10:18 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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Empower’s latest district cooling system in Business Bay, Dubai, has achieved Guinness World Records for its extensive coverage and capacity, highlighting the emirate’s leadership in innovative climate solutions and sustainable urban development. At the opening of WETEX 2025, Dubai’s massive district cooling project in Business Bay grabbed a whole lot of attention. It’s actually the biggest system of its kind anywhere in the world—and Empower, the Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC, was there proudly showcasing this remarkable milestone. Mention “Empower,” and you’ve got the largest provider of district cooling services worldwide confirming that their project has set not one,…
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced a strategic partnership with ENOC Group to expand the city’s electric vehicle fast-charging infrastructure, supporting its ambitious climate and sustainability goals amid surging EV adoption. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has recently entered into a significant new partnership with ENOC Group, aiming to expand the emirate’s electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging network across ENOC service stations. This collaboration was officially announced during the 27th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2025) held at Dubai World Trade Centre. It clearly illustrates Dubai’s increasing commitment to green mobility and sustainability, especially as EV…
Siemens Mobility showcased groundbreaking sustainable and digital rail solutions at Abu Dhabi’s Global Rail 2025 event, reaffirming its leadership in transforming Middle East rail infrastructure amidst environmental and regional challenges. Siemens Mobility is once again positioning itself as a leader in sustainable, high-tech rail transport innovation, and they showcased a bunch of new cutting-edge solutions at the Global Rail 2025 event in Abu Dhabi from September 30 to October 2. This event, hosted by Etihad Rail at the ADNEC Centre, brings together over 20,000 professionals from more than 100 countries, with over 200 exhibitors highlighting how rail infrastructure is changing…
The UAE’s first fully solar-powered freight terminal at Ghuwaifat set to cut carbon emissions and enhance operational efficiency, signalling a green revolution in regional logistics. Etihad Rail is gearing up to finish a pretty groundbreaking solar-powered freight terminal at Ghuwaifat by the end of 2025. This is a big move—really, a major milestone—in the UAE’s push for greener transportation infrastructure. Adhraa Almansoori, who’s the Director of Public Policy and Sustainability at Etihad Rail, mentioned that this terminal will be the very first within the entire Etihad Rail network to be completely powered by renewable solar energy. And interestingly enough, there…
NEXTCHEM, a subsidiary of the Italian MAIRE Group, opens a new regional office in Abu Dhabi, bolstering its role in high-profile decarbonisation projects such as ADNOC’s hydrogen and CO₂ recovery initiatives, and advancing circular economy initiatives in the UAE. NEXTCHEM, a subsidiary of the Italian MAIRE Group, has officially opened a new regional office in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This step marks a pretty significant milestone in the company’s broader plan to expand across the Middle East. The move basically consolidates their long-standing presence in the area, building on decades of activity through MAIRE’s engineering and construction division, TECNIMONT, which has…
BYD partners with Al-Futtaim to introduce ultra-fast Megawatt Flash Charging technology in the UAE, promising to transform electric vehicle charging with speeds comparable to petrol refuelling and support the country’s net-zero ambitions. BYD, a global leader in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), has teamed up with Al-Futtaim to introduce a breakthrough Megawatt Flash Charging technology in the UAE—a move that could really shake up the electric vehicle scene across the Emirates. This new development ties directly into the UAE’s ambitious goal of reaching Net Zero by 2050 and tackles one of the biggest hurdles in EV adoption: how long it takes…
Al Ain Farms Group and Food Tech Valley are partnering to develop a 260,000-square-foot logistics centre in Dubai, aiming to boost local food distribution, cut emissions, and support the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals through innovative and eco-friendly initiatives. Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG) and Food Tech Valley, which is Dubai’s government-backed food innovation centre, have announced plans to develop a sizable logistics hub — covering about 260,000 square feet — right there in Dubai. The goal? To give a real boost to the UAE’s food security, speed up the distribution of fresh food items, and actively support the country’s…
The UAE is advancing its ambitious rail network expansion through multi-billion AED investments, strategic regional collaborations, and a focus on sustainability, positioning itself as a global leader in innovative urban mobility solutions. The UAE government is ramping up its efforts to develop a comprehensive and sustainable rail network, which is seen as a key element in the country’s broader transport and infrastructure plans. Suhail Al Mazrouei, who is the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, recently emphasized just how important land transport—especially railways—has become within the UAE’s strategic vision. He made these comments during the launch of Global Rail 2025, a…
Dubai-based vertical farm Greeneration partners with Harvest IQ to expand premium, hyperlocal produce supply for high-end hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, advancing the UAE’s sustainable food future. Greeneration, a trailblazing vertical farming firm based in Dubai, is really stepping up its efforts to boost the UAE’s food security and support its high-end hospitality scene. They recently announced a strategic partnership with Harvest IQ, a specialist in agritech innovations. Roman Ulyanov, who’s the founder and CEO of Greeneration, shared that this collaboration aims to strengthen their distribution channels and broaden the range of premium, hyperlocal produce supplied to luxury hotels and Michelin-starred…
Dubai-based ride-hailing giant Careem has taken a minority stake in UAE’s online car rental platform Swapp, marking a significant move to expand flexible mobility options and accelerate the region’s shift to electric and digital vehicle services. Dubai-based Careem has taken a step further in its collaboration with UAE’s online car rental platform Swapp, by purchasing a minority stake—something that, honestly, is kind of a first for the ride-hailing giant, as it’s the first time they’ve bought into a partner app at this level. This move—well, at least to me—seems pretty strategic, pushing the boundaries of innovation and aiming to grow…
