance, where scale is no longer just about reach, but about resilience, trust and regulatory clarity. More than just welcoming global fintech players to join our thriving financial ecosystem, Abu Dhabi is actively shaping digital innovation for the future.' 'The support from ADIO has been instrumental in helping us to establish our presence in Abu Dhabi. This strategic collaborative relationship is foundational to our mission to empower local businesses, especially SMEs, and connect them to new global growth opportunities,' said Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International. 'We are excited to contribute to the UAE's growing digital economy and look forward to a future of shared success.' Securing Key Regulatory In-Principle Approval from the Central Bank of the UAE In-principle approval for CBUAE's SVF and RPSCS licenses is a prerequisite for obtaining the full licenses required to introduce Ant International's innovative fintech solutions to the country. Once the final licenses are granted, Ant International will be positioned to offer a comprehensive suite of payment and other related solutions in the UAE. These include merchant acquiring, payment aggregation, e-wallet issuance, and domestic and cross-border fund transfers, which will help bolster the country's digital ecosystem in line with the nation's 'We the UAE 2031' digitalisation and fintech strategy. 'Receiving this In-Principle Approval from the Central Bank of the UAE is a testament to our productive collaboration and shared vision for a digitally-driven, inclusive economy,' commented Mr Yang. 'We are grateful for the guidance and support of CBUAE's Fintech Office as we work to bring our AI-powered fintech solutions spanning merchant services, wallet technology, and digitisation tools to help scale the UAE's growth.' About Ant International With headquarters in Singapore and main operations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. Through collaboration across the private and public sectors, our unified techfin platform supports financial institutions and merchants of all sizes to achieve inclusive growth through a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital payment and financial services solutions. To learn more, please visit About ADIO The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi's growth and enabling the emirate's economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services. Initiatives focused on regional tourism and retail development, as well as public-private partnerships, ensure that community well-being is at the centre of Abu Dhabi's economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact. For more information, visit:
Business Wire
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Archer Begins Test Flights in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Archer (NYSE: ACHR) today announced the successful completion of an initial flight of its Midnight aircraft at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, marking a key milestone for its planned commercial deployment in the UAE and the expansion of its operations in the Middle East region. With the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the flight was witnessed by senior leadership from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Aviation and Abu Dhabi Airports, along with representatives from Archer's regional partners. Focused on evaluating the aircraft's VTOL performance in UAE-specific conditions including temperature, humidity and dust exposure, the test flight allows Archer to validate readiness for commercial deployment. Following this milestone, Archer will expand its flight-testing program for Midnight in the region, gathering additional data to support its certification and commercialization plans in both the UAE and other key markets. 'This flight marks a significant step towards realising Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead the world in advanced urban air mobility,' said H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. 'Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster, we are enabling companies like Archer to test, certify and scale next-generation air mobility solutions, reinforcing our position as a global launchpad for innovation and a hub for transformative technologies.' 'Our initial test flight operations in the UAE represent a critical milestone as we prepare for our commercial deployment in Abu Dhabi,' said Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Archer Aviation. 'Testing our aircraft in actual operating conditions in the middle of summer provides us with the data we need to progress our commercial and certification efforts both in the UAE and in the U.S.' The test flight supports Archer's Launch Edition commercialization program with Abu Dhabi Aviation, which aims to establish air taxi services in Abu Dhabi. The announcement comes as Archer continues to advance its certification and commercialization efforts in the UAE and beyond, building on recent achievements including regulatory design approval for the UAE's first hybrid heliport at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal and ongoing partnerships with leading regional operators. The Launch Edition program represents Archer's approach to establishing commercial operations in key early adopter markets. Abu Dhabi's role as Archer's first Launch Edition market positions the emirate as a global leader in urban air mobility deployment, demonstrating Abu Dhabi's commitment to innovative transport and sustainable mobility solutions. About Archer Archer is designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft necessary to power the future of aviation. To learn more, visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward looking statements regarding Archer's future business plans and goals, including statements regarding the development, flight testing, commercialization, and certification of its aircraft and the plans for its 'Launch Edition' program. In addition, this press release refers to a partnership that is conditioned on the future execution by the parties of additional binding definitive agreements incorporating the terms outlined in the memorandum of understanding, which definitive agreements may not be completed or may contain different terms than those set forth in the framework agreement. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed in Archer's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, available at In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that Archer believes to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. Archer undertakes no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events.
Al Etihad
23-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
ADIO, ADPIC strategic partnership to advance PPP delivery in Abu Dhabi
23 June 2025 17:37 ABU DHABI (WAM) The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) have signed a strategic partnership agreement to establish a collaborative operating model that supports the planning, structuring, and procurement of public-private partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure projects across the by the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADIO, Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, and the Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the agreement was signed by Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of ADIO, Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, and the Director-General of ADPIC, Eng. Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, during the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) partnership introduces a unified operating model that connects the pipeline of infrastructure projects with seamless transaction execution. This integrated approach is designed to improve coordination, enable the early identification of PPP opportunities, streamline approval processes, and embed stronger accountability and governance throughout the project aligning ADPIC's mandate as the coordinating body for Abu Dhabi's infrastructure pipeline with ADIO's expertise in investor attraction, deal structuring, and infrastructure finance, the partnership creates an effective, faster, and more efficient framework for the delivery of capital said, 'This strategic partnership between ADIO and the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre will contribute to attracting private capital to actively participate in the implementation of high-quality strategic infrastructure projects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It also supports efforts aimed at providing an attractive and reliable investment environment for investors and empowers government entities to efficiently execute their projects and achieve their objectives.'Eid said, "This collaboration reflects our commitment to reimagining how infrastructure is delivered across Abu Dhabi. Public-private partnerships have the potential to unlock greater impact when guided by a clear, coordinated, and future-focused framework. Together with ADIO, we are enabling a more responsive model that connects ambition with delivery, supporting government entities, attracting trusted partners, and ultimately creating lasting value for our communities."Effective immediately, the agreement will be governed by a unified framework of joint performance indicators and scheduled inter-agency builds on Abu Dhabi's expanding track record of infrastructure partnerships, including a collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge to deliver three modern schools in Zayed example includes a project to install energy-efficient LED lighting across Abu Dhabi roads, implemented in partnership with the Department of Municipalities and Transport. This project will be the first initiative of its kind to be delivered through a public-private partnership model for road lighting in the GCC. As the central authority for enabling investment and delivering infrastructure partnerships, ADIO continues to lead the development of scalable, high-impact projects that reinforce Abu Dhabi's position as a globally competitive, investor-friendly economy.
