2:48 pm - September 1, 2026Hub71’s renewed Initiate programme draws over 5,500 applications, highlighting growing demand for structured early-stage startup support in Abu Dhabi, with new ventures like Prism56 exemplifying regional innovation and AI adoption. Hub71 is expanding its Initiate programme after attracting over 5,500 applications from founders in the very early stages of building…
Researchers at United Arab Emirates University have created a sustainable catalyst using desert sand, biochar from date pits, and nickel, offering a local solution for clean-energy technologies and resource efficiency. Researchers over at United Arab Emirates University have come up with a pretty interesting green catalyst. It’s made from desert…
Abu Dhabi’s Masdar has renewed a five-year $300m revolving credit facility with a syndicate of 25 international banks, reinforcing liquidity as it pushes towards 100GW of renewable capacity by 2030. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has renewed its five-year $300m revolving credit facility with a syndicate of 25 international…
Abu Dhabi’s TAQA has raised $750 million through a five-year blue bond to fund sustainable water and wastewater projects, the largest such issuance by an integrated power and water utility. Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) issued a $750 million blue bond on 30 July to finance sustainable water and…
Startups in Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 ecosystem have raised more than $2.7bn since 2019, with its ClimateTech vertical part of a specialist strategy as the emirate works to diversify its economy. Startups based at Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s government-backed technology ecosystem, have raised more than $2.7bn (AED 9.9bn) since the platform opened…
Marafiq is set to build a new industrial desalination plant in Duqm, underscoring the growing importance of integrated water services for Oman’s emerging low-carbon heavy industry sector and supporting Meranti Green Steel’s ambitious project aiming for mid-2029 completion. Marafiq is gearing up to build a new industrial desalination plant in…
Expo City Dubai has begun issuing the UAE’s inaugural Green Licences, setting a new standard for sustainability-driven businesses within the country’s Green Innovation District, and signalling a strategic shift towards green economic growth. Expo City Dubai has started issuing the UAE’s very first Green Licences, marking a notable milestone. Six…
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Abu Dhabi is launching a pioneering initiative to scatter 10 million native seeds across its arid landscapes, aiming to combat land degradation, boost biodiversity, and demonstrate regional leadership in ecological rehabilitation amidst climate challenges. Abu Dhabi is gearing up for what’s arguably one of the most ambitious desert restoration projects in the region. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has announced plans to scatter around 10 million native seeds across the arid landscapes, mainly by air. According to reports from The National, Arabian Business, and Khaleej Times, this campaign aims to tackle land degradation, boost biodiversity, and strengthen the broader…
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority is expanding the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park beyond 8,000 MW and adding storage and hydropower, pushing clean energy towards 36% of the emirate’s mix by 2030. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) expects the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park to exceed 8,000 megawatts (MW) of capacity by 2030, up from an earlier target of 5,000 MW. The solar park is the world’s largest single-site solar plant built under the independent power producer (IPP) model. It has reached 3,860 MW of installed capacity and keeps growing. DEWA uses the IPP model…
Abu Dhabi’s Masdar has closed a $5.1bn debt package for a $6.1bn solar-and-storage plant with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company, setting a financing benchmark for uninterrupted clean power. Masdar has reached financial close on its $6.1bn round-the-clock clean energy project in Abu Dhabi, raising $5.1bn in debt from a consortium of international and local banks. The company confirmed the milestone in a statement on 13 July, as reported by The National. Masdar is funding $1bn of equity, with the remaining $5.1bn provided by 13 international and local banks. It is developing the plant with the Emirates Water and Electricity…
Tadweer Group aims to revolutionise Abu Dhabi’s waste system with a comprehensive plan including waste-to-energy, material recovery, digital tracking, and community involvement, targeting an 80% diversion rate from landfills by 2031. Tadweer Group is really making moves to implement a far more ambitious waste management system in Abu Dhabi. They’ve announced an aim to divert a massive 80% of waste away from landfills by 2031, as part of a broader push towards creating a circular economy. Quite an impressive goal, don’t you think? The target, as explained by Ahmed Al Kayyoomi, who’s Tadweer’s executive director of strategy and business performance,…
Abu Dhabi’s Estidama initiative integrates environmental standards with cultural and regional considerations, leveraging digital tools to promote resilient, sustainable urban growth in the face of climate challenges. Estidama, the Arabic word meaning sustainability, has really become one of Abu Dhabi’s most distinctive ideas in urban planning. It was created as part of the emirate’s long-term growth strategy, with a straightforward yet ambitious goal: to support development that enhances quality of life without sacrificing its environmental or cultural identity. The initiative was introduced by Abu Dhabi’s urban planning authorities in order to align growth with the broader economic vision for 2030.…
As AI workloads intensify in the Middle East and South Asia, data centre operators are adopting innovative cooling methods, including liquid and hybrid systems, tailored to harsh climates and high-density demands, transforming regional infrastructure strategies. Across the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of South-east Asia, data centre operators are…
Dubai is exploring the potential to convert local organic waste streams into sustainable aviation fuel, aiming to align waste management and aviation decarbonisation efforts amid broader green energy ambitions. Dubai is currently exploring whether its organic waste streams might be turned into a source for sustainable aviation fuel, in a…
The UAE is increasingly integrating science and innovation into its long-term development strategy, with major investments in space exploration, AI infrastructure, and climate technology positioning it as a rising global technological power. From the moment the federation was established, the UAE has viewed science and innovation not just as side…
JA Solar has begun delivering photovoltaic modules for Masdar’s ambitious 24/7 clean energy project in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step towards creating a reliable, continuous renewable power supply supported by massive storage and new technology integration. JA Solar has started sending photovoltaic modules to Masdar’s flagship 24/7 renewable energy…
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Dubai’s Bustanica farm exemplifies innovative, data-driven indoor agriculture, showcasing how the Gulf is rethinking food production amidst a hotter, drier future by utilising AI, hydroponics, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Dubai’s Bustanica farm has become one of the clearest examples of how the Gulf is rethinking food production for a hotter, drier future. Spanning over 330,000 square feet near Al Maktoum International Airport, this indoor facility grows leafy greens on three levels and produces more than a million kilograms a year, according to Emirates Flight Catering. The company claims that the site uses 95% less water than traditional agriculture, which really gives…
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…
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Al Ain Farms Group and Khalifa University have joined forces to advance research-driven innovations in camel milk, circular economy practices in poultry, and talent development, marking a significant step towards enhancing the UAE’s food resilience and sustainable growth. Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG), a foundational player in the UAE’s food industry, has recently formed a strategic partnership with Khalifa University Enterprises Company (KUEC), which serves as the commercial branch of Khalifa University. The goal? To push forward innovation and sustainability within the country’s food sector. They announced this collaboration at the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition, and their Memorandum of…
Chinese EV maker XPENG enhances its regional presence with a state-of-the-art spare parts hub in Dubai, leveraging advanced logistics and regional market growth projections to bolster its global ambitions. Chinese electric vehicle maker XPENG has really stepped up its presence in the Middle East with the opening of a high-tech spare parts warehouse in Dubai. Honestly, this move is a pretty smart one designed to support its fast-growing operations across the region. The facility was developed together with JD Logistics, and right now, it’s the largest car parts hub XPENG has in the Middle East. It definitely helps bolster its…
As Abu Dhabi’s nucleus for green technology and smart infrastructure, Masdar City Free Zone is attracting innovative companies worldwide with its full foreign ownership, streamlined licensing, and eco-conscious ecosystem — positioning itself as a key player in the UAE’s transition to a green economy. Masdar City Free Zone in Abu Dhabi is really starting to stand out as a top spot for companies interested in sustainability, innovation, and clean tech. It’s kind of like a glimpse into the future—a modern urban area dedicated to smart mobility, renewable energy, and eco-friendly growth. Masdar City creates a special environment that mixes high-tech…
The United Arab Emirates advances its green transport ambitions through strategic railway projects, regional collaborations, and innovative financing, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 and reinforcing its position as a global leader in eco-friendly mobility. The United Arab Emirates has emphasized its bold vision for sustainable transportation, especially through its active participation and strategic discussions at the second Saudi International Rail Conference in Riyadh. This event brought together top officials, policymakers, and industry experts from around the world to discuss the future of eco-friendly railway travel and showcase the latest innovations in the sector. Mohammed Al Mansoori, who serves as…
Green Power GCC seeks regulatory approval for electric tuk-tuks in Dubai and Sharjah, signalling a move towards cleaner urban mobility aligned with the UAE’s environmental ambitions. Residents in Dubai and Sharjah might soon see electric tuk-tuks cruising around city streets as part of a broader effort to boost sustainable urban mobility. Green Power GCC, a company from China, has submitted an application to the UAE’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) seeking approval to bring these three-wheeled, dual-powered vehicles into the market. Right now, six of these tuk-tuks are in trial runs within the UAE, waiting for regulatory clearance. Tuk-tuks, which…
Abu Dhabi has launched its first electric motorbike battery-swapping station, a move set to revolutionise urban mobility and support the emirate’s goal of reaching 50% electric vehicle fleet by 2040, highlighting a significant step in regional sustainable transport innovation. Abu Dhabi has taken a pretty big step forward in its push towards clean transport, with the opening of the emirate’s very first electric motorbike battery-swapping station. This new station was launched through a partnership between ADNOC Distribution and Terra Tech Ltd., and it’s designed to provide a faster, cleaner, and more efficient way for electric motorbike riders to recharge. Importantly,…
Emirates NBD marks two years of its National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® by unveiling its fifth cohort, boosting Emirati startups and solidifying the UAE’s position as a regional FinTech hub amid broader sustainable and digital ambitions. Emirates NBD, a prominent banking group in the MENAT region, recently celebrated a two-year milestone for its innovative National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® program by launching its fifth cohort. Since it started, the NDTI initiative has played a crucial role in nurturing Emirati fintech entrepreneurs and helping boost the UAE’s lively FinTech scene, which is currently valued at around USD 46.67 billion and expected…
Sheikh Saqr bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi inaugurates the UAE’s first carbon capture and utilisation plant in Ras Al Khaimah, signalling a significant step towards environmental sustainability and economic diversification within the region. Sheikh Saqr bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, who is the Chairman of RAK Ceramics, recently inaugurated the UAE’s very first carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) plant in Ras Al Khaimah. Honestly, this is quite a significant step forward for the emirate’s efforts on sustainability. The plant was set up through a strategic partnership between RAK Ceramics and Gulf Cryo, and it mainly focuses on producing…
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy has signed a landmark MoU with Google Cloud to leverage AI and cloud computing in revolutionising its energy sector, fostering innovation and supporting the emirate’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions. The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has taken a pretty important step in its digital transformation journey, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google Cloud. The goal here is to tap into the latest in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) tech to boost innovation and promote sustainability within the emirate’s energy sector. This move was officially announced during GITEX Global Week 2025,…
Empower has begun construction of its second district cooling plant in Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle, incorporating advanced technologies like Thermal Energy Storage and Treated Sewage Effluent to boost efficiency and support Dubai’s environmental goals. Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (commonly known as Empower) has kicked off the construction of its second district cooling plant in Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC). This move is a key step towards significantly increasing the area’s cooling capacity. Once finished, the new plant will be able to produce around 37,000 refrigeration tonnes (RT), strengthening Empower’s presence and boosting its ability to meet the rising demand…
