Dubai Municipality launches the world’s first AI-powered park design competition at Al Safa 2 Park, exploring how artificial intelligence can support human-led urban development within the emirate’s vision for smarter, sustainable cities. Dubai Municipality has rolled out what they describe as the world’s very first AI-powered park design challenge , and it’s turning Al Safa 2 Park into pretty much a testbed for how artificial intelligence might influence the next wave of urban spaces within the emirate. Announced under the guidance of Sheikh hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Crown Prince, the competition aims to explore exactly where…

Savvy Charging has secured an exclusive dealership deal for Xiaofu’s off-grid electric vehicle charging systems across the MENA region, promising faster deployment and enhanced regional support to accelerate EV adoption amid infrastructure challenges. Savvy Charging Technology is stepping up its efforts in the off-grid electric-vehicle infrastructure scene with a new exclusive dealership deal for Xiaofu’s charging systems across the Middle East and North Africa, according to a company announcement reported by Zawya. This deal effectively makes Savvy the sole regional stockist for the Chinese firm’s off-grid EV charging products, a move the companies say is meant to cut down on…

GCC states are intensifying their land conservation initiatives, aligning regional efforts with international environmental goals to combat desertification and bolster climate adaptation in an increasingly arid region. GCC states are really stepping up their efforts to safeguard fragile land systems and mend damaged ecosystems, with the GCC Statistical Centre framing all this activity as part of a bigger picture, one that aligns with international environmental agreements and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, no less. The Centre issued these remarks to mark World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought , and honestly, it’s a pretty clear call to ramp up investment…

Abu Dhabi is set to launch the Middle East’s first autonomous public bus trial, signalling a significant step in its push for smart, sustainable transport solutions aligned with its Vision 2040 strategy. Abu Dhabi is gearing up to trial the Middle East and North Africa’s very first autonomous public bus, marking a pretty exciting new chapter in the emirate’s efforts to push forward with smart transport tech. It’s quite a significant move , the whole scene seems to be evolving fast. This pilot programme, which is being developed by Abu Dhabi Mobility , formerly known as the Integrated Transport Centre…

The 12th edition of the World Green Economy Summit in Dubai emphasises moving from pilot projects to scalable, market-ready models, highlighting practical impacts in the global green transition. Dubai is gearing up to host the 12th edition of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES), scheduled for the 21st and 22nd of October at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organisers frame this year’s event as a step forward , moving beyond simply proving what works to demonstrating how those solutions can be scaled up effectively. Supported by the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime…

At Expo City Dubai, a newly planted pocket forest using native species and smart monitoring exemplifies innovative ecological restoration tailored for arid environments, offering a scalable blueprint for sustainable urban landscapes. At Expo City Dubai, there’s a small stand of trees that’s doing more than just softening the skyline. Terra’s new pocket forest is being presented as a practical example of how desert cities can blend biodiversity, cooling, and educational elements into one public space. The project draws inspiration from the Miyawaki method, a planting approach that uses densely packed native species to promote rapid growth and create a multi-layered…

Regional regulations for commercial fleets across the Gulf Cooperation Council are becoming increasingly complex and digitally enforced, demanding sophisticated route planning and compliance strategies for operators. Commercial fleets crossing through the Gulf Cooperation Council are now facing a tighter grip of regulations, and the rules are gradually becoming more difficult to treat as interchangeable from one border to another. NextBillion.ai’s guide on heavy vehicle compliance in the GCC points out that, although the region’s transport links are increasingly interconnected, the regulations governing trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles still remain quite distinct at the national level. This really matters to…

A UAE-based research team has developed a patented process turning desalination brine, carbon dioxide, and sulphur waste into durable, low-carbon building materials, advancing the Gulf’s circular economy ambitions. A UAE-based research team has developed a patented process which transforms desalination brine, carbon dioxide, and sulphur waste from the oil and gas industry into low-carbon construction materials , adding another piece to the Gulf’s growing ambitions for a circular economy. The project, led collaboratively by researchers from Zayed University and the United Arab Emirates University, focuses on a technique that captures carbon and stabilises it within mineral compounds. The team explains…

The Gulf region is making significant progress in transforming flying taxis from concept to reality, with major projects underway across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, signalling a shift towards urban air mobility that prioritises luxury, sustainability, and innovation. The Gulf’s move into the world of flying taxis is shifting from mere ambition to actual infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman are all pushing ahead with plans that could really change the way high-end travel is perceived across the region. What started as glossy concept visuals is now turning into a proper staged rollout of…

Indian clean energy company Sahaj Solar has announced the establishment of a new manufacturing entity in Abu Dhabi, signalling its regional expansion and strengthening the Gulf’s solar supply chain. Sahaj Solar Limited has taken another step into the Gulf’s renewable energy scene with the launch of a new joint venture in Abu Dhabi. The plan? To manufacture and assemble solar panels right here in the UAE. According to their official disclosure, the new entity is called Sahaj Energy Solar Panels Manufacturing L.L.C. It’s been set up through Sahaj Renewable Energy Trading – FZCO, which is fully owned by the group.…