In The Spotlight
GQX is set to debut alongside GISEC 2027 from May 4 to 6, 2027, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre.
Global Quantum X launches at GISEC to shape quantum era
Traditional encryption methods, which have long safeguarded sensitive government data, financial networks, and critical infrastructure, face severe vulnerabilities from next-generation computing power.
In response to this looming technological paradigm shift, governments, regulatory bodies, and organisations worldwide are urgently pivoting towards quantum-safe migration, proactive defence strategies, and advanced cryptographic frameworks to protect their digital ecosystems against sophisticated future attacks.
This critical evolution takes centre stage with the official announcement of Global Quantum X (GQX) by GITEX, launched in strategic partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council. Designed as a pioneering dedicated global platform for quantum technology, GQX is set to debut alongside GISEC 2027 from May 4 to 6, 2027, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre. The high-profile initiative aims to accelerate cross-border collaboration, foster international investment, and spearhead national readiness testing in one of the technology sector's most rapidly expanding and transformative frontiers, setting a new benchmark for international cyber resilience.
Bridging the Security Gap in a New Era
The convergence of rapid quantum advancements and modern cybersecurity has become an urgent operational priority for global enterprises and sovereign states alike. While quantum computing promises revolutionary breakthroughs across diverse scientific and commercial fields, it simultaneously threatens the cryptographic foundations underpinning global digital trust and secure communications. Organisations can no longer afford to treat quantum readiness as a distant future concern; immediate strategic action is required to future-proof critical digital infrastructure, safeguard sensitive data flows, and ensure uninterrupted economic stability.
Highlighting the strategic importance of this landmark initiative, Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, stated: “Launching Global Quantum X allows us to bring quantum-safe migration, sovereign cryptographic capability and national readiness testing to a truly global stage, and to help governments and enterprises everywhere close the gap between today's defences and tomorroreats,”
Echoing this perspective on the shifting technological landscape, Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of inD, organiser of GISEC Global and GQX, emphasised the inseparable nature of these technical disciplines: "The same computing power that will unlock breakthroughs in medicine, materials and finance will also put today's encryption at risk, which is why quantum and cybersecurity can no longer be dealt with sepa
Powering the Trillion-Dollar Quantum Economy
The extraordinary urgency behind quantum preparedness is heavily underscored by substantial economic projections and rapidly growing enterprise investments across multiple vital sectors. As international industries prepare for a completely reimagined digital order, key market metrics highlight the vast scale of this technological transition and the critical need for proactive adaptation:
- Massive Economic Value: According to McKinsey’s Quantum Technology Monitor, quantum technology is projected to unlock an astounding $2.7 trillion in global economic value over the coming decade.
- Accelerated Enterprise Spending: Approximately one-third of major global enterprises are already committing more than $10 million annually to dedicated quantum and advanced security initiatives.
- Commercial Adoption: Industries are rapidly transitioning from theoretical exploration to commercial deployment, necessitating robust security frameworks, strict governance, and advanced cryptographic capabilities to maintain long-term business continuity.
Fostering International Resilience and Collaboration
Global Quantum X directly addresses the critical need for sovereign cryptographic capabilities and comprehensive national resilience. As national security authorities, cybersecurity experts, and enterprise leaders grapple with the complex realities of the post-quantum era, dedicated events like GQX provide the essential collaborative framework required to evaluate vulnerabilities, share threat intelligence, and establish unified international standards. By uniting global policymakers, industry researchers, and technology innovators in Dubai, the initiative will help safeguard critical digital assets against unprecedented threats long before quantum computers reach full operational maturity.
The Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) and the Financial Audit Authority (FAA) have officially joined forces through a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Dubai enhances cybersecurity and financial oversight integration
The pursuit of a resilient, world-leading digital economy relies heavily on robust institutional integration, seamless knowledge exchange, and advanced regulatory frameworks.
Across the Emirate of Dubai, public sector entities continually refine their cooperative strategies to stay ahead of complex technological and financial challenges in an increasingly interconnected era. Modern governance demands that administrative oversight and cybersecurity infrastructure evolve in tandem, ensuring that digital innovation does not outpace institutional security. In a major milestone toward unified digital resilience, the Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) and the Financial Audit Authority (FAA) have officially joined forces through a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Signed by Abdulrahman Al Hareb, Director-General of the FAA, and Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Chief Executive Officer of DESC, this strategic agreement establishes a robust institutional framework designed to enhance system efficiency, operational readiness, and compliance assessment across government operations. By bridging the critical domains of cybersecurity and public financial oversight, the partnership sets a new benchmark for cross-sector collaboration in modern public administration. It underscores the shared understanding that safeguarding public assets requires an integrated approach that connects technological defense with rigorous financial accountability.
Key Pillars and Collaborative Framework
The newly minted agreement introduces structured mechanisms for capacity development and mutual technical support across both institutions. Rather than operating in isolated administrative silos, both organisations will pool their accumulated institutional knowledge to refine core oversight practices, streamline reporting workflows, and elevate professional standards.
Key facets of the collaborative framework include:
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Knowledge Transfer and Best Practices: Mutual exchange of technical and professional expertise across audit, oversight, and compliance assessment, encompassing planning, implementation, and reporting methodologies.
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Capacity Building and Training: Organisation of joint training programmes, specialized workshops, and active participation in relevant seminars, conferences, and industry events to cultivate specialized talent.
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Procedural Development: Joint cooperation in formulating advanced procedural guidelines, frameworks, and operational models tailored for modern audit and digital oversight functions.
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Data and System Resilience: Enhancing preparedness against emerging vulnerabilities tied to complex digital environments, data systems, and interconnected networks across the public sector.
Leadership Perspectives on Strategic Integration
Addressing the significance of the partnership, leadership from both authorities emphasized that contemporary governance requires a unified team approach and active collaboration.
Abdulrahman Al Hareb noted that "the MoU reflects FAA's commitment to expanding institutional cooperation and exchanging specialised expertise to develop oversight tools and methodologies and enhance the ability to address risks associated with systems, t". He further stressed that "effective oversight depends not only on tools and methodologies but also on integrating expertise, exchanging knowledge and benefiting from specialised capabilities across government entities".
Echoing this sentiment, Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani stated that "the agreement reflects DESC's commitment to advancing a government approach that keeps pace with rapid developments in the digital environment and strengthens the protection of systems and data in accordance with the highest standards and prac added that "cybersecurity is a shared responsibility requiring integrated expertise and teamwork, noting that the partnership will support practical and proactive solutions tnsformation".
Towards a Secure Digital Future
As government agencies worldwide navigate an increasingly digital landscape, partnerships that merge financial accountability with rigorous cyber defence are paramount for long-term stability. By combining the rigorous auditing practices of the Financial Audit Authority with the cutting-edge cybersecurity expertise of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, Dubai continues to reinforce its administrative integrity and resilience. This strategic alignment ensures that public sector digital assets remain secure, institutional capabilities grow stronger, and the emirate's broader digital transformation roadmap advances on a stable, secure foundation for years to come.
Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) through its dedicated "Emirati Goldsmiths Platform", the official visit aims to elevate the creative capabilities of the United Arab Emirates’ emerging talents.
Emirati designers explore advanced manufacturing in China
The global jewellery industry is undergoing a rapid and profound transformation, steadily moving away from purely traditional handcrafted methods to enthusiastically embrace cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
Across the globe, forward-thinking artisans are seeking innovative ways to blend heritage aesthetics with precision engineering, 3D design, and laser-guided shaping. Placing themselves at the absolute forefront of this industrial evolution, a delegation of Emirati designers and artisans recently travelled to China to meticulously explore the latest advancements that are actively shaping the future of gold and jewellery manufacturing.
Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) through its dedicated "Emirati Goldsmiths Platform", the official visit aims to elevate the creative capabilities of the United Arab Emirates’ emerging talents. By exploring one of the world's most dynamic manufacturing landscapes, these ambitious designers are successfully bridging the gap between time-honoured Middle Eastern craftsmanship and highly efficient technological solutions.
Integrating Traditional Artistry with Advanced Technologies
The core mission of the delegation, led by Mona Al Suwaidi, Director of the Executive Office of the SCCI Chairman and the official responsible for the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform, is to facilitate the seamless transfer of knowledge and uncover vital opportunities for strategic cooperation. As the international luxury market becomes increasingly competitive, cross-cultural trade and shared expertise are absolutely essential for regional designers aiming to scale their commercial enterprises.
Throughout their journey, the Emirati artisans have completely immersed themselves in the end-to-end production cycle of modern jewellery manufacturing. Rather than observing from a distance, the designers engaged directly with specialised professional disciplines. The comprehensive, multi-day programme allowed the delegation to closely scrutinise a wide array of vital processes, including:
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The integration of digital tools and specialised digital software tailored for intricate jewellery design.
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The use of sophisticated, modern tools for goldsmithing, precise shaping, and highly secure gemstone setting.
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Advanced, automated techniques for finishing, polishing, and meticulous quality inspection.
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Strategic commercial approaches to retail, modern product-display methods, and fostering direct business links between independent artisans and large-scale global suppliers.
Discovering Innovations at the Shenzhen Trade Exhibition
A significant highlight of the overseas mission was an extensive visit to a major gold and jewellery trade exhibition in Shenzhen. Known globally as a formidable powerhouse for technological hardware and manufacturing, Shenzhen provided the perfect backdrop for the Emirati delegates to witness the future of the luxury sector in real time.
The bustling exhibition featured an extensive showcase of cutting-edge solutions presented by international manufacturers and equipment suppliers. Key technological innovations thoroughly explored by the delegation included:
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State-of-the-art 3D design and printing tools capable of rapidly prototyping incredibly complex geometric patterns.
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High-precision laser cutting and engraving machinery designed for immaculate detailing.
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Pioneering innovations in precision casting and forming to vastly reduce manufacturing material waste.
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Advanced gold and gemstone testing technologies to guarantee absolute authenticity and strict quality control.
By critically evaluating how traditional craftsmanship can be seamlessly integrated with advanced technologies, the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform is actively upskilling its members. The initiative successfully reinforces the platform’s approach to adopting advanced design technologies and developing new channels for knowledge transfer. These modern tools not only refine the intricacies of individual designs but also vastly improve manufacturing productivity, boost precision, and minimise material waste.
Strengthening UAE-China Commercial Ties
Beyond the immediate focus on technological adoption, the visit serves a much broader diplomatic and economic purpose. The delegation held highly productive discussions with Her Excellency Mariam Alshamsi, the UAE Consul General in Guangzhou. Their strategic dialogue focused specifically on expanding economic and commercial ties between the UAE and China within the realms of gold, jewellery, fragrances, and creative crafts.
The itinerary also provided a deep dive into China’s rich historical context. The delegates visited a prominent gold museum and a specialised jewellery manufacturing hub to trace the unique evolution of the Chinese gold industry.
Expanding Horizons: The Art of Fragrance
Recognising the interconnected nature of luxury creative crafts, the programme also naturally extended into the boutique fragrance sector. The delegation toured the Xuelei Fragrance Museum in Guangzhou, studying the historical evolution of China's perfume industry. This segment offered valuable insights into the careful extraction of fragrances and essential oils, the complex utilisation of natural ingredients, and the stark contrast between traditional blending techniques and advanced packaging technologies. Ultimately, this strategic expedition ensures Emirati designers are perfectly equipped to thrive in the modern global economy.
Volvo Penta has stepped forward with a flexible approach. At IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, Germany, the organisation is demonstrating how mobile battery energy storage can bridge this widening gap.
Volvo Penta solves the fast-charging bottleneck
The transition towards zero-emission commercial transport is gathering immense momentum, yet a formidable obstacle remains firmly in its path: inadequate grid capacity.
As operators modernise their fleets with heavy-duty electric vehicles, the demand for fast charging frequently outstrips the physical capabilities of local electrical infrastructure. Lengthy municipal permitting processes, substantial civil works, and overloaded fixed connections often stall critical deployment timelines.
Addressing this infrastructural bottleneck, Volvo Penta has stepped forward with a flexible approach. At IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, Germany, the organisation is demonstrating how mobile battery energy storage can bridge this widening gap, delivering reliable power exactly where and when it is needed most.
The Urgent Need for Flexible Charging Solutions
The move to fully electrified transport networks cannot wait for permanent grid upgrades. Transport companies frequently operate in temporary locations or remote hubs where installing permanent charging infrastructure is either financially unviable or logistically impossible. Even in established urban logistics centres, high-power electric vehicle charging during peak demand periods can easily overwhelm local grid connections.
By deploying mobile battery-powered charging units, commercial operators bypass these significant delays. A mobile Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) acts as a strategic buffer. It slowly draws power from a constrained grid connection or intermittent renewable energy source, storing that energy to discharge it at high rates for rapid vehicle charging.
Enter the Mobile BESS Subsystem
Volvo Penta is exhibiting alongside fellow Volvo Group company, Volvo Trucks. Taking centre stage is the company's adaptable BESS subsystem, built directly upon battery technology successfully deployed in Volvo Group’s demanding on-highway and off-highway vehicles. Engineered for the rigorous demands of continuous heavy-duty utilisation, this subsystem provides a robust foundation for off-grid power.
It mitigates the transport electrification bottleneck through several technical advantages:
- High Energy Density: The battery pack stores maximum power within a compact, modular footprint.
- Favourable C-rate: Optimised for rapid charging and discharging, ensuring vehicles spend less time plugged in.
- Automotive-Grade Resilience: Managed by a sophisticated system that continuously monitors operational performance.
- Enhanced Cybersecurity: The robust architecture safeguards critical energy data from unauthorised interference.
- Maximised Longevity: Intelligent cell management prevents excessive degradation during high-intensity charging cycles.
This setup provides immediate charging capacity for unexpected disruptions. In fixed installations, it can boost limited grid connections, successfully supporting high-power charging even when demand is exceptionally high.
“Reliable power infrastructure is critical to the transition toward zero-emission transport,” said Tommi Wulff, Sales and Business Development Manager at Volvo Penta. “Battery energy storage can help bring fast charging to locations where grid capacity is limited or permanent infrastructure is not yet in place. At IAA Transportation, we are showing how Volvo Penta can support this transition by providing a proven, scalable BESS subsystem that our partners can build into complete charging and energy storage systems.”
A Collaborative Blueprint for Electrification
Volvo Penta’s core strategy is centred around collaboration. By supplying its proven battery technology alongside extensive application expertise, the organisation provides specialist partners with a robust platform to develop complete, field-ready energy storage solutions. This partnership model is essential for tailoring technology to specific markets and operating environments. A prime example showcased alongside the subsystem is the Hivolt 380X, a complete, ready-to-deploy mobile unit developed by system integrator Contour Advanced Systems.
“Volvo Penta’s BESS subsystem gives us a proven battery foundation for the Hivolt 380X,” said Jacco Lemmen, Business Development Manager at Contour Advanced Systems. “By combining Volvo Penta’s technology with our system integration and manufacturing expertise, we are showcasing a solution designed and made in Europe, with European components and software, and built around shared values of safety, quality and cooperation.”
Accelerating the Zero-Emission Future
Solving the charging challenge requires more than just advanced vehicles; it requires deployable energy networks that adapt to real-world limitations. The partnership between Volvo Penta and Contour Advanced Systems illustrates a highly practical pathway forward for the transport sector.
Volvo Penta is exhibiting at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, Germany, from September 15–20, in Hall 11, Stand F31.
Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in cooperation with Kalba City Municipality, the four-day event is designed to bridge the gap between historical heritage and contemporary commerce.
Kalba's inaugural Maritime Festival champions UAE coastal heritage
The coastal regions of the United Arab Emirates share a profound and enduring connection with the sea.
For generations, the maritime environment has not merely been a backdrop for daily life; it has served as a primary source of sustenance and commerce. Traditional fishing methods and preservation techniques have long sustained communities along the eastern coastline. As the nation embraces rapid modernisation, there is a growing emphasis on preserving this maritime heritage. By integrating indigenous culinary practices into modern economic frameworks, authorities aim to support cultural tourism and empower home-based enterprises.
At the forefront of this cultural preservation is the newly announced Jashe and Sahnah Festival. Scheduled for 24 to 27 September in Kalba, the inaugural event places the spotlight firmly on the coastal food industries defining the region. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in cooperation with Kalba City Municipality, the four-day event is designed to bridge the gap between historical heritage and contemporary commerce.
The Culinary Staples of the East Coast
The festival takes its name from two highly revered traditional Emirati seafood products. Jashe refers to a traditional sun-dried fish product, which has historically allowed coastal families to preserve their catch long before the advent of modern refrigeration. Sahnah, on the other hand, is a distinctive fermented fish condiment—often ground into a flavourful powder—prepared using dried fish mixed with a unique blend of traditional spices.
Visitors attending the festival will be immersed in the historical processes behind these staples. Demonstrations will showcase the intricate techniques involved in catching and drying Al Ouma fish, alongside the careful preparation required to create authentic Sahnah. This hands-on approach offers both residents and international tourists an opportunity to sample Jashe varieties and Sahnah powders crafted from long-standing family recipes.
Driving Local Commerce and Tourism
While the festival is a vibrant celebration of culture, its underlying purpose is deeply rooted in local economic development. By providing a dedicated platform for small businesses, the event seeks to commercialise ancestral knowledge and elevate regional trades.
Mohammad Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, emphasised the strategic vision behind the event, stating that "the Jashe and Sahnah Festival is SCCI's latest economic and heritage initiative, supporting its efforts to promote the coastal food industries deeply rooted in the heritage and collective memory of Eastern Region communities." He further highlighted that the gathering showcases the potential to transform age-old customs into value-added economic products, reinforcing the value of sea resources.
Local leadership is equally committed to the event’s success. Dr Ahmed Al Mazrouei, Director of Kalba City Municipality, noted that "preparations for the Jashe and Sahnah Festival are progressing in line with the highest quality standards, in collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber and participating partners, to deliver an inaugural edition befitting Kalba's standing and stature."
He underscored the tourism appeal, explaining that "the festival will serve as a family and tourism destination, drawing visitors from across the UAE and international tourists while supporting greater community engagement and local economic activity."
Festival Programme and Key Participants
To ensure a comprehensive experience, the event will feature broad participation from fish-processing factories, specialised fishing-supplies companies, and productive families. Held with Sharqiya Kalba TV, the festival is supported by six government and community entities:
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Sharjah Fish Resources Authority
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Sharjah Museums Authority
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Sharjah International Marine Sports Club
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Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA)
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Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH)
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Kalba Cooperative Society for Fishermen
What Visitors Can Expect
The dynamic programme offers something for everyone. Beyond the marketplace, the festival will host competitions, educational workshops, and awareness sessions focused heavily on marine sustainability and responsible fishing practices. For those interested in industry evolution, dedicated displays will exhibit cutting-edge fishing technologies, vessels, and marine accessories, demonstrating how the sector has advanced whilst retaining traditional roots.
By establishing a vibrant marketplace, organisers are empowering local artisans and fishermen to reach a wider demographic. This direct-to-consumer approach boosts household incomes for productive families whilst fostering deeper appreciation amongst the younger generation for their ancestral trades. Ultimately, the inaugural festival stands as a testament to marine sustainability, ensuring the UAE's maritime heritage continues to thrive, educate, and inspire within the modern economy.
SAS, working alongside research analysts from IDC, recently published the second annual Data and AI Impact Report: The New Economics of Trust to explore this phenomenon.
Trustworthy AI practices drive high ROI and business success
SAS, working alongside research analysts from IDC, recently published the second annual Data and AI Impact Report: The New Economics of Trust to explore this phenomenon.
The research team surveyed 2,699 decision-makers across 28 distinct countries, focusing specifically on highly regulated sectors like banking, insurance, life sciences, and the public sector. These comprehensive findings confirm that ethical and transparent technological practices function as primary economic drivers rather than mere regulatory compliance exercises.
The Widening Profitability Gap
Financial metrics reveal a stark contrast between enterprises prioritising governance and those neglecting these crucial frameworks. The comprehensive report highlights a rapidly expanding return on investment (ROI) divide across the current global market.
Several key statistics illustrate this disparity vividly:
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Enterprises actively investing in trustworthy AI measures are 15 times more likely to report strong or high ROI on their specific projects.
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Exactly 62% of these mature organisations achieve strong returns, compared to just 4% among less prepared industry peers.
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Market leaders realise 1.85 times greater gains across 13 distinct business outcomes, spanning vital areas like revenue growth, cost savings, and customer experience enhancements.
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Recognising this distinct advantage, 85% of leaders are increasing their investment in trustworthy practices by more than 10% this calendar year.
Organisations capturing the most immense value are not necessarily acquiring vastly different software tools. They are instead managing their technological assets through a fundamentally different, trust-centric lens.
The Explainability Crisis
Sophisticated technical capabilities mean very little if human operators refuse to trust the final output. The extensive study uncovered a significant operational friction point regarding workforce adoption. A staggering 97.2% of users routinely override AI-generated recommendations in at least some specific instances.
The primary catalyst for human intervention relates directly to systemic explainability. Employees are consistently hesitant to rely on automated systems that cannot articulate the rationale behind a specific decision or recommendation. Artificial intelligence that lacks the capacity to explain its own internal logic becomes a major business liability, especially within high-stakes environments like healthcare diagnostics or financial risk assessment.
Bridging the widening gap between human expertise and machine intelligence is therefore absolutely critical. Bryan Harris, CTO at SAS, addressed this operational necessity very clearly.
"When AI works, it's incredibly impactful," Harris stated. He added that "in order to achieve accuracy and repeatability, organizations must embed domain expertise into agentic workflows, while keeping people at the center of governance and oversight." Harris concluded that "organizations that do this successfully will close the trust gap and gain a competitive advantage in the market with AI."
Core Pillars of Reliable Systems
Researchers evaluated each surveyed enterprise across five strict criteria to benchmark maturity levels accurately. Systems must excel across multiple distinct dimensions to be considered truly reliable and secure by the workforce.
The five core pillars include:
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Data quality and governance: Guaranteeing the foundational information feeding the complex models remains accurate, unbiased, and secure.
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Model governance and oversight: Implementing continuous human-in-the-loop supervision over all active algorithms.
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Explainability and fairness: Demystifying complex automated decision-making processes so end users understand the underlying logic completely.
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Responsible AI policy: Creating and enforcing comprehensive ethical guidelines that dictate enterprise usage.
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Audit and accountability: Establishing clear, predetermined chains of responsibility to ensure strict regulatory compliance at all times.
The Data Foundation Imperative
Trustworthy machine learning cannot function without a highly optimised data infrastructure. Most organisations currently lack the robust data foundation required to make their initiatives trustworthy and ultimately profitable. The research indicates that only a comparatively small market segment currently possesses the necessary maturity to scale these technologies successfully.
Enterprises operating with an optimised data foundation hold a massive competitive advantage. They are four times more likely to expect strong financial returns from their automated projects. These same progressive companies are six times more likely to mandate the strict data quality controls necessary to build lasting trust across the workforce.
Robust oversight and explainability are no longer optional additions to a corporate technology stack. Strong data foundations and accountability measures function as absolute prerequisites for scaling modern automated solutions. Companies that recognise and successfully implement these vital safeguards will undoubtedly secure the greatest long-term commercial success in the coming decade.
The project was inaugurated by H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros.
Comoros inaugurates UAE-backed solar plants
Island nations across the globe face unique vulnerabilities when powering their economies, often relying heavily on imported fossil fuels that expose them to severe price volatility and supply chain disruptions.
Transitioning toward sustainable energy infrastructure has become an urgent priority for island archipelagos seeking true energy independence and climate resilience. In a landmark development for regional sustainability, the Union of the Comoros has officially inaugurated three major UAE-financed solar power plants, marking a transformative milestone for the nation's electricity grid and long-term socioeconomic progress.
The high-profile inauguration was led by H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros, alongside high-ranking officials from both nations. The comprehensive initiative reflects the UAE's longstanding commitment to supporting a more sustainable future and expanding the deployment of renewable energy solutions globally, showcasing how clean energy expertise can strengthen international energy security.
The ambitious project was financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), implemented by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar), and managed by Global South Utilities (GSU). By uniting these key entities, the project successfully bridges international development finance with cutting-edge technical execution to deliver tangible benefits to local communities.
Project Specifications and Technical Figures
The infrastructure initiative represents an investment of approximately AED 84.4 million, deploying advanced solar photovoltaic technology across the archipelago's main islands. Key project details include:
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Total Installed Capacity: Approximately 20 MW distributed across three primary solar photovoltaic facilities.
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Island Breakdown: 12.86 MW located on Grande Comore, 4.05 MW on Anjouan, and 3.1 MW on Mohéli.
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Energy Storage Systems: 16 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage capacity with an 8 MW power output across Grande Comore and Anjouan.
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Grid Integration: Approximately 30 kilometres of 20-kilovolt (kV) medium-voltage overhead transmission lines.
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Annual Clean Energy Generation: Estimated at approximately 33.75 GWh annually.
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Household Reach: Clean electricity sufficient to meet the energy needs of around 17,500 households.
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Environmental Impact: Avoidance of approximately 20,900 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Overcoming Severe Energy Deficits
This new solar capacity arrives at a critical juncture for the Comorian electricity sector, which has historically struggled with acute structural challenges and a heavy reliance on imported diesel. During 2024, imported diesel accounted for an overwhelming 91% of the country's total energy mix. At the same time, national electricity demand reached 254 GWh against an actual generation output of only 150 GWh, resulting in roughly 3,000 power outages throughout the year.
The newly commissioned solar generation is expected to account for approximately 13.3% of total electricity demand and 22.5% of actual generation recorded in 2024. By diversifying the national energy mix, the initiative directly reduces exposure to imported fuel fluctuations and enhances system reliability.
Commenting on the milestone, H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros, stated: "I extend my sincere appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his continued support in advancing our development priorities and strengthening the partnership between our two countries, guided by a oving the reliability of electricity that businesses, public services and communities depend o
With robust battery storage and enhanced grid infrastructure, the Comoros is laying a firm foundation for a cleaner, more resilient economic future.