Ajman Transport Authority received the Open-Loop Pioneer 2026 Award at the O-CITY 2026 Conference in South Africa. The award recognises the authority's adoption and implementation of an Open-Loop Payment System within the UAE's public transport network, which allows passengers to pay fares using bank cards. The authority was cited for enabling flexible payment options, simplifying service procedures, and improving public transport efficiency. The achievement aligns with Ajman Government's broader push for innovation and digital transformation.

The UK government is launching Scale UK Connect, an 18-month pilot worth £3.4 million that will give 200 high-growth companies expert account management, tailored advice, investor connections and international trade opportunities over a 12-month programme of support.

The pilot will be led by growth agency London & Partners, with regional partners in Manchester, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, the South West and Scotland. Applications are open until January 2027, with the cohort formally launching in February 2027.

UK Science Minister Chris McDonald said the scheme will give companies "the expert advice, investor connections and global opportunities they need to grow here, stay here, and create good jobs and growth in every postcode."

The government said UK tech start-ups raised $17bn in the first half of 2026, more than France, Germany and Sweden combined, but that too many promising businesses stall as they try to grow due to lack of advice, capital or connections.

The announcement