6:32 am - July 19, 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
Amid evolving geopolitical and economic challenges, Gulf Cooperation Council countries are increasingly relying on foreign direct investment to drive diversification, innovation, and integration into global value chains, with the UAE leading the charge in 2024.For over fifty years now, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has largely based its economies on hydrocarbons—fuel for a model driven by government modernization and rapid infrastructure expansion. But, you see, the geopolitical and economic picture in the 21st century—well, it’s definitely reshaping that old legacy. Global investment is becoming more cautious, supply chains are being rebuilt, technology keeps advancing at lightning speed, and tough climate…
Holo secures $22 million to expand its digital mortgage platform across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, driving regional property market transformation through innovative technology and strategic partnerships. Holo, a groundbreaking fintech platform focused on revolutionizing the homebuying process in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, has closed a notable $22 million Series A funding round in 2025. This particular round ranks among the biggest Series A raises in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region this year, highlighting strong investor faith in Holo’s fresh approach to simplifying property ownership. The funding was spearheaded by Saudi Arabia’s Impact46, a prominent investment firm known…
The NEST, Schneider Electric’s flagship in Dubai Silicon Oasis, completes as a pioneering eco-friendly office integrating advanced technology, human-centric design, and sustainability, marking a significant step forward in green corporate real estate in the Middle East and Africa. Gensler has recently announced that The NEST — Schneider Electric’s landmark 10,000-square-metre flagship office located in Dubai Silicon Oasis — is now fully complete. This project sets a pretty high bar when it comes to sustainable, intelligent workspaces in the Middle East and Africa. More than just a standard office, The NEST actually showcases the future of work, blending advanced tech, human-focused…
Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University kicks off its 2025 fall semester with the launch of the new School of Sustainability and Green Economy, signalling a strategic move towards innovation, sustainability education, and digital transformation to support regional climate goals. Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has officially opened its doors for the fall semester of 2025. This marks a pretty important milestone in its ongoing journey toward elevating higher education through innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. This new academic term isn’t just about welcoming students; it also signals a renewed institutional vision—one that’s heavily focused on tackling global and regional…
India’s foreign capital deployment jumps by 67.74% in 2024-25, driven by strategic shifts towards emerging markets, ESG priorities, and domestic reforms, positioning the country as a key player on the global investment stage. India’s outbound investments have seen a dramatic jump in fiscal year 2024-25. According to a recent EY report titled “India abroad: Navigating the global landscape for overseas investment – 2025,” these investments grew by 67.74%, reaching about USD 41.6 billion from USD 24.8 billion the previous year. Along with this impressive increase in capital deployment, the number of overseas investment deals also went up by 15%. This…
Dubai is advancing its position as a global hub for smart city infrastructure by launching a comprehensive digital twin platform to optimise traffic flow, support autonomous transport, and reduce emissions, aiming for full deployment by mid-2026. Dubai is really stepping up its game when it comes to becoming a global hub for smart city infrastructure, especially with its push to incorporate digital twin technology into its transport network. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has teamed up with Yutraffic FUSION, along with key players like Yunex Traffic and local distributor Scientechnic, to roll out this innovative platform across…
BlueSun International announces a potential game-changing pricing breakthrough in renewable electricity and storage, with rates as low as 1.9 cents per kWh for power, promising to accelerate the global transition to sustainable energy. BlueSun International, a cleantech group based in both the UAE and the U.S., has announced what they’re calling some pretty groundbreaking pricing in renewable electricity and energy storage. According to them, they’ve managed to secure Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) rates as low as 1.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for power and 1.4 cents per kWh for batteries. If these numbers are independently verified—which, honestly, would be a…
The United Arab Emirates is rapidly expanding its influence in global solar energy efforts through innovative projects and international collaborations, aiming to triple renewable capacity by 2050 and reshape the future of clean energy worldwide. In 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has really ramped up its role as a leader in global solar energy efforts, making clear its dedication to speeding up the worldwide switch to cleaner energy sources. They’ve got a pretty diverse range of solar projects throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe, and these initiatives are playing a significant part in cutting down carbon emissions and tackling climate…
Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University and the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology have formalised a partnership to provide advanced, tech-driven lifelong learning programs for government employees, boosting local talent and supporting sustainable economic growth. Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) and the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) have officially formalized a strategic partnership—aiming, honestly, to empower the Emirati workforce within the Ministry by offering advanced, tech-driven lifelong learning programs. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) highlights both parties’ dedication to boosting local talent, enhancing the industrial sector’s global standing, and supporting sustainable growth aligned with the…
The 27th edition of WETEX in Dubai will highlight AI advancements and international collaboration to accelerate the UAE’s transition to a sustainable, digital future amid growing global interest. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is gearing up to host the 27th edition of the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) from September 30th to October 2nd, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This event keeps reflecting the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy, sustainability, and innovation—these are pretty much the main pillars supporting Dubai’s bold vision for a green economy and a sustainable future, I’d say. Since it first…
