8:14 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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The UAE is transforming its energy landscape with ambitious renewable projects, strategic investments, and cutting-edge technologies, positioning itself as a global leader in sustainability and innovation. International experts broadly agree that investing in clean energy in the UAE has gone beyond being just an option for growth—it’s now seen as a vital strategic move. This shift is crucial for keeping the country’s economy on track and for establishing the UAE as a significant player globally in shaping a sustainable energy future. Helmut von Strof, who serves as the CEO of Siemens in the UAE and Middle East, emphasizes this point…
Al Sayegh Group teams up with Triton EV to establish a cutting-edge electric truck factory in Abu Dhabi, bolstering the UAE’s position as a regional leader in clean mobility and supporting the growth of family-owned businesses amid a shift towards sustainable industries.Al Sayegh Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Triton EV, a well-known manufacturer specializing in electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, to set up a state-of-the-art electric truck manufacturing centre right in Abu Dhabi. This new facility is designed to serve as a regional hub, aiming to meet the rising demand across the GCC and Africa—reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s vision…
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Siemens Energy progress their groundbreaking AI-based Plant Intelligent Controller project, enhancing efficiency and sustainability at the Jebel Ali Power and Desalination Complex and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a future-ready, AI-native utility. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Siemens Energy have taken another step forward in their collaboration, signing an agreement to kick off the second phase of what’s actually the world’s first-ever AI-based Plant Intelligent Controller project. This new phase is focused on the M-Station Power Blocks 20 and 30, which are part of the Jebel Ali Power and Desalination Complex—the biggest…
The MENA region’s sovereign wealth funds are experiencing rapid expansion, with increased investments in technology, diversification, and sustainability, positioning the region as a major player in global finance by 2030. The landscape of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) in the Middle East and North Africa—commonly known as MENA—is really showing some impressive growth and resilience. Assets managed by these funds are expected to increase quite a bit over the next few years. According to a recent report from Global SWF, the total assets under MENA SWFs are projected to jump from around $5.6 trillion today to approximately $8.8 trillion by 2030.…
Etihad Rail signs an agreement to develop a pioneering bonded rail corridor connecting Khalifa Port with Fujairah Terminals, aiming to streamline customs, enhance trade efficiency, and support the UAE’s net zero ambitions. Etihad Rail, working alongside Abu Dhabi Customs, Fujairah Customs, AD Ports Group, Fujairah Terminals, and Noatum Logistics, has signed what’s called a preliminary agreement. The goal? To develop a new “Bonded Rail Corridor” connecting Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi with Fujairah Terminals. This was actually announced during the second edition of Global Rail 2025. It’s a pretty important move, seen as a step forward in making rail transport…
Dubai has recognised 33 innovative projects from 24 countries at the fifth Emirates Energy Award during the World Green Economy Summit, highlighting its leadership in global sustainability and its drive towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Dubai has once again showcased its prominent role in global sustainability initiatives by honoring 33 outstanding projects from 24 countries at the Emirates Energy Award, held during the World Green Economy Summit (WGES). Now in its fifth edition, this event underscores the UAE’s dedication to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, emphasizing the country’s push towards a green economy through innovation and international cooperation.…
Canada-listed NextSource Materials is developing a $291 million battery anode facility in Abu Dhabi, aiming to establish itself as a leading global producer outside Asia and diversify critical mineral supply chains for the EV industry. Canada-listed NextSource Materials has recently announced plans to develop a $291 million battery anode facility (BAF) in Abu Dhabi. This move is quite strategic—aimed at positioning the company as the biggest producer of graphite anode active material (AAM) outside of Asia, and it will serve as a critical supplier to Mitsubishi Chemical, a major Japanese chemical company. It’s interesting, right? This development really signals a…
WeRide, a leading autonomous driving technology company, has begun pilot operations of its Robotaxi GXR and Robobus services in Ras Al Khaimah, signalling a significant step towards integrating self-driving vehicles into the UAE’s public transport network and supporting the region’s future mobility ambitions. WeRide, a prominent player in the autonomous driving tech scene, has taken a big step in expanding its presence regionally by launching pilot operations of its Robotaxi GXR and Robobus services in Ras Al Khaimah. This marks the very first time WeRide’s self-driving vehicles are being tested out in the emirate, signifying its entry into a third…
Taqa Water Solutions, a UAE-based energy firm, reports significant progress towards national sustainability goals by producing 58 gigawatts of energy, with over half sourced from clean and renewable technologies, supporting the country’s ambitions for climate neutrality by 2050. The UAE-based energy and water solutions firm, Taqa Water Solutions, is really playing a crucial role as a key supplier to the energy and water sectors, at least according to what its CEO told CNBC Arabia in a recent interview. They’ve reported producing about 58 gigawatts of energy so far, and interestingly, around 59% of that comes from clean energy sources. That’s…
Engie Solutions is driving the Middle East’s clean energy shift through advanced technology, predictive maintenance, and flexible financing, surpassing emission reduction targets and supporting regional climate ambitions. Engie Solutions is really stepping up as a key player in the Middle East’s push towards cleaner energy, especially in terms of cutting down emissions and improving energy efficiency in buildings. Through its Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) division, the company is helping organizations optimize how they use energy, all while aligning with national sustainability goals like the UAE Energy Strategy 2050—a pretty ambitious plan, I might add. Just in 2024, Engie’s operations in…
