9:44 pm - 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…
Top stories
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…
Deep dive with
our insights
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…
All stories
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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 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…
