Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has begun a four-week Dubai autonomous transit trial at Bluewaters, testing driverless electric pods on a dedicated guideway that could shape future clean mobility links across the emirate. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on 11 October the start of a four-week trial of…
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority will host the emirate’s first Dubai electric vehicle exhibition and conference from 10 to 12 November, with more than 300 participants and 10,000 visitors expected at the trade centre. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on 4 October that it will organise the inaugural…
Holcim UAE and 44.01 have formally commissioned the UAE’s first industrial Fujairah carbon capture pilot, which stores cement plant CO2 in underground rock and gives heavy industry a working template for Net Zero 2050. Holcim UAE and carbon storage company 44.01 officially commissioned the UAE’s first live-condition carbon capture and…
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has introduced mandatory emissions verification rules requiring high-emitting facilities to register, report and use accredited verifiers under a new digital tracking system. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has issued a resolution making emissions verification compulsory for facilities in the emirate’s highest-emitting sectors,…
UAE green sukuk issuance fell to zero in the first half of 2026, Moody’s said, down from 1.7 billion US dollars a year earlier, as GCC issuers pulled back and awaited a second-half recovery. UAE green sukuk issuance dropped to zero in the first half of 2026, according to a…
Emirates Water and Electricity Company projects Abu Dhabi carbon emissions falling by more than 45% by 2035, as solar capacity expands to over 35 gigawatts and battery storage reaches up to 15 gigawatts. Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) announced on 21 September a forecast cut in Abu Dhabi carbon…
Nasdaq-listed Beam Global has signed a memorandum of understanding with Masdar City Free Zone to bring off-grid EV charging and energy storage technology into the Masdar City ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. Beam Global (Nasdaq: BEEM) and its regional arm, Beam Middle East, have signed a memorandum of understanding with Masdar…
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Abu Dhabi solar capacity is set to expand by 3GW a year, the emirate’s energy chief says, as its clean energy share hits 47% and desalination shifts to reverse osmosis by 2035. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy has set out plans to add 3GW of solar capacity a year, backed by round-the-clock battery storage, as part of a decade-long shift that has already lifted the emirate’s clean energy share, including nuclear, from 1% to 47%. In a 17 September interview, department chairman Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan said the emirate would keep expanding Abu Dhabi solar capacity while pushing almost all…
Emirates Biotech and United Arab Emirates University have opened a pilot plant near Al Ain that converts food waste to biogas and compost, testing whether packaging waste can be processed alongside it too. Emirates Biotech and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) have launched a joint pilot project to convert food waste to biogas and compost at what they describe as the UAE’s first integrated organic-waste valorisation plant. Sited near UAEU’s Al Ain campus, the plant will process up to 40kg of organic waste a day. The partnership was launched at UAEU with value-chain stakeholders including the Emirates Environmental Group, Hotpack,…
Dubai Municipality launches new guide to speed green building retrofits across the emirate
Dubai Municipality has launched an Existing Buildings Greening Guide, giving owners, operators and investors a practical framework for green building retrofits that cut energy and water use and emissions. Dubai Municipality has launched an Existing Buildings Greening Guide across the emirate on 16 September, giving building owners, operators, consultants and investors a practical roadmap for green building retrofits that improve environmental and operational performance. The civic body said the guide supports its wider objectives for sustainable urban development and a better quality of life across Dubai. The guide sets out best practice for green building retrofits while balancing sustainability requirements…
The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative has signed a two-year partnership with the World Economic Forum to accelerate UAE water innovation and connect solutions with the financing and markets needed to scale them. The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative announced on 15 September that it has signed a partnership agreement with the World Economic Forum to speed the adoption and deployment of practical water solutions, extending the Abu Dhabi initiative’s reach into the global water innovation ecosystem. The agreement runs for two years, through September 2028, and centres on closing a persistent gap between promising water technologies and the financing,…
Khalifa University has launched a UNESCO Chair on Global Water Resilience, uniting research, policy and industry to strengthen UAE water security ahead of the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi this December. Khalifa University has established the UNESCO Chair on Global Water Resilience, Innovation and Sustainable Solutions, a UAE-anchored platform intended to connect scientific research with policy and industry on water treatment, desalination, wastewater reuse and governance. The university announced the Chair on 30 June, framing it as a direct contribution to UAE water security ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, which the UAE co-hosts with Senegal in Abu…
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Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei told WAM the UAE has lifted its combined nuclear and renewables target to 35% by 2030-2031, saying new plants and private competition will deliver it.
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development wants to mobilise $2bn by 2030 through its Global Water Platform, half of it the Fund’s own money, to reach 10 million people with safe water. The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has named the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform as the main…
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…
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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 in 2019, according to figures published on 8 June in the hub’s 2025 Impact Report. The same companies generated $1.5bn (AED 5.4bn) in revenue over the period. The totals mark a milestone in the emirate’s drive to build a diversified, innovation-led economy. The figures point to a startup base with…
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 Duqm, which really highlights just how crucial water infrastructure has become for the region’s emerging low-carbon heavy industry sector. The Centralised Utilities Company for the Special Economic Zone at Duqm will handle the financing and development of this facility, and it’s meant to serve Meranti Green Steel’s upcoming iron project,…
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Emirates Environmental Group accelerates community efforts with new initiatives at 28th Recycling Awards
Dubai: The Emirates Environmental Group celebrated its 28th Annual Recycling Awards, highlighting achievements in waste diversion, introducing new initiatives for plastic and e-waste management, and emphasising community engagement in sustainability efforts during the event aligned with World Environment Day. Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Engr. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) recently commemorated the 28th Annual Emirates Recycling Awards, aligning with World Environment Day. This year’s theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” underscored the urgent need to combat plastic waste in our ecosystems. The event, hosted at Dubai Knowledge Park, attracted a diverse…
Abu Dhabi unveils integrated waste management system to boost efficiency and sustainability
London: Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency has launched a comprehensive waste management system incorporating inspection, safety, and tracking components to improve operational efficiency, enforce regulations, and promote environmental sustainability across the emirate. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has made significant strides in improving the management of waste across the emirate by unveiling a comprehensive system designed to monitor and oversee waste management activities. This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader goals of promoting environmental sustainability and safeguarding natural resources. This new system integrates three core components: an inspection and control system for waste management operations, an occupational health and…
Arab governments confront sustainability gaps despite rising net-zero ambitions, forum reveals
Dubai: The UAE-led Sustainability and Government Work Forum highlighted regional progress and gaps in Arab governments’ sustainability efforts, revealing only 17% align strategies with global benchmarks despite 60% targeting net-zero emissions, as recommendations for greener policies gain prominence. The UAE government recently hosted the third session of the Sustainability and Government Work Forum, a significant event that coincided with World Environment Day and included participation from over 600 leaders across Arab governments, the private sector, and academic institutions. Organised in collaboration with the Arab Administrative Development Organization of the Arab League, this forum aimed to forge partnerships that can…
Dubai: Majid Al Futtaim’s Ghaf Woods project introduces a green community spanning 738,000 sqm with 7,000+ residences, focused on biodiversity, green infrastructure, and wellness amenities, setting new standards for sustainable, luxury urban habitats in the region. Majid Al Futtaim is forging a new path in urban living with the recent announcement of its Ghaf Woods project, which is poised to redefine the concept of residential communities in Dubai. Stretching over 738,000 square metres near the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway, the development will comprise more than 7,000 premium units, including one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as luxurious…
Dubai: Dubai Airports has partnered with Etihad ESCO to retrofit over 330,000 lighting fixtures at DXB and DWC, aiming to halve energy consumption, save AED 20 million annually, and bolster Dubai’s status as a leader in sustainable aviation infrastructure by 2027. Dubai Airports has reached a pivotal milestone in its sustainability journey by signing an agreement with Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO), a subsidiary of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). This collaboration marks the beginning of the final phase of a comprehensive airport-wide lighting retrofit initiative, a significant endeavour aimed at enhancing energy efficiency across both…
Abu Dhabi launches Middle East’s first homegrown Earth observation satellite hub amid regional rivalry
Abu Dhabi inaugurates the Middle East’s first satellite manufacturing hub, elevating the UAE’s regional space ambitions through local production, international partnerships, and advanced Earth observation capabilities, positioning itself as a leader in satellite innovation and regional collaboration. Abu Dhabi has made a significant advancement in its space sector by inaugurating the Middle East’s first hub for Earth observation satellite manufacturing. This cutting-edge facility represents a pivotal moment for the United Arab Emirates as it aims to craft, develop, and eventually deploy advanced satellites entirely on home soil. By fostering an independent satellite manufacturing capability, the UAE is poised to…
California-based EV maker Faraday Future is establishing its first regional base in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, investing AED30 million, creating 200 jobs, and integrating local sourcing, signalling a strategic push into the Middle East’s growing electric vehicle market ahead of 2025 operations. Faraday Future (FF), a California-based electric vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled plans for its inaugural base in the Middle East, situated in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. This facility, located in the Al Hamra area of the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), spans 108,000 square feet and is set to significantly bolster the company’s operational footprint in the…
Masdar accelerates green bond issuance and European acquisitions to reach 2030 renewable target
UAE’s Masdar plans further bond issuances and strategic acquisitions, including Greece’s Terna Energy and Spain’s Valle Solar, to boost its global renewable capacity amid accelerating investor interest and a target of 100 GW by 2030. Masdar, the UAE’s state-owned renewable energy giant, is gearing up to solidify its position in international debt markets as it pursues an ambitious goal of achieving 100 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This strategic move follows a robust fundraising initiative that saw the company raise $1 billion through green bond issuances in May 2024, adding to its earlier offerings of $750 million…
GCC: Olive Gaea and Blue Gecko have partnered to support businesses in complying with the UAE’s upcoming emissions law by combining AI-driven carbon accounting with expert sustainability storytelling, aiming to simplify ESG reporting and boost climate accountability across the region. In a significant move to bolster climate action and sustainability efforts across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Olive Gaea and Blue Gecko Consulting have forged a strategic partnership aimed at helping businesses achieve their environmental goals while effectively communicating their progress. This collaboration marks a noteworthy convergence of cutting-edge technology and expert communication in the realm of sustainability. Olive…
New Energy Investor Summit Middle East 2025 accelerates green finance and global partnerships in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: The New Energy Investor Summit Middle East 2025 united global leaders to bridge the financing gap for renewable energy projects, advancing UAE’s role as a green capital and fostering Middle East–Europe cooperation on hydrogen ecosystems and sustainable finance models. The New Energy Investor Summit Middle East 2025 has marked a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable energy future, convening at the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to unite international leaders in the fields of green investment, policymakers, and innovators. This event serves as a platform to bridge the critical gap between available capital and the…

