Dubai’s Prototypes for Humanity programme advances three international ventures from laboratory concepts to pilot projects and market expansion, reaffirming the city’s position as a regional hub for innovation and sustainable development. Dubai is really stepping up its efforts to push university research further along the path to commercialization. The latest…
Despite possessing some of the highest solar and wind resources globally, Arab countries contributed just 1.3% of the world’s solar power in 2023, highlighting a vast untapped potential hindered by limited investments and uneven market development. Arab countries are sitting on some of the world’s most abundant renewable energy resources,…
The University of Sharjah’s My FarmWell app, which integrates artificial intelligence, environmental data, and farm management tools, has been awarded by the UAE Society of Engineers for its innovative approach to sustainable water use in agriculture affected by water scarcity. A mobile tool created at the University of Sharjah has…
Once dominated by glass towers and climate-controlled exteriors that overlooked the desert environment, Gulf cities are gradually embracing traditional principles and innovative technologies to create more sustainable, climate-adapted urban landscapes. For many years now, the iconic buildings of the Gulf have seemed to promise a kind of insulation from their…
The UAE marks its International Day for Biological Diversity with new policies and projects that highlight local conservation success, marine habitat protection, and climate integration, reflecting a growing global and national commitment to sustainable development. This year’s International Day for Biological Diversity in the UAE is serving as a platform…
Abanos reports significant climate benefits from using Palm Strand Board (PSB) in three major Dubai projects, demonstrating the potential of bio-based interior materials to store carbon and support UAE’s decarbonisation goals. Abanos mentions that their research demonstrates how choosing different materials for interior fit-outs can actually lead to measurable improvements…
The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science highlights a shift towards evidence-based practices and advanced measurement techniques following insights from the Weather Modification Association annual meeting, signalling a more disciplined approach to cloud seeding efforts in water security. The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science recently used its…
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UAE launches innovative climate tech and AI startup programme in Al Ain to foster emerging entrepreneurs
The Khalifa Fund and Hub71 have initiated the inaugural cohort of the MZN Hub71 Programme in Al Ain, supporting 17 first-time Emirati entrepreneurs across sectors including ClimateTech and AI to drive regional innovation and economic diversification. Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, together with Hub71, has just kicked off the very first group in the MZN Hub71 Programme. This initial cohort consists of 17 Emirati startup founders based in Al Ain, all part of an initiative designed to help early-stage companies go from just an idea to actually hitting the market. Basically, the programme, which is run through the MZN Hub,…
Miral’s 2026 conservation push harnesses AI and genetics to protect UAE’s wildlife and food systems
Miral unveils four ambitious projects for 2026 aimed at integrating digital tools and scientific research to safeguard endangered species and enhance sustainable food practices in Abu Dhabi, reflecting a wider shift in UAE’s environmental strategy. Miral has outlined four key conservation priorities for 2026, expanding its environmental initiatives in Abu Dhabi through projects that blend wildlife preservation, data science, and research into food systems. These programs, announced under the company’s IMPACT by Miral platform, focus on sea turtles, the Arabian Sand Cat, the Dama Gazelle, and AI-enabled aquaculture. Collectively, they reflect a broader shift happening across the UAE, where conservation…
UAE's economic model showcased at Middle East Summit as regional cooperation accelerates
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan opened the Economy Middle East Summit 2026 in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the UAE’s resilient economic model and calling for regional cooperation to navigate technological and environmental transitions. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan kicked off the Economy Middle East Summit 2026 in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, taking the stage to argue that the UAE’s economic model could serve as a sort of template for the wider region, especially as it navigates through a period of uncertainty, technological upheaval, and the green transition. The event, held at Rosewood Abu Dhabi with the support of Abu…
Abu Dhabi's gigascale renewable project pioneers 24/7 clean energy with Sungrow and Masdar
Sungrow partners with Masdar to deliver the UAE’s first gigascale, round-the-clock renewable energy project in Abu Dhabi, combining 5.2 GW of solar with 19 GWh of storage to redefine regional clean energy prospects. Sungrow has recently entered into an agreement with Masdar to supply energy storage and photovoltaic inverter equipment for what the companies call the UAE’s very first gigascale, round-the-clock renewable energy project in Abu Dhabi. This initiative, developed by Masdar in collaboration with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), aims to combine a hefty 5.2 gigawatts of solar PV capacity with a 19 gigawatt-hour battery energy storage…
First Abu Dhabi Bank accelerates towards AED500 billion climate finance target with record sustainable deals
First Abu Dhabi Bank surpasses 75% of its AED500 billion goal for climate-related projects between 2022 and 2025, bolstering the UAE’s green economy with significant investments across renewables, EVs, and low-carbon infrastructure. First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) recently announced that it has played a key role in financing sustainable and transition-focused projects valued at AED381 billion from 2022 through 2025. That’s already more than 75% of their goal to reach AED500 billion by 2030. Pretty impressive, right? This number was highlighted in a report featured by Sky News Arabia. It covers about 280 deals spread across 41 countries and encompasses…
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Emsteel’s collaboration with Gulf Cryo highlights the UAE’s advancing efforts to create a practical, integrated industrial carbon management market, moving beyond pilot projects towards a holistic decarbonisation ecosystem. Emsteel’s recent partnership with Gulf Cryo really underscores the UAE’s ongoing push to develop an industrial carbon management market, particularly as big-emission…
Du advances UAE’s industrial AI capabilities with sovereign platform for local manufacturing sectors
Du has launched a specialised industrial AI platform in the UAE, leveraging sovereign cloud infrastructure and local partnerships to accelerate manufacturing innovation and digital independence. Du has taken another step forward in developing the UAE’s sovereign digital infrastructure with the launch of an industrial AI platform focused on manufacturers and…
A pioneering German project funded by the UAE aims to test whether large-scale solar farms and artificial dunes can alter weather patterns in arid regions, potentially increasing rainfall and addressing water scarcity. German researchers are now posing a question that, honestly, sounds pretty much like something out of science fiction:…
Imtiaz Developments announces plans to plant 10,000 flame trees across its Dubai projects, reinforcing the city’s commitment to greener, more sustainable urban communities in partnership with Dubai Municipality. Imtiaz Developments has announced plans to plant 10,000 flame trees across its projects in Dubai, part of a wider municipal effort aimed…
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The UAE is increasingly adopting artificial intelligence to transform waste management, making cities smarter and more sustainable through innovative digital solutions that optimise recycling, monitoring, and environmental policies. The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence in waste management is starting to change how the UAE views recycling, monitoring, and the circular economy, according to experts who spoke at a virtual seminar organized by the Zayed International Foundation for the Environment. This session was part of the foundation’s environmental culture series and centered on “Year of the Family: Applying the circular economy in waste management using artificial intelligence”. It brought together specialists…
The UAE is expanding its National Green Certificates Programme to include factories, leveraging AI to promote measurable sustainability benchmarks and support the nation’s zero-emissions goals. The UAE has recently advanced its National Green Certificates Programme further into the industrial sector, introducing a new track specifically for factories. This move is part of the broader push to develop a lower-emissions economy across the country. According to the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, this factory-focused scheme was revealed at Make in the Emirates 2026, where it was positioned as a national framework for evaluating and certifying sustainable industrial sites. The programme employs…
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Holcim launches locally sourced ECOPlanet low-carbon cement in UAE to boost industrial resilience and sustainability
Holcim introduces its green cement range, made with locally sourced materials, aligning with the UAE’s push for industrial self-reliance and lower emissions amid ongoing development projects. Holcim has introduced its ECOPlanet low-carbon cement range to the UAE, featuring a version made from locally sourced materials and aligned with the country’s broader push for a more resilient industrial base. The company claims this product reduces carbon emissions by around 30% compared to standard cement, all while maintaining the strength and durability needed for large-scale construction and infrastructure projects. This launch comes at an interesting time when the UAE is actively working…
The UAE is reshaping its industrial landscape by prioritising artificial intelligence, boosting local participation, and integrating sustainability with economic growth, signalling a major strategic shift at the Make it in the Emirates 2026 event. The UAE is gradually reshaping its industrial future, placing bigger bets on artificial intelligence, cutting-edge manufacturing, and a more proactive role for local investors. During the Make it in the Emirates 2026 event, senior officials and business leaders emphasized how quickly the country’s investment landscape is evolving, hinting at a real shake-up in traditional models. On the third day of the event in Abu Dhabi, Mohamed…
Dana Gas and Levidian plan major graphene production hub in Sharjah to accelerate UAE’s advanced manufacturing ambitions
Dana Gas and British company Levidian are set to develop the Sharjah Graphene Park, aiming to transform lab-developed graphene into a significant industrial venture aligned with the UAE’s push for innovative, sustainable manufacturing. Dana Gas has taken steps to turn a promising lab-developed material into a full-fledged industrial venture in Sharjah. They recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the British advanced materials company Levidian, with plans to develop what’s being called the Sharjah Graphene Park. According to The National, the first phase of this project is estimated to need somewhere between $2 million and $5 million. Then, if things…
Suqia UAE extends deadline for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Water Award to boost AI-focused innovations
The UAE Water Aid Foundation has extended the submission deadline for its prestigious water innovation award until September 30, 2026, encouraging more international entries focused on AI and renewable energy solutions to combat water scarcity. The UAE Water Aid Foundation, commonly known as Suqia UAE, has decided to extend the deadline for submissions to the fifth round of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award until September 30, 2026. This change came after many potential participants requested more time. The extension aims to encourage more international entries, especially since the prize has become one of the UAE’s most…
Dubai Holding has selected 15 innovative scale-ups from a pool of over 1,400 applicants across 93 countries for its second Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator, highlighting a growing regional shift towards practical climate solutions aligned with national sustainability goals. Dubai Holding has refined its search, whittling down a pool of over 1,400 applicants from 93 countries to just 15 promising scale-ups for the second round of its Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator. This move really highlights how strongly ideas related to the circular economy are competing for attention in the Gulf region. The program, which it runs together with TECOM…
ROX’s ambitious UAE industrial strategy aims to redefine regional manufacturing and exports by 2030
ROX leverages the ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’ initiative to build a connected ecosystem of advanced manufacturing, AI, and talent development, aiming for 300,000 vehicle production annually by 2030 and positioning Abu Dhabi as a key industrial hub. ROX has leveraged the “Make it in the Emirates 2026” initiative to lay out a broader industrial playbook for the UAE. This strategy aims to connect artificial intelligence, advanced materials, logistics, manufacturing, and talent development into a cohesive ecosystem, which it claims can foster both local production and boost exports. The company frames this approach as part of a “Made in…
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority launches a comprehensive inspection and upgrade programme for its extensive network of air-conditioned bus shelters, aiming to ensure reliability and comfort during increasingly extreme summer temperatures of 2026. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has kicked off a city-wide inspection program aimed at ensuring their network of air-conditioned bus shelters is ready for the summer of 2026. Right now, there are about 895 shelters scattered across 621 locations, all under review. The main focus seems to be on proactive maintenance and on-the-ground checks , with teams working around the clock, day and night, to spot and…
Abu Dhabi’s leading energy players EWEC and Masdar sign a new framework to streamline large-scale renewable projects, aiming to accelerate the UAE’s ambitious aim of sourcing 60% of its energy from renewables by 2035 while enhancing grid stability and water sustainability. EWEC and Masdar have recently agreed on a new framework aimed at speeding up the next phase of the UAE’s clean energy expansion. This move signals a deeper level of collaboration between two of Abu Dhabi’s major energy players, especially at a time when the country is doubling down on decarbonisation, ensuring power stability, and boosting industrial growth. The…
Emsteel advances UAE’s industrial ambitions with bold decarbonisation and digitalisation partnerships at Make it in the Emirates 2026
Emsteel, Abu Dhabi’s steel giant, showcased its strategic shift towards sustainable and digitised manufacturing through new partnerships and local procurement commitments at the Make it in the Emirates 2026 event. EMSTEEL wrapped up its role as a sector partner at Make it in the Emirates 2026, coming away with several announcements that really highlighted how UAE’s industrial policies are increasingly linked to decarbonisation, digitalisation, and strengthening local supply chains. The steel and building materials giant, based in Abu Dhabi, mentioned that in 2025, it directed AED 3.5 billion, or roughly 46% of its procurement spend, to local suppliers. That’s quite…
GS Inima’s solar-powered desalination plant marks a new era for water energy integration in Oman
GS Inima has commissioned a pioneering 6.5MWp solar plant alongside its Barka 5 desalination facility, representing a significant shift towards hybrid water-energy systems in Oman’s Gulf region amid rising calls for efficiency and sustainability. GS Inima has successfully brought a 6.5MWp solar plant into permanent operation right beside its Barka 5 desalination facility in Oman. This move deepens the connection between renewable energy and water production, especially in a market where both sectors are under increasing pressure to become more efficient. Interestingly enough, the company claims this project is only the third of its kind in the Sultanate, meaning, it’s…

