In The Spotlight
DP World has welcomed a senior delegation from Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones to discuss progress on the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone and review upcoming stages of the project’s development.
The delegation was led by Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef and met with senior DP World executives in Dubai, including Essa Kazim and Yuvraj Narayan. Discussions focused on infrastructure progress, investment opportunities and long-term economic cooperation between the UAE and Oman.
The visit also included a tour of the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone site in Mahdah, located in Oman’s Al Buraimi Governorate near the UAE border. Officials reviewed construction updates and ongoing infrastructure works designed to support future industrial and logistics activity.
Essa Kazim said the project would play a key role in boosting regional trade and supply chains. “The Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone is expected to create new opportunities for investment and industrial growth while strengthening connectivity between Oman and the UAE,” he said.
“Our continued engagement with OPAZ reflects the strong collaboration behind this project and our shared commitment to developing a globally competitive economic zone that delivers long-term value for both countries,” he added.
Strategically positioned with links to Sohar Port and Jebel Ali Port, the zone is expected to attract businesses operating in logistics, warehousing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, mining and light manufacturing.
The development supports wider regional growth strategies, including Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Oman Vision 2040, both of which aim to diversify economic activity and strengthen industrial capabilities.
Helium, a scarce non-renewable gas, is indispensable for numerous high-tech sectors with few viable substitutes.
Its unique cryogenic properties, superior heat conduction, chemical stability, tiny atomic size, and rapid diffusion make it vital in semiconductor fabrication, medical MRI scanners, aerospace, fibre optics, and advanced research.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including attacks on Qatar’s key energy infrastructure and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has severely disrupted not only oil and gas flows but also global helium availability.
Qatar, home to the massive Ras Laffan facility, normally accounts for over a third of worldwide helium supply as a by-product of large-scale natural gas processing.
Damage to the site and blocked shipping routes have created a dual shock, driving up prices and threatening downstream industries.
In semiconductor manufacturing, helium plays multiple irreplaceable roles.
It serves as a carrier gas in deposition, a diluent in plasma etching, and a coolant to prevent wafer warping during high-temperature steps.
It is particularly critical for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography used in sub-5nm chips that power artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. The gas also enables leak detection and maintains ultra-pure environments in fabrication plants.
Some experts noted that semiconductor fabs are reliant on a stable supply, highlighting that helium escapes storage containers at roughly 1% per day, making large inventories impractical.
Demand for helium in chip production is forecast to rise more than fivefold by 2035, according to market analysts.
Major players such as TSMC typically hold several months of stock and operate recycling systems, yet prolonged disruption could slow output or, in extreme cases, force temporary shutdowns.
South Korea’s chipmakers, including Samsung and SK Hynix, appear especially exposed after sourcing around 65% of their helium from Qatar in recent years, though some have secured longer-term deals with suppliers drawing from US sources.
Taiwan has a somewhat more diversified position but still faces risks.
Helium is typically extracted in tiny concentrations (0.3–0.5%) from natural gas and requires energy-intensive cryogenic separation, membranes, and pressure swing adsorption before liquefaction for transport.
Qatar’s vast processing scale at Ras Laffan made it uniquely central to global supply.
Alternative geological sources with higher helium concentrations exist, notably in the US and Canada, where smaller operators can deploy lower-cost membrane and PSA technologies, but scaling these will take time.
Some industry figures have estimated that if the strait opened immediately, it would still take four to six months to normalise supply.
Should the crisis persist, semiconductor manufacturers are likely to accelerate helium reclamation and conservation techniques, similar to closed-loop systems successfully adopted in modern MRI machines.
Past shortages over the last two decades have already encouraged diversification strategies, including broader sourcing from the US, Russia, and emerging projects.
While contingency plans exist, the duration of the current blockage will determine the full extent of impact on the chip sector and the wider technology supply chain.
Persistent volatility could hasten efforts to reduce single-country dependence and promote balanced global helium sourcing.
This report was based on insights from IDTechEx
Dubai has announced its most ambitious metro expansion to date with the launch of the Gold Line, a fully underground route that promises to reshape urban mobility across the emirate.
The Dh34 billion project, approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, represents a significant leap in infrastructure development.
Spanning 42 km and running entirely at a depth of up to 40 m, the Gold Line will be Dubai’s first fully subterranean metro line, marking a departure from the elevated and partially underground designs of the existing Red and Green lines.
Joseph Salem, partner and head of the travel, transportation & hospitality practice at Arthur D. Little Middle East, described the project as “a landmark moment in the emirate’s infrastructure evolution, and arguably the most ambitious urban transport undertaking in the Middle East in a generation.”
He highlighted the engineering challenges and innovations involved, noting that the decision to construct the line entirely underground reflects the maturity of Dubai’s urban fabric and the need to route a major transit artery through dense commercial and residential districts without causing surface disruption.
Utilising the latest tunnel boring machine technology, the Gold Line will pass beneath Dubai Creek and some of the city’s busiest business corridors.
This approach sets a new regional benchmark for underground rail delivery while minimising disruption to daily life and existing infrastructure.The route has been meticulously planned as a genuine urban connector, featuring 18 stations across 15 strategic locations.
It begins at the historic Al Ghubaiba waterfront and threads through areas including City Walk, Business Bay, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Meydan, Nad Al Sheba, Al Barsha South, and Jumeirah Village Circle, before terminating at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
This alignment directly serves corridors home to 55 mega-development projects currently under construction, addressing long-standing mobility infrastructure deficits in these high-growth zones.
Upon completion, the line is expected to benefit more than 1.5 million residents.
From an intermodal perspective, the Gold Line will integrate seamlessly with the existing Red and Green Metro lines at multiple interchange points.
It will also connect to Etihad Rail at Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates, transforming it from a purely city metro into a vital component of a broader national transport network.
This linkage will, for the first time, connect Dubai’s urban core to the wider UAE rail ecosystem, enhancing regional connectivity.
Economically, the project is projected to deliver substantial returns.
Authorities anticipate a daily ridership of 465,000 passengers beyond 2040, with the Dh34 billion investment expected to generate a 430% cumulative economic return over 20 years.
These benefits will stem from time and fuel savings, reduced road accidents, and lower carbon emissions.
The Gold Line is scheduled for inauguration on 9 September 2032 (exactly 23 years after the original Dubai Metro launch in 2009) and is being delivered on a timeline 30% faster than the Blue Line.
Salem emphasised that the Gold Line is as much an economic infrastructure project as a transport one.
By alleviating congestion and supporting sustainable growth, it will reinforce Dubai’s position as a global leader in smart, future-ready urban mobility.
Tenders are expected to be issued later this year, with contract awards anticipated in 2027 and construction commencing shortly thereafter.
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) has released findings from a public survey assessing the impact of its single-use plastics policy, highlighting significant progress in reducing plastic consumption and increasing environmental awareness across the emirate.
Introduced in 2020, the policy has played a key role in shaping broader sustainability efforts in the UAE, contributing to the implementation of nationwide restrictions on single-use plastic products. Since its launch, more than 470mn plastic bags have been avoided, while usage at major retail outlets has fallen by as much as 95%.
Recycling initiatives have also gained traction, with around 267mn plastic bottles collected through household efforts and a network of more than 170 smart recycling machines across Abu Dhabi. These measures have helped divert approximately 7,386 tonnes of plastic waste from landfill, with associated emissions savings comparable to removing around 185,000 petrol-powered vehicles from the road for a year.
To evaluate public perception and behaviour, EAD surveyed over 5,000 residents representing 126 nationalities. The results indicate a strong rise in awareness, with 96% of respondents recognising the environmental risks linked to plastic use. A similar proportion said they are actively reducing their reliance on plastic through everyday sustainable practices.
Health considerations are also influencing behaviour. Around 95% of participants acknowledged the potential health impacts associated with plastic products, signalling a broader shift towards safer consumption choices. Public response to awareness campaigns has been largely positive, with 89% expressing satisfaction with the clarity and effectiveness of EAD’s messaging.
The survey also points to growing acceptance of policy measures supporting sustainability. Nearly 89% of respondents said the cost of reusable alternatives is reasonable, while 88% supported allocating proceeds from plastic bag charges to environmental initiatives. In addition, 95% indicated confidence in existing regulations and enforcement measures.
Officials say the findings reflect a meaningful change in public attitudes, reinforcing the effectiveness of policy interventions and awareness campaigns. The results are expected to inform future regulatory developments, including plans to further oversee the trade of single-use products and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.
The outcomes align with national sustainability ambitions, including the UAE’s broader efforts to reduce plastic pollution and encourage responsible consumption. Public support for these initiatives appears strong, with 93% of respondents expressing overall satisfaction with the survey and its objectives.
EAD noted that the results underline Abu Dhabi’s leadership in advancing environmental policies and fostering community engagement in sustainability. By combining regulation, awareness and innovation, the emirate is continuing to build momentum towards reducing plastic waste and supporting a more sustainable future.
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals Oman has granted a mining concession for Block 25-B in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, as part of ongoing efforts to expand exploration activity and strengthen the Sultanate’s minerals sector.
The agreement, signed with Majan Manganese Company, gives the firm rights to explore and develop the 747 sq km concession area. The company is a partnership between local firm Alfirdaws for Mining and Iran-based Farco, combining expertise in manganese extraction, mineral processing and related industrial applications.
Awarded through a competitive process via the Ministry’s Taqa platform, the block is considered geologically diverse, featuring ophiolite formations, sedimentary deposits and other structures associated with mineralisation. Manganese is identified as a key resource, alongside other associated المعادن.
An initial exploration phase, expected to run for two to three years, will include topographical, geochemical and geophysical surveys, as well as the preparation of geological maps covering most of the concession. Drilling and trenching programmes will also be undertaken to assess mineral potential across a substantial portion of the site. Investment in this phase is expected to exceed US$4mn.
Officials noted that the project aligns with national ambitions under Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises economic diversification and the development of non-oil sectors. The concession is intended to attract investment, enhance value creation from natural resources and support the growth of local supply chains.
The Ministry highlighted North Al Sharqiyah as a promising mining region, with multiple agreements already signed to develop its varied mineral resources, including copper, chromium, manganese and laterite. The latest concession further reinforces the governorate’s role in supporting sector expansion.
In addition to resource development, the project is expected to contribute to knowledge transfer and capacity building. The involvement of an international partner with proprietary technology for upgrading lower-grade ores is seen as an opportunity to strengthen technical capabilities within the domestic mining industry.
Authorities also pointed to wider initiatives aimed at improving the investment landscape. These include updates to regulatory frameworks, the creation of designated mining zones and the rollout of digital platforms to streamline licensing and project processes. Infrastructure development, including ports and industrial zones, is also being enhanced to support sector growth.
Efforts are also under way to strengthen occupational health and safety standards and to implement specialised training programmes to develop a skilled workforce aligned with global best practice.
Majan Manganese Company stated it will carry out the exploration programme in line with international technical and environmental standards, aiming to unlock the block’s potential while contributing to sustainable development of Oman’s mineral value chain.
Zebra Technologies is set to outline how an emerging “intelligence supercycle” is reshaping manufacturing and economic growth at Hannover Messe 2026.
From its presence in Hall 15, the company will present insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation are transforming industrial operations.
The shift is expected to redefine workforce skills, productivity and innovation. Industry forecasts suggest that within the next few years, a significant proportion of digital workers will rely on generative AI daily, while automation will increasingly influence decision-making and employee training. These developments are unfolding alongside persistent challenges such as supply chain disruption, talent shortages and intensifying competition.
Zebra argues that the most practical path forward lies not in pursuing artificial general intelligence, but in advancing Augmented Collective Intelligence (ACI), where human expertise and AI systems operate together. This approach is particularly relevant for frontline workers, who remain central to industrial performance.
According to Zebra’s connected factory research, more than half of manufacturers in Europe anticipate AI-driven growth by the end of the decade, with nearly all prioritising digital transformation. However, progress remains uneven. Misalignment between executive leadership, IT and operational teams, as well as uncertainty over implementation strategies, continues to slow adoption of Industry 5.0 frameworks.
Geopolitical pressures and trade shifts are also influencing manufacturing strategies. As companies explore re-shoring or relocating production closer to home markets, the need for robust traceability and visibility across supply chains is increasing. Ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards is becoming more complex as operations diversify geographically.
At the event, Zebra’s leadership team will host a series of discussions focused on building the connected factory. Topics will include data infrastructure, supply chain resilience and the practical application of AI on the shop floor. A key session will examine “AI in the moment”, highlighting how real-time intelligence, powered by on-device AI and advanced sensing technologies, can enable faster and more adaptive decision-making in operational environments.
Alongside its thought leadership programme, Zebra will showcase a range of partner-led demonstrations designed to illustrate real-world applications of connected factory solutions. These include systems for product authentication, quality inspection, and automated material handling, as well as tools that integrate AI into enterprise resource planning workflows.
By combining its own technologies with a broader partner ecosystem, Zebra aims to demonstrate how manufacturers can move beyond isolated digital initiatives towards fully integrated, data-driven operations. The company positions this shift as essential for improving efficiency, strengthening resilience and maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly complex industrial landscape.
Siemens Smart Infrastructure has introduced a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service aimed at strengthening cyber resilience for energy providers and operators of critical infrastructure, including data centres and airports.
The launch comes as organisations face growing cybersecurity challenges driven by the convergence of IT and operational technology (OT). This shift is generating a surge in security alerts, placing pressure on internal teams that often lack the resources and round-the-clock expertise required to manage complex threat environments.
Siemens’ MDR offering is designed to address these gaps through a fully managed, 24/7 service model. By outsourcing security operations rather than building in-house capabilities, companies can significantly reduce both upfront and ongoing costs while maintaining compliance with regulatory frameworks such as the NIS 2 Directive.
The service provides continuous monitoring and analysis of IT and OT environments, enabling faster identification and response to potential threats. Security data from client systems is collected and transmitted to a central Security Operations Centre, where events are assessed, prioritised and categorised. From there, customers receive targeted recommendations to mitigate risks and resolve incidents efficiently.
By combining automated detection with specialist expertise, the system is able to distinguish between false alarms and critical incidents, helping organisations focus on genuine threats. Detection protocols are continuously updated to reflect evolving cyber risks, ensuring a proactive rather than reactive approach to security.
Siemens states that the MDR service can accelerate response times significantly, allowing threats to be addressed more quickly than traditional in-house models. It also enables operators to maintain secure operations without diverting resources from core business activities.
The solution is already being deployed by early adopters, including Hertener Stadtwerke, which is using the service to protect its operational systems. For utilities and other infrastructure providers, rising regulatory requirements and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats have made robust security frameworks essential.
The MDR service aligns with Siemens’ broader cybersecurity strategy, which emphasises trusted standards and scalable solutions to support digital transformation. It also reflects the principles of the Charter of Trust, an initiative promoting stronger global cybersecurity practices and collaboration.
As industries continue to digitalise and integrate connected technologies, cybersecurity is becoming a central pillar of operational resilience. Siemens’ latest offering aims to provide a practical and cost-effective solution for organisations seeking to secure complex infrastructure while navigating an evolving threat landscape.
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Alpha Nero has completed a large-scale solar energy installation across its UAE operations, marking a major step in its long-term sustainability strategy and reducing reliance on grid electricity through on-site renewable generation.
The project was delivered in partnership with CleanMax, a commercial and industrial solar specialist, and is designed to support Alpha Nero’s shift towards lower-carbon operations while improving energy resilience.
The system, with a capacity of around 450 kWp, is expected to generate more than 740,000 kWh of electricity annually. This output will offset a significant share of the company’s operational energy demand and contribute to a substantial reduction in Scope 2 emissions linked to purchased electricity.
According to project estimates, the installation will cut carbon emissions by approximately 320 tonnes of CO2 each year. In addition to environmental benefits, the shift to solar is expected to provide greater long-term cost predictability by reducing exposure to fluctuations in conventional energy prices.
The initiative aligns with wider national sustainability frameworks in the United Arab Emirates, including long-term net zero ambitions and updated climate legislation aimed at accelerating decarbonisation across industrial sectors.
Alpha Nero stated that embedding sustainability into its operating model is now a core business priority, particularly as expectations from regulators, investors and clients increasingly converge around measurable environmental performance. The company views the transition as part of a broader move towards more responsible manufacturing within the luxury fit-out sector.
The project was completed in just three months following its launch in November 2025, and has achieved strong performance benchmarks, with energy yields of approximately 1,650 kWh per kWp. This reflects both efficient system design and optimal use of rooftop space under high solar irradiation conditions in the region.
CleanMax, which manages the full lifecycle of the installation, provides end-to-end services including design, engineering, regulatory compliance and long-term system operation. The company also integrates AI-enabled monitoring tools to optimise performance and ensure consistent energy output over time.
Its model allows clients to adopt solar energy without operational disruption, with systems designed, financed and maintained under long-term service agreements. The project also complies with local utility requirements and incorporates real-time monitoring to maximise efficiency.
CleanMax highlighted that demand for integrated renewable energy solutions is increasing as companies across industries seek to balance cost efficiency with sustainability commitments. Industrial clients are particularly focused on securing stable energy supply while meeting emissions reduction targets.
For Alpha Nero, the solar rollout also supports its broader sustainability initiatives, including the use of its proprietary carbon management platform, which enables businesses to track and reduce emissions across operations.
As the company continues to expand internationally, it plans to further integrate clean energy and digital sustainability tools into its operations, positioning environmental performance as a central component of its long-term growth strategy.
Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority (EPA) is strengthening its oversight of water resources through enhanced monitoring systems designed to safeguard public health and ensure environmental sustainability, according to a report by Arab Times.
The authority is deploying advanced tracking mechanisms to assess water quality in line with international benchmarks, aiming to maintain access to safe and clean water supplies amid current conditions.
In a televised statement, Abdullah Al-Yateem, head of the EPA’s Chemical Testing Department, said water quality management is guided by standards derived from Kuwait’s Environmental Protection Law. He noted that a combination of chemical and biological indicators is used to detect contaminants and verify that water remains within safe limits.
Al-Yateem highlighted the critical role of EPA laboratories in analysing both drinking water and seawater samples, ensuring continuous monitoring across the entire water cycle. He explained that inspection teams conduct routine field visits across all governorates, collecting random samples of drinking water for laboratory testing to confirm compliance with regulatory standards.
The monitoring programme also extends to marine environments. Samples are regularly collected from coastal areas across Kuwait, from the northern to southern shores, and analysed to assess seawater quality. This process is supported by coordination with other relevant authorities, which contribute additional testing data to strengthen overall monitoring efficiency.
In addition to water testing, the EPA is carrying out checks on marine life, including fish and other organisms, to ensure they are safe for consumption and free from pollutants. These measures are part of a broader effort to protect ecosystems and maintain public confidence in environmental quality.
Al-Yateem reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to adopting best practices in environmental monitoring and resource management. He also stressed the importance of public awareness, encouraging responsible water use as part of wider sustainability efforts.
The EPA sought to reassure residents that drinking water supplies, as well as marine environments, remain safe, emphasising that ongoing testing has not identified concerning levels of contamination.
The intensified monitoring comes as regional authorities place greater emphasis on environmental protection and resource security, particularly in relation to water, which remains a critical asset in arid climates such as Kuwait.
AlUla Development Company (UDC) has commenced construction on the NUMAJ, Autograph Collection hotel, marking a significant step in advancing its development pipeline and supporting the transformation of AlUla into a global tourism hub.
The milestone was marked by a site visit attended by senior officials, including representatives from Royal Commission for AlUla, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the project’s delivery.
The move signals the transition of NUMAJ from planning to execution, reinforcing UDC’s role in delivering key assets aligned with AlUla’s long-term masterplan. The company is positioning the project as part of a broader strategy to create high-quality, investment-ready developments that enhance the destination’s global appeal while supporting community growth.
Scheduled to open in 2027, the 250-room property will be operated by Marriott International under its Autograph Collection brand. The design has been developed by GioForma, drawing on AlUla’s landscape, cultural heritage and historical links to astronomy. The name “NUMAJ” is inspired by the star system Nu Ursae Majoris, reflecting the region’s historic role as a navigational reference point for travellers.
The hotel is intended to offer a blend of resort-style accommodation and culturally immersive experiences. Plans include multiple dining venues, wellness facilities and a mix of business and leisure amenities, all integrated into a design that reflects the character of the surrounding environment.
Sustainability is a central feature of the project. The development is targeting LEED Gold certification, incorporating measures such as greywater recycling for irrigation, the use of locally sourced materials, and energy-efficient systems. Design elements also align with AlUla’s Dark Sky policy, which aims to minimise light pollution and preserve the clarity of the night sky.
NUMAJ forms part of a wider portfolio of projects being delivered by UDC to support AlUla’s evolution as a destination for tourism, investment and residential development. These initiatives contribute to Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable tourism and diversifying the Kingdom’s economy.
With construction now under way, the project represents another milestone in the ongoing development of AlUla, as the region continues to attract investment and establish itself on the global tourism map.
Deep-sea mining could cause significant and potentially irreversible damage to marine ecosystems. (Image source: Gringo/Zemgale via Wikimedia Commons)
Negotiations at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council have concluded without agreement on a Mining Code or approval of any deep-sea mining activities, highlighting continued divisions over environmental and regulatory concerns.
Over two weeks of discussions, member states failed to resolve key issues including environmental protections, liability frameworks, inspection mechanisms, compliance procedures and benefit-sharing arrangements. Several countries, including France, Costa Rica, Germany, Brazil and Palau, raised concerns over scientific uncertainties and governance gaps, stressing that these must be addressed before any mining proceeds.
The Council also backed an ongoing investigation by the ISA’s Legal and Technical Commission into potential contractor non-compliance. Preliminary findings indicate that one contractor may have breached its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The inquiry will continue, with further updates expected at the Council’s next session.
The investigation comes amid scrutiny of companies pursuing unilateral deep-sea mining pathways, including Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., a subsidiary of The Metals Company. Concerns have also emerged in countries such as Netherlands and Switzerland regarding potential involvement of national entities in such activities.
Environmental groups and policy experts have warned that deep-sea mining could cause significant and potentially irreversible damage to marine ecosystems. They argue that the lack of comprehensive scientific understanding and regulatory clarity presents substantial risks to ocean health.
Support for a precautionary pause continues to grow, with around 40 countries now backing calls for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. Advocates say this approach would allow time to address knowledge gaps, strengthen governance frameworks and ensure that environmental safeguards are robust before any commercial activity begins.
The outcome of the latest ISA Council meeting underscores the complexity of balancing resource development with environmental protection. As negotiations continue, governments face increasing pressure to establish clear rules that safeguard the ocean while addressing future demand for critical minerals.
The United Arab Emirates is set to host the fifth "Make it in the Emirates" (MIITE) platform from 4-7 May at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), this key event, themed "Emerging Stronger," highlights the nation's commitment to industrial resilience.
MIITE 2026 coincides with new strategic initiatives approved by the Cabinet, designed to fortify the UAE's industrial sector and ensure business continuity. A significant measure is the establishment of a national industrial resilience fund worth AED 1 billion. This fund aims to support the localisation of vital industries, enhance the strength of supply chains, and quicken the adoption of artificial intelligence in production, operations, and planning.
The National In-Country Value (ICV) programme will also be expanded, becoming a mandatory framework for all federal government entities and national companies. This move seeks to direct national spending towards supporting local industries. Moreover, a new policy will bolster the presence of UAE-made products in retail outlets and e-commerce platforms, prioritising everyday essentials like bottled water, dairy products, and bread.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, emphasised the UAE's forward momentum. "Our national industrial sector continues to raise the bar of ambition, advancing into a new phase where our industries move beyond a local role to become a globally influential force, underpinned by exceptional resilience and artificial intelligence, which is redefining the UAE’s competitiveness and confidently shaping its future," he stated. He added that the new government initiatives represent "a qualitative leap" in the UAE’s industrial journey, fostering an integrated ecosystem to stimulate demand and enhance decision-making.
The Cabinet has also endorsed the creation of the National Industrial Data Committee, chaired by His Excellency Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Undersecretary of MoIAT. This committee will focus on accelerating the collection and integration of strategic industrial data to enable faster decision-making.
MIITE 2026 itself will connect over 1,100 exhibitors from 12 industrial sectors, aiming to localise the production of approximately 5,000 products within the UAE. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent a significant portion of participants, making up 61% of exhibitors. The event is expected to draw over 120,000 visitors, including international investors and industry leaders, showcasing advancements in robotics, autonomous systems, and AI-powered solutions.
Consumer preferences in the UAE automotive sector are increasingly tilting towards electric and hybrid vehicles, as higher fuel prices reshape purchasing decisions and drive demand for more cost-efficient options.
Recent data from Dubizzle Group shows a notable rise in interest in electric vehicles (EVs), with engagement climbing by 24% in the first week of April. This significantly outpaced the 5% growth recorded across petrol and diesel segments, suggesting a deeper shift in how buyers are evaluating vehicle ownership.
The trend reflects a broader move towards long-term value, with consumers placing greater emphasis on efficiency and running costs rather than solely focusing on upfront pricing. Buyers are also spending more time researching options, including comparing listings and saving searches, indicating a more considered and data-driven approach to purchasing.
Electric vehicles are gaining traction across a range of brands, including Tesla, BYD and Xiaomi. This growing diversity highlights a shift away from traditional brand loyalty, as consumers become more open to newer entrants offering advanced technology and improved efficiency.
At the same time, hybrid vehicles continue to attract strong interest, recording growth of around 8%. These models appeal to buyers seeking a balance between fuel savings and practicality, particularly those not yet ready to transition fully to electric mobility.
Market dynamics are also evolving across price segments. While higher-value vehicles have seen a rebound of up to 23%, demand remains particularly strong in more affordable categories. Interest in vehicles priced below AED100,000 has increased, reflecting a broader trend towards value-driven decision-making.
Brand preferences are shifting as well, with Japanese and Chinese manufacturers gaining ground and surpassing German brands in terms of engagement by the end of March. This points to a growing preference for cost-effective and efficient vehicles in the current market environment.
Haider Khan, CEO of dubizzle and CEO of Dubizzle Group MENA, said the shift is being accelerated by external pressures. “Rising fuel costs are reinforcing a transition that was already in motion,” he said. “Consumers are now prioritising vehicles that offer long-term efficiency and better cost control. Electric and hybrid models are no longer niche—they are becoming central to how value is defined in today’s automotive market.”
As fuel price volatility continues, the data suggests that electric and hybrid vehicles are moving into the mainstream, shaping the next phase of growth in the UAE’s automotive sector.
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