Hub71’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’s ambitious desert restoration project aims for large-scale ecological revival
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…
Abu Dhabi’s Tadweer sets ambitious target to divert 80% of waste from landfills by 2031 with new infrastructure
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,…
Estidama reshapes Abu Dhabi’s sustainable urban development with regional flair and digital innovation
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.…
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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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Dubai advances autonomous logistics with new regulatory framework and innovative pilot routes
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has implemented a new regulatory framework to oversee heavy autonomous vehicles, with pilot routes and digital platforms set to revolutionise logistics and reinforce the city’s position as a regional innovation hub. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has just given the green light to a thorough new regulatory framework aimed at managing the use of heavy autonomous vehicles for logistics around the emirate. Basically, this new set of rules lays out strict standards covering licensing, initial trial runs, tech requirements, and other legalities—all designed to keep roads safe for everyone involved. This move…
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy has expanded its 2025 Demand Response Project, tripling capacity and setting a path towards a more sustainable, flexible energy system by 2030, in a regional first for Gulf nations. The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) recently announced notable progress in its ambitious 2025 Demand Response (DR) Aggregator Project, a key part of the emirate’s bigger plan to boost energy efficiency and sustainability. Launched back in 2024, the project has now moved into an expanded second phase, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to modernising its energy landscape and managing electricity demand more smartly during…
Dubai’s Supreme Council of Energy advances its ambitious climate strategies through regulatory upgrades, technological innovations, and large-scale renewable projects to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, recently held its 90th meeting virtually, aiming to strengthen Dubai’s strategic push towards sustainability and cutting down on carbon emissions. The session was attended by key officials such as Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman, Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General, along with prominent representatives from vital sectors including Dubai Municipality, Emirates Global Aluminium, ENOC Group, and…
The 17th edition of AgraME will take place in Dubai in October 2025, highlighting cutting-edge technologies and sustainable farming practices aligned with the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051. The event aims to foster collaboration among global stakeholders to drive regional agricultural resilience. Under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), the 17th edition of AgraME (short for Agra Middle East) is gearing up to again play a key role in the Middle East’s agricultural scene. Mark your calendar for October 6-7, 2025, when the event will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This…
Space42 has launched the UAE’s first Sovereign Mobility Cloud, leveraging Microsoft Azure to advance secure, autonomous transportation solutions within the country, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in smart mobility and AI innovation. Space42, a UAE-based company focused on AI-driven SpaceTech, has announced a pretty big step forward for the country’s autonomous mobility scene. They’ve developed what’s being called the UAE’s very first Sovereign Mobility Cloud. This is made possible through Core42’s Sovereign Public Cloud, which harnesses Microsoft Azure’s robust features. The goal here? To push ahead with autonomous transportation solutions – but importantly, all data stays securely hosted right within the…
UAE innovators develop carbon fibre pilot plants to revolutionise industrial brine treatment
A multidisciplinary team at UAE University is pioneering eco-friendly pilot plants that use carbon fibre-based technologies to treat industrial brine flows, aligning with the UAE’s climate and water management ambitions. A multidisciplinary team from the College of Engineering at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has taken on a pretty ambitious project — developing pilot plants that can actually treat real industrial brine flows. Honestly, this effort is aimed at showing how effective carbon fibre-based technologies can be in real-world conditions. The hope is to provide eco-friendly solutions that, in turn, greatly cut down emissions. According to what the researchers…
A groundbreaking project in Abu Dhabi sees the construction of what is believed to be the world’s first net-zero energy mosque, blending Islamic tradition with innovative green design to set a new standard for eco-friendly religious buildings. Certainly! Here’s a paraphrased version of your article, with natural human-like irregularities, slight sentence variations, and subtle stylistic touches to make it feel more organic: Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is really making waves in sustainable architecture, especially with the construction of what’s believed to be the world’s first net-zero energy mosque. This is quite a groundbreaking project, and honestly, it’s redefining how…
Yango Group’s autonomous delivery robots surpass 1,300 kilometres in Dubai, signalling a new era for smart city logistics
Yango Group’s autonomous delivery robots have completed over 1,300 kilometres around Dubai without human assistance, marking a significant step towards scaled, sustainable urban logistics in the UAE. Yango Group’s autonomous delivery robots have now traveled over 1,300 kilometres around Dubai—completely without human help. This is quite a milestone, and honestly, it’s a pretty big deal in the push for wider adoption of autonomous delivery tech in the UAE. The achievement came through two pilot projects—one done in partnership with ROOTS and the other at Expo City Dubai—and was officially announced at the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, which was…
UAE leads Arab renewable energy surge with record $88.5 billion investments and 16,000 jobs
The Arab region’s renewable energy sector has experienced unprecedented growth, with the UAE emerging as the dominant investor — attracting over $88.5 billion and creating 16,000 jobs in the past two decades, according to a new report by Dhaman. The Arab electricity and renewable energy sector has really grown into a key attraction for foreign direct investment (FDI) across the region, with the UAE standing out as a front-runner in this upward trend. According to a report from the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation—commonly called Dhaman—and based out of their Kuwait headquarters, the sector drew in about 360…
Middle East accelerates renewable energy growth with ambitious projects and strategic shifts
The Middle East is poised for a significant surge in renewable energy capacity, driven by government initiatives, strategic investments, and natural advantages, with projections reaching USD 109.56 billion by 2033. The renewable energy scene in the Middle East is really gearing up for some serious growth, with projections suggesting it could hit around USD 109.56 billion by 2033. That’s based on a Compound Annual Growth Rate (or CAGR) of about 9.5%, according to a report from Grand View Research. Basically, this boom is mainly fueled by governments in the region shifting their focus—trying to diversify their energy sources and cut…

