Chinese automaker BYD is making significant advances in large-scale battery storage projects in Abu Dhabi while simultaneously boosting its global EV exports and model lineup, despite challenging conditions in China’s domestic market and regulatory landscape. BYD seems to be pulled in two very different directions at the same time. On…
Scientists in the UAE are exploring the possibility of using large-scale solar photovoltaic installations not only to produce energy but also to influence local atmospheric conditions and trigger rainfall, offering a novel approach to water scarcity in desert regions. Water is increasingly taking centre stage in the climate and technology…
Hub71’s 2025 Impact Report reveals a surge in funding, revenue, and international partnerships, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s shift from early-stage innovation to a mature, revenue-generating tech hub. Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 has recently reported a notable surge in startup activity. Its 2025 Impact Report reveals that companies within the ecosystem raised over…
Globalpharma has installed a 612 kWp rooftop solar system at its Dubai facility, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 11,400 tonnes as part of the UAE’s wider shift towards clean energy in industry. Globalpharma has managed to cut roughly 11,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions after installing a rooftop solar system…
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…
A new report underscores the shift of smart cities from futuristic concepts to strategic tools vital for building resilience, enhancing public services, and sustaining growth amid urban challenges and climate risks. Smart cities are shifting from just being a planning goal to really forming a central part of a nation’s…
ACCIONA advances its water assets’ management by deploying an integrated digital platform and digital twin technology, enhancing efficiency and resilience in Gulf desalination operations amid climate challenges. ACCIONA is taking its digital transformation of its desalination assets further, expanding a plant management system that combines operational, maintenance, and control data…
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LUVED integrates AI and sustainability in UAE luxury resale platform to enhance trust and local engagement
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…
DP World launches EcoRoute to transform supply chain decarbonisation through integrated, performance-driven solutions
DP World unveils EcoRoute, a comprehensive platform designed to help businesses lower emissions while boosting operational efficiency, marking a significant shift in logistics sustainability practices amid rising regulatory and market pressures. DP World has introduced EcoRoute, a new set of supply chain services that they claim are designed to help businesses reduce their emissions without sacrificing performance. This move reflects a broader shift in logistics, where decarbonisation is increasingly seen as an operational challenge rather than just a separate sustainability effort. According to DP World, the platform combines network design, lower-carbon transport options, emissions measurement, and carbon insetting. They say…
The United Arab Emirates prepares to inaugurate its first passenger rail service, marking a significant milestone in its transport development and regional integration plans, with phased routes connecting key emirates and offering enhanced travel options for daily commuters and tourists alike. The UAE is just a few days away from launching its very first passenger rail service, an event that signifies a fresh chapter in the country’s transport ambitions and its long-standing effort to connect major cities, economic zones, and future growth corridors more seamlessly. Etihad Rail announced that passenger services will kick off on June 30, with the initial…
Origin Assets launches ambitious climate finance platform in Abu Dhabi leveraging blockchain
A new venture called Origin Assets, backed by Reef Origin, Xange.com, and NOXXO, aims to simplify financing and trading of climate-aligned assets through tokenisation and blockchain technology, targeting institutional investors worldwide. Three firms, with a combined pipeline worth over $140 billion, have teamed up to bring together their climate, payment, and market infrastructure into a new venture based in Abu Dhabi. The goal? To make financing and trading climate-aligned assets a lot easier , or at least that’s the plan. This project is called Origin Assets. It was announced during Climate Week London on 24 June , a joint effort…
The UAE cement market is set for robust growth over the next decade, driven by infrastructure projects and urban expansion, but increasingly shaped by sustainability and technological innovation as producers seek to balance demand with environmental targets. The UAE cement market is looking set for ongoing growth over the next ten years, but honestly, the story is increasingly about more than just increasing quantities. The landscape is now heavily influenced by infrastructure investments, housing needs, sustainability rules, and the push for producers to modernise their operations. Based on a market report supplied by Vocal Media and research referenced by IMARC…
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The United Arab Emirates leverages its recent engagement with BRICS to promote smart grid technology, sustainable hydrogen value chains, and digital energy systems, signalling a strategic shift towards global energy influence and innovation. The United Arab Emirates has used its most recent engagement with BRICS on energy to highlight a…
Emirates Global Aluminium opens the largest aluminium recycling facility in the UAE, reinforcing the country’s commitment to decarbonisation and localised, sustainable industry growth. Emirates Global Aluminium has recently opened what’s now the biggest aluminium recycling plant in the United Arab Emirates, located at Al Taweelah. It’s a clear move that…
Innovo Group and FieldAI partner to deploy autonomous robots on Dubai’s Ghaf Woods project, marking a significant step for AI-driven construction in challenging environments and aligning with the UAE’s broader digital ambitions. Innovo Group has started introducing general-purpose robots into real-world construction projects in the Middle East, through a partnership…
The UAE has celebrated the graduation of its third cohort of sustainability leaders, exemplifying the country’s strategic shift towards integrated, human-centric climate and industrial policies supported by public-private collaboration. The UAE Sustainability Fellowship has recently celebrated the graduation of its third cohort, bringing together 32 professionals from both the public…
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Savvy Charging has secured an exclusive dealership deal for Xiaofu’s off-grid electric vehicle charging systems across the MENA region, promising faster deployment and enhanced regional support to accelerate EV adoption amid infrastructure challenges. Savvy Charging Technology is stepping up its efforts in the off-grid electric-vehicle infrastructure scene with a new exclusive dealership deal for Xiaofu’s charging systems across the Middle East and North Africa, according to a company announcement reported by Zawya. This deal effectively makes Savvy the sole regional stockist for the Chinese firm’s off-grid EV charging products, a move the companies say is meant to cut down on…
At Expo City Dubai, a newly planted pocket forest using native species and smart monitoring exemplifies innovative ecological restoration tailored for arid environments, offering a scalable blueprint for sustainable urban landscapes. At Expo City Dubai, there’s a small stand of trees that’s doing more than just softening the skyline. Terra’s new pocket forest is being presented as a practical example of how desert cities can blend biodiversity, cooling, and educational elements into one public space. The project draws inspiration from the Miyawaki method, a planting approach that uses densely packed native species to promote rapid growth and create a multi-layered…
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Holcim launches locally sourced ECOPlanet low-carbon cement in UAE to boost industrial resilience and sustainability
Holcim introduces its green cement range, made with locally sourced materials, aligning with the UAE’s push for industrial self-reliance and lower emissions amid ongoing development projects. Holcim has introduced its ECOPlanet low-carbon cement range to the UAE, featuring a version made from locally sourced materials and aligned with the country’s broader push for a more resilient industrial base. The company claims this product reduces carbon emissions by around 30% compared to standard cement, all while maintaining the strength and durability needed for large-scale construction and infrastructure projects. This launch comes at an interesting time when the UAE is actively working…
The UAE is expanding its National Green Certificates Programme to include factories, leveraging AI to promote measurable sustainability benchmarks and support the nation’s zero-emissions goals. The UAE has recently advanced its National Green Certificates Programme further into the industrial sector, introducing a new track specifically for factories. This move is part of the broader push to develop a lower-emissions economy across the country. According to the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, this factory-focused scheme was revealed at Make in the Emirates 2026, where it was positioned as a national framework for evaluating and certifying sustainable industrial sites. The programme employs…
The UAE is increasingly adopting artificial intelligence to transform waste management, making cities smarter and more sustainable through innovative digital solutions that optimise recycling, monitoring, and environmental policies. The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence in waste management is starting to change how the UAE views recycling, monitoring, and the circular economy, according to experts who spoke at a virtual seminar organized by the Zayed International Foundation for the Environment. This session was part of the foundation’s environmental culture series and centered on “Year of the Family: Applying the circular economy in waste management using artificial intelligence”. It brought together specialists…
The UAE is reshaping its industrial landscape by prioritising artificial intelligence, boosting local participation, and integrating sustainability with economic growth, signalling a major strategic shift at the Make it in the Emirates 2026 event. The UAE is gradually reshaping its industrial future, placing bigger bets on artificial intelligence, cutting-edge manufacturing, and a more proactive role for local investors. During the Make it in the Emirates 2026 event, senior officials and business leaders emphasized how quickly the country’s investment landscape is evolving, hinting at a real shake-up in traditional models. On the third day of the event in Abu Dhabi, Mohamed…
Dana Gas and Levidian plan major graphene production hub in Sharjah to accelerate UAE’s advanced manufacturing ambitions
Dana Gas and British company Levidian are set to develop the Sharjah Graphene Park, aiming to transform lab-developed graphene into a significant industrial venture aligned with the UAE’s push for innovative, sustainable manufacturing. Dana Gas has taken steps to turn a promising lab-developed material into a full-fledged industrial venture in Sharjah. They recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the British advanced materials company Levidian, with plans to develop what’s being called the Sharjah Graphene Park. According to The National, the first phase of this project is estimated to need somewhere between $2 million and $5 million. Then, if things…
Suqia UAE extends deadline for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Water Award to boost AI-focused innovations
The UAE Water Aid Foundation has extended the submission deadline for its prestigious water innovation award until September 30, 2026, encouraging more international entries focused on AI and renewable energy solutions to combat water scarcity. The UAE Water Aid Foundation, commonly known as Suqia UAE, has decided to extend the deadline for submissions to the fifth round of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award until September 30, 2026. This change came after many potential participants requested more time. The extension aims to encourage more international entries, especially since the prize has become one of the UAE’s most…
Dubai Holding has selected 15 innovative scale-ups from a pool of over 1,400 applicants across 93 countries for its second Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator, highlighting a growing regional shift towards practical climate solutions aligned with national sustainability goals. Dubai Holding has refined its search, whittling down a pool of over 1,400 applicants from 93 countries to just 15 promising scale-ups for the second round of its Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator. This move really highlights how strongly ideas related to the circular economy are competing for attention in the Gulf region. The program, which it runs together with TECOM…
ROX’s ambitious UAE industrial strategy aims to redefine regional manufacturing and exports by 2030
ROX leverages the ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’ initiative to build a connected ecosystem of advanced manufacturing, AI, and talent development, aiming for 300,000 vehicle production annually by 2030 and positioning Abu Dhabi as a key industrial hub. ROX has leveraged the “Make it in the Emirates 2026” initiative to lay out a broader industrial playbook for the UAE. This strategy aims to connect artificial intelligence, advanced materials, logistics, manufacturing, and talent development into a cohesive ecosystem, which it claims can foster both local production and boost exports. The company frames this approach as part of a “Made in…
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority launches a comprehensive inspection and upgrade programme for its extensive network of air-conditioned bus shelters, aiming to ensure reliability and comfort during increasingly extreme summer temperatures of 2026. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has kicked off a city-wide inspection program aimed at ensuring their network of air-conditioned bus shelters is ready for the summer of 2026. Right now, there are about 895 shelters scattered across 621 locations, all under review. The main focus seems to be on proactive maintenance and on-the-ground checks , with teams working around the clock, day and night, to spot and…
Abu Dhabi’s leading energy players EWEC and Masdar sign a new framework to streamline large-scale renewable projects, aiming to accelerate the UAE’s ambitious aim of sourcing 60% of its energy from renewables by 2035 while enhancing grid stability and water sustainability. EWEC and Masdar have recently agreed on a new framework aimed at speeding up the next phase of the UAE’s clean energy expansion. This move signals a deeper level of collaboration between two of Abu Dhabi’s major energy players, especially at a time when the country is doubling down on decarbonisation, ensuring power stability, and boosting industrial growth. The…

