The 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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Higher Colleges of Technology boosts solar capacity to support UAE's sustainability goals
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's mobile mapping pilot transforms waterfront management with high-precision waterways survey
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…
UAE accelerates industrial transformation with ambitious digital and manufacturing strategy
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,…
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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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The Dubai RTA is set to host its first International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and Conference in November 2026, aiming to position Dubai as a regional hub for smart, sustainable mobility innovation amid growing infrastructure and policy developments. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to host the inaugural Dubai International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and Conference from November 10 to 12, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This event aims to bring together key players from industry, policy, and technology sectors to push forward the region’s switch to zero-emission transportation. The RTA states that the event will revolve around…
DHL Express is exploring autonomous unmanned aircraft with LODD Autonomous, aiming to revolutionise middle-mile deliveries in the UAE through trials of their hybrid VTOL Hili aircraft, potentially redefining regional logistics operations. DHL Express has initiated formal discussions with LODD Autonomous, a startup based in Abu Dhabi, to explore how their Hili unmanned aircraft might become part of DHL’s UAE network. This move signals a growing interest among regional logistics firms in adopting autonomous solutions for middle-mile deliveries. According to the memorandum of understanding announced by both parties, they plan to conduct a series of operational workshops. The goal is to…
UAE’s construction innovation accelerates with prefabrication, 3D printing, and smart energy solutions
The United Arab Emirates is transforming its construction industry by adopting advanced technologies such as modular assembly, 3D printing, and AI-driven systems, promising faster, greener, and more efficient urban development. The United Arab Emirates has really positioned itself at the cutting edge of construction innovation, blending rapid urban expansion with methods that reduce costs, shorten build times, and cut down on carbon emissions. Developers, eager to keep up with the soaring demand for townhouses, villas, and mixed-use developments across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, are increasingly turning to solutions like modular assembly, 3D printing, AI-powered systems, and integrated smart-home designs. The…
Abu Dhabi’s Ramadan initiatives unite sustainable architecture, consumer safety, and civic responsibility
During Ramadan 2026, Abu Dhabi launches innovative programmes combining eco-friendly religious infrastructure, stringent consumer inspections, and enhanced public safety measures, marking a new era of civic and spiritual responsibility. As the crescent moon appeared, marking the beginning of Ramadan 2026, Abu Dhabi launched a series of coordinated programs designed to connect religious observance with environmental goals, consumer protection, and heightened public safety messaging. These initiatives, driven by local authorities and institutions across the emirate, signal an effort to blend faith with civic responsibility during a period known for increased social and commercial activities. At the heart of this push is…
Dubai’s new strategic alliance between the Chamber of Commerce and JOOD aims to accelerate social entrepreneurship and climate innovation through increased community funding and technical support, supporting the city’s broader economic and sustainability goals. Dubai’s business institutions have recently taken steps to strengthen their support for social and environmentally focused entrepreneurship, thanks to a new strategic partnership between the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the Dubai Community Contributions Establishment’s JOOD platform. The memorandum, which was announced on February 18, outlines a framework aimed at channeling private sector and community funding toward small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that pursue social impact…
The United Arab Emirates is pioneering the use of ground-based pulsed lasers to influence cloud microphysics, aiming to enhance rainfall and secure water resilience amidst their arid environment, amidst ongoing research, technological challenges, and global regulatory considerations. The United Arab Emirates is really pushing the envelope when it comes to rain enhancement, experimenting with pulsed lasers to influence cloud microphysics. It’s part of a broader effort aimed at boosting long-term water resilience in this largely arid region. As reported by The Arabian Post, researchers working at Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute, who are part of the applied research branch of…
MENA region’s solar surge set to reshape energy landscape by 2040, driven by massive capacity expansion and storage integration
A new forecast by DNV predicts the Middle East and North Africa will add hundreds of gigawatts of solar capacity by 2040, transforming regional energy systems with larger projects, integrated storage, and industrial growth. A significant new forecast paints a picture of a sweeping expansion of solar energy across the Middle East and North Africa, with ripple effects that could touch everything from energy systems and storage markets to regional industries. According to a report by DNV, the MENA region might add roughly 860 GW of new solar photovoltaic capacity by 2040. That’s a big transformation, one that would change…
Sharjah's desert farming pilot integrates solar cooling and local food production revolution
Gheras Agricultural’s innovative desert farming project in Al Dhaid showcases cutting-edge renewable energy use and efficient resource management, aiming to transform Gulf agriculture and strengthen local food security. Gheras Agricultural Company is currently running a pilot project, a solar-powered, research-driven farming cluster located in Al Dhaid. The goal here is to show how desert farming could be scaled up, all while cutting down on resource use and fostering stronger links between universities and practical, hands-on training. The project, which covers a big area of about 32 hectares, includes greenhouses, open fields, a processing plant for honey-based therapeutic products, and educational…
Wärtsilä and Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy accelerate Gulf's maritime decarbonisation with new collaborative drive
Wärtsilä partners with Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy to boost sustainable, low-carbon maritime operations through digital tools, smart port solutions, and enhanced training, signalling a regional shift towards greener shipping in the Gulf. Wärtsilä and Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA) have agreed to work together over the next five years, with the aim of speeding up the UAE’s shift toward more sustainable, lower-carbon maritime operations. The memorandum of understanding, announced in February 2026, outlines their collaboration on decarbonisation, digitalisation, smart port solutions, and improving maritime training, and it also leaves room for possible extensions or updates that could expand the partnership’s…
Kerno and Intel launch UAE’s first domestically produced enterprise servers for AI and cloud
Kerno Enterprises partners with Intel to establish the UAE’s first local production facility for enterprise servers, aiming to boost regional self-sufficiency, accelerate AI adoption, and support national industrial ambitions. Kerno Enterprises has stepped up its technical and manufacturing cooperation with Intel, part of a broader initiative to help the United Arab Emirates shift from being just a big importer of advanced tech to becoming a domestic producer of enterprise compute infrastructure. This renewed partnership, announced around the GITEX GLOBAL 2025 event, pairs Kerno’s new factory located in Dubai Silicon Oasis with Intel’s server platforms, aiming to supply locally built systems…

