As missiles fly and oil traders panic, one thing is becoming brutally clear: a world powered by more renewables is a world less exposed to political violence, fuel blackmail by Iran and Saudi Aramco, and petro-instability that have long haunted the Middle East.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a UN-like energy body based in Abu Dhabi, the world added a record 692 gigawatts (GW) of renewable power capacity in 2025, bringing the global total to 5,149 GW.

Renewables made up 85.6% of all new power capacity added worldwide, while fossil fuel and other non-renewable additions continued to shrink in relative importance. That matters far beyond climate, I believe.

When countries generate more of their own electricity from solar, wind, hydro and bioenergy, they become less vulnerable to oil and gas chokepoints, tanker wars, Red Sea Houthi pirates, Iranian mullahs, price spikes, and the geopolitics of regimes and armed movements that have historically benefited from fossil fuel dependence. Renewables do not solve extremism on their own, but they do weaken the leverage of fuel-dependent systems that have helped finance instability across the region.

“In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion,” said Francesco La Camera, IRENA’s Director-General. “A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient.”

IRENA, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is the world’s leading intergovernmental agency for the renewable energy transition. It has 171 members and additional countries in accession, and serves as a technical and policy hub for governments trying to decarbonize while improving energy security. Abu Dhabi is its permanent headquarters.

The biggest gains in 2025 came from solar power, which added 511 GW, followed by wind at 159 GW. Together, those two technologies accounted for 96.8% of all new renewable additions globally.

Asia dominated, contributing 74.2% of all new renewable capacity, with 513.3 GW added. China remained the giant, especially in solar, wind, and hydropower, according to IRENA. This doesn’t mean they are a green economy however, because as China grows so does its dependence on fossil fuels. They are not regulated in any way for carbon emissions and tend to do what they want while the rest of the world plants trees and trades carbon credits.

India also posted strong wind and hydro gains. In Africa, renewable capacity rose by 15.9%, its fastest jump yet, led by Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt. The Middle East recorded its highest annual growth too, rising 28.9%, led by Saudi Arabia. The House of Saud knows they cannot survive on oil alone in the future. They have also been investing in green hydrogen.

The map is wildly uneven. Europe now holds 934 GW in total renewable capacity, while Central America and the Caribbean remain stuck at just 21 GW. That imbalance is not just unfair; it is also dangerous. Countries with low renewable penetration remain more exposed to imported fuel shocks, debt, and fragile grids.

The world’s next focus should be obvious: grid expansion, battery storage solutions, off-grid solar, and finance for poorer countries. It is not enough to install panels in China as its economy keeps building endless factories and call it a transition.

“This not only indicates market preference but also makes a strong case for renewable energy resilience with brutal clarity,” La Camera said. And in a world where oil routes can still trigger global panic overnight, resilience is no longer a climate luxury, it is national security.

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A new female starchitect on the rise? BM Studios is an architectural firm bridging the East and the West. In this article, Balsam Madi shares her approach to climate sensitive design and discusses the role of architects today.

In the UAE, architects often have more influence than they realize, particularly at the early, conceptual stages of a project. How do they weigh that responsibility? How is the role of architects today influencing climate sensitive design? We speak with Balsam Madi from BM Studios to learn more.

Architectural teams are typically structured into distinct roles as concept architects, design development teams, specifiers, and project managers. But these roles frequently operate in silos, especially within large corporations, she tells Green Prophet.

Design managers, who liaise across teams and maintain continuity, are still relatively rare. This hierarchy has a direct impact on sustainability outcomes, notes the young, aspirational architect working between Berlin and Dubai at the firm she founded, BM Studios.

In Balsam’s former role as a senior lead designer at KEO, sustainability was not an add-on, she says, it was embedded in her responsibility. She was expected to introduce cultural research, emerging design trends, sustainable strategies, and even AI-driven methodologies into the workflow. Knowledge transfer was central to her role: staying ahead of global conversations and translating them into locally relevant design decisions.

Sustainability entered most powerfully during the concept phase, which she was leading, through storytelling. She reinterpreted vernacular architectural techniques using contemporary aesthetics that clients respond to today, while quietly embedding passive strategies, climate intelligence, and material efficiency. Referencing comparable cities and precedents helped position sustainability not as a risky experiment, but as a proven and aspirational solution.

She also naturally stepped into a design management role, coordinating day-to-day processes, aligning design development teams, specifications, and material research. Early decisions around modularity, prefabrication, and low-impact construction often made the biggest difference, long before sustainability became a checklist. This coordination allowed quality assurance throughout costing and specification stages—precisely where silos often form and opportunities for design integrity and sustainability are lost.

As independent practitioners, architects become translators, strategists, and sometimes marketeers of sustainability, not superficially, but by demonstrating how responsible design enhances value, longevity, and relevance.

After leaving the corporate world and working independently, she found more freedom to advocate for these ideas, she tells Green Prophet. As independent practitioners, architects become translators, strategists, and sometimes marketeers of sustainability, not superficially, but by demonstrating how responsible design enhances value, longevity, and relevance. They are expected to do it all!

Over the next decade, architects who can bridge vision, systems, and persuasion will shape the industry far more than those focused on form alone, she says. Having knowledge about LEED-building, or Estidama Pearls isn’t enough.

Where Architects Truly Influence Sustainability

Landscape design for a private Dubai client. Balsam Madi.

Architects genuinely influence sustainability at three critical points: concept design, advisory roles, and spatial intelligence. The greatest constraint, however, remains resistance to change.

Balsam once proposed a flexible housing strategy inspired by open-building principles and early Japanese residential models, homes designed to evolve with families rather than forcing families to adapt to rigid layouts. The concept was profitable, socially progressive, and sustainable, yet it was not well received. The real estate sector, despite its creative veneer, often prefers familiarity over innovation.

Some of her most successful sustainability-driven typologies—projects that doubled developer yields—were led by developers who were architects themselves. Leadership mindset matters. Sustainability is not just about trees or technology; it’s about designing spaces that perform socially, economically, and environmentally over decades.

Cultural constraints also play a role. Ambition in the Middle East region is high, but often paired with impatience. Limited time for research, testing, and long-term planning undermines sustainable outcomes. Developers who have truly excelled invested in R&D and allowed innovation to mature, positioning themselves with distinct value propositions.

Architects also influence sustainability through advisory work: optimizing layouts for waste management, connecting developers with recycling or composting partners, and improving operational efficiency through better planning. These opportunities are frequently missed, often due to a narrow procurement mindset focused on either lowest cost or premium solutions, with little space in between.

Quality is another issue. First-time developers sometimes hire very young firms to reduce costs, resulting in poor layouts and dysfunctional living spaces. Sustainability, at its core, is systems thinking. When treated as isolated gestures rather than an integrated framework, it loses both meaning and impact.

From Designing Form to Designing Systems

Balsam says she loves concept design, “the iterative process, the moment when an idea clicks and demands to be built. That creative spark is sacred. But today, AI can generate iterations faster than entire teams once could. This raises an important question: if machines can explore form, what is the architect’s true value?

“For me, the answer is systems thinking and orchestration. Architecture is no longer about isolated objects; it’s about aligning structure, MEP, HVAC, materials, construction sequencing, and long-term operation from day one. Certifications like LEED touch on this, but the principle runs deeper. Designing holistically from the start avoids waste, redesign, and inefficiency later.

“One of my engineering management professors once said architects are ‘artists with rulers’ and ‘conductors of the construction orchestra.’ We don’t play every instrument, but we understand how they work together. That ability to coordinate, adapt, and guide is irreplaceable.

“This is why my practice spans architecture, interiors, landscape, and product design. Design is a universal language. If you can take an idea from concept to execution in one medium, you can do it in many. The future architect is a systems leader, strategist, and coach—someone who maintains the big picture while navigating complexity with clarity,” she tells Green Prophet.

“As a result, I developed a sustainability arm within my practice that connects businesses, end users, and service providers working on sustainable products. This includes integrating sustainable MEP systems and sensors into high-end heritage spaces—design work that is less conceptual and more coordination-driven, yet increasingly in demand as architecture moves beyond a unilateral definition.

Climate, Materials, and the UAE Context

If you are developing a dream in the UAE, “the biggest challenges in the UAE are climate and infrastructure, particularly mobility,” says Balsam.  “While Dubai’s metro is efficient, many communities lack shaded walkways, green corridors, and pedestrian-friendly design. This disproportionately affects lower-income areas and creates daily stress.”

Materially, many buildings are not designed for long-term exposure to heat and humidity, she notes. “Façades and systems often deteriorate within 20 years, reducing value and increasing vacancy. Rather than resisting the region’s appetite for renovation, we should specify materials with strong life-cycle performance, recyclability, and adaptability. Outdoor construction, in particular, needs stricter material guidelines. Initiatives like Colab in D3 advocate for sustainable material use, but ultimately this requires leadership-level commitment.

“Too often, sustainability manifests as confusion at the operational level and box-ticking at the corporate level. When it becomes jargon detached from empathy and responsibility, it loses credibility. Real change starts with environmental literacy and a shared sense of stewardship for place.”

Beyond Ratings: An Ethical Foundation

Balsam tells us, that there is a growing disconnect between global sustainability agendas and on-the-ground impact. While conferences consume enormous budgets, grassroots sustainability startups, the true innovators, often struggle to survive without access to capital.

Certifications and data have their place, she says, but when sustainability becomes bookkeeping rather than belief, skepticism follows, particularly around topics like Net Zero. “An ethical, zero-harm intention recenters sustainability around empathy—toward nature, communities, and future generations.

“When intention leads, capital can be distributed more holistically, allowing ecosystems to thrive across all roles, from change-makers to policymakers.”

About Balsam Madi, Founder of BM Studios

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a dominant force in the Middle East’s green-finance landscape, driven by strong government commitments, influential sovereign-wealth funds, and clear regulatory frameworks. The market continues to grow in sophistication and volume, reinforced by initiatives following COP28. The country first came on our radar in and around 2008 when it began developing Masdar City, which was to be a zero carbon city. It has become an innovation hub and poster for the country’s sovereign wealth that is investing in cleantech and innovation. As the UAE knows full well, the fossil fuel economy can’t grow innovation or a future once the world reaches peak oil, or peak tolerance for carbon emissions.

Market Leadership and Growth

How does the UAE lead in bond market resilience? The UAE remains a primary source of sustainable bond issuance in the Middle East. While regional issuance saw a slight dip in 2024 due to global economic factors, the market is expected to recover, with S&P Global Ratings projecting USD 18 to 23 billion in total regional sustainable-bond issuance for 2025.

Financial-institution dominance: Financial institutions drive a large portion of the sustainable-bond market in the UAE, while corporate issuances have been more volatile.

Green financing in the UAE focuses heavily on renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable real estate, and transportation.

The Catalytic Role of Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs)

Leading wealth funds: Abu Dhabi-based entities like Mubadala, ADQ, and Masdar are pivotal in driving the UAE’s green transition.

Masdar’s green bonds:

As a global clean-energy leader, Masdar uses its green bonds to finance greenfield projects in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and battery storage. In May 2025, Masdar’s third USD 1 billion green bond was oversubscribed by 6.6 times, attracting strong international and regional investor interest. The proceeds have been deployed globally, supporting solar, wind, and storage projects. Masdar releases 2024 Green Finance Report.

Masdar City never reached its projected population but it now houses thousands of students, residents, and businesses (e.g., Siemens, IRENA). It’s a functioning R&D and university hub, not abandoned.

The Alterra Fund:

Launched by the UAE at COP28 with a USD 30 billion commitment, Alterra aims to mobilise USD 250 billion by 2030 to finance the new climate economy. It includes a USD 5 billion arm focused on catalysing investment in underserved markets.

ADQ’s strategy:

ADQ embeds ESG principles across its portfolio and has a dedicated Sustainable Finance Framework to guide its investments toward creating a low-carbon economy.

Mubadala’s commitment:

Mubadala integrates sustainability across its investment lifecycle and has committed to achieving net-zero emissions across its global portfolio by 2050.

Regulatory Framework and Transparency

Financial regulators like the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), the Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) have established strong frameworks.

ADGM’s framework: In 2023, ADGM implemented a comprehensive sustainable-finance regulatory framework, including ESG disclosure requirements and regulatory designations for various green financial instruments.

Combating greenwashing: The ADGM framework and SCA regulations aim to mitigate greenwashing by requiring third-party verification, regular reporting and adherence to international standards like the ICMA Green Bond Principles. Because the UAE does not have a history or culture of free press, we cannot verify how those international standards will be monitored and supervised.

UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group: The SFWG, which includes federal regulators, is actively developing a nationwide taxonomy and pushing for enhanced sustainability disclosures. International third parties, without monetary stakes must be involved in supervision of policies and procedures.

Forced disappearances, the lack of worker rights, and lack of human rights questions how the UAE will be able to disclose, monitor and support green frameworks which include these standards at the core. Cross-dressing and homosexuality is illegal in the UAE.

Initiatives for a Sustainable Transition

The UAE continues to rollout frameworks such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 in support of its transition to a green economy.

Carbon market: In 2022, ADGM launched the world’s first regulated carbon-credit trading exchange, the AirCarbon Exchange (ACX).

Capacity building: Forums such as the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum and educational initiatives from ADGM are building awareness and expertise in sustainable finance.

Green Finance Mechanisms and Models in the UAE: A Strategic Blueprint for a Sustainable Economy

The UAE is rapidly cementing its position as a global leader in green finance, moving beyond its traditional role as an oil-dependent economy to become a hub for sustainable investment. A sophisticated mix of regulatory frameworks, strategic investments by sovereign wealth funds and innovative financial instruments is driving this transition. Backed by ambitious targets like the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, the country has built a robust ecosystem for financing a green economy.

Sovereign Wealth Funds: The Primary Catalysts

At the heart of the UAE’s green finance strategy are its influential SWFs, which are transitioning from traditional capital allocators to strategic enablers of sustainable finance. Their long-term investment horizons make them ideal for funding large-scale, capital-intensive green projects.

The Alterra Fund, launched with a USD 30 billion seed at COP28, aims to mobilise USD 250 billion by 2030 for global climate action. It has a unique two-part structure, including a USD 5 billion arm dedicated to de-risking investments in the Global South.

Masdar, owned by ADNOC, TAQA and Mubadala, is a global catalyst for sustainable development. It has been instrumental in issuing green bonds and scaling clean-energy projects internationally.

Masdar is the the UAE’s flagship renewable energy company. Compare it to Neom in Saudi Arabia. Masdar has become one of the world’s most active clean energy investors, with projects in more than 40 countries across six continents. Established in 2006 and jointly owned by ADNOC, Mubadala, and TAQA, Masdar operates and develops solar, wind, and green hydrogen projects with a current portfolio exceeding 50 gigawatts of capacity. Masdar also buys companies, and bought a 50% stake in the US business Terra-Gen last year. While the sum was not disclosed, it’s estimated to be a deal worth $500 Mllion

The company’s ambition is to reach 100 GW of installed renewable capacity and produce one million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Its projects stretch from the deserts of Abu Dhabi to the steppes of Uzbekistan, where Masdar is developing multi-gigawatt wind farms, and to the Philippines, where it has signed a $15 billion deal for solar, wind, and battery storage projects.

In Europe, Masdar has expanded into Spain and Portugal through the acquisition of a large wind and solar portfolio, while in Africa and island nations like Seychelles it supports off-grid solar and microgrid systems. Domestically, its Shams 1 solar plant remains a regional landmark. Collectively, Masdar’s projects generate more than 26,000 GWh of clean power each year, offsetting around 14 million tonnes of carbon emissions, and symbolizing the UAE’s broader ambition to lead the global clean energy transition.

Innovative financial instruments for foreign investment

The UAE has adopted and adapted a variety of financial instruments to channel capital toward sustainable projects, leveraging both conventional and Islamic finance models.

Sustainable bonds and sukuk: Issuances of green and sustainability-linked bonds and sukuk are foundational to the UAE’s green-finance market. For example, corporate green sukuk were used to fund green commercial buildings. Private sector green sukuk in UAE to incentivise green commercial buildings.

Blended finance: UAE financial institutions, supported by the UAE Banks Federation’s pledge of AED 1 trillion toward green finance by 2030, are increasingly applying blended finance models to attract private capital for sustainable projects.

Carbon-credit trading: The ADGM-based AirCarbon Exchange turns emissions reductions into tradable financial assets, creating a new frontier of green-finance innovation.

Regulatory frameworks

Robust and proactive regulation from both financial free zones and federal bodies is essential for building investor trust and mitigating green-washing risks.

ADGM: A free-zone regulator that now offers regulatory “labels” for Green, Climate Transition and Sustainability-Linked funds and mandates ESG disclosures.

DIFC: The Dubai International Financial Centre runs its own Sustainable Finance Framework and recently launched a Sustainable Finance Catalyst, an AI-driven platform to boost sustainable-finance investment flows.

Federal coordination: The Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) is finalising a national green taxonomy and enhancing ESG-reporting standards.

While the UAE’s green-finance landscape is advanced, significant challenges remain. A unified national green taxonomy is still in development, regulatory differences persist between mainland and free-zone jurisdictions, and data transparency and capacity building remain work-in-progress. Nevertheless, major growth opportunities lie ahead, including:

• Increased focus on green infrastructure beyond renewable energy—such as water and waste management.
• Green fintech platforms and climate-technology innovation environments.
• Improved ESG data-quality and disclosure frameworks, enabling more informed investment decisions.
• Investing in the UAE gives investors close access to Asian markets.

With its religious tolerance policy and a current embrace of western culture, despite practicing Sharia law, UAE’s green-finance model is dynamic and forward-looking — built on a foundation of sovereign wealth, regulatory sophistication and market-driven innovation. This multi-pronged approach not only underpins its own national climate ambition, but positions the UAE as a critical engine for mobilising global climate-finance flows into the sustainable economy of the next decade. It is certainly leading the green financing market by far in the Middle East, in practice and action.

Zakat, taxes and cultural surprises in the UAE

Beyond finance-instruments and regulation, investors and companies operating in the UAE should be aware of several cultural, religious and tax-related “surprises.”

Zakat is a Muslim duty: Though the UAE does not officially mandate zakat under federal law, many Muslim-owned businesses voluntarily observe it as a religious obligation. Typical calculation is about 2.5 % of eligible wealth (cash, inventory, receivables) after deducting liabilities. And of course, there are regulations, lawayers and advisers in this space: see Zakat advisory & compliance services in the UAE.

If you want to live in the UAE and raise a family there, it’s not easy to become a citizen: Non-Muslims can become citizens of the United Arab Emirates, but the process is highly selective and tightly controlled. Traditionally, UAE citizenship was reserved almost entirely for Emiratis by birth. However, since 2021, the UAE has introduced special pathways for foreigners with exceptional contributions to the country. Citizenship if granted, is mostly symbolic. They don’t have an open-immigration process for the millions of laborers who come there from Pakistan or India. Unlike, Canada.

Also, learn about why Muslims don’t drink alcohol. And how to behave as a foreigner in Dubai.

Taxes: While the UAE is known for having no personal income tax, and a certain kind of tax freedom, it does levy other taxes and fees:

• Value-Added Tax (VAT) at a standard rate of 5% on most goods and services. Official UAE taxation portal.
• Corporate Tax (CT): As of 1 June 2023 for qualifying businesses, a standard rate of 9% on taxable income exceeding AED 375 000. KPMG corporate tax overview.
• Additional levies: Municipal taxes on rental contracts, hotel services, and selective “excise” taxes on certain goods (e.g., energy drinks, tobacco). See: TAXATION OF INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVES – UAE guide.

Cultural surprises:

• Business relations in the UAE are still heavily influenced by personal trust, relationship-building, and local customs. Respect for Islamic tradition, Friday prayer schedules and Ramadan timing remain very important important if you are doing business there. Things which are normal at home, may not be acceptable in the UAE, like having cannabis in your blood or using CBD oil. If you come on an official visit, invited by a person of power of influence you should be fine.
• Operational licence regimes differ across emirates and free-zones: rules can vary between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates so on-the-ground due diligence is critical.
• The regulatory framework for green finance is young and evolving — local interpretation of “green” or “sustainable” may still diverge from global norms, so verification and local partner-insight matter.

Further reading on Green Prophet:

1. Arab Energy Fund commits $1 billion to energy transition and decarbonization
2. World Green Economy Summit 2025: Sandeep Chandna’s mission to make sustainability core to business strategy
3. The history and promise of geological hydrogen for fuel
4. $100 million USD fund unites Arab Gulf and Israel (cleantech investments)
5. Abu Dhabi’s Masdar buys 50% stake in American renewables Terra-Gen
6. The Future of Energy: Nuclear Realism vs. Solar Idealism
7. The wind farms of the Middle East

The post UAE Green Finance Report 2025 appeared first on Green Prophet.

In the far reaches of Abu Dhabi’s Western Region, where the Rub’ al Khali desert stretches endlessly into Saudi Arabia, a new architectural vision is rising. Mexican architect Inca Hernández has unveiled Liwa Farm Village, a 7,000-square-meter project that reimagines what it means to live, work, and grow in harmony with one of the world’s harshest landscapes.

The project is sited near the Liwa Oasis, long revered as a lifeline in the desert. For centuries, this oasis shaped the livelihoods, fortifications, and traditions of the Emirate. The new design draws directly from this legacy—acknowledging the deep cultural roots of aflaj irrigation systems, vernacular desert architecture, windcatchers, and rammed-earth construction, while weaving them into a future-facing community space.

Hernández’s studio emphasizes construction methods that are both ecological and ancestral. Rammed-earth walls, strengthened with desert sand and pigmented concrete, anchor the village against the elements, offering natural thermal insulation in a place where heat defines daily life. Raised platforms protect buildings from seasonal shifts, while clay latticework channels breezes and shades interiors—an echo of the ingenious wind towers of old Arabia.

The result is architecture that breathes with the desert rather than imposing upon it. But why does it take a Mexican to re-imagine the past of the Arab world? Foreign influence on design, culture and architecture is far too common in Middle East oil countries eager to be bold and speaking the common language of the built environment of the west. The Arabian horse arrives on cue.

A Community Shaped by Nature and Culture

The layout unfolds like a living museum of desert traditions:

• Date palm groves and agricultural plots integrate with housing and community spaces (all about date palms and sustainability).

• A veterinary center and horse paddocks safeguard animal welfare while serving as an educational hub.

• The Majlis, topped with palm-frond roofing, offers a space for gathering, reflection, and storytelling

• A restaurant and spa bring visitors into contact with the flavors, scents, and healing practices of the region

Each structure, from modest earthen houses for farmers to grand arches inspired by desert dunes, is designed to blur boundaries between built form and natural process.

Hernández describes the project as “reviving vernacular techniques to preserve the land’s bounty while renewing traditions that give life to the present—and future.” It is a philosophy visible in every detail, from clay lattice roofs that scatter desert light to ponds that reflect the memory of the oasis.

By rooting Liwa Farm Village in the Al Gharbia region’s heritage, the design does more than preserve memory, a memory that the UAE seems so quick to forget, taken a foreign architect to re-imagine it.  Hernández creates a place for exchange between past and present, locals and visitors, humans and land. This is not just a farm or a cultural center. It is a vision of coexistence—a desert village that tells the story of resilience across generations.

Project facts

Project facts: Liwa Farm Village

Lead Architect: Inca Hernandez.

Location: Bateen Liwa, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Team: Evelin García, Luis Enrique Vargas, Jesús Navarro, Alfonso Castelló.

Construction area: 7,000m2

Land area: 30,000m2

Year: 2025

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If you’re looking for a unique and luxurious getaway in an exotic Middle East location, look no further than the desert resorts of the UAE just outside of Abu Dhabi or Dubai. These remarkable retreats offer a combination of serenity, adventure, and authentic Arabian experiences, perfect for those seeking both relaxation and excitement. Whether it’s dining beneath the stars, indulging in spa treatments under the open sky, or simply soaking in the beauty of the desert landscape, these resorts promise unforgettable memories. Ask for sustainability commitments before you book or when you get there be an inquisitive guest.

Dubai

Al Maha Desert Resort

Located just an hour from Dubai, Al Maha Desert Resort is a true desert oasis. Set amidst the vast dunes, the resort features 42 exclusive villas, each with its own private pool, providing guests with unparalleled privacy. Spend your days lounging by your private pool or visit the resort’s outdoor pool, where you can relax with sweeping views of the desert. The resort’s all-day dining restaurant, Al Diwaan, offers exquisite meals, while the spa provides a range of treatments to ensure total relaxation. Guests may even be greeted by Arabian Oryx and gazelles while enjoying breakfast on their private terrace.

Rates start at Dhs3,616. About $950 a night. Tel: (0)4 832 9900. marriott.com

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort

A short drive from Dubai, Bab Al Shams is a renowned luxury desert retreat that blends adventure with comfort. Recently renovated in 2022, the resort now offers enhanced guest rooms, exciting new culinary offerings, and a host of outdoor activities such as fat biking, desert safaris, and archery. Dining experiences include the Middle Eastern-inspired Ninive restaurant and the Anwā Sunset Lounge, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the desert as the sun sets.

Rates from Dhs1,050 about $300 USD a night. Tel: (0)4 809 6100. babalshams.com

Terra Solis Dubai

For an authentic Bedouin-inspired escape, Terra Solis Dubai provides a truly unique experience. Situated in a vast 371,000-square-metre landscape, this desert resort features luxurious accommodations such as spacious Polaris bell tents, Perseid lodges, and Orion pool lodges. With its star constellation-inspired design and serene surroundings, Terra Solis is an ideal retreat just 30 minutes from the city.

Rates from Dhs440 about 100 USD a night. Tel: (0)4 456 1956. terrasolisdubai.com

Abu Dhabi

Anantara Qasr Al Sarab

Nestled in the heart of the Empty Quarter, Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is a secluded desert sanctuary offering breathtaking views across endless rolling dunes. The resort features 140 rooms, 14 suites, and 52 private pool villas, each beautifully decorated with traditional Arabian touches. Separated from the main resort, the villas offer ultimate privacy, and the serene atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Rates from Dhs936 about $250 USD a night. Tel: (0)2 886 2088. anantara.com

Bateen Liwa Resort

A new addition to the Abu Dhabi desert resorts, Bateen Liwa Resort offers a luxurious experience in the heart of the desert. This resort is part of Bab Al Nojoum’s glamping collection and features private villas with plunge pools, alfresco dining spaces, and fire pits. With facilities like a modern spa, infinity pool, and stargazing experiences, Bateen Liwa Resort ensures that guests enjoy both comfort and adventure in an extraordinary desert setting.

Rates from Dhs692 about $200 USD a night. Tel: (0)2 894 8888. babalnojoum.com

Ras Al Khaimah

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is set within a 1,235-acre protected nature reserve, offering the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. Guests can stay in luxurious Bedouin-style villas, each with its own private pool and stunning desert views. For a truly immersive experience, try activities like camel trekking, archery lessons, or nature walks. The resort’s dining options, including Sonara Camp and the open-sky Moon Bar, offer a perfect end to your day in the desert.

Rates from Dhs1,329 about $400 USD a night. Tel: (0)7 206 7777. ritzcarlton.com

Sharjah

Al Badayer Retreat

Al Badayer Retreat in Sharjah offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and serenity. Situated inside a traditional Arabian fort, the resort provides modern comforts while offering authentic Emirati experiences like falconry, dune bashing, and quad biking. With its focus on eco-friendly luxury, Al Badayer Retreat offers an unforgettable stay in the heart of the desert.

Rates from Dhs350 about $150 USD a night. Tel: (0)6 556 0777. sharjahcollection.ae

Al Faya Retreat

For those seeking privacy and tranquility, Al Faya Retreat in Mleiha desert is the perfect choice. This luxurious retreat, originally built in the 1960s, has been expertly converted to offer a serene atmosphere while allowing guests to explore the area’s rich history and archaeological sites. The retreat’s unique, hands-free spa and stargazing opportunities make it an ideal destination for those looking to relax and unwind.

Rates from Dhs3,499 about $950 USD a night. Tel: (0)6 538 7857. sharjahcollection.ae

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ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment company, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the region’s largest environmental regulator, and Archireef, a climate technology company based in Hong Kong, have deployed artificial 3D printed terracotta reef tiles to aid coral restoration in the Persian Gulf off the shore of Abu Dhabi.

The tiles were designed by a team of marine biologists and architects and produced through custom 3D clay printing in Archireef’s new production facility.

The partnership between ADQ and Archireef funds research and development of eco-engineering solutions for marine biodiversity restoration – combining scientific research with the use of the latest technologies in 3D printing, IoT, and AI.

Related: Artificial Reefs in the Red Sea

“Our partnership with Archireef brings a unique and innovative coral restoration method to Abu Dhabi to safeguard our Emirate’s natural environment and promote sustainable development. It is a memorable moment for ADQ to be part of this project providing a lifeline to endangered coral reefs, which is the first of its kind in the UAE and the wider region.

Underlining our commitment to adopting practical solutions powered by R&D and innovation to address environmental challenges, this biodiversity restoration initiative aligns with our ESG aspirations, and we believe it will have a positive impact not only on our planet but also on local communities we operate in,” said Anas Jawdat Albarguthi, Chief Operating Officer at ADQ.

In contrast to other types of artificial reefs, the 3D printed terracotta reef tiles are environmentally friendly and engineered to closely mimic the natural pattern of corals and prevent sedimentation build-up, which is a major threat for corals. It basically chokes them.

The plantation site is at Um Khorah Island in the Al Dhafra Region, in Abu Dhabi, housing around 1,200 coral fragments grown in specialized nurseries, owned by EAD.

Abu Dhabi waters are home to 34 different types of hard coral. In 2017 alone, the Emirate lost most of its corak, 73% of its reefs, due to mass coral bleaching, caused by an increase in water temperature due to climate change, manmade coastal disruption and the shipping industry and pollution.

::Archireef

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Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, signed a landmark agreement with Emerge, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar and EDF Group to solarize the railway network’s freight terminal in Ghuweifat.

The total installed capacity is comprised of a 600 kWp ground-mounted solar PV system in addition to a 2.56 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), and upon completion is expected to generate up to 85% of the terminal’s electricity consumption.

The agreement was signed by Ahmed Al-Yafei, CEO of Etihad Rail Infrastructure and Eng. Abdulaziz AlObaidli, Chairman of Emerge, and witnessed by His Excellency Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, and Luc Koechlin, CEO EDF Middle East.

Under the terms of the agreement, Etihad Rail will leverage Emerge’s technology to generate solar power to supplement its Ghuweifat freight terminal with renewable energy during daylight hours, thus, offsetting night-time energy consumption as well as reducing CO2 emissions by more than 8,500 tons over the duration of the contract.

We are leading the charge in the shift to a low-carbon and energy efficient economy. By collaborating with Emerge and initiating the transition to solar power, we are not only reducing our environmental impact, but also building greener and more resilient supply chains, thus, supporting our nation’s goals and ambitions for a more sustainable future,” says Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail.

This initiative represents a significant step in Etihad Rail’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship, directly contributing to its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. Furthermore, it demonstrates Etihad Rail’s leadership in driving forward the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, supplemented by the railway network’s contribution to reducing CO2 emissions in the UAE road transport sector by 21% annually by 2050.

The Ghuweifat freight terminal serves as a key hub for facilitating seamless cross-border operations. With its strategic location at the border with Saudi Arabia, the terminal is uniquely positioned to accelerate sustainable logistics solutions regionally, aligning with Etihad Rail’s objectives to foster more eco-friendly freight operations.

By integrating solar technology into its network, Etihad Rail’s Ghuweifat terminal will eventually become self-sufficient, harnessing renewable energy to operate sustainably and reduce its carbon footprint, thus, setting a new standard for efficient and green logistics and infrastructure.

Related: Etihad Rail pioneers 3D plastics operations

Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF Group, was formed in 2021 to develop distributed solar, energy storage, and hybrid solutions for commercial and industrial applications. As an energy services company, Emerge offers clients full turnkey solutions through solar power agreements at no up-front cost to the client.

Etihad Rail connects the emirates, linking industrial and commercial centres with 11 terminals, including four major ports: Ruwais Inland Terminal, Ruwais Port, ICAD, Khalifa Port, DIC, Jebel Ali Port, Al Ghail Dry Port, Fujairah Port, Ghuwaifat Terminal, Shah Terminal, and Habshan Terminal.

Ghuwaifat is a small town in the far west of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The place forms a border crossing to Saudi Arabia on the transit road to Qatar. Ghuwaifat belongs to the urban area of Sila, which extends in the west to the border with Saudi Arabia.

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UAE-based AI company G42 has announced a strategic partnership with US chipmaker Nvidia to create advanced AI solutions for climate technology, specifically focused on improving global weather forecasting accuracy. This comes in the heels of a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft earlier this year.

As part of the collaboration, the companies will establish a climate tech lab and an operational base in Abu Dhabi, reflecting the UAE’s increasing investments in artificial intelligence.

Abu Dhabi with its investments through its renewable energy investment-wing Masdar, and its home to the international energy group IRENA, proves it can be a trusted partner and East-West bridge to American tech firms that have relied on cooperating with Israel to access the Middle East. The UAE has become what Saudi Arabia and its ruled wishes it could be. Saudi Arabia is building out nonsense “sustainable” 15-minute cities like the Line that likely no-one but the construction crew will want to live in.

This move is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to diversify its economy away from oil, with government-backed G42 playing a central role.

Recent US-UAE collaborations include Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in G42 and the opening of two new AI centers in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s MGX investment company is joining a $30 billion AI infrastructure fund alongside BlackRock and Microsoft.

The announcement comes just ahead of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed‘s first visit ever to the White House, where discussions with President Biden will focus on AI, economic cooperation, and regional security. (Related: The UAE goes nuclear).

G42, a UAE-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology holding company, and Microsoft Corp. today announced a $1.5 billion strategic investment by Microsoft in G42. The investment will strengthen the two companies’ collaboration on bringing the latest Microsoft AI technologies and skilling initiatives to the UAE and other countries around the world.

As part of this expanded partnership Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, will join the G42 Board of Directors.This expanded collaboration will empower organizations of all sizes in new markets to harness the benefits of AI and the cloud while ensuring they are adopting AI that adheres to world-leading standards in safety and security.

Building on the two organizations’ long-standing collaboration in AI and digital transformation initiatives, Microsoft’s investment deepens the reciprocal commitment to this strategic partnership. G42 will run its AI applications and services on Microsoft Azure and partner to deliver advanced AI solutions to global public sector clients and large enterprises. G42 and Microsoft will also work together to bring advanced AI and digital infrastructure to countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, providing these nations with equitable access to services to address important governmental and business concerns while ensuring the highest standards of security and privacy.

H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of G42, said: “Microsoft’s investment in G42 marks a pivotal moment in our company’s journey of growth and innovation, signifying a strategic alignment of vision and execution between the two organizations. This partnership is a testament to the shared values and aspirations for progress, fostering greater cooperation and synergy globally.”

The partnership will also support the development of a skilled and diverse AI workforce and talent pool that will drive innovation and competitiveness for the UAE and broader region with the investment of $1B in a development fund for developers.

“Our two companies will work together not only in the UAE, but to bring AI and digital infrastructure and services to underserved nations,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chair and President. “We will combine world-class technology with world-leading standards for safe, trusted, and responsible AI, in close coordination with the governments of both the UAE and the United States.”

The commercial partnership is backed by assurances to both governments through a first of its kind agreement to apply world-class best practices to ensure the secure, trusted, and responsible development and deployment of AI.

Microsoft and G42 (also a name for a Glock handgun) will work closely and elevate the security and compliance framework of their joint international infrastructure. Both companies will move forward with a commitment to comply with US and international trade, security, responsible AI, and business integrity laws and regulations.

The company G42 says, “Our name, inspired by Douglas Adam’s, ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’, where 42 is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything, remains our inspiration to unleash the power of advanced technologies, and particularly hashtag #AI, to explore new frontiers for humanity.”

::G42

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As Germany shut its last nuclear plant last year, the oil-rich country the United Arab Emirates has completed firing up its first.

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Pet shelters in the United Arab Emirates are noticing a worrying trend. As soon as the temperatures soar in the summer months, more pets are being abandoned. According to a local paper, the Kaleej Times, local UAE families escape the heat which can exceed 40C daily by going abroad for long vacations.

Some pet owners give their animals to the care of clinics or shelters before their trips, local pet care experts reveal, while others go as far as abandoning them on the streets. Last winter 140 cats were found dumped in the desert outside of Abu Dhabi.

The animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is offering a $5,000 reward for information on “whoever dumped these cats in the desert,” said. PETA Asia Vice-President Jason Baker: “This act of cruelty must not be swept under the rug … The solution to the homeless-animal crisis is spaying and neutering and adopting from overworked and understaffed shelters, which PETA Asia has been asking the UAE to require for years,” Baker said.

Souheil Abdulla, managing partner at Pure Life Veterinarian Treatment told the Kaleej Times: “When people travel, they unfortunately abandon their pets. They mostly do it to cats because they’re easier to dispose.”

He added that such behavior “showed a lack of responsibility”. The expert said that it’s sad how some people consider pets or cats as accessories to their lives, instead of part of their family.

While wild pets wandering the streets of Abu Dhabi are less common than in 2011 (wild pet ownership is now banned), climate change will be creating more displaced pets and people as some parts of the world become intolerable for supporting life. Bahrain has started a mid-day work ban for foreign workers and construction workers to protect them from the ravaging health effects of the heat.

Related: Cruel cat woman deported from the UAE

But who is protecting the animals? If you are in the UAE and want to know more about animal abandonment due to climate change, contact the RAK Animal Welfare Centre. The shelter is supported by the government of Ras Al Khaimah and opened in 2010 rehomes socialised, trained, and healthy dogs.

If you want to help with cats, The Sharjah Cats and Dogs Shelter is a non-profit that rescues abandoned pets and finds them homes. It has a physical location on Airport Road in Muzairah and is open to walk-in visitors from Monday to Thursday, 8am to 3pm and Sunday 2pm to 6pm. It is closed on Fridays and Saturdays. All pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Back in 2015 The National said it’s common every summer in the UAE and that some shelters see pets handed in daily by locals who are traveling abroad for the summer and who do not want to ay expensive boarding fees. Some are leaving the UAE for good and don’t want to relocate with their cats and dogs. The trend starts in April when it starts to heat up.

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