6:36 pm - May 18, 2026The ongoing Middle East conflict is causing short-term delays and rising costs in renewable energy projects across the region, but is also prompting a strategic move towards local manufacturing to enhance energy resilience. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is already having a noticeable impact on the deployment of…
DHL Express partners with SAF One to secure 25,000 tonnes of unblended SAF annually from Bahrain’s first dedicated production site, marking a significant step towards regional decarbonisation and industrialising sustainable aviation fuel in the Gulf. DHL Express has stepped up its efforts to promote cleaner aviation fuels with a new…
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is ramping up its seawater reverse osmosis capacity to 120 million imperial gallons per day in 2026, marking a strategic move away from thermal desalination towards more energy-efficient, lower-emission methods. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is planning to add another 120 million imperial…
As the Middle East considers expanding its nuclear capacity to meet surging demand and climate goals, it grapples with security, climate risks, and regional stability, highlighting a complex debate over the future of low-carbon energy in a volatile region. Nuclear power is once again grabbing the spotlight across the Middle…
NanoCarbonX’s deal with Graphene Star to establish a localised graphene manufacturing plant in Abu Dhabi could transform the UAE into a key supplier of the high-demand material, bolstering industrial self-sufficiency and sustainability. NanoCarbonX has recently entered into a manufacturing agreement with Graphene Star that could potentially position the UAE as…
The emirate launches a major AED55 billion programme of new projects spanning transport, infrastructure and social services, aiming to boost private-sector involvement and enhance resilience amid rapid growth. Abu Dhabi has kicked off a fresh wave of public-private partnership (PPP) opportunities, unveiling 24 new projects valued at AED55 billion across…
Sony Middle East and Africa has activated a 391.2 kWp rooftop solar system at its Dubai headquarters, exemplifying the increasing adoption of distributed clean energy solutions across the UAE’s industrial zones amidst regional progress in solar deployment. Sony Middle East and Africa recently brought a 391.2 kWp solar power system…
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The Higher Colleges of Technology has launched a significant solar project across six campuses, aligning with the UAE’s national net zero ambitions and advancing campus-based renewable energy initiatives. The Higher Colleges of Technology has started ramping up its on-site solar generation efforts across its campuses after signing a deal with Three Eight Six, an independent power producer. This move aligns with the UAE’s broader push toward decarbonising its electricity grid and boosting overall energy efficiency, which is pretty interesting, right? According to the announcement, the project will cover six campuses spread across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain, where approximately…
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority unveils a pioneering AI-enabled bus station at Mall of the Emirates, integrating digital services, passenger tracking, and sustainability to transform urban transit. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has unveiled what it claims is the world’s first AI-powered smart bus station, a hub where digital services, passenger tracking, and sustainability features come together in a regular transit setting. The new station, located at Mall of the Emirates, is part of Dubai’s larger goal to develop a more unified public transportation system. As per a statement from the Dubai Media Office, the idea is to make traveling…
Dubai Municipality has completed the Middle East’s first mobile mapping survey of waterways, signalling a shift towards more advanced digital infrastructure and smarter urban management, with future plans to replicate the approach across all emirate waterways. Dubai Municipality has wrapped up what they’re calling the Middle East’s first-ever pilot survey of waterways using mobile mapping tech, and this really signals a bigger shift in how the emirate plans to handle its digital infrastructure, manage assets, and spruce up urban planning. The project involved a Leica TRK system mounted on a specially fitted vessel, which was used to collect data along…
The Zayed Sustainability Prize opens entries for 2027, offering a total of $7.2 million to support scalable solutions across health, food, energy, water, and climate action, aiming to showcase impactful innovations from around the world and in the UAE. The Zayed Sustainability Prize has just opened up entries for its 2027 round, shining a brighter light on innovations and community projects that could help address some serious environmental and social issues. Backed by the UAE, this award invites small and medium-sized businesses, nonprofit groups, and even high schools to compete across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and…
Schneider Electric highlights the UAE’s rapid progress in reshaping its industrial landscape through bold investments in automation, AI, and smart manufacturing, positioning the country as a global leader in industrial innovation. Schneider Electric has noted that the UAE has really taken the lead compared to most countries when it comes to reshaping its industrial landscape. They argue that in just a few years, the emirate has managed to develop a more ambitious manufacturing model than many economies achieve over several decades, pretty impressive, if you ask me. Aml Al Shazli, who’s the president of Schneider Electric for the Gulf region,…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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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…
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…
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Dubai’s first accelerator batch at Dubai Founders HQ has generated 36 proof-of-concept projects in 100 days, showcasing a move towards pragmatic, demand-led startup growth that bridges entrepreneurs with corporate needs and government support. Dubai’s effort to convert startup initiatives into tangible business outcomes has taken another meaningful step forward. Recently, Dubai Founders HQ wrapped up its first accelerator batch, generating 36 proof-of-concept opportunities in just a hundred days, pretty impressive, right? This project, supported by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism along with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, was carried out in partnership with the global innovation platform…
At the Blue Resource Summit 2026 in Dubai, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure unveiled a strategic shift towards embedding water resilience within climate adaptation and infrastructure planning, emphasising innovation, digitalisation, and international collaboration. During the Blue Resource Summit 2026 held in Dubai, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure emphasized a key point: water resilience isn’t just about managing water anymore, it’s becoming a vital part of climate preparedness, infrastructure planning, and the country’s overall green transition. As reported by Al Ittihad, the ministry actively participated in several main sessions and expert panels at the event. They laid…
At a Dubai panel discussion, industry leaders and policymakers explore how lifecycle assessment, digital tools, and policies can drive meaningful emissions reductions in packaging across the Gulf region, signalling a shift towards systemic climate-neutral strategies. Emirates Environmental Group recently held its second panel discussion of 2026, and this time, the spotlight was on packaging emissions. They really wanted to look at it not just as a niche sustainability issue, but as a real, practical challenge for climate action. The event took place in Dubai, with a title that was quite comprehensive: “Decarbonising Packaging: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Carbon Footprint, Innovation…
The UAE Circular Economy Council launched 2026 by focusing on transforming circular economy ambitions into actionable initiatives, emphasising food resilience, technological innovation, and cross-sector collaboration to boost sustainability and industry growth. The UAE Circular Economy Council kicked off 2026 by sharpening its focus on a few key areas, food security, industrial innovation, and practically speaking, turning the country’s circular economy ambitions into reality. Led by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the Minister of Economy and Tourism, the meeting brought together folks from government, private businesses, and academia. They gathered at Barakat Quality Plus Group, a Dubai-based company renowned for its…
The UAE emirate signs two memoranda of understanding with Chinese banks, seeking to boost investments in industry, logistics, and clean energy, signalling a strategic shift in regional economic ties. Ras Al Khaimah has been working on strengthening its economic ties with China, recently signing two memoranda of understanding , one with Bank of China and another with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. This move is pretty much aimed at attracting more investments into the emirate’s industrial projects and infrastructure plans. Now, the agreements go beyond just banking partnerships. They’re designed to boost activities in manufacturing, logistics, ports, renewable energy,…
Dubai’s Supreme Council of Energy and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation are exploring collaborative initiatives to embed research and expertise into the emirate’s push for sustainable, efficient energy, signalling a shift towards innovation-driven growth. Dubai’s Supreme Council of Energy, alongside the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, has recently started discussions aimed at deeper collaboration in knowledge sharing, specialized expertise, and research support. This move really highlights Dubai’s broader strategy to link its energy policies with innovation and human capital development. The meeting brought together Ahmad Buti Al Muhairbi, the secretary-general of Dubai’s Supreme Council of…
Environmental Finance has announced the winners of its first Middle East Transition Finance Awards, spotlighting a new wave of innovative deals that support the region’s shift towards a lower-carbon economy amid growing private sector participation. Environmental Finance has announced the winners of its inaugural Middle East Transition Finance Awards, signaling a fresh wave of momentum in a market still figuring out how to scale up climate finance effectively. These awards are meant to recognize bond and loan deals that are helping the region transition towards a lower-carbon and more resilient economy. They also highlight institutions that are shaping the upcoming…
Creative Zone, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, and Mashreq NEO BIZ launch an all-in-one startup setup initiative in the UAE, streamlining licensing, banking, and operational services to boost early-stage entrepreneurship. Creative Zone has rolled out a new startup setup initiative in the UAE, teaming up with Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone and Mashreq NEO BIZ to better support first-time founders , folks who often find the early stages of establishing a company pretty challenging. The Young Entrepreneurs’ Business Setup Program is basically an all-in-one package that bundles licensing, banking access, and basic operational help. For many early-stage entrepreneurs, those tasks…
Fujairah has announced the integration of the SFS Fisheries digital tracking system, joining Sharjah in transforming seafood oversight through real-time data, QR codes, and digital trade verification, marking a major step towards modernising UAE’s fisheries sector. Fujairah has recently joined the list of emirates implementing a digital fisheries tracking system, a move that’s being seen as a pretty important step toward more accurate data collection, tighter oversight, and greater transparency in the UAE’s seafood supply chain. This platform, called SFS Fisheries, was created by Seafood Souq and initially launched in Sharjah about five months ago, at Souq Al Jubail. As…
Research conducted at Hamad Bin Khalifa University shows that while horizontal single-axis trackers with bifacial modules outperform fixed-tilt solar panels in Qatar’s desert environment, their advantages vary throughout the year, influenced by seasonal sun angles and diffuse light conditions. Field testing in Qatar is offering new insights, suggesting that horizontal single-axis trackers combined with bifacial modules might outperform fixed-tilt solar panels in desert environments. But, interestingly enough, these advantages don’t seem to be steady throughout the year. Researchers at Hamad Bin Khalifa University carried out a 20-month trial at the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute. They found that, in…
