The Abu Dhabi Youth Challenge 2026 has opened applications to young people across the UAE and around the world to develop innovative solutions to water challenges and help build healthier communities where children and families can grow and thrive. The challenge aims to support young innovators in developing practical solutions to water-related challenges, providing opportunities to turn promising ideas into prototypes and development projects.
The Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA) has announced the launch of a strategic project in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Regional Office for West Asia (IUCN ROWA), to develop and implement an integrated plan for Dubai’s nature reserve network. The first phase of this work program is set to take one full year to complete. The project aims to establish a science-based framework to assess the current status of Dubai’s reserves, paving the way for their development according to international best practices to ensure biodiversity sustainability and enhance community well-being.
Researchers at the Mubadala Arabian Centre for Climate and Environmental Sciences (ACCESS) at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a new algorithm that can forecast Arctic sea ice extent up to nine months in advance, offering a new way to anticipate changes in the Arctic that can affect the global climate system.
EMSTEEL Group (ADX: EMSTEEL) (“the Group”), one of the region’s largest publicly listed steel and building materials manufacturers, has earned the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, advancing from Bronze in 2025 to Platinum in 2026. With an exceptional score of 95 out of 100, the Group ranks among the top 1% of companies assessed by EcoVadis worldwide over the past 12 months.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), an initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance to support the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE, today announced the provision of an AED 2 million credit guarantee to Wisewell, a UAE-based water technology company specialising in smart water purification systems.
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, has awarded a contract to commence excavation and foundation works for its new district cooling plant at Dubai Science Park. This forms part of the company’s expansion plans to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly district cooling services in key locations across Dubai. Upon completion, the new plant will have a total cooling capacity of approximately 47,000 refrigeration tons (RT), serving nearly 80 mixed-use buildings in the area.
Latakia is set for a new generation of coastal living and hospitality with Eco Life, a project developed by Eagle Hills, led by Emirati businessman Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties and one of the region's leading developers of destinations and integrated communities. The project follows a framework agreement signed yesterday between Eagle Hills and the Syrian Ministry of Tourism, in the presence of President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, at the People's Palace in Damascus.
The United Arab Emirates continued to build momentum towards the 2026 United Nations Water Conference through a series of high-level engagements during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly and New York Climate Week, bringing together governments, businesses, investors, innovators, humanitarian organizations, researchers, students, and civil society.
