Chinese automaker BYD is making significant advances in large-scale battery storage projects in Abu Dhabi while simultaneously boosting its global EV exports and model lineup, despite challenging conditions in China’s domestic market and regulatory landscape. BYD seems to be pulled in two very different directions at the same time. On…
Scientists in the UAE are exploring the possibility of using large-scale solar photovoltaic installations not only to produce energy but also to influence local atmospheric conditions and trigger rainfall, offering a novel approach to water scarcity in desert regions. Water is increasingly taking centre stage in the climate and technology…
Hub71’s 2025 Impact Report reveals a surge in funding, revenue, and international partnerships, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s shift from early-stage innovation to a mature, revenue-generating tech hub. Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 has recently reported a notable surge in startup activity. Its 2025 Impact Report reveals that companies within the ecosystem raised over…
Globalpharma has installed a 612 kWp rooftop solar system at its Dubai facility, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 11,400 tonnes as part of the UAE’s wider shift towards clean energy in industry. Globalpharma has managed to cut roughly 11,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions after installing a rooftop solar system…
Tadweer Group has awarded Urbaser a contract to develop Abu Dhabi’s first greenfield Material Recovery Facility, incorporating AI-driven sorting systems to boost recycling and reduce landfill reliance by 2028. Tadweer Group has taken quite a significant step forward in Abu Dhabi’s waste management plans, by awarding Urbaser a contract to…
A new report underscores the shift of smart cities from futuristic concepts to strategic tools vital for building resilience, enhancing public services, and sustaining growth amid urban challenges and climate risks. Smart cities are shifting from just being a planning goal to really forming a central part of a nation’s…
ACCIONA advances its water assets’ management by deploying an integrated digital platform and digital twin technology, enhancing efficiency and resilience in Gulf desalination operations amid climate challenges. ACCIONA is taking its digital transformation of its desalination assets further, expanding a plant management system that combines operational, maintenance, and control data…
Top stories
LUVED integrates AI and sustainability in UAE luxury resale platform to enhance trust and local engagement
The UAE-based resale app LUVED introduces AI-driven tools and environmental impact features to promote faster, more personalised transactions and bolster trust within its community-focused, circular fashion platform. A resale app based in the UAE is really leaning into the use of artificial intelligence and sustainability , quite intentionally, it seems , as it tries to make the experience of buying second-hand luxury items feel more instant, personalised, and less wasteful. LUVED, a mobile-focused peer-to-peer marketplace for pre-loved luxury fashion and lifestyle products, has recently rolled out two new features within the app: LUVBOT, an AI-driven assistant, and My Impact, a…
DP World launches EcoRoute to transform supply chain decarbonisation through integrated, performance-driven solutions
DP World unveils EcoRoute, a comprehensive platform designed to help businesses lower emissions while boosting operational efficiency, marking a significant shift in logistics sustainability practices amid rising regulatory and market pressures. DP World has introduced EcoRoute, a new set of supply chain services that they claim are designed to help businesses reduce their emissions without sacrificing performance. This move reflects a broader shift in logistics, where decarbonisation is increasingly seen as an operational challenge rather than just a separate sustainability effort. According to DP World, the platform combines network design, lower-carbon transport options, emissions measurement, and carbon insetting. They say…
The United Arab Emirates prepares to inaugurate its first passenger rail service, marking a significant milestone in its transport development and regional integration plans, with phased routes connecting key emirates and offering enhanced travel options for daily commuters and tourists alike. The UAE is just a few days away from launching its very first passenger rail service, an event that signifies a fresh chapter in the country’s transport ambitions and its long-standing effort to connect major cities, economic zones, and future growth corridors more seamlessly. Etihad Rail announced that passenger services will kick off on June 30, with the initial…
Origin Assets launches ambitious climate finance platform in Abu Dhabi leveraging blockchain
A new venture called Origin Assets, backed by Reef Origin, Xange.com, and NOXXO, aims to simplify financing and trading of climate-aligned assets through tokenisation and blockchain technology, targeting institutional investors worldwide. Three firms, with a combined pipeline worth over $140 billion, have teamed up to bring together their climate, payment, and market infrastructure into a new venture based in Abu Dhabi. The goal? To make financing and trading climate-aligned assets a lot easier , or at least that’s the plan. This project is called Origin Assets. It was announced during Climate Week London on 24 June , a joint effort…
The UAE cement market is set for robust growth over the next decade, driven by infrastructure projects and urban expansion, but increasingly shaped by sustainability and technological innovation as producers seek to balance demand with environmental targets. The UAE cement market is looking set for ongoing growth over the next ten years, but honestly, the story is increasingly about more than just increasing quantities. The landscape is now heavily influenced by infrastructure investments, housing needs, sustainability rules, and the push for producers to modernise their operations. Based on a market report supplied by Vocal Media and research referenced by IMARC…
Register for Nexus Climate Newsletter
Stay ahead of the curve with our newsletter that includes Editor's Picks – your regular insight into the trends, challenges, and innovations driving UAE climate technology
The United Arab Emirates leverages its recent engagement with BRICS to promote smart grid technology, sustainable hydrogen value chains, and digital energy systems, signalling a strategic shift towards global energy influence and innovation. The United Arab Emirates has used its most recent engagement with BRICS on energy to highlight a…
Emirates Global Aluminium opens the largest aluminium recycling facility in the UAE, reinforcing the country’s commitment to decarbonisation and localised, sustainable industry growth. Emirates Global Aluminium has recently opened what’s now the biggest aluminium recycling plant in the United Arab Emirates, located at Al Taweelah. It’s a clear move that…
Innovo Group and FieldAI partner to deploy autonomous robots on Dubai’s Ghaf Woods project, marking a significant step for AI-driven construction in challenging environments and aligning with the UAE’s broader digital ambitions. Innovo Group has started introducing general-purpose robots into real-world construction projects in the Middle East, through a partnership…
The UAE has celebrated the graduation of its third cohort of sustainability leaders, exemplifying the country’s strategic shift towards integrated, human-centric climate and industrial policies supported by public-private collaboration. The UAE Sustainability Fellowship has recently celebrated the graduation of its third cohort, bringing together 32 professionals from both the public…
Deep dive with
our insights
Savvy Charging has secured an exclusive dealership deal for Xiaofu’s off-grid electric vehicle charging systems across the MENA region, promising faster deployment and enhanced regional support to accelerate EV adoption amid infrastructure challenges. Savvy Charging Technology is stepping up its efforts in the off-grid electric-vehicle infrastructure scene with a new exclusive dealership deal for Xiaofu’s charging systems across the Middle East and North Africa, according to a company announcement reported by Zawya. This deal effectively makes Savvy the sole regional stockist for the Chinese firm’s off-grid EV charging products, a move the companies say is meant to cut down on…
At Expo City Dubai, a newly planted pocket forest using native species and smart monitoring exemplifies innovative ecological restoration tailored for arid environments, offering a scalable blueprint for sustainable urban landscapes. At Expo City Dubai, there’s a small stand of trees that’s doing more than just softening the skyline. Terra’s new pocket forest is being presented as a practical example of how desert cities can blend biodiversity, cooling, and educational elements into one public space. The project draws inspiration from the Miyawaki method, a planting approach that uses densely packed native species to promote rapid growth and create a multi-layered…
All stories
The Middle East and North Africa region is witnessing unprecedented growth in clean industry projects, with commitments exceeding $640 billion, signalling a major shift in global decarbonisation efforts and regional economic resilience. According to a recent report from the Mission Possible Partnership and the Industrial Transition Accelerator, the Middle East and North Africa, often just called MENA, are increasingly becoming some of the most closely monitored regions in the global effort to develop low-carbon industries. The report highlights that the region now has about 84 announced projects focused on clean industry, with potential investments reaching roughly $642 billion across sectors…
The renewal and expansion of Veolia Environnement’s involvement at the Mafraq 2 plant highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to turning construction debris into valuable reusable materials, advancing its circular economy goals amid growing infrastructure demands. Abu Dhabi has, well, renewed and actually expanded Veolia Environnement’s involvement at the Mafraq 2 construction and demolition waste recycling plant , signalling a continued push for a model that’s about turning rubble into reusable materials instead of just dumping it in landfills. According to the overview of the deal published by ad hoc news, this arrangement seems to reinforce Veolia’s position at a site that’s…
UAE's GIQ platform revolutionises Earth observation with integrated satellite and AI capabilities
Space42’s GIQ platform combines satellite imagery, geospatial data, and artificial intelligence to support climate resilience, urban planning, and environmental monitoring in the UAE and beyond, signifying a strategic shift towards data-driven decision-making. Space42’s GIQ platform is being positioned as a new sort of digital backbone for the UAE, bringing together satellite imagery, geospatial data, and artificial intelligence all in one place, for both public and private users. According to Al Ittihad, the aim is to turn raw Earth observation data into practical insights that can support planning, operations, and policies across a whole range of sectors. Basically, the platform sits…
UAE accelerates climate tech and policy innovation to combat desertification and drought
The United Arab Emirates is advancing its strategies against desertification through innovative technology, comprehensive policies, and international collaboration, positioning itself as a global leader in climate resilience and sustainable land management. The United Arab Emirates is really sharpening its role on the global stage when it comes to tackling desertification and drought, blending policy and technology in ways that are becoming more and more central to its climate and environmental goals. As the world observes the International Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on June 17, the UAE doesn’t just see this as about land protection. No, it’s framing these…
Abu Dhabi's strategic pivot to Chinese technology accelerates Gulf's clean energy rivalry
Abu Dhabi’s deepening collaboration with Chinese firms is reshaping the Gulf’s renewable energy landscape and intensifying regional competition, with the emirate aiming to lead the transition to a low-carbon economy through rapid infrastructure projects and innovative partnerships. Abu Dhabi is really stepping up its green shift, and it’s doing so by leaning quite heavily on Chinese technology , a move that’s reshaping the Gulf’s clean energy scene and adding new pressure on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plans, I’d say. According to reports from the South China Morning Post, Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, who’s the chair of the Abu Dhabi Department…
A tripartite agreement between Ras Al Khaimah’s key environmental and research authorities aims to establish credible carbon markets, linking climate policies with biodiversity and urban development to accelerate regional decarbonisation efforts. A new tripartite agreement in Ras Al Khaimah is being heralded as a practical move towards establishing more trustworthy carbon markets across the Gulf region, whilst also linking climate policies with biodiversity preservation and urban planning efforts. As reported by WAM, the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD), the Global Carbon Council, and the Environment Protection and Development Authority of Ras Al Khaimah have entered into a strategic…
UAE leverages UNESCO hydrology meeting to prioritise youth and cooperation ahead of 2026 Water Conference
The United Arab Emirates uses the UNESCO hydrological forum in Paris to sharpen strategies and foster global collaborations ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, emphasising youth participation, science-driven policies, and inclusive partnerships. The United Arab Emirates used a recent UNESCO hydrology meeting in Paris to sharpen both its diplomatic strategy and technical plans ahead of the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference. Their focus was very much centred on youth involvement, science-driven policies, and fostering international cooperation. According to the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and WAM, their delegation participated in the 27th Ordinary Session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological…
Abu Dhabi is ramping up its 2035 clean-energy goals by integrating advanced digital systems, expanding renewables, and pioneering water and power decarbonisation, positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainability innovation. Abu Dhabi is ramping up its clean-energy ambitions, aiming to source around 60 per cent of its electricity from renewable and clean sources by 2035. This isn’t just a random target , the emirate is intensifying efforts to cut emissions and deal with rising demand for power and water. The Department of Energy has said that this goal is at the heart of a broader push to make the…
Dubai’s Al Shera’a headquarters sets new global benchmark as the world’s tallest net-positive government building
The newly inaugurated Al Shera’a headquarters in Dubai showcases cutting-edge integration of IoT, AI, and renewable energy, positioning itself as a blueprint for eco-friendly public infrastructure worldwide. A delegation from Masdar recently paid a visit to DEWA’s spanking new headquarters in Al Jaddaf, providing Abu Dhabi’s leading clean-energy firm with an up-close look at one of Dubai’s most ambitious sustainability ventures yet. The building , known as Al Shera’a , has been billed by DEWA as the tallest, biggest, and smartest net-positive government building in the world. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, DEWA’s managing director and CEO, hosted the visit for…
Sharjah’s marine pollution campaign highlights community-led efforts to protect local waters
Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority launched the Sustainable Sea campaign for World Environment Day, engaging volunteers and divers in a seabed clean-up to raise awareness and foster community responsibility for marine ecosystems. Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority marked World Environment Day by shining a spotlight firmly on marine pollution, unveiling a new public campaign designed to blend education, volunteer effort, and direct environmental action. The programme, known as Sustainable Sea, saw divers and volunteers taking to the waters at Khor Al Khan Marina to carry out a seabed clean-up. Their goal was straightforward: remove marine debris and ease…

