In The Spotlight
Dubai Taxi Company PJSC has partnered with Baidu Inc. to launch commercial driverless taxi services in Dubai, marking a major step in the emirate’s push towards autonomous mobility.
The service is being deployed through Baidu’s Apollo Go platform, representing the company’s first international app rollout. The initiative combines Apollo Go’s autonomous driving technology with Dubai Taxi Company’s operational expertise, enabling the introduction of driverless ride-hailing services in a live urban environment.
The launch aligns with Dubai’s ambition to transform 25% of all journeys into autonomous trips by 2030, under the emirate’s wider smart mobility strategy. Authorities have been investing heavily in infrastructure, regulation and partnerships to support the safe adoption of self-driving transport systems.
The initial phase will see a fleet of 50 autonomous vehicles introduced over the first year, with plans to scale up to more than 1,000 units in the coming years. Users can book rides via the Apollo Go app, with integration into other ride-hailing platforms expected as the service expands.
Executives from both companies highlighted safety as a central pillar of the rollout. Baidu said its autonomous systems are designed to deliver consistent and reliable performance, supported by extensive testing and real-world data. The company’s global operations have already logged millions of rides and hundreds of millions of kilometres, including a significant portion of fully driverless journeys.
Dubai Taxi Company noted that the vehicles have undergone local trials in recent months, demonstrating strong safety performance and operational readiness. Advanced monitoring systems and data-driven controls will be used to oversee the fleet, ensuring that journeys meet strict safety and reliability standards.
The deployment follows regulatory approval earlier in 2026, when Apollo Go received Dubai’s first permit for fully driverless vehicle testing without a safety driver. This milestone paved the way for commercial operations and reinforced the emirate’s position as a regional hub for autonomous transport innovation.
Dubai Taxi Company’s existing fleet of more than 6,000 taxis and limousines is expected to support the transition towards autonomous mobility, leveraging its experience in fleet management and customer service. The company said the introduction of driverless taxis forms part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency, sustainability and passenger experience.
Industry observers view the launch as a significant development for the region, where cities are increasingly exploring smart mobility solutions to address urban growth and reduce congestion. By prioritising safety, regulatory oversight and technological innovation, Dubai aims to set a benchmark for autonomous transport deployment.
As the programme expands, further integration with existing transport networks and digital platforms is expected, supporting the gradual shift towards a more connected and intelligent mobility ecosystem.
Global renewable energy capacity reached a record 5,149 GW in 2025, driven by unprecedented annual additions of 692 GW, according to the latest report from International Renewable Energy Agency.
The Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026 report highlights a 15.5% year-on-year increase, with renewables accounting for 85.6% of all new power capacity installed worldwide. The findings underline a continued shift away from fossil fuel-based generation, particularly as geopolitical tensions heighten concerns around energy security and price volatility.
Rising instability in key regions, including the Middle East, has placed energy resilience firmly on the global agenda. IRENA noted that renewable energy sources, being locally generated and cost-effective, offer a strategic advantage by reducing reliance on imported fuels and exposure to global market fluctuations.
Francesco La Camera, director-general of IRENA, said the sustained growth of renewables demonstrates both market momentum and their role in strengthening energy systems. He emphasised that decentralised energy models, supported by diverse renewable sources, are better equipped to withstand economic and geopolitical shocks.
Solar power continued to dominate capacity additions, contributing 511 GW in 2025, or around three-quarters of the total increase. Wind energy followed with 159 GW, meaning the two technologies together accounted for nearly 97% of all new renewable installations. Their dominance reflects continued cost reductions and scalability compared to other technologies.
Bioenergy saw modest growth, expanding by 3.4 GW, while hydropower added 18.4 GW, largely driven by developments in China. Other renewable sources, including geothermal and off-grid systems, recorded smaller but steady increases, highlighting the diversification of clean energy solutions.
Regional disparities, however, remain a key challenge. Asia led global growth, contributing more than 74% of new renewable capacity, with total additions exceeding 513 GW. The region also holds the largest installed base at 2,891 GW, reinforcing its position as the global leader in renewable deployment.
Africa recorded its strongest annual increase, with capacity rising by 15.9%, supported by projects in countries such as Ethiopia, South Africa and Egypt. The Middle East also posted significant growth of 28.9%, led by Saudi Arabia, reflecting accelerating investment in clean energy infrastructure.
In contrast, regions such as Central America and the Caribbean continue to lag, with total capacity remaining comparatively low. IRENA warned that such imbalances could leave certain economies more vulnerable to energy supply disruptions and price shocks, underscoring the need for broader adoption of renewables.
The report concludes that while progress is accelerating, achieving global climate and energy security goals will require more balanced growth across regions and sustained investment in renewable technologies.
AESG has expanded its regional capabilities with the launch of a dedicated structural design and engineering division, aimed at supporting increasingly complex construction projects across the Middle East.
The new unit strengthens AESG’s integrated service model, enabling the company to deliver end-to-end engineering solutions from concept through to construction. By embedding structural expertise alongside sustainability and cost consultancy from the earliest project stages, the firm aims to improve budget certainty, reduce delivery risks and enhance long-term asset performance.
The move comes amid rising demand for more coordinated and commercially aligned engineering strategies, particularly in markets such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where large-scale developments are becoming more ambitious and technically demanding. Developers are increasingly seeking solutions that balance structural integrity with financial efficiency and environmental performance.
AESG said the new division will focus on integrating engineering decisions with broader project considerations, including procurement strategies, material availability, regulatory compliance and lifecycle costs. This approach allows structural systems to be assessed not only for technical strength, but also for their overall value and feasibility across the project lifecycle.
Leading initiatives
Chief executive Saeed Al Abbar said the expansion reflects the company’s commitment to delivering multidisciplinary solutions that align engineering with commercial and sustainability objectives. He noted that early-stage integration of structural design is critical to achieving design-to-budget outcomes while supporting carbon reduction targets.
The division will provide services spanning feasibility studies, concept and detailed design, as well as construction-stage advisory. By aligning structural strategies with cost modelling and sustainability analysis, AESG aims to minimise redesign risks and ensure smoother project delivery.
Key focus areas include reducing embodied carbon through material efficiency, adopting alternative structural systems, and promoting modular construction techniques to accelerate timelines. The division will also address durability and resilience, particularly in response to the region’s demanding climatic conditions, while improving the adaptability of built assets over time.
To lead the initiative, AESG has appointed Matthew Cross as director of the new division. With more than 25 years of experience, Cross has previously held senior roles at AECOM and Arcadis, overseeing major projects across the region.
He highlighted the growing importance of aligning engineering with commercial realities, noting that developers are increasingly working to compressed timelines and tighter budgets. Early integration of structural design, he said, enables better decision-making and helps manage risks across the project lifecycle.
AESG has also strengthened its technical leadership with the appointment of Dr Gavin Lume as technical director. His experience includes contributions to landmark projects such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame.
With the new division in place, AESG aims to position itself as a fully integrated partner for developers, delivering projects that are commercially viable, environmentally sustainable and engineered for long-term performance.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has underscored the growing importance of clean energy in shaping the Middle East and North Africa’s evolving power landscape, as electricity demand continues to accelerate across the region.
Long recognised as a backbone of the global oil and gas market, MENA is now experiencing a parallel transformation driven by rapid population growth, urban expansion and higher living standards.
Increased reliance on cooling systems and desalination has further intensified power consumption, placing additional pressure on existing infrastructure.
According to the IAEA’s report, The Future of Electricity in the Middle East and North Africa, electricity demand has risen sharply over the past two decades.
Since 2000, consumption has tripled, climbing by more than 1,000 terawatt-hours. This upward trajectory shows little sign of slowing, with forecasts indicating a further 50% increase by 2035.
As governments respond to these pressures, attention is turning towards building more resilient and lower-emission energy systems.
The report highlights how clean energy technologies can support this shift, offering a route to reliable power supply while also opening up new industrial and economic opportunities.
Both energy exporters and importers stand to benefit, particularly through participation in emerging clean energy value chains.
In parallel with long-term planning, several countries are already taking steps to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
In Algeria, Egypt, Iraq and Libya, collaborative initiatives have focused on curbing methane emissions and strengthening overall energy security.
Algeria, for instance, has launched a new programme in partnership with international stakeholders and domestic specialists.
The initiative aims to expand methane monitoring and mitigation efforts, while also developing local expertise through to 2027.
The IAEA notes that such targeted actions, combined with broader adoption of renewable energy and efficiency measures, will be critical in ensuring the region can meet rising demand without compromising sustainability goals.
Empower has reinforced its focus on sustainable water management, marking World Water Day with renewed commitments to resource efficiency across its district cooling operations.
The utility provider highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on freshwater by increasing the use of alternative sources, including treated sewage effluent (TSE) and advanced desalination processes. These initiatives form part of a broader strategy to support environmental stewardship while maintaining operational reliability in one of the world’s most water-stressed regions.
Empower reported a notable expansion in its reverse osmosis capacity, which reached 24,969 cubic metres per day in 2025, up from 21,359 cubic metres per day a year earlier. The company also recorded a rise in recycled water utilisation, which grew to 9.22% from 8.3% over the same period. The increase reflects a steady, target-driven approach, with progress aligned to the availability of recycled water supplies.
District cooling systems, widely used across the UAE to improve energy efficiency, require substantial volumes of water for their operation. By integrating TSE and reverse osmosis technologies, Empower aims to optimise consumption while lowering the environmental footprint of its services. The company said these measures are designed to enhance both water and energy efficiency, while contributing to reduced carbon emissions.
Chief executive Ahmad Bin Shafar stated that water conservation remains central to the company’s long-term strategy. He noted that the adoption of treated water and desalination technologies enables Empower to limit its dependence on potable water, while aligning with national priorities around sustainable resource management.
The company’s initiatives are also closely linked to the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, which aims to ensure sustainable access to water resources while reducing overall demand. Empower said its operational model is built around supporting these national objectives through innovation and responsible practices.
Beyond operational metrics, the company emphasised the broader role of water in driving economic and social development. It reiterated its commitment to promoting awareness around responsible consumption and advancing a circular water economy, where treated and recycled water play a greater role in meeting industrial and infrastructure needs.
As the UAE continues to prioritise sustainability, initiatives such as these are expected to play a key role in safeguarding natural resources while supporting continued urban and industrial growth.
Work is progressing steadily on Dubai Peninsula, a high-end coastal project being developed by H&H, with key contractors now appointed and early-stage construction activities underway.
Located along the shoreline at the edge of Dubai Canal, the scheme is positioned as an exclusive waterfront destination combining residential, hospitality and leisure offerings. Developers say the project is on track, with foundational works marking the transition from planning to execution.
A major component of the masterplan is a central park spanning approximately one million square feet, designed to serve as the focal point of the development. Beneath this green space, an integrated infrastructure corridor is being constructed to house parking, service roads and logistics areas, supporting the wider functionality of the site.
Construction firm DBB Contracting LLC has been appointed to deliver the core infrastructure package, with civil works currently in progress. Overall progress on the infrastructure phase has reached around 20%, according to project updates.
The development will feature a network of interconnected spaces, including a loop stretching nearly two kilometres, designed to link residential areas, retail outlets, hospitality venues and public amenities. The layout prioritises accessibility and walkability, aligning with broader urban planning trends across Dubai.
Once completed, Dubai Peninsula is expected to offer a mix of high-end residences, boutique retail, dining venues and leisure facilities. Plans include a waterfront promenade, marina and beach areas, alongside landscaped public spaces and cultural features such as pavilions and a dedicated prayer area.
The project will also incorporate lifestyle-focused elements, including hospitality offerings from international brands, a beach club and curated dining experiences. Marine infrastructure is set to include berths for superyachts and a floating marina venue, aimed at enhancing the destination’s appeal to both residents and visitors.
H&H chief executive Miltos Bosinis said construction is progressing in line with expectations, with preparatory and groundwork phases well advanced. He added that the developer remains focused on delivering the project to a high standard as it moves further into the build phase.
Chairman Shahab Lutfi described the scheme as a carefully planned destination intended to redefine waterfront living in Dubai, combining design, connectivity and lifestyle experiences.
With construction momentum building, Dubai Peninsula is emerging as one of the city’s notable upcoming coastal developments, reflecting continued demand for premium waterfront real estate in the emirate.
A key focus at the show will be dust and spillage control at conveyor transfer points. (Image source: Martin Engineering)
Global bulk material handling specialist Martin Engineering has announced it will unveil a series of new conveyor accessories and flow technologies at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, taking place from 3–7 March at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Exhibiting at booth C30148 in the Central Hall, the company will present heavy-duty systems developed at its Center for Innovation, targeting safer and more efficient bulk handling operations across the aggregates and mining sectors.
Chris Schmelzer, Director of National Sales for the US and Canada, said the new portfolio has been tested in demanding real-world environments. He added that visitors will be able to explore solutions designed to support cleaner, safer and more productive material handling processes, from extraction through to final product.
Products on show
A key focus at the show will be dust and spillage control at conveyor transfer points, where emissions remain a persistent industry challenge.
Among the products on display is the Martin Skirtboard Liner, engineered to protect sealing systems by absorbing impact and abrasion inside transfer point skirtboards. The liner features a steel-reinforced urethane construction and a T-slot mounting interface that allows adjustment from outside the chute wall, reducing the need for confined space entry.
The company will also preview the Martin ApronSeal Urethane Skirting system, a dual-seal assembly combining a primary urethane seal with a self-adjusting secondary flap to contain fine material. Designed for belt speeds of up to 4.5 m/s, the system requires minimal maintenance and limited free belt space.
In addition, Martin’s modular A.I.R. Control Dust Curtains are designed to create controlled air recirculation zones within transfer enclosures, helping to reduce dust emissions compared with conventional rubber curtain systems. The curtains can be adjusted or replaced externally, cutting service times.
Flow improvement technologies will also feature prominently. The N2 Air Cannon Intelligence System monitors connected air cannons multiple times daily, detecting misfires, measuring blast efficiency and tracking pressure and temperature. A cloud-based dashboard enables predictive maintenance and reduces manual inspections.
An expanded line of electric vibrators will be introduced, aimed at improving material separation and preventing build-up in hoppers, silos and chutes. The new models offer increased power and efficiency while maintaining durability, backed by a three-year warranty.
The company will also present upgraded belt cleaning systems, including the Martin H1 Primary Belt Cleaner and P2 and R2 secondary cleaners, built with stainless steel components and tungsten carbide tips for use on abrasive materials and high-speed or reversing belts.
As the UAE continues to advance large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects, demand for durable, high-quality steel solutions is growing across the region.
In this interview, Galva Coat Industries outlines how it has positioned itself as a trusted partner in this evolving market, highlighting its integrated manufacturing capabilities, focus on quality and reliability, and long-term vision for sustainable growth and regional expansion.
What is the core vision of Galva Coat Industries since its establishment, and how do you see its position in the market today?
Since its establishment, Galva Coat Industries has been driven by a clear vision to become a trusted and preferred steel solutions provider in the UAE and the wider Middle East. Our focus has always been on deliveringhigh-quality products supported by precision processing and professional service.
Today, we proudly hold a strong position in the regional market, recognised for reliability, technical expertise, and long-term partnerships.
Through continuous investment in modern equipment, international quality standards, and staff development, we have strengthened our reputation as a dependable partner for infrastructure and industrial projects across the region.
What distinguishes Galva Coat from other industrial companies in the UAE, especially in steel structures and lighting poles manufacturing?
What sets Galva Coat apart is our integrated approach. We do not simply supply steel products; we provide complete, customised solutions, from material sourcing
and precision cutting to processing and finishing.
Our hot-dip galvanizing capabilities, advanced manufacturing processes, and strict quality control ensure durability and long service life, particularly for steel structures and lighting poles exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
Our commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and customer-focused service allows us to deliver reliable products with consistent performance and timely fulfillment.
How does Galva Coat build strong relationships with its clients and maintain customer satisfaction?
At Galva Coat, we believe long-term partnerships are built on trust, transparency, and performance. We work closely with our clients to understand their project requirements and provide tailored solutions to suit their special requirements.
What are Galva Coat's plans for the future?
Our future strategy focuses on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and regional expansion.
We plan to continue investing in advanced technologies, automation, and employee development to enhance productivity and service quality.
At the same time, we aim to strengthen our presence in regional markets, expand our product range, and make sure that Galva Coat Industries remains the preferred solutions provider and trusted manufacturer in the Middle East.
AD Ports Group has reported continuation of all operations across its clusters without any disruption given current regional developments.
The Group has already taken precautionary measures with the activation of its crisis management and business continuity protocols, as it remains in constant coordination with the authorities concerned in the UAE to safeguard its workforce, partners and stakeholders.
All UAE ports and terminals managed and operated by the Group’s Ports Cluster, in addition to related services, remain fully operational.
While inaccessibility of the Strait of Hormuz will affect vessel calls at Khalifa Port, services at the port will go on uninterrupted.
Closure of the Strait of Hormuz will be compensated by increased volumes from the Group's diversified global maritime network, as it shifts trading routes.
Across the Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, the majority of its 122 shipping vessels, including container, bulk, Ro-Ro, and multipurpose vessels, are operating outside the Strait of Hormuz.
Those currently within the Strait continue to operate intra-Gulf services. Overall, the impact on the Maritime & Shipping Cluster is expected to be limited. The Group’s Economic Cities & Free Zones and Logistics Clusters are likewise expected to experience limited impact.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said, “AD Ports Group remains well positioned to support supply chain stability.”
