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His Excellency Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, recently visited Tadweer, one of Dubai’s flagship waste management facilities.

The visit reflects the emirate’s continued efforts to promote the circular economy, support environmental sustainability, and reduce dependence on landfills.

Accompanied by a senior delegation from Dubai Municipality, Bin Ghalita was welcomed by Faris Saeed, CEO of Tadweer, alongside other key executives.

During the visit, the delegation toured the facility’s key operational areas, which have been serving the city for two decades and now form a vital part of Dubai’s integrated waste management infrastructure. His Excellency was briefed on the facility’s processes, advanced technologies for waste collection, sorting, and recycling, and innovative methods for converting waste into valuable resources.

The itinerary included a stop at Tadweer’s pilot biogas plant, which demonstrates how organic waste can be transformed into energy—a clear example of utilising local resources to support the UAE’s energy sustainability and security goals.

Bin Ghalita highlighted the critical role of circular economy frameworks and public-private collaboration in expanding sustainable practices. He praised Tadweer for its contributions to addressing environmental challenges and turning them into strategic opportunities for a more sustainable Dubai.

Dubai's strategy

Bin Ghalita said, “Dubai has established itself as a leader in adopting integrated waste management and circular economy practices through a long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and resource conservation. This includes leveraging modern technologies, advanced systems, and innovation to enhance the efficiency of waste collection, sorting, and treatment in sustainable ways. Dubai Municipality remains committed to supporting and advancing environmental and technological solutions that align with national strategies, most notably, the Dubai Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2021–2041, which focuses on implementing global best practices and long-term infrastructure, and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to position Dubai as a global hub for clean energy and the green economy.”

Faris Saeed, CEO of Tadweer and Chairman of SEE Holding, added, “Tadweer is a real-world embodiment of sustainability, diverting millions of tons of waste from landfills and providing a practical, scalable model for implementing the circular economy. Our vision is rooted in the belief that technology is not just a tool but a strategic partner in realising the UAE’s environmental transformation goals. With the continued support of Dubai Municipality, we are confident in our path toward a future defined by innovation, regeneration, and zero waste.”

Since its launch, Tadweer has handled over 5.2 million tons of municipal solid waste, easing the strain on landfill sites and converting substantial volumes into useful products. This includes the creation of more than 90,000 tons of premium organic compost for use in agriculture and green urban spaces.

In parallel, environmental education forms a core part of Tadweer’s strategy. The company has conducted more than 1,200 awareness campaigns, engaging over 30,000 students across the UAE to cultivate a culture of sustainability among future generations.

TAQA Morocco, together with Nareva and the Mohammed VI Fund for Investment has signed three memorandums of understanding and related development agreements with the Government of Morocco and ONEE.

These agreements support the development of major infrastructure projects in the power, water, and renewable energy sectors aimed at reinforcing the Kingdom's sovereignty in both water and energy.

The programme focuses on expanding Morocco’s natural gas-based power generation capacity, boosting seawater desalination and water transport capabilities, and building a new electricity transmission line linking the southern and central regions.

With a total investment estimated at around 130 billion dirhams by 2030, the partnership will deliver:

- 900 million m³ of desalinated water and the transport of 800 million m³ via the national water highway project
- Acquisition of the 400 MW Tahaddart gas-fired power plant, plus the addition of 1,100 MW in combined-cycle capacity
- Development of 1,200 MW of renewable energy capacity under contract with ONEE, along with a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line of approximately 3,000 MW

All the projects will be co-owned equally by TAQA Morocco and Nareva, with the Mohammed VI Fund for Investment holding a 15% stake.

Abdelmajid Iraqui Houssaini, Chairman of the Board of TAQA Morocco, said, “This strategic public / private partnership will contribute to significantly and sustainably transform the domestic water and energy landscape in Morocco with the enhancement of desalination capacities and water transmission. It reinforces the transmission network with a higher contribution of gas-fired power generation in Morocco's baseload to increase the integration of renewable energy sources. This important investment programme will also accelerate the growth and diversification of TAQA Morocco’s business portfolio.”

Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) has partnered with Climate Neutral Real Estate Gulf Region (CNRE). 

CNRE is a a public-private initiative backed by the Dutch Government and its network of knowledge institutes, tech firms, and solution providers, to advance environmental sustainability in the region.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed recently in Dubai, aims to harness the strengths of both organisations to promote best practices such as Near Zero and Net Zero buildings and communities, resilient built environments for both new developments and retrofits, and collaborative research and education in sustainable construction.

The MoU signing featured a welcome note by Habiba Al Marashi, co-founder of EmiratesGBC; opening remarks from H.E. Dr. Carel Richter, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dubai and the Northern Emirates; and an introduction by CNRE Chairman Andre Vreman.

A roundtable titled “Towards Climate Neutral Real Estate in the UAE – Opportunities and Challenges,” moderated by EmiratesGBC CEO Abdullatif AlBitawi, underscored the pressing need for sustainability-focused action in the built environment.

Through this partnership, EmiratesGBC and CNRE will co-host educational events on green building, aiming to promote climate-neutral real estate solutions in energy and water use, enhance asset value, and support the growth of green finance.

Habiba Al Marashi, co-founder, vice chair, and treasurer of the Emirates Green Building Council, said, “Collaboration is key to driving collective action across industries to achieve a sustainable future for all. At Emirates Green Building Council, we are deeply committed to advocacy to ensure we provide the right platform to drive change, and we are thrilled to partner with Climate Neutral Real Estate Gulf Region (CNRE) in their mission to accelerate net-zero design, construction and operations for real estate assets in desert climates. We look forward to powering our shared vision of sustainable building and environmental impact in the region through this strategic partnership.”

In the high-pressure world of mining, quarrying, and construction, fuel efficiency is a make-or-break factor for both profitability and environmental impact.

Garry Moore, a veteran customer support manager at Rokbak, a Scottish manufacturer of articulated dump trucks (ADTs), has spent nearly 20 years refining strategies to optimise heavy equipment performance.

Here, Moore unveils seven expert tips for harnessing Rokbak’s Haul Track telematics system to slash fuel expenses, curb carbon emissions, and boost site productivity.

Here are seven ways to achieve it

1. Keep engines in top shape for fuel savings

A neglected engine burns more fuel and pumps out excess emissions. Haul Track’s real-time diagnostics alert managers to issues like blocked filters or suboptimal fuel systems, enabling quick fixes. By acting on these email notifications, operators ensure ADTs run lean, saving fuel and reducing environmental harm.

2. Spot and fix delays with idling insights

Trucks idling in queues waste fuel and stall progress. Using Haul Track’s GPS and idle-time tracking, managers can identify bottlenecks where ADTs wait for loaders. Moore suggests rebalancing fleet setups—adjusting loader or hauler sizes—to keep operations moving, cutting fuel use and CO₂ output while ramping up efficiency.

3. Maximise loads with precision weighing

Half-empty trucks force extra trips, inflating fuel costs and equipment wear. Rokbak’s On-Board Weigh, synced with Haul Track, provides live load data, empowering operators to fill trucks to capacity every time. This approach boosts output, conserves fuel, and keeps production targets on track.

4. Redesign sites for shorter, smarter routes

Inefficient haul roads and traffic snarls sap fuel economy. Haul Track’s movement tracking, combined with fuel and idle reports, works across all equipment brands to highlight trouble spots. By streamlining routes and easing congestion, managers can trim fuel bills, lower emissions, and extend machine life.

5. Coach operators for smoother driving

Aggressive driving habits, like rapid acceleration or sudden stops, can inflate fuel consumption. Haul Track’s fuel usage comparisons reveal when specific trucks burn more than peers on similar tasks. Moore advocates using these insights for constructive training, helping drivers adopt smoother techniques to save fuel.

6. Protect tyres, save fuel

Underinflated tyres increase drag, forcing engines to work harder and wear out faster. Haul Track’s real-time tyre pressure monitoring catches issues early, allowing quick corrections. Proper inflation optimises fuel use, prolongs tyre durability, and enhances site safety.

7. Drive progress with clear performance goals

Haul Track’s robust data lets managers set fuel efficiency targets and monitor results over time. By analyzing trends and sharing feedback, teams stay motivated to improve. This data-driven approach fosters smarter decisions and a culture of continuous progress.

Moore’s strategies show that Haul Track is more than a data tool. It is a  game-changer for cost-conscious, eco-aware operations. With these seven tactics, site leaders and operators can transform insights into action, driving down costs and emissions while keeping their sites running at peak performance.

The UAE is rapidly emerging as a global hub for artificial intelligence innovation, with industries leveraging AI tools to revolutionise operations. A panel session at Make It In The Emirates in Abu Dhabi discussed exactly this.

In the defense sector, Edge Group is pioneering AI-powered transformations. Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, president of technology and innovation, highlighted their approach.

“We are bringing revolutionary AI applications in our products, including space situational awareness, AI-powered sensors, electronic systems, and autonomous platforms,” he said.

The group is not just implementing AI, but fundamentally rethinking their operational model through intelligent technologies.

Microsoft UAE is playing a crucial role in this digital transformation. Maitha Al Suwaidi, chief operating officer at Microsoft UAE, shared compelling examples of AI applications across industries.

In healthcare, Abu Dhabi Health developed a patient assistant that integrates medical records and enables seamless booking across medical facilities. In manufacturing, Emirates Global Aluminum implemented a digital platform using Microsoft Azure services, augmenting AI across 150 use cases and earning recognition from the World Economic Forum.

Venture One, through its AI 71 initiative, is developing specialised vertical AI solutions targeting specific industry challenges. Reda Nidhaku, the company’s acting CEO explained their approach, focusing on "agentic AI that augments employees" and creating tools for specific sectors.

In construction, they collaborated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport to automate permitting processes, reducing weeks-long compliance checks to instant evaluations.

In healthcare, they're testing an AI Doctor assistant and developing solutions to streamline patient discharge and insurance claim processes.

Looking to the future

The investment sector is also experiencing AI-driven transformation. Mubadala has integrated Maya, an AI companion, into its investment committee process. The AI tool helps filter investment opportunities, analyze macroeconomic data, and provide recommendations, enhancing decision-making without replacing human expertise.

Thomas Pramotedham, the CEO of Presight, emphasised the UAE's unique ecosystem, noting that the country's leadership vision of creating an "AI-native government" has been instrumental in attracting technological innovation.

The ecosystem supports companies in developing, testing, and exporting AI solutions globally.
These AI tools are not just technological experiments but strategic implementations driving efficiency, innovation, and economic diversification.

The UAE's approach combines robust infrastructure, forward-thinking policies, and a commitment to attracting global AI talent.

Dr. Kasmi summarised the sentiment perfectly. “We are a technology company that happens to operate in the defense sector...rethinking our operating model with revolutionary technologies."

As industries continue to integrate AI, the UAE is positioning itself as a global leader in intelligent technology adoption, demonstrating how strategic investment and ecosystem support can transform traditional sectors through artificial intelligence.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are poised to represent more than 40% of global car sales by 2030 as prices continue to fall and adoption expands across markets, according to the International Energy Agency’s latest Global EV Outlook.

The report highlights that, despite economic uncertainties, EV sales have maintained strong momentum worldwide, surpassing key milestones and reshaping the automotive industry.

Global electric car sales are on course to exceed 20 million in 2025, accounting for more than a quarter of all cars sold. In 2024, EV sales reached over 17 million, pushing their global market share above 20% for the first time, as previously forecasted by the IEA. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, sales rose 35% year-on-year, with major and emerging markets recording record-breaking performances.

China remains the global leader, with electric cars comprising nearly half of all new car sales in 2024. The country sold more than 11 million electric cars, equal to the worldwide total in 2022. Other fast-growing markets include Asia and Latin America, where sales surged over 60% in 2024.

In the United States, EV sales rose by around 10%, with battery-powered models making up over one in ten new cars. Meanwhile, Europe’s growth plateaued due to the phaseout of subsidies and support schemes, although the region’s EV market share remained stable at around 20%.

Affordability is key

“Our data shows that, despite significant uncertainties, electric cars remain on a strong growth trajectory globally. Sales continue to set new records, with major implications for the international auto industry,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol. “This year, we expect more than one in four cars sold worldwide to be electric, with growth accelerating in many emerging economies. By the end of this decade, it is set to be more than two in five cars as EVs become increasingly affordable.”

According to the report, affordability remains a key driver of adoption. The global average price of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) declined in 2024 due to increased competition and falling battery costs. In China, two-thirds of EVs sold were cheaper than their petrol or diesel counterparts, even without subsidies. However, the price gap persists elsewhere, BEVs were on average 20% more expensive than conventional vehicles in Germany and 30% higher in the United States.

Operating costs, however, continue to favour EVs. Even if oil prices dropped to US$40 per barrel, charging an electric car at home in Europe would still cost about half as much as fuelling a petrol or diesel car, based on current energy prices.

The report notes that nearly one-fifth of electric cars sold globally are imported, with China exporting around 1.25 million units in 2024, many to emerging markets where these imports have driven down retail prices.

A special section of the report focuses on electric trucks, which saw global sales rise by 80% last year, reaching nearly 2% of total truck sales. This growth was led by China, where cost-competitive heavy-duty electric trucks are gaining traction thanks to lower lifetime operating costs, despite higher upfront prices.