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Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 will begin next week in Abu Dhabi.

Hosted by Masdar, the event will bring together Heads of State, ministers and senior government officials alongside business leaders, investors and innovators to address pressing sustainability challenges and outline a roadmap for global progress.

Speaking at a press conference, Masdar Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi said ADSW has grown into the world’s largest sustainability gathering, with the 2026 edition set to be its biggest and most ambitious yet. He highlighted the urgency of aligning today’s systems with future needs as countries confront climate, energy and development pressures.

“We stand at a critical moment: we need to align the systems we rely on today with those we urgently need tomorrow. ADSW 2026’s theme ‘The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,’ reflects the opportunity we have to lead global systemic change and shape our collective future,” he said. “The energy transformation will be central to these discussions, and at ADSW Masdar will celebrate 20 years of renewable energy leadership. Partnership lies at the heart of Masdar’s mission, and at the heart of ADSW, and we look forward to welcoming partners, old and new, to drive the change the world needs.”

ADSW 2026 aims to set a new benchmark for collaboration and measurable impact, encouraging leaders across energy, finance, food, water and nature to rethink how these interconnected systems can scale together and reinforce one another.

The press conference also featured H.E Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Mohamed Saleh Alhadhrami, Energy and Water Efficiency Performance Director at the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy and ADSW’s principal partner; Ali Alshimmari, Managing Director and CEO of Global South Utilities; Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director for Brand and Strategic Initiatives at Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize; and Leen Alsebai, General-Manager of RX Middle East and Head of the World Future Energy Summit.

La Camera underlined the significance of the coming decade for the energy transition, noting that electricity is projected to become the dominant energy carrier by 2050. He said, “The global energy transition is entering a decisive decade… Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week has become a leading platform for advancing sustainable energy solutions. IRENA is a proud partner, and we are looking forward to kickstarting an exciting ADSW 2026 with our General Assembly.”

Other speakers emphasised the role of smarter infrastructure, artificial intelligence and coordinated action across the Global South, reinforcing ADSW 2026’s focus on moving from ambition to implementation through partnership, innovation and investment.

Ariston Middle East is preparing to showcase its newest line-up of innovative, future-ready and sustainable water-heating solutions at Big 5 Global 2025, taking place from 24-28 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The company’s latest technologies will be featured in Hall 3, Stand 3A131, within the pavilion of regional distributor MAHY Khoory, reinforcing Ariston’s long-standing brand promise: “The Home of Sustainable Comfort.”

“The Big 5 Global stands as the construction industry's most important and influential gathering, firmly rooted in Dubai,” said Alberto Torner, Head of International Markets (AMEA) at Ariston Group. “Thermal comfort has historically placed a significant burden on electrical networks and contributed to CO₂ emissions. As a global specialist with a 95-year heritage and leadership in over 40 countries, it is our responsibility to guide the conversation around energy transition. At Big 5, we are proud to showcase three innovative solutions that highlight the sustainability-driven technology embedded across our range.”

Taking centre stage at the exhibition is one of Ariston’s advanced heat-pump water-heating systems, the Nuos FIT. This compact thermodynamic water heater extracts heat from the surrounding air to dramatically reduce electricity consumption, delivering up to 50 per cent energy savings compared to traditional electric models. Using the environmentally friendly R290 refrigerant, it performs effectively across a wide temperature range from +7 °C to +42 °C and can achieve storage temperatures of 62 °C without relying on a backup heater. Four operating modes — Green, Green Plus, Boost and i-Memory — along with smart remote control via the Ariston NET app, further enhance efficiency and convenience.

Ariston will also feature the Velis Tech WiFi, an electrical water heater engineered to reduce energy use without compromising performance. With an ultra-slim 27 centimetre depth and twin-tank configuration, it offers faster heating and increased hot-water availability. Its ECO EVO mode intelligently learns household patterns to deliver up to 25 per cent energy savings, while the Boost function heats both tanks rapidly to 80 °C. Wi-Fi connectivity allows users to manage scheduling, monitor consumption and adjust settings through the Ariston NET app.

Completing the line-up is the PRO1 Eco, introduced earlier this year in the UAE. Powered by the patented CoreTECH-enabled ECO EVO system, it analyses daily usage habits to heat water only when needed. This results in up to 14 per cent reduced energy consumption while ensuring continuous comfort, making it well suited to sustainability-focused homes.

“We remain committed to leading the market through continuous innovation and product excellence,” Alberto Torner, Head of International Markets (AMEA) at Ariston Group concluded. “With 45 years of strong presence in the GCC, our comprehensive portfolio is perfectly aligned with the region’s sustainability goals. We invite all attendees of Big 5 Global 2025 to visit us in Hall 3 and experience our next-generation water-heating technologies firsthand.”

Flowciti Group has announced its launch as a holding company focused on smart city solutions, bringing together technology, operational delivery and user experience within a fully integrated ecosystem. The group aims to support urban transformation and the development of smarter, more connected cities across the region.

Operating across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, Flowciti is targeting a qualitative shift in how people interact with urban environments. Through integrated, end-to-end solutions, the group seeks to create long-term value for the real estate sector, businesses and public institutions.

Flowciti Group brings together four specialised companies under a single ecosystem. ParkPoint provides an integrated platform for parking management and urban mobility. Rokket delivers advanced system integration and service automation solutions for smart cities, real estate and infrastructure. YooPlatform offers a modular suite of digital tools covering access management, payments, entitlements and user experience, while Viritti provides complementary services that support and extend the wider ecosystem.

Working collectively, the companies deliver holistic urban solutions that combine technology, operations and service delivery, enabling scalable and measurable impact at city level. Through this model, Flowciti offers advanced systems, digital platforms and managed services spanning parking, mobility, access management and urban experiences, contributing to service digitalisation and improved user engagement across urban environments.

Founder and chief executive officer Omar Al Khan said the launch of Flowciti Group is driven by a clear vision to create smarter, more connected cities through the seamless integration of technology, operational excellence and user experience.

“Through our companies, we deliver integrated solutions that redefine urban experiences, accelerate service digitalisation and generate tangible value for communities, businesses and institutions. Our objective is to support the development of future-ready cities across the region,” Al Khan said.

As the group’s holding and management entity, Flowciti provides strategic direction, governance and centralised functions such as operational planning and shared infrastructure. Each subsidiary retains operational independence, ensuring alignment, integration and synergy across the group’s activities.

The launch reflects a growing regional shift towards comprehensive urban solutions that move beyond fragmented technology offerings. By integrating operations, technology and user experience within a single ecosystem, Flowciti aims to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability and user experience across residential, commercial, hospitality and mixed-use developments.

Metso has expanded its screening solutions portfolio with the introduction of the new Grande Series

The series represents a significant enhancement for mining and aggregates operators, delivering high-performance screening technology designed to optimize capacity, uptime, and operational efficiency across the most demanding continuous-use applications.

The Grande Series introduces three new stationary screen types, GLH, GMF and GFF, each engineered to support high-capacity production environments and deliver improved flexibility. With larger screen sizes than previously available in Metso’s lineup, the range enables customers to achieve greater throughput, minimise maintenance interruptions, and tailor their operations more effectively to meet business objectives.

“It’s all about helping our customers succeed with the right tools for their unique needs. With the newly launched Grande Series, customers gain more flexibility, easier screen replacements, and access to solutions for even the most demanding screening tasks,” commented Jouni Mähönen, vice-president, screening business line, Metso.

Screening options designed for varied operational applications

The GLH horizontal screens are optimised for heavy-duty use, including demanding slurry and water-handling duties in mining operations. Meanwhile, the GMF multi-slope banana screens are built to accommodate high-capacity screening for fine and near-size particle processing.

These additions introduce engineered-to-order configurations and ultra-large screen formats that were previously unavailable in Metso’s stationary screen offerings.

The GFF flip-flow screen type adds further capability by enabling efficient separation of difficult materials and fine fractions, reinforcing Metso’s position as a full-scope screening partner.

Compatibility with Trellex screening media ensures the new series integrates seamlessly with Metso’s broader screening technologies, enabling complete end-to-end solutions for users.

Easier replacement of non-Metso screens and flexible reconfiguration options further support customers looking to enhance or modify existing operations without disruption.

“The Grande Series is a result of our continuous screening portfolio development. We are strengthening Metso’s position as a screening solutions partner – expanding our offering with larger screens, lighter duty screens, and new flip-flow technology. With new technologies, larger sizes, and advanced capabilities, we’re expanding our portfolio to support the most demanding applications and strengthen our position in the growing screening market,” remarked Michael Gyberg, vice-president, capital equipment business, Screening, Metso.

Metso will roll out the Grande Series globally, with the GLH and GMF screens debuting publicly in early December 2025, followed by the GFF Series at the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Expanded screening portfolio and service ecosystem

The new Grande Series complements Metso’s broader offering, which includes UFS Series, EF Series, and BSE Series screens within the Metso Plus program, alongside a comprehensive range of multislope, inclined, horizontal, mobile, portable, and ultrafine screening solutions. Paired with Trellex rubber and polyurethane media systems, Metso provides full-spectrum screening solutions for diverse material-handling needs.

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world’s largest producer of premium aluminium, and Sunstone, the world’s largest independent pre-baked anode producer, have announced that construction of a new anode manufacturing plant in the UAE will commence in 2026.

The facility will have an annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes of anodes, marking a significant step towards the UAE’s industrial ambitions under the Make it in the Emirates and Operation 300bn strategies. Once operational, the plant will replace the majority of EGA’s current anode imports and position the UAE among a select group of countries capable of exporting anodes globally. First anode production is anticipated as early as 2028.

EGA and Sunstone formalised the project through a Joint Venture Agreement, with EGA holding a 45 per cent stake and Sunstone 55 per cent. The partners plan to invest approximately US$300 million, proportionate to their respective shareholdings, to develop the new plant. Sunstone will be responsible for building the facility on behalf of the joint venture, with EGA acting as a financial investor and off-taker.

New UAE facility

Anodes are a critical input in aluminium smelting. EGA currently produces around 1.35 million tonnes of anodes annually at its Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah plants, with the remainder of its requirements sourced through imports. The new UAE-based facility will significantly strengthen EGA’s long-term security of supply while supporting domestic industrial growth and export potential.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, said, “This project creates additional export opportunities for the UAE, further increases EGA’s local procurement and our contribution to UAE economic growth, and supports EGA’s long-term security of anode supply. We are pleased to partner with Sunstone, combining our decades of anode manufacturing experience to establish their first plant outside China in the UAE. This project is Make it in the Emirates and Operation 300bn in action – leveraging UAE industrial demand to build new manufacturing in the UAE to meet local needs and expand exports.”

Lang Guanghui, Chairman of Sunstone, added, “We are honoured to establish our first overseas foothold in the UAE and partner with a benchmark enterprise like EGA, which carries half a century of industry heritage and a mission to shape the future of aluminium. This collaboration represents a substantive move by both parties to respond to the green transformation of global manufacturing. We will go all out to set new benchmarks in efficiency and lay a solid foundation for future sustainable operations.”

EGA and Sunstone have been collaborating through a series of early-stage agreements during project development, most recently signing a joint development agreement at the Make it in the Emirates Forum in May 2025, underscoring their commitment to advancing the UAE’s industrial and export capabilities.

At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, Emirates SkyCargo and Abu Dhabi-based LODD Autonomous signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development and deployment of next-generation air cargo solutions

The MoU was formalised by Badr Abbas, divisional senior vice-president, Emirates SkyCargo, and Rashid Al Manai, CEO, LODD Autonomous.

Under the agreement, the two companies will validate the use of VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft across Emirates SkyCargo’s global network. Activities include feasibility studies, regulatory engagement, and live demonstrations. Leveraging four decades of logistics expertise, Emirates SkyCargo will participate in LODD’s experimental operations through 2027, providing insight to guide design and development toward potential commercial deployment in regional and global markets.

The collaboration follows LODD’s successful first test flight of Hili, a fully autonomous hybrid heavy-lift cargo aircraft capable of carrying up to 250 kilograms over distances of 700 km. Emirates SkyCargo is evaluating Hili for integration into its ground fleet to optimise operations across its dual airport hub.

“This partnership with LODD is a reflection of our commitment to introduce innovative products that solve our customer’s transportation challenges. Emerging technologies will form the foundation of the next era of logistics, and Emirates SkyCargo will be at the forefront of this movement, investing our experience and expertise into the development of innovations that drive tangible impact. We look forward to collaborating with LODD to explore the potential development and deployment of this UAE-built technology,” stated Badr Abbas.

Rashid Mattar Al Manai added, “The UAE’s vision is built on harnessing innovation to propel everyday life forward. Our collaboration with Emirates SkyCargo blends LODD Autonomous’s frontier technologies with the country’s enduring commitment to safe, scalable, and sustainable logistics. Together, we will accelerate the adoption of drone-powered solutions that expand reach, cut delivery times, and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global logistics hub while upholding the highest standards of safety and regulatory excellence.”

Emirates SkyCargo has long prioritised advancing the logistics ecosystem. Operating to over 150 destinations with a widebody fleet exceeding 260 aircraft, the airline has consistently set new benchmarks in global logistics. Earlier this year, it launched Emirates Courier Express, a door-to-door delivery service that merges its cargo division’s logistics expertise with the passenger fleet network.

LODD is transforming civilian logistics through state-of-the-art unmanned and autonomous aerial vehicles and AI-enabled software that simplify operations, reduce costs, improve sustainability, and accelerate deliveries. Supported by the Advanced Technology Research Council, Hili exemplifies the UAE’s national commitment to investing in technology ecosystems—from strategy and research to real-world application.