The UAE and Saudi Arabia are witnessing new investment activity across healthcare, retail, and logistics, including funding for an AI-powered medical research laboratory in Dubai, Spinneys’ expansion in the Saudi market, and a new autonomous vehicle project targeting Dubai’s ports and airports.
Longevium Raises $7 Million for an AI-Powered Health Research Laboratory
Dubai-based Longevium Healthcare has completed its first funding round, raising $7 million to establish an AI-powered longevity research laboratory at Dubai Science Park.
The company did not disclose the identities of the investors participating in the funding round.
Scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026, the facility will operate as a dedicated research and development centre rather than simply serving as an extension of the company’s existing clinic network.
The laboratory will focus on developing advanced healthcare technologies and solutions, including:
- AI-powered biological age assessment tools
- Digital twins for personalised health monitoring
- Early disease detection technologies
- Regenerative medicine research
- Preventive healthcare and long-term wellness solutions
Longevium currently operates three clinics in Dubai, located in Jumeirah 3, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and Jumeirah Village Circle.
The company employs around 100 doctors and specialists and has treated more than 30,000 patients, providing the new laboratory with access to extensive medical expertise and healthcare data to support the development of AI-driven solutions.
Spinneys Raises Its Stake in Saudi Subsidiary to 70%
Dubai-listed grocery retailer Spinneys plans to increase its ownership in Spinneys Saudi Arabia from 50% to 70%.
The company will acquire an additional 20% stake from Saudi Arabia’s Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Hokair Holding Group for SAR 18 million, equivalent to approximately $4.8 million.
The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to strengthen Spinneys’ position in Saudi Arabia, one of the company’s fastest-growing markets.
Spinneys Saudi Arabia was established in 2022 as a key pillar of the retailer’s regional expansion strategy.
During 2025, the company opened two stores in Saudi Arabia and expanded its regional presence by entering the Kuwaiti market during the summer.
The increased investment reflects Spinneys’ confidence in the growth prospects of Saudi Arabia’s retail sector and its plans to expand its store network while benefiting from rising demand for premium grocery retail services.
Dubai Establishes Shift Autonomous Logistics Venture
Dubai has also launched a new joint venture named Shift through a partnership between the Dubai Future Foundation and UK-based autonomous driving technology company Oxa.
The project aims to begin the first commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles across Dubai’s ports and airports before the end of 2027.
The vehicles are expected to support the transportation of goods and equipment within logistics zones, helping improve operational efficiency, reduce dependence on conventional vehicles, and enhance workplace safety.
The initiative represents another step in Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for smart mobility and autonomous logistics technologies.
UAE Accelerates the Adoption of Autonomous Logistics
The use of autonomous vehicles in the UAE’s logistics sector continues to gain momentum.
In November 2025, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office signed several commercial deployment agreements for autonomous mobility technologies, including applications related to logistics and goods transportation.
Meanwhile, UAE-based autonomous delivery vehicle company CargoX raised $250 million in June 2026.
These investments indicate that autonomous driving technologies in the UAE are moving beyond pilot projects and testing phases towards full commercial deployment, particularly across ports, airports, industrial zones, and logistics hubs.
Investment Expands Across Technology, Healthcare, and Retail
The latest transactions and projects highlight the diversity of investment activity across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with growing interest in artificial intelligence, advanced healthcare, retail expansion, and smart logistics.
While Longevium is investing in AI-powered preventive healthcare and early disease detection, Spinneys is strengthening its position in the Saudi retail market. At the same time, Dubai is working to transform autonomous logistics into a commercially scalable model.
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