12:47 pm - 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…
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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…
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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…
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**Dubai**: SEE Holding partners with UAE-based Micropolis to embed AI and robotics into The Sustainable City 2.0, aiming for smarter, adaptive urban living with net-zero emissions and enhanced community wellbeing, building on a decade of sustainability success in the region. SEE Holding, a pioneering entity in sustainable urban development, has announced a strategic partnership with Micropolis, a UAE-based innovator specialising in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration is aimed at integrating sophisticated AI and robotics infrastructure into The Sustainable City 2.0 (TSC 2.0), SEE Holding’s advanced smart city initiative designed to achieve net-zero emissions while prioritising human-centric design and…
**Dubai**: Dubai Municipality reveals strategic projects including a 30 billion-dirham stormwater system and the “Home is a Priority” housing programme, aligning with Dubai Plan 2033 and Urban Master Plan 2040 to cement the city’s role as a global urban development model. In a recent meeting hosted by the Dubai Government Media Office, key officials from Dubai Municipality outlined the emirate’s progress and future plans aimed at enhancing its status as a global leader in various sectors. Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality, Engineer Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, highlighted the achievements that have placed Dubai at the forefront of global competitiveness…
Abu Dhabi: The AIM Congress brought together municipal leaders and developers to explore sustainable urban greening investments, emphasising regional water-saving innovations, public-private incentives, and policies to enhance green spaces while preserving desert ecosystems across key Arab cities. Abu Dhabi was the focal point for an international investment conference aimed at exploring urban greening opportunities, as the city hosted the annual AIM Congress. This significant event brought together municipal executives and real estate developers from various countries to discuss the integration of environmental sustainability into urban planning. The AIM Congress was particularly geared towards examining how urban green spaces can be…
**Abu Dhabi**: The Integrated Transport Centre is expanding its Autonomous RoboTaxi service through collaborations with Autogo and Baidu-owned Apollo Go, aiming for a full launch by 2026 to boost smart, safe, and sustainable urban mobility across the Emirate. The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) has announced the expansion of its Autonomous RoboTaxi service as part of a strategic collaboration with Autogo, a leader in autonomous mobility solutions and a subsidiary of Kintsugi Holding. This initiative also includes a partnership with Apollo Go, which is owned by China’s Baidu, recognised globally for its advancements in autonomous vehicle technologies. This development…
**UAE:** TAQA Water Solutions unveils advanced water recycling and smart management innovations at the World Utilities Congress, targeting 100% recycled water by 2030 and expanded projects in Central Asia amid rising water security challenges. TAQA Water Solutions is set to present its latest innovations in water technology at the World Utilities Congress, taking place from 27 to 29 May. The company’s emphasis on water recycling and smart management systems reflects its commitment to addressing the escalating water security challenges faced globally. In a conversation with MEED, CEO Ahmed Al-Shamsi discussed the emerging opportunities and trends within the water sector. He…
**Dubai:** DesertBoard has launched its inaugural sustainable 240 sqm home in Dubai Creek Harbour made entirely from fire-resistant Palm Strand Board panels, marking a pioneering step in adaptable, resilient green construction that drew global interest at the Dubai Wood Show. DesertBoard, a prominent company in the sustainable building materials sector, has unveiled its inaugural sustainable home model in Dubai Creek Harbour. This pioneering development is noteworthy for being constructed entirely from panels made from palm fronds, referred to as Palm Strand Board (PSB®). The project emphasizes the design versatility and structural integrity of PSB, reinforcing its potential for residential applications…
Dubai: The Attire, a new UAE-based platform co-founded by three women, is transforming sustainable fashion by fostering a community focused on luxury resale and conscious consumption, aiming to reshape the Middle East’s approach to responsible wardrobe choices. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be a hub for innovative sustainable initiatives, particularly within the fashion sector. Amongst a growing landscape of fashion startups, a new platform named The Attire is emerging as a significant player, focusing on luxury resale with a sustainable angle. Co-founded by three women—Salma Cherké (SC), Hana Amin (HA), and Faeeza Adams (FA)—The Attire aims to…
**Middle East:** The region’s GDP is projected to exceed $4.1 trillion in 2025, driven by $3 trillion in GCC infrastructure projects and surging foreign direct investment, as Gulf states accelerate economic diversification and mega-project developments like Saudi Arabia’s NEOM and the UAE’s fintech growth. The Middle East is poised to enter 2025 with a projected regional GDP exceeding $4.1 trillion, as reported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This growth is largely attributed to economic diversification efforts, significant public investment, and rapid advancements in key sectors such as energy, technology, and infrastructure. Current estimates indicate that there are over $3…
**Abu Dhabi**: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s Bottle Return Scheme has recycled over 2,000 tonnes of plastic bottles in 2023-24, reducing emissions by 3.5 million kilograms and supporting the emirate’s goal of a 22% carbon cut by 2027 through expanded Reverse Vending Machines and community engagement. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the preeminent environmental regulator in the Middle East, has announced significant achievements in its sustainability efforts through the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy. Central to this initiative is the EAD-led Bottle Return Scheme, which was launched in 2023 and has successfully recovered over 2,000 tonnes of…
**UAE**: The UAE has introduced the Blue Visa, a 10-year residency programme targeting global leaders in sustainability, offering work flexibility, family sponsorship, and access to healthcare and education to support long-term contributions to environmental protection and green innovation. The United Arab Emirates has recently introduced the UAE Blue Visa, a 10-year long-term residency programme aimed at attracting individuals who make significant contributions to environmental sustainability. This initiative is part of the country’s broader commitment to sustainable development and its ambition to establish itself as a global leader in environmental protection and green innovation. The UAE Blue Visa, launched as…
