Dubai is making waves in the world of global trade, this time with water. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has teamed up with AQUA-INDEX to launch the world’s first digital token backed by real, drinking-quality water stored in reservoirs around the globe.

This groundbreaking token will allow investors, traders, and even the public to buy, sell, and take delivery of freshwater as a commodity, just like gold or oil. It’s a bold step toward creating a transparent, regulated global market for one of the planet’s most precious resources, water.

As part of the agreement, AQUA-INDEX will tap into DMCC’s global network and advanced infrastructure to bring water trading to the mainstream. The goal? To bring more liquidity, transparency, and innovation to how water is valued and managed around the world.

“Nearly half the world faces water scarcity, but there’s still no mature market for water,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC. “

Yaacov Shirazi, Chairman and Founder of AQUA-INDEX, added, “This is a game-changer. By turning water into a tradable financial asset, we’re enabling better infrastructure, access, and management. It’s a whole new way to fight water scarcity.”

The partnership is part of DMCC’s vision to establish a Water Centre in Dubai, a one-stop hub for water technology companies, commodity traders, and logistics firms. The water-backed token will be a core feature, helping improve water access in stressed regions and offering new tools for investors and governments alike.

Further details on how the token will work, including where it can be traded and how delivery will happen, will be revealed soon.

In a move to support small businesses and boost Emiratisation, the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has launched a new initiative waiving penalties for delays in employee registration and end-of-service benefit processing.

The initiative will benefit around 1,906 small private companies across the UAE, specifically those with four or fewer Emirati employees on their payroll.

What’s Covered?

The waiver applies to fines incurred between January 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025. Any payments outside this window may still be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, according to GPSSA.

This step is part of the broader ‘Zero Government Bureaucracy’ programme, which aims to streamline processes, reduce red tape, and improve financial stability for small firms, encouraging them to reinvest in their operations and contribute more actively to the UAE’s economy.

Boost for Emiratisation

The authority highlighted that the initiative also reinforces Emiratisation goals, helping firms overcome financial burdens and making it easier for them to attract and retain Emirati talent.

What Businesses Need to Know

• Eligible companies will be contacted directly by GPSSA.
• Businesses that do not receive official notification will not be included in the waiver.
• Firms must still comply with UAE pension laws, which require timely registration and contributions from both employers and employees.

Nakheel, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded three major contracts worth over Dh750 million for infrastructure development on Palm Jebel Ali, a landmark waterfront project poised to redefine luxury living in Dubai. The works are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026.

The contracts have been awarded to DBB Contracting LLC, a company with a strong track record on the island. DBB has previously delivered key projects on Palm Jebel Ali, including road construction and public access infrastructure.

A Visionary Mega Development

Palm Jebel Ali is one of Nakheel’s most ambitious projects, unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The development supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and serves as a key pillar in the emirate’s expansion westward, marking the rise of a new growth corridor in Jebel Ali.

What’s Included in the Infrastructure Works?

The awarded contracts cover comprehensive infrastructure across Fronds A to G, including:

• Utility connections
• Excavation and backfilling
• Road and pavement construction
• Power distribution (11kV) and telecom utility works

In the Spine District, the works will include:

• Major and secondary road development
• Utility mains and links to fronds
• Grading and associated infrastructure for DEWA’s power transmission line

A New Era for Waterfront Living

Spanning 13.4 km, Palm Jebel Ali will feature 16 fronds and over 90 km of beachfront, aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to expand public beach access.

Designed with smart city technologies, sustainable features, and walkable mixed-use neighbourhoods, the island is set to become a world-class destination for residents, tourists, and investors alike, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and seamless mobility solutions.