7:13 am - July 23, 2026The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has finalised a AED35 million project to extend natural gas services to residential districts in Dibba Al Hisn, marking a significant step in the emirate’s push for cleaner, more sustainable energy infrastructure. The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority has wrapped up…
As Abu Dhabi marks Union Pledge Day, energy officials highlight the ongoing commitment to sustainable growth, technological innovation, and resilience, building on the UAE’s founding principles to meet future challenges. On Union Pledge Day, Abu Dhabi’s energy leaders framed the occasion as both a celebration of the UAE’s founding and…
Huawei’s new FusionSolar 9.0 platform aims to revolutionise utility-scale solar projects across the Middle East by integrating advanced grid-forming technology, digital management tools, and lifecycle performance enhancements to meet the region’s evolving energy demands. Huawei’s Digital Power division has rolled out its FusionSolar 9.0 Smart PV Solution in Dubai, leveraging…
The UAE has become the highest-ranked Arab nation in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, reflecting significant investments and policy shifts towards sustainability, including waste management, biodiversity, and renewable energy expansion. The UAE has become the highest-ranked Arab nation in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index , and honestly, that really highlights…
Naseej advances its mission to create a sustainable textile sector in the UAE through 14 strategic collaborations spanning public and private sectors, aiming to develop a comprehensive circular economy model with pilot projects and policy support. Naseej’s drive to develop a circular textile economy in the UAE has now moved…
Positive Zero’s new loan facility marks the first of its kind in the Middle East, signalling increasing confidence in decentralised renewable projects across the GCC as part of the region’s energy transition. Positive Zero has successfully secured a $375 million loan facility, a move that will bolster decentralised energy infrastructure…
As UAE’s insurance industry adopts AI-driven ESG scores, companies face a new era of risk management where sustainability performance directly influences coverage and costs, aligning with national climate goals and transforming underwriting practices. For many years now, corporate insurance underwriting in the UAE has been built on tried-and-true pillars: balance…
Top stories
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has completed an extensive survey mapping 334 oyster beds across the emirate’s waters, integrating traditional knowledge with advanced scientific techniques to bolster ecological and climate resilience efforts. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has recently wrapped up a multi-year project to map out oyster beds across the emirate’s marine waters , and, according to them, it’s now the most detailed scientific record of this habitat’s distribution to date. The survey was initially designed in 2022 and then carried out between 2023 and the end of 2025. It brought together old knowledge and modern field…
Energy companies in the UAE are being advised to act quickly and document their R&D activities meticulously to capitalise on the country’s new tax incentives, as delays could cost millions. The regime, launching in 2026, offers up to 50% tax credits for qualifying innovative projects in the hydrocarbons sector, contingent on staffing and proper approval processes. Energy companies operating in the UAE are being encouraged to act quickly if they want to capture some value from the country’s new research and development tax credit, as advisers warn that delaying could leave them with millions of dirhams unclaimed. The regime, which…
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is expanding its international ties and adopting cutting-edge, renewable-powered desalination methods as part of its long-term water resilience and climate goals, positioning the emirate as a global leader in sustainable water management. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is really stepping up its ties with the World Water Council as the emirate sharpens its long-term plans for water security, efficiency, and low-carbon desalination. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, DEWA’s managing director and CEO, recently met with Loïc Fauchon, the president of the World Water Council, right in Dubai. They discussed what both sides describe as…
BEEAH and Etihad Water and Electricity have signed a joint agreement to expand sewage treatment capacity in Sharjah, signalling a shift towards integrated and sustainable water resource management in the UAE. BEEAH and Etihad Water and Electricity have recently come to an agreement to collaborate on expanding sewage treatment capacity in Sharjah, a move that highlights how wastewater is increasingly becoming a more strategic part of the UAE’s water system. The two organisations, through EtihadWE’s development and investment division, signed a Joint Development Agreement. This covers not just the operation of existing treatment assets but also plans to expand the…
The UAE’s latest scientific initiative, RAINLAND, investigates whether altering land cover and terrain could influence rainfall, marking a shift towards understanding land-atmosphere interactions for water security in dry regions. The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science has rolled out its sixth cycle project, called RAINLAND. This new initiative pushes beyond the usual focus on cloud microphysics and delves into how land itself might influence rainfall. Basically, it’s about exploring whether altering land cover and terrain could actually encourage rain under specific atmospheric conditions. The project, formally named “Rainfall Enhancement through Modification of Land Cover and Land Form,” was announced…
The UAE has unveiled the Global Youth Envoys for Water initiative, aiming to empower young leaders from vulnerable regions to influence global water governance ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi. The UAE has introduced a new initiative aimed at involving younger voices in global water diplomacy,…
ENOC’s partnership with EVS aims to expand quick and specialised maintenance services for electric vehicles across key regions in the UAE, signalling a significant step towards integrated electric mobility support. ENOC has partnered up with EVS to expand access to quick maintenance services for electric vehicles right here in the…
The Dubai Future Foundation’s fifth edition of its foresight report emphasises actionable strategies and global collaborations to capitalise on technological and systemic opportunities shaping the future of the UAE and beyond. The Dubai Future Foundation has recently published the fifth edition of its flagship foresight report, broadening its focus on…
Masdar has reached financial close on a landmark $6.1 billion solar and battery storage project in Abu Dhabi, aiming to deliver around-the-clock renewable power and reinforce the UAE’s shift towards sustainable energy. Masdar has officially reached financial close on a massive $6.1 billion solar and battery storage project in Abu…
Deep dive with
our insights
A Dubai-based biotech firm is turning date palm residues into biofertilisers, boosting crop yields and soil health for thousands of small farmers, as part of a broader push towards a circular economy and climate resilience in the region. Dubai’s efforts to turn agricultural waste into a climate-smart business seem to be gaining real momentum, with a biotech start-up now transforming date palm residues into biofertilisers , a move that’s boosted crop yields, improved soils, and brought thousands of small farmers into a more circular production cycle. The company, called B-Vita, has been recognised as part of Dubai Future Solutions –…
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 debates, and the UAE is testing out an idea , honestly, it sounds more like science fiction than straight-up infrastructure , that involves using massive solar parks to help generate rain. The bigger picture here is rather stark, actually. According to the World Resources Institute, domestic water demand has skyrocketed…
All stories
Dubai: Dubai has unveiled Mana Global, a platform designed to connect global enterprises with the UAE market across tech, clean energy, healthcare, and sustainable food sectors. Alongside initiatives like the Digital Economy platform and Sustainable Finance Catalyst, this move supports Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda to double its economy by 2032. In a striking move to position itself as a nexus for international business and innovation, Dubai has unveiled Mana Global, a pioneering platform aimed at fostering sustainable partnerships between global enterprises and the vibrant UAE marketplace. Announced at a press conference led by Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al…
Dubai: At the Low Carbon Fuels MENA Summit, Lootah Biofuels CEO highlighted the growing role of used cooking oil in sustainable biodiesel and SAF production, driven by regional net zero goals. Challenges include collection inefficiencies and quality variability, with tech innovations seen as vital to unlocking household waste streams. At the recent Low Carbon Fuels MENA Summit held at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Mr. Yousuf Saeed Lootah, Founder and CEO of Lootah Biofuels, underscored the pivotal role of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) in the evolving landscape of low-carbon biofuels. This summit, which took place from 13 to…
UAE: The UAE is driving its clean energy transition by leveraging abundant solar resources and government backing. Aviaan’s comprehensive solutions, from installation to energy trading, are making solar power accessible and cost-effective, supporting the nation’s goal of 50% clean energy by 2050. As the global landscape shifts towards sustainable living, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is positioning itself at the forefront of clean energy transformation, leveraging its abundant solar resources as a cornerstone of its strategy. With government initiatives like the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 aiming for a carbon-neutral future, renewable energy is becoming a fundamental aspect of the nation’s…
Dubai and global: DevvStream and Fayafi Investment Holding have formed a joint venture with $100 million seed funding to accelerate investments in climate infrastructure and decarbonisation projects worldwide, leveraging DevvStream’s carbon management expertise and Fayafi’s capital and ESG commitments. In a significant move towards enhancing global sustainability efforts, DevvStream Corp., which has recently established itself as a leader in carbon management, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fayafi Investment Holding. This collaboration aims to form Fayafi x DevvStream Green Ventures, a joint venture that seeks to accelerate investments in decarbonisation and climate infrastructure projects across the…
Dubai: Streetlights in Dubai have been transformed into smart poles equipped with sensors, cameras, and 5G, supporting traffic management, environmental monitoring, public safety, and connectivity while advancing sustainability and enabling AI-driven urban planning. Streetlights have traditionally been viewed merely as functional necessities, designed to illuminate roads and enhance safety after dark. This perception is rapidly evolving, particularly in forward-thinking cities like Dubai. Here, streetlights are transforming into advanced smart poles, integral to an expansive network of urban infrastructure aimed not just at improving visibility, but at enhancing overall city life. In Dubai, the concept of a streetlight has transcended its…
Middle East and North Africa (MENA): The region is positioned to reshape global solar manufacturing with 44 GW capacity by 2029, boosted by favourable US tariffs and strong Chinese partnerships. This surge challenges Southeast Asia’s dominance and offers a new model amid rising costs and uncertainties in the US solar market. Solar manufacturing in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is on a trajectory poised to reshape global energy dynamics, with projections from Wood Mackenzie estimating that the region’s manufacturing capacity will reach an impressive 44 gigawatts (GW) by 2029. Furthermore, installations across the MENA landscape are anticipated to…
Beijing: The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative has signed a key MoU with China’s ISDMU to advance desalination technology, part of a wider global strategy including partnerships with the World Bank and international firms to combat rising water shortages driven by climate change. The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative has embarked on a transformative partnership with the Institute of Seawater Desalination and Multipurpose Utilization (ISDMU), an entity under China’s Ministry of Natural Resources. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in a ceremony that underlined a commitment to advancing desalination technology, which is crucial given the escalating global water scarcity…
UAE: Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds, led by Mubadala’s $330bn portfolio, are boosting investments in AI, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. With Mubadala’s 67% surge in 2023 tech investments, funds aim to reduce oil reliance and deepen ties with global markets, notably South Korea’s tech sector. Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds are increasingly reaping the rewards of strategic investments across new technological sectors, driven by a strong mandate for economic diversification. Recent reports indicate that the global assets under management (AUM) for these funds surged to $13 trillion, with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries holding an impressive $5.33 trillion—accounting for…
Dubai Creek Harbour: DesertBoard UAE has unveiled a full-scale mock-up home built entirely from its eco-friendly Palm Strand Board panels, highlighting rapid manufacturing, versatile design, and superior fire and water resistance to promote sustainable construction amid accelerating climate challenges. DesertBoard UAE has reached a significant milestone in sustainable construction with the unveiling of a full-scale mock-up home in Dubai Creek Harbour, entirely constructed from its innovative Palm Strand Board (PSB®) panels. This 240 square-metre prototype features one- and two-bedroom apartment layouts, showcasing the material’s versatility and superior structural integrity. The project, aimed at securing developer approvals, utilises over 350 PSB®…
UAE: Emirates Global Aluminium has completed half of its largest aluminium recycling plant a full 42 days early. The facility aims to process 170,000 tonnes annually, enhancing local scrap consumption and supporting the nation’s low-carbon manufacturing ambitions by mid-2026. Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has reported that the construction of the UAE’s largest aluminium recycling plant has reached the significant milestone of 50% completion, a remarkable achievement accomplished 42 days ahead of schedule. This facility, designed to process 170,000 tonnes of aluminium annually, is strategically located next to EGA’s existing Al Taweelah smelter. With a planned operational capacity to convert both…
