5:13 pm - July 18, 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 UAE is ramping up its climate efforts by engaging private companies and NGOs through new legislation and collaborative initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero by 2050, signalling a shift towards a more sustainable economic model. In a dedicated effort to position the private sector as a key partner in the UAE’s big climate plans, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), working alongside the Emirates Climate Alliance, held a focused session aimed at boosting the role of private companies and NGOs in pushing forward climate action and sustainable growth across the country. This move lines up pretty well with…
Dubai prepares for the expanded 2025 edition of its flagship tech event, unveiling new features focused on sustainability, advanced technology, and digital assets to cement its position as a global innovation hub. Dubai is gearing up to host one of the world’s biggest and most influential gatherings of startups and investors — the Expand North Star 2025 event. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, it will take place from October 12 to 15 at Dubai Harbour. Organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, this year’s event plans to introduce five new major features,…
The United Arab Emirates is rapidly transforming into a leading international financial centre, with Deutsche Bank highlighting the country’s strategic policies, infrastructure, and innovative initiatives driving growth in corporate banking, wealth management, and sustainable finance. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has truly established itself as a significant player in the world of finance, thanks to forward-looking policies, a resilient economy, and sophisticated regulation. According to Majid Jalfar, who is the regional CEO of Deutsche Bank in the UAE and heads up corporate banking for the Middle East and Africa, financial hubs like Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai International…
Saudi Arabia launches its first dedicated EO data marketplace, while the UAE drives advanced AI-driven environmental monitoring, signalling a new era of regional innovation in space-based data and climate resilience. Across the Gulf region, Earth Observation (EO) tech has been shifting pretty rapidly—from these niche scientific tools to crucial national assets that help with everything from taking care of the environment to planning big infrastructure projects and making smarter economic choices. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have recently made notable progress in building up their EO ecosystems, really positioning themselves as regional leaders and innovators when it comes to…
The UAE has launched Tahweel, an innovative digital platform designed to revolutionise the trading of recyclable materials, supporting the country’s sustainability and economic growth objectives for 2024–2025. In a significant move to push forward the UAE’s circular economy efforts, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has officially launched Tahweel — which, by the way, is the country’s very first fully integrated digital marketplace dedicated entirely to recyclable materials. This fresh platform was rolled out in partnership with BEEAH, an environmental trailblazer, and really reflects a key part of the UAE’s big plans for 2024–2025. The goal is to…
Despite substantial climate ambitions and cheap clean energy sources, Gulf Cooperation Council countries attracted only 2% of global green foreign direct investment between 2020 and 2024. A new report highlights potential, challenges, and strategic moves necessary to unlock their green investment future. Between 2020 and 2024, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—most notably Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman—managed to secure about $24 billion of the roughly $1 trillion in global green foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, based on a detailed report from Strategy& Middle East. Interestingly enough, despite the region’s impressive climate goals and some of the…
The Middle East and North Africa are experiencing unprecedented growth in electricity demand driven by urbanisation, climate needs, and economic expansion, prompting a major shift towards renewables and smarter infrastructure investments. Electricity consumption in the Middle East and North Africa—sometimes called MENA—has seen a huge boost over recent decades, with demand tripling since around 2000. And honestly, this upward trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The International Energy Agency, or IEA, predicts that by 2035, the region’s electricity needs will increase by another 50 percent. This shift in the energy landscape really mirrors broader economic and demographic…
The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative launches its first Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture, attracting international teams to develop innovative water-saving solutions for arid regions, with real-world testing in the UAE set for 2025. The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative recently announced a big step forward in its efforts to fight water shortages in farming through something called the Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture. This competition, which is actually the first one under the larger Al Miyah Challenge program, marks an important move towards encouraging innovative solutions that can cut down on water use in agriculture—while still keeping or even…
The United Arab Emirates reaffirms its commitment to expanding nuclear power as a key component of global climate strategies, highlighting new projects, international partnerships, and innovative financing to lead the clean energy transition. The United Arab Emirates has stood firm in reaffirming its commitment to advancing clean energy worldwide, especially through expanding nuclear power. This was made pretty clear during the recent ministerial Roadmap to New Nuclear conference held in Paris. A whole bunch of energy ministers from over 30 countries, government officials, and industry leaders assembled there to discuss how nuclear energy can become a key part of climate…
The UAE reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable future, showcasing new initiatives in renewable energy, hydrogen tech, and international climate collaborations as it strives for net-zero emissions by 2050. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again shown its leadership when it comes to pushing forward renewable energy and clean tech as a big part of its broader sustainable development vision. Represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the UAE took part in the 15th gathering of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Renewable and New Energy Committee held in Kuwait. Thismeeting, organized by the GCC Secretariat General, zeroed in…
