9:27 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
Abu Dhabi: EWEC has teamed up with Al-Futtaim IKEA to supply 100% renewable electricity to its four Abu Dhabi stores through Clean Energy Certificates, advancing the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals and exemplifying corporate leadership in the country’s expanding clean energy transition. The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has taken a significant step towards sustainability by announcing a partnership with Al-Futtaim IKEA, aimed at transitioning the Swedish furniture retailer’s operations in Abu Dhabi to 100% renewable electricity. This collaboration is part of the broader effort to combat climate change and promote sustainable business practices in the UAE, particularly ahead…
Dubai: Fakhruddin Properties unveils the 90:90 Waste Management Initiative at Trafalgar Central, aiming to divert 90% of building waste from landfills. The system integrates in-building composting and sorting, aligning with Dubai’s Net Zero 2050 goals and supporting the closure of landfills by 2027. Fakhruddin Properties has taken a significant step in the UAE’s environmental strategy with the launch of Dubai’s first in-building waste management system at Trafalgar Central in Dubai International City. Dubbed the “90:90 Waste Management Initiative,” this innovative effort aims to divert up to 90% of building waste from landfills, marking a noteworthy advancement in the emirate’s sustainability…
UAE: The Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure and Dar Alwd Construction have strengthened their collaboration with a visit to a Qatar PRC manufacturing facility, advancing the adoption of durable, eco-friendly materials to support the UAE’s climate-neutral infrastructure goals by 2050. In a significant step towards enhancing sustainable infrastructure in the UAE, the Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure (MOEI) and Dar Alwd Construction (DAW) have reinforced their partnership during a visit to a Polymer Resin Concrete (PRC) manufacturing facility in Qatar. This strategic engagement aims to leverage innovative technologies to address the pressing needs of the nation’s infrastructure development. During their…
Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has outlined a comprehensive strategy focused on healthcare expansion, value-based medicine, educational empowerment for Emirati students, family welfare, and smart building policies to position Dubai among the world’s leading cities by 2033. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has articulated a vision for the emirate rooted in continuous innovation, community empowerment, and the proactive creation of future opportunities. Emphasising the fundamental commitment to investing in people, he stated, “The happiness of individuals, families, and society is our ultimate goal and priority from…
Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Baidu’s Apollo Go partners with local firms to deploy the largest fleets of Level 4 driverless vehicles, starting trials in 2025 and aiming for full operations by 2026. The initiative supports UAE smart city ambitions and sustainable urban mobility in the Gulf. Baidu’s Apollo Go is making significant strides in its international expansion by partnering with the UAE-based company Autogo to launch what is poised to be the largest fleet of driverless vehicles in Abu Dhabi. This groundbreaking initiative is set to begin with trials involving dozens of autonomous vehicles across selected areas, with the goal…
**Abu Dhabi**: Emsteel launches its first Green Finance Framework to fund low-carbon steel and cement production, renewable energy, and energy-efficient projects, aiming to cut emissions by 30-40% by 2030 and secure investor confidence with strong regional bank support and a high Moody’s sustainability rating. EMSTEEL Launches Green Finance Framework to Propel Sustainable Development In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, Abu Dhabi-based EMSTEEL, a prominent manufacturer of steel and building materials, has unveiled its inaugural Green Finance Framework. This initiative aims to harmonise the company’s financial strategy with its long-term sustainability objectives, establishing EMSTEEL as a forerunner in sustainable finance…
**Sharjah**: NoorNation’s solar-powered desalination and Faunatech’s mobile livestock diagnostics secured top prizes at the 2024 Access Sharjah Challenge, highlighting fresh technology-driven solutions addressing water scarcity and animal health to boost sustainable agriculture across the MENA region. NoorNation and Faunatech Triumph at the 2024 Access Sharjah Challenge The sixth edition of the Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC), an initiative designed to prop up innovation in agritech and livestock health, has culminated in a remarkable showcase of talent and innovation. Organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), this year’s challenge responded to pressing themes within the agricultural sector, inviting growth-stage startups from around…
**Abu Dhabi**: Mubadala Investment Company’s assets under management surged 9.1% to AED 1.2 trillion in 2024, driven by a 34% rise in technology, private credit, and manufacturing investments. The fund’s international exposure, particularly in AI and North America, underpins Abu Dhabi’s wider economic diversification ambitions. Mubadala Investment Company’s Strategic Growth Amid Diversification Efforts Mubadala Investment Company’s recent financial report reveals a robust performance, with assets under management increasing by 9.1% in 2024, reaching AED 1.2 trillion (approximately $326.74 billion). This surge is attributed to a marked uptick in strategic investments across technology, manufacturing, and private credit sectors. As Abu…
**Middle East:** Facing intensifying water scarcity due to climate and population pressures, Middle Eastern countries are scaling up wastewater recycling. Innovations in Jordan, Egypt, and the UAE demonstrate how treated wastewater supports agriculture, industry, and energy, reducing reliance on costly desalination and advancing circular resource economies. Transforming Wastewater into a Resource: Lessons from Water Recycling in the Middle East As the Middle East faces unprecedented water stress due to population growth, rapid urbanisation, and climate change, water recycling has emerged as a critical strategy for sustainable resource management. Traditionally reliant on overdrawn aquifers and energy-intensive desalination, countries in this region…
**Middle East and North Africa**: The MENA region saw startup funding jump 300% year-on-year to $228.4 million in April 2025, driven primarily by a $135 million pre-IPO round in Saudi Arabia and high investor appetite for fintech and B2B ventures amidst a sharp sector recovery. MENA’s Startup Ecosystem Experiences Remarkable Growth Amidst Shifting Investor Trends In April 2025, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) startup ecosystem witnessed a significant upswing in funding, drawing in a total of $228.4 million across 26 transactions. This remarkable figure represents a 105 percent increase compared to the previous month and a staggering 300…
