UAE - WORLDEF

The UAE’s First National Payment Card, Jaywan, Launched

The United Arab Emirates has launched the nationwide distribution process for Jaywan, the country’s first national payment card system. The cards, which will be introduced gradually by banks, licensed financial institutions, and exchange houses, will be usable in physical stores, on e-commerce platforms, at ATMs, and in compatible digital wallets.

The official launch of Jaywan was carried out by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of the UAE. The system is operated by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE.

Banks Offer Debit and Prepaid Cards

First Abu Dhabi Bank has launched the Jaywan debit card for eligible account holders. The card can be used for shopping at stores and local e-commerce sites in the UAE, withdrawing cash from ATMs, and accessing compatible digital wallets.

Commercial Bank of Dubai is also introducing prepaid Jaywan cards for retail customers. The cards, which can be used by loading funds onto them, will support contactless shopping, online payments, ATM transactions, and tokenization technology, which replaces card details with a digital identity in mobile wallets.

Retail and Financial Inclusion Targeted

Jaywan cards may be offered in debit, prepaid, and credit card formats. International use will depend on the type of card and the partner payment network. Al Etihad Payments is working with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and UnionPay on co-branded cards.

Cardholders are also expected to receive benefits in travel, retail, hospitality, and lifestyle categories. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed stated that Jaywan supports the goal of building a more efficient, resilient, and competitive financial sector, while advancing innovation and financial inclusion.

Jaywan Can Be Used for Online Shopping

Network International has expanded the acceptance of Jaywan cards to its e-commerce payment infrastructure. Through the integration, cardholders will be able to make payments at thousands of online stores served by the company in the UAE. Businesses that accept Jaywan transactions through Network International’s payment gateway will not be charged an additional fee. The company had previously added the card to its payment network for physical stores.

Pinar Alpay, Group Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Network International, stated that online payment support was the natural next step in the work carried out with Al Etihad Payments. Alpay said the integration would provide card users with a consistent payment experience across physical and digital channels.

Majid Al Futtaim Unveils Premium Carrefour Market Concept as UAE Grocery Retail Evolves

DUBAI, UAE – Majid Al Futtaim has launched its first premium Carrefour Market concept in the United Arab Emirates, introducing a redesigned supermarket format that reflects changing consumer preferences for fresh food, convenience, and premium grocery experiences.

The new store, located at Jumeirah Park Centre in Dubai, is the first Carrefour Market in the country to adopt the retailer’s premium concept. The opening forms part of Majid Al Futtaim’s broader strategy to modernize its grocery business and respond to increasing demand for differentiated neighborhood retail formats.

The company, which operates Carrefour under an exclusive franchise agreement across several Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets, said the new concept could serve as a model for future Carrefour Market locations in the UAE.

Food-First Layout Expands Fresh Categories

The flagship supermarket spans more than 2,200 square metres and introduces what the retailer describes as a “food-first” design, allocating a larger share of floor space to fresh and prepared food categories.

Fresh produce, bakery, delicatessen, ready-to-eat meals, and other food offerings now occupy approximately 38% of the store’s retail area, compared with around 25% in traditional Carrefour Market outlets.

The redesigned layout also incorporates wider aisles, updated merchandising, and dedicated zones intended to simplify navigation while accommodating a broader product assortment.

The shift mirrors wider changes across the grocery sector, where retailers are increasing investment in fresh food and convenience offerings as shoppers make more frequent, smaller purchases and seek higher-quality products closer to home.

Broader Product Assortment

The premium concept introduces more than 900 additional products, including over 300 imported items sourced from international markets.

Majid Al Futtaim has also expanded several merchandise categories, including health and wellness products, beauty, premium pet care, and ready-made meals, reflecting evolving consumer purchasing habits and demand for more specialized grocery selections.

Carrefour Adds Its First BakeHouse Café in the UAE

Among the most notable additions is Carrefour’s first BakeHouse Café in the UAE, integrating a café into the supermarket environment for the first time.

The concept offers freshly baked bread, pastries, specialty coffee, sandwiches, and light meals, reflecting a broader industry trend in which supermarkets are expanding foodservice operations to diversify revenue streams and increase customer dwell time.

Retail analysts have increasingly pointed to foodservice integration as a competitive advantage for supermarkets facing growing competition from quick-commerce platforms, online grocery providers, and specialty food retailers.

Investment Reflects Changing Consumer Expectations

The launch comes as grocery retailers across the Gulf accelerate investments in premium formats, digital services, and in-store experiences to strengthen customer loyalty.

Consumers in the UAE are placing greater emphasis on freshness, convenience, imported products, and experiential shopping, encouraging supermarket operators to move beyond traditional retail models.

For Majid Al Futtaim, the premium Carrefour Market represents another step in repositioning neighborhood supermarkets to compete with both premium grocery chains and rapidly expanding e-commerce platforms.

Senior executives from Majid Al Futtaim and Dubai Holding attended the opening of the new store, underscoring the project’s strategic importance within the company’s retail portfolio.

Premium Grocery Formats Gain Momentum Across the Region

The introduction of Carrefour’s premium Market concept highlights a broader transformation underway across Middle Eastern grocery retail.

Supermarket operators throughout the region are redesigning stores, expanding fresh food ranges, and integrating cafés, ready-to-eat meals, and lifestyle-focused services as competition intensifies and consumer expectations continue to evolve.

Industry observers expect retailers to continue investing in premium neighborhood formats that combine convenience with differentiated in-store experiences, particularly in high-income urban markets such as Dubai.

The new Carrefour Market is expected to provide insight into how premium supermarket concepts may shape the next phase of grocery retail development in the UAE and the wider Gulf region.

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Shipping Resumes Between Iran and UAE as Direct Cargo Routes Reopen

Iran has announced the resumption of direct cargo shipping routes from the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant step toward restoring trade connectivity between the two neighboring economies. The move could improve logistics efficiency and facilitate cross-border commerce in the Gulf region, although Emirati authorities have yet to officially comment on the development.

Iranian officials said direct cargo shipping services between the UAE and Iran have resumed, indicating that bilateral trade relations are gradually returning to normal. Ali Emami, Director-General of Logistics and Support at Iran’s Trade Development Organisation, stated that goods are once again being transported directly between the two countries.

The development follows recent signs of improving connectivity between the two nations. Earlier this week, Dubai International Airport reportedly received a direct flight from Tehran, with return services also resuming after disruptions linked to regional tensions and the recent conflict involving Iran. Iran had also announced the reactivation of trade exchanges through Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port and indicated that flights between the two countries would restart within days.

Renewed Shipping Routes Could Strengthen Gulf Trade Connectivity

The UAE and Iran have historically maintained strong commercial ties, with the UAE serving as one of Iran’s key trade and re-export partners. The restoration of direct cargo shipping routes is expected to ease supply chain pressures, reduce transit times, and lower logistics costs for businesses operating between the two markets.

For logistics providers, retailers, and e-commerce businesses, renewed maritime connectivity could create opportunities for more efficient movement of goods and strengthen regional trade flows at a time when companies are increasingly seeking resilient and diversified supply chains across the Middle East. However, operational details and the full scope of the resumption remain unclear, as Emirati authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding Iran’s announcement.

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UAE’s LODD Autonomous Launches Hili Cargo Aircraft Certification Program

Abu Dhabi-based LODD Autonomous has launched the formal certification program for its Hili autonomous cargo aircraft with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), marking a significant milestone in the development of advanced air mobility and middle-mile logistics solutions.

The certification program moves Hili from development and flight testing into the pathway toward commercial operations, positioning the hybrid-electric aircraft as a potential enabler of faster and more flexible cargo transportation across the UAE and the wider region.

Designed and developed in Abu Dhabi, Hili is a hybrid-powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) cargo aircraft capable of carrying payloads of up to 250 kilograms over distances of up to 700 kilometers. The aircraft has been purpose-built to support civilian logistics operations, with potential applications spanning healthcare, energy, humanitarian response, offshore operations, industrial supply chains, and regional cargo transportation.

Certification Program Enters Formal Phase

The certification process will include aircraft design approval activities, airworthiness compliance demonstrations, ground and flight testing, operational evaluations, and comprehensive safety assessments. These steps are required to demonstrate compliance with applicable aviation standards before the aircraft can enter commercial service.

The program is being conducted under the supervision of the UAE’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, with the GCAA serving as the certifying authority. The initiative is also supported by key stakeholders in Abu Dhabi’s advanced mobility ecosystem, including the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) through its Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster.

Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, described the launch of the certification program as one of the most significant milestones in the aircraft’s development.

“The launch of the Hili certification program marks one of the most significant milestones in the evolution of the aircraft and reflects the progress we have made across design, engineering and flight testing. Entering formal certification demonstrates the maturity of the Hili program and moves Hili from development into the pathway towards commercial operations.”

Al Manai added that the company is working closely with the GCAA to demonstrate compliance with the highest standards of airworthiness and safety.

Advancing Middle-Mile Logistics

The launch of the Hili certification program comes as governments, logistics providers, and technology companies increasingly explore autonomous solutions to improve cargo transportation and supply chain resilience.

Unlike small last-mile delivery drones, Hili has been designed specifically for middle-mile logistics, enabling cargo transportation between cities, industrial zones, logistics hubs, airports, and remote operational sites without relying on conventional runway infrastructure.

The aircraft’s capabilities could prove particularly valuable for sectors requiring fast and reliable movement of goods, including healthcare supply chains, urgent spare-parts delivery, offshore energy operations, and humanitarian logistics.

As e-commerce, healthcare delivery, and regional trade continue to accelerate, demand for more flexible transportation networks is also increasing. Autonomous VTOL cargo aircraft have the potential to establish more direct routes between logistics nodes, reducing dependency on traditional road networks and enabling faster movement of critical cargo.

Upon certification, Hili is expected to support a broad range of commercial applications, including middle-mile logistics, healthcare supply chains, offshore operations, humanitarian response, and regional cargo transportation.

Abu Dhabi Strengthens Its Advanced Mobility Ambitions

The Hili certification program also reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to position itself as a global hub for smart mobility and advanced aviation technologies. By bringing together regulators, industry stakeholders, and ecosystem partners, the initiative demonstrates the emirate’s collaborative approach to developing and deploying next-generation transportation solutions.

Eng. Aqeel Al Zarooni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, said the initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to supporting innovation while maintaining the highest aviation safety standards.

“Advanced aircraft programs such as Hili play an important role in the evolution of aviation and support the safe integration of next-generation technologies into the national aviation ecosystem.”

Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, noted that the certification of advanced autonomous aviation systems such as Hili represents an important step in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s integrated mobility ecosystem. Meanwhile, Ali AlHashmi, Head of the SAVI Cluster at ADIO, emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry, regulators, and ecosystem partners in advancing next-generation aviation technologies.

Toward Commercial Deployment

Founded in 2023, LODD Autonomous develops autonomous aviation and advanced logistics solutions from its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. As the certification process progresses, Hili could become one of the first advanced autonomous civilian aircraft to be designed, engineered, and certified in the UAE.

For the logistics and e-commerce sectors, the program highlights the growing role of autonomous aviation in the future of cargo transportation. If successfully certified and deployed, Hili could contribute to a new generation of autonomous logistics networks, enabling faster, more flexible, and more resilient movement of goods across the UAE and beyond.

UAE Joins Global AI Initiative with 35 Countries, Reinforcing Commitment to Responsible Innovation

Global delegates attend the Pax Silica Summit in Washington, focusing on secure AI supply chains and international cooperation.

Washington, D.C. – The United Arab Emirates has joined 35 other nations in signing the Joint Statement on AI Opportunities during the second Pax Silica Summit in Washington, D.C., further strengthening its position as a global advocate for responsible and secure artificial intelligence development.

UAE Strengthens Its Global AI Leadership Through International Collaboration

The summit brought together government leaders and major technology companies to discuss trusted AI supply chains, secure digital infrastructure, and international cooperation in advancing artificial intelligence. The UAE delegation was led by Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State, and included senior officials and representatives from some of the country’s leading technology organizations, including G42, Core42, MGX, and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

By participating in the joint declaration, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to developing AI ecosystems that are secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven. The country’s involvement also highlights its growing role as a trusted global partner in shaping international AI governance and accelerating technological progress.

Building Trusted AI Infrastructure and Supply Chains

The Pax Silica Summit focused on strengthening collaboration among allied nations to build resilient AI supply chains covering critical areas such as semiconductors, computing infrastructure, energy, and advanced manufacturing. The initiative is increasingly seen as an important platform for fostering trusted partnerships and reducing vulnerabilities in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The UAE’s participation aligns with its broader national strategy to become a global hub for artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. In recent years, the country has significantly increased investments in digital infrastructure, AI research, and international technology partnerships, positioning itself at the center of global conversations around the future of AI.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape economies and industries worldwide, the UAE’s engagement in initiatives such as Pax Silica demonstrates its intention not only to adopt emerging technologies but also to actively contribute to the development of responsible frameworks that guide their global implementation.

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e& UAE Announces 2030 Roadmap for Autonomous Networks

e& UAE, one of the leading telecom services companies of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), announced its strategic roadmap for the transition to autonomous networks in the age of artificial intelligence. The white paper titled “The Path to Full Autonomy: e& UAE’s Strategic Blueprint for Network Transformation in the AI Era”, prepared in collaboration with TM Forum, was introduced as part of DTW Ignite 2026 held in Copenhagen.

With this roadmap, e&UAE aims to move from traditional automation to AI-native, intent-driven and closed-loop operations. e& UAE’s strategy aims to transform telecom networks from manual and reactive structures into intelligent systems that self-optimize, self-heal and keep human governance at the center.

5 Key Pillars in Autonomous Networks for the UAE: Autonomous Network DNA

At the center of e& UAE’s autonomous network strategy are 5 key structures defined as “Autonomous Network DNA”. These are listed as cross-domain intelligence, AI-native and vendor-agnostic operations, agentic and open-source supported structure, end-to-end closed-loop automation and customer-focused artificial intelligence.

The company’s roadmap focuses on 4 main business outcomes: increasing operation and maintenance efficiency, improving customer experience, reducing energy consumption and increasing the speed of bringing services to market. e& UAE aims to reach the Level 4 Autonomous Networks level by 2030 and to establish the foundation for Level 5 self-evolving networks after 2030.

More Than 400 AI Use Cases and 160 ML Models

e& UAE’s previously announced AI strategy also reveals the scale of this transformation specific to the UAE. The company has integrated more than 400 artificial intelligence use cases and 160 machine learning models into its operations. These models are used in areas such as network optimization, energy efficiency, fraud prevention, customer experience, facial recognition, voice biometrics and OCR.

e& UAE CTO: “The future of telecom will be shaped by networks that can think, learn and act autonomously”

e& UAE CTO Marwan Bin Shakar stated that the future of telecom will be shaped by “networks that can think, learn and act autonomously.” Bin Shakar stated that they see autonomous networks as a strategic enabler of the AI era and that this transformation carries networks from operational infrastructure to intelligent digital platforms.

TM Forum CTO George Glass emphasized that autonomous networks are at the center of AI-native telecom. Glass stated that the industry must now move from pilot projects to measurable value, drawing attention to the importance of common architecture, open APIs, high-value scenarios and standard evaluation frameworks.

Use of AI and Premium Logistics in E-Commerce Is Rapidly Becoming Widespread in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 51% of shoppers use AI-supported chat tools; 91% of businesses use AI on their e-commerce platforms; 84% expect to increase their use of AI; 84% prefer home delivery, while 73% prefer home collection for returns; 64% have a paid delivery/returns subscription; and 73% of businesses offer this subscription.

DHL eCommerce announced the key dynamics that will determine global e-commerce growth in 2026 and beyond. According to the data from the “E-Commerce Trends Report 2026”, which is based on a survey conducted with 29 thousand online shoppers and 5 thousand 800 e-commerce businesses in 29 countries, the future of online retail in rapidly digitalizing markets such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be shaped by artificial intelligence, flexible delivery options, sustainable logistics, secure payment experience and easy return processes.

DHL eCommerce’s 2026 E-Commerce Trends Report research revealed that the UAE e-commerce market is undergoing a rapid transformation with artificial intelligence, social commerce, marketplaces and premium logistics solutions. According to the research conducted with 29 thousand online shoppers and 5 thousand 800 e-commerce businesses, the UAE stands out as one of the most advanced markets in the adoption of AI-supported shopping tools.

AI Use in the UAE Is Becoming Central to E-Commerce

According to the report, 51% of online shoppers in the UAE use AI-supported chat tools while shopping. On the business side, the picture is stronger: 91% of e-commerce businesses in the UAE already use AI on their platforms. In addition, 84% of businesses expect AI use to increase further in the next 5 years.

According to DHL data, 52% of shoppers in the UAE expect to shop more through retailer websites in the next 5 years. 51% state that they will shop more on online marketplaces, 47% on mobile applications, and 37% through AI-supported chat or virtual assistants.

Delivery Preference in the UAE Remains Home-Oriented

The delivery experience plays a critical role in purchasing decisions in UAE e-commerce. According to the report, 84% of shoppers in the UAE prefer home delivery, while 73% prefer home collection for returns. However, out-of-home delivery options are also developing; 12% of shoppers use parcel lockers for delivery, while 23% use them for returns.

Premium logistics has also become mainstream in the UAE. In the UAE, 64% of shoppers have a paid delivery and returns subscription. While 73% of businesses already offer this service, 24% also plan to introduce this model.

Social Commerce Is Growing Increasingly in the UAE

On the business side, the data is as follows;

68% of UAE companies expect more customer activity through social media, 65% through applications, 64% through online marketplaces, and 59% through AI-supported chat or virtual assistants.
68% of shoppers in the UAE have made purchases through Facebook, 67% through Instagram, 57% through TikTok and 41% through YouTube.
82% of businesses have sold through Facebook, 75% through Instagram, 73% through TikTok and 52% through YouTube.
Amazon was identified as the most popular online marketplace for both shoppers and businesses in the UAE.

The UAE’s Strength Comes from a Digital Society and Strong Connections

DHL Express Middle East and North Africa CEO AbdulAziz Busbate stated that the UAE’s strength in the e-commerce market comes from high digitalization, strong global and regional connections, and a consumer base that rapidly adopts new online shopping habits. Busbate emphasized that digital platforms, flexible payment options and delivery expectations continue to shape the market, and stated that the growth foundation for businesses in the UAE is strong.

According to the report, the new competitive field of e-commerce in the UAE will not only be product price or campaign; it will be AI-supported customer experience, omnichannel sales, reliable delivery, easy returns and localized logistics solutions.

UAE Becomes the First Arab Country to Restrict Social Media Use for Children Under 15

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a new regulation on children’s use of social media. Under the decision approved by the UAE Cabinet, children under the age of 15 will be prohibited from creating, using, or managing personal accounts on social media platforms. With this move, the UAE has become the first Arab country to restrict social media use for children under 15.

The UAE’s new social media decision aims to protect children against digital risks such as exposure to inappropriate content, unsafe interactions, the collection of personal data, and excessive use. The UAE Cabinet stated that the regulation was prepared in response to children’s increasing use of digital platforms and the risks associated with it.

Age Verification Requirement for Social Media Platforms

The new regulation applies to all social media platforms operating in the UAE or targeting users in the country. Free or paid platforms that offer features such as account or profile creation, interaction with other users, content publishing or sharing, and content display through algorithmic recommendation systems will be considered within the scope of the regulation.

Under the rule, children under the age of 15 will not be able to open personal accounts on social media platforms or access full features such as posting, commenting, sharing content, joining public groups, or participating in large-scale interaction spaces. Platforms will be required to establish reliable age verification mechanisms, including digital identity systems or AI-supported technologies.

Controlled Access for the 15–16 Age Group

The UAE’s new social media regulation provides a controlled access model, rather than a complete ban, for users aged 15 to 16. This age group will be granted access with safety measures such as age-appropriate content filters, restrictions on interactions with strangers, usage time controls, and parental supervision. Platforms have been given a transition period of up to 12 months to comply with the rules.

In the event of non-compliance, platforms may face warnings, partial or full blocking, and administrative sanctions. The enforcement process will be carried out by the National Media Office and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority.

Global Social Media Restrictions Are Spreading

The UAE’s move is considered part of a global trend toward restricting children’s use of socialmedia. Countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Malaysia, Türkiye, Greece, France, Canada, Norway, Spain, Denmark, and Germany are also considering bans, age limits, or verification mechanisms related to children’s access to social media.

According to DataReportal’s “Digital 2026: UAE” report, the UAE had 11.3 million internet users as of late 2025 and early 2026, corresponding to 99 percent of the population. During the same period, 12.5 million active social media identities were identified in the country. The new regulation shows that oversight of platforms will become even stricter in areas such as child safety, data privacy, and digital well-being.

New Social Media Advertiser Permit System Introduced in the UAE

UAE Strengthens Global Position as a Leading Hub for Company Formation

The United Arab Emirates is further strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for company formation, entrepreneurship, and international investment. Driven by pro-business reforms, digital transformation, and innovation-focused economic strategies, the UAE continues to attract startups, investors, and multinational corporations seeking regional and global expansion opportunities.

According to insights shared through the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the UAE’s business-friendly environment and modern regulatory framework are playing a key role in accelerating corporate growth across multiple sectors. Industry experts noted that the country has successfully created an ecosystem that combines ease of doing business, strategic connectivity, and advanced infrastructure.

UAE Strengthens Global Appeal for Entrepreneurs and Investors

The UAE’s geographic position between Europe, Asia, and Africa remains one of its strongest competitive advantages. Combined with world-class airports, logistics networks, and free economic zones, the country offers companies direct access to rapidly growing international markets.

Government initiatives have also contributed significantly to the country’s attractiveness for entrepreneurs. Policies allowing 100% foreign ownership in several sectors, long-term residency options for investors, and streamlined licensing procedures have encouraged global businesses to establish regional headquarters in the UAE.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to lead the country’s innovation and startup ecosystem growth. Financial and technology hubs such as Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and Hub71 are supporting both early-stage startups and established enterprises through funding opportunities, accelerator programs, and international partnerships.

The UAE’s digital economy ambitions are also accelerating investment in sectors including artificial intelligence, fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and smart mobility. Experts believe these industries will play a major role in shaping the country’s next phase of economic growth while strengthening its competitiveness on the global stage.

The country’s strong entrepreneurial performance has been recognized internationally as well. The UAE ranked among the world’s leading countries in entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem development, reflecting its growing influence in the global business landscape.

As global competition for innovation and investment intensifies, the UAE is positioning itself as a long-term hub for entrepreneurs and high-growth companies. Analysts believe the country’s ability to combine regulatory flexibility, advanced infrastructure, and international connectivity will continue driving strong business formation activity in the coming years.

With ongoing investments in technology, digital transformation, and business-friendly reforms, the UAE is expected to further expand its role as a global center for entrepreneurship, company formation, and cross-border trade.

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$45.2B UAE-Türkiye Trade Momentum Drives New KEZAD-Trendyol Logistics Partnership

KEZAD Group and Trendyol Group, Türkiye’s first decacorn and one of the region’s leading e-commerce platforms, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of an e-commerce logistics cluster within KEZAD in Abu Dhabi.

The agreement was signed during the UAE-Türkiye Joint Business Council Forum held in Istanbul, where senior business leaders and government representatives from both countries gathered to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and private-sector cooperation.

The partnership aims to support Trendyol’s regional expansion strategy by leveraging KEZAD’s integrated logistics and industrial ecosystem. Through the proposed collaboration, the companies plan to evaluate opportunities that would enhance supply chain efficiency, accelerate regional distribution capabilities, and improve market access across the Middle East and surrounding markets.

Trendyol currently serves more than 40 million customers and works with approximately 250,000 sellers across its e-commerce ecosystem, offering over 40 million products on its platform. The company has rapidly expanded its international footprint in recent years, positioning itself as one of the most influential technology and e-commerce companies in the region.

UAE-Türkiye Trade Relations Continue to Strengthen Under CEPA

The signing reflects the growing economic relationship between the UAE and Türkiye following the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which continues to accelerate bilateral trade and investment flows between the two countries.

During the forum, Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities and Free Zone and Co-Chair of the UAE–Türkiye Joint Business Council, highlighted the significance of the agreement and emphasized the increasing strength of UAE–Türkiye economic ties.

According to officials, the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade with Türkiye exceeded $45.2 billion in 2025, underlining the rapid growth of commercial cooperation between the two markets.

The UAE delegation participating in the forum was led by H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and included more than 65 business leaders and representatives from Emirati companies.

KEZAD Group stated that the partnership reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a strategic logistics and trade gateway for international companies seeking faster regional market access, resilient supply chains, and integrated distribution infrastructure.

As regional e-commerce and cross-border trade continue to expand, collaborations between major logistics operators and digital commerce platforms are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the Middle East’s supply chain ecosystem.

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