7:59 am - July 16, 2026The 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 the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Awards celebrate ten years, organisers emphasise their role in fostering meaningful environmental and governance improvements among regional organisations, reflecting a broader shift in sustainability being a key business asset. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has opened nominations for the tenth edition of…
The emirate introduces ‘Sharjah Deserves the Best’, a multi-year initiative encouraging residents and businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices, focusing on reducing single-use plastics and promoting reusable alternatives across the emirate. Sharjah has rolled out a fresh, emirate-wide campaign focused on sustainability , kinda aiming to make everyday choices a bit…
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has launched the third edition of its ‘Musta’dim’ programme, now integrating marine ecology and food security to inspire young minds and support the nation’s environmental and economic resilience. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has now rolled out the third…
DP World’s strategic stake in Hyderabad-based Maithri Aquatech marks a significant step in decentralising water solutions within global supply chains, aiming to enhance water resilience and sustainability across its international operations. DP World has recently taken a strategic stake in Hyderabad-based Maithri Aquatech, setting up pilot trials of atmospheric water…
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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, ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi. This move forms part of the country’s wider effort to connect climate action with international collaboration. Announced by the Arab Youth Centre during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York, the programme called…
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 UAE. This move really shows how the country’s charging and servicing network is feeling the heat , or, well, the pressure , to keep pace with the rapid rise in EV adoption. The plan is to offer speedy EV maintenance through AutoPro, ENOC’s established vehicle service network, at four selected…
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 the technologies and systems that might influence future growth patterns in the UAE and beyond. Titled “Future Opportunities: The Global 50”, the report revisits fifty opportunities identified in earlier editions, assessing how much they have advanced. According to the Foundation, this latest version aims to help governments, organisations, and individuals…
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 Dhabi, paving the way for what it claims will be the world’s first gigascale, around-the-clock renewable power plant. The company has secured about $5.1 billion in funding from a syndicate of 13 international and regional lenders, with an extra $1 billion put in as equity. According to Masdar, this funding…
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 –…
As geological exploration deepens and policy frameworks adapt, the Middle East’s unique geology and regulatory environment position it at the forefront of natural hydrogen development, promising a strategic shift in future energy landscapes. Natural hydrogen is shifting from being just a niche curiosity in geology to becoming a serious point…
Abu Dhabi introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework for testing small autonomous and remotely operated boats, signalling a broader push into aquatic smart mobility and innovation safety. Abu Dhabi has started tightening up its rules for testing small autonomous and remotely operated boats, signalling that the emirate is broadening its smart…
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy launches a new manual and verification tool aimed at preventing oversized air conditioning systems, potentially saving AED560 million annually and supporting the emirate’s sustainability goals. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy has introduced a new manual aimed at cooling loads, one that’s designed to address…
The Sustainability Forum Middle East announces its advisory committee for the 2027 event, bringing together senior figures from government, energy, finance, and sustainability sectors to shape regional climate action and sustainable development strategies in Bahrain. The Sustainability Forum Middle East has announced its advisory committee for its fifth edition, which…
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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 develop the emirate’s very first greenfield Material Recovery Facility (MRF). This project is pretty much aimed at boosting recycling capacity and cutting down reliance on landfills, especially as the UAE moves deeper into its circular economy ambitions. As reported by UrduPoint and WAM, the new plant is expected to handle…
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…
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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…
Abu Dhabi has begun testing a 23-foot autonomous patrol boat, marking a significant step in integrating automation into its waterborne transport and security infrastructure as part of its wider push for smarter, greener transport networks. Abu Dhabi continues to push forward into the world of autonomous transportation, and this time, it’s on the water. The Integrated Transport Centre, which many refer to as Abu Dhabi Mobility, has kicked off field testing of a 23-foot-long autonomous patrol boat, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. These trials are being conducted under the auspices of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, with…
Majid Al Suwaidi, CEO of the climate-focused fund ALTÉRRA, is leading a pioneering effort to mobilise $250 billion by 2030, transforming private capital into a key driver for the energy transition and climate mitigation, especially in the Global South. His Excellency Majid Al Suwaidi has really become one of the most closely watched figures in the world of climate finance lately. And honestly, it’s not because he comes from a typical investment background , quite the opposite, actually , because he didn’t follow a straight path into finance. As CEO of ALTÉRRA, the climate-focused fund based in Abu Dhabi, launched…
