The global hospitality sector is undergoing a profound transformation, with green energy integration moving from a niche consideration to a core operational strategy.

In Egypt, the push for sustainable tourism and urban development is taking significant strides forward. Leading this shift along the coast is El Gouna Red Sea, the flagship year-round destination developed by Orascom Development Egypt, which has officially announced the opening of its latest green infrastructure project, Solarize-2.

This new solar power facility marks a pivotal milestone in the resort town’s long-term sustainability journey, cementing its position as a pioneer in eco-friendly coastal development. By investing heavily in renewable energy, the destination is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also setting a formidable benchmark for the broader regional tourism industry.

Scaling renewable capacity: The Solarize Projects

At the heart of El Gouna’s green transition is a phased approach to solar energy expansion. The newly commissioned Solarize-2 facility represents a substantial upgrade to the town’s local energy grid. Developed in strategic partnership with SolarizEgypt, this facility adds significant capacity to the existing infrastructure.

Key project details and figures include:

• An impressive 8.6 megawatts (MW) of new solar capacity added through the Solarize-2 facility.

• A foundational 7.2 MW of capacity already established by the initial Solarize-1 project.

• A cumulative installed solar capacity of 15.8 MW now powering the integrated resort town.

• A strategic target for El Gouna to source more than 15 per cent of its total local energy requirements from renewable sources throughout 2026.

These capacity increases are essential for a rapidly expanding destination. As El Gouna continues to attract more residents and tourists, its overall electricity demands will inevitably grow. Consequently, the town has already outlined plans for additional solar installations in the future, ensuring that the share of renewable energy scales harmoniously with the town's physical expansion.

Strategic partnerships and private investment

The transition to renewable energy relies heavily on robust collaboration between developers, energy specialists, and equity investors. The delivery of Solarize-2 is a testament to this collaborative model. Ayman Waheed, CEO of SolarizEgypt, noted that the successful operation of the second solar plant reflects the strength of the companies' long-standing partnership and demonstrates the potential to scale privately financed renewable-energy infrastructure.

Furthermore, Energya Industries played a critical role as a major equity investor and owner in the Solarize-2 asset. Representatives from Elsewedy added that Energya Industries aims to expand its presence across the energy value chain while investing in technologies and infrastructure for Egypt and the region. This private-sector involvement is crucial for delivering the large-scale capital required to transition entire resort towns away from fossil fuels.

Financing the sustainability journey

Behind the physical solar panels and operational milestones lies a sophisticated green financing strategy. Funding such ambitious infrastructure requires significant capital backing, and Orascom Development Egypt has actively sought out sustainable finance mechanisms to support its long-term vision.

Recently, this long-term investment strategy has included a $155 million sustainability-linked loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This substantial financial package incorporates stringent environmental and resource-efficiency targets, ensuring that the developer remains accountable to its ecological commitments. By aligning its financial obligations with its sustainability goals, the organisation is ensuring that environmental stewardship is embedded at the highest corporate level.

Setting a regional benchmark for green tourism

The broader implications of the Solarize-2 launch extend beyond the borders of El Gouna. As the global climate crisis intensifies, holidaymakers and property investors are increasingly prioritising destinations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to the environment. The Red Sea region, renowned for its fragile marine ecosystems, requires particularly sensitive development strategies.

By generating 15.8 MW of clean energy locally, El Gouna is actively reducing its reliance on traditional power grids and minimising greenhouse gas emissions. This proactive approach to eco-tourism proves that luxury travel and environmental responsibility can coexist. As the resort town continues to pioneer solar integration, it offers a replicable blueprint for other coastal developments. Ultimately, the successful commissioning of Solarize-2 serves as a powerful reminder that the future of travel and urban living must be fundamentally green.

As global trade faces mounting pressures, the United Arab Emirates is aggressively reshaping its industrial and logistics landscape to cement its status as a premier global distribution hub.

Driven by a pressing need for supply chain diversification and a widespread push for manufacturing localisation, the broader market is demonstrating remarkable resilience while attracting substantial capital. This structural transformation is detailed in the latest UAE Industrial and Logistics Review, published by the commercial real estate firm CBRE Middle East. Released on 28 September 2026, the extensive report highlights strong occupier demand, major government infrastructure investments, and the rising prominence of alternative trade routes.

Navigating supply chain shifts

Recent disruptions to traditional maritime routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, have catalysed swift and strategic adaptation. Rather than retreating, the nation is actively transitioning towards a more flexible and highly diversified logistics network. This strategic pivot relies heavily on an increased dependence on east coast gateways, specifically the vital ports of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan.

Furthermore, the rapid expansion of both rail and road freight infrastructure has notably bolstered the country's long-term logistics capabilities, systematically reducing its reliance on conventional maritime shipping lanes. By prioritising these overland logistics corridors, the UAE ensures that critical trade flows remain largely uninterrupted.

Government action and record capital

The industrial sector's continued strength is not merely an organic market reaction; it is fundamentally supported by targeted, government-led initiatives. These proactive measures help maintain operational efficiency across complex supply chains. Notable interventions driving this growth include:

• Comprehensive customs relief programmes aimed at easing the financial burden on regional traders.

• Dedicated support packages tailored specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises.

• Attractive domestic manufacturing incentives designed to stimulate local production.

• Strategic investments directed into overarching, long-term logistics infrastructure projects.

Investor confidence remains resolutely strong throughout the year, underscored by a series of high-profile transactions. A prime example of this robust appetite is the AED 48.5 billion in industrial investments unveiled during the "Make it in the Emirates 2026" forum. This massive capital injection sits alongside major new warehousing and logistics developments across key industrial zones, including KEZAD, Jafza, and the National Industries Park.

Surging demand across key emirates

The market's structural fundamentals—fuelled by a prevailing shortage of high-quality warehousing stock available for lease—have triggered significant rental growth. Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have experienced a notable surge in pricing power for asset owners.

In Abu Dhabi, the industrial property market registered a 6.0% year-on-year increase in average rental rates during the third quarter of 2026. This upward trajectory is underpinned by sustained occupier demand colliding with tightly constrained supply. Leasing activity was especially fervent within KEZAD and ICAD, where businesses competed heavily to secure limited quality stock. The capital continues to reap the rewards from expanding foreign direct investment and ongoing industrial expansion programmes.

Dubai demonstrated an even stronger performance, with average industrial rental rates rising by a remarkable 12.3% year-on-year. Occupiers seeking strategically positioned distribution and warehousing facilities drove exceptional rental growth in sought-after areas. The districts witnessing notable activity include Dubai Investments Park, Dubai Industrial City, the National Industries Park, and Dubai South.

The limited availability of premium Grade A space across the emirate's core hubs continues to anchor strong pricing strategies for landlords.

A long-term vision

Matthew Green, Head of Research at CBRE MENA, outlines the impact of these developments: “The past year has underscored the strategic importance of the UAE's industrial and logistics sector. While regional disruptions have created operational challenges for many businesses, they have also accelerated investments, effectively reshaping the country's logistics landscape. From expanded port and rail infrastructure to new manufacturing capacity and logistics developments, we are seeing long-term structural shifts that continue to strengthen the UAE's position as a leading trade, distribution and industrial hub.”

Looking ahead, the market outlook is focused entirely on sustained expansion. Green adds: “Many of the investments we are seeing today extend well beyond the current geopolitical environment and reflect the long-term confidence in the UAE. As infrastructure capacity expands and supply chains continue to evolve, the market remains well positioned to benefit from the next phase of economic growth and diversification.”

The escalating global water crisis represents one of the most profound threats to international stability, public health, and sustained economic development.

As climate change exacerbates resource scarcity, the need for immediate, coordinated intervention has never been more urgent. Confronting this global challenge head-on, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Senegal, in collaboration with the Global Water Organisation (GWO), recently convened a critical high-level ministerial dialogue.

Held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the event, titled “United for Water: A Call for Collective Action”, brought together a diverse coalition of leaders. Ministers, senior government officials, representatives from multilateral development banks, United Nations agencies, and water sector pioneers gathered at the United Nations Headquarters. Their shared objective was clear: to evaluate the growing pressures on global water resources and outline practical pathways to secure a water-resilient future.

The Imperative for Global Cooperation

Water security is no longer a peripheral environmental issue; it is the fundamental bedrock of societal resilience. The UNGA dialogue underscored how water access intersects with every facet of human survival, from food security and robust public health to climate adaptation and economic continuity. During the opening session, high-level political commitment was demonstrated through remarks from the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Multilateral Affairs of Saudi Arabia and the High Representative of the President of the Republic of Senegal, supplemented by a special address from the UN Special Envoy on Water.

Emphasising the necessity of a unified approach, H.E. Dr. Fahad Balghunaim, Head of the GWO Founding Team, articulated the core mission of the assembly:

“Water underpins public health, food security, economic development, climate resilience and stability. Your presence here reflects the importance the international community places on water, and we must now translate that commitment into tangible results. This means aligning financing with credible priorities, accelerating high-impact innovation, strengthening access to reliable data and building institutional capacity for implementation. Collective action asks each of us to bring our strongest capabilities to a purpose we hold in common.”

Translating Dialogue into Tangible Results

A major theme of the UNGA side event was the urgent need to transition from diplomatic discourse to measurable, on-the-ground implementation. Participants actively exchanged national experiences, highlighting how governments and international institutions can forge scalable partnerships to deliver practical solutions.

To achieve these ambitious targets, the dialogue focused on several critical implementation strategies:

• Mobilising Sustainable Financing: Identifying new funding mechanisms and aligning global capital with priority water infrastructure projects.

• Fostering High-Impact Innovation: Developing and deploying advanced technologies to optimise water management, conservation, and distribution.

• Enhancing Data Accessibility: Strengthening the collection and sharing of reliable data to inform evidence-based policy and governance.

• Building Institutional Capacity: Equipping local and national bodies with the expertise required for practical delivery at scale.

By strengthening the connections between governments, development partners, and key stakeholders, the international community aims to create robust frameworks that support water security and broader sustainable development goals.

A Permanent Framework: The Global Water Organisation

Central to these international efforts is the Global Water Organisation. Envisioned as a permanent institutional mechanism dedicated exclusively to global water cooperation, the GWO serves as a collaborative platform connecting countries with the expertise, financing, and partnerships necessary to achieve their objectives.

First announced in September 2023 by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, the organisation has rapidly solidified its position. In May 2025, the GWO’s Charter was officially signed in Riyadh—which serves as its headquarters—by eight founding Member States: Greece, Kuwait, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, and Spain.

Guided by its foundational vision, “United for Water”, the GWO operates across four strategic pillars to empower governments and institutions worldwide:

• Facilitating Financing and Funding: Streamlining investment into critical water infrastructure and sustainable resource programmes.

• Data Insights and Reporting: Providing accurate, comprehensive analytics to guide international water policy.

• Research and Innovation: Driving forward-thinking solutions to overcome complex water scarcity challenges.

• Policy and Governance: Assisting Member States in developing robust frameworks for effective water management.

As global water demands continue to rise, the collaborative efforts championed at the UNGA highlight a decisive shift in international diplomacy. By leveraging the structured support of the GWO, nations are better equipped to coordinate their capabilities and ensure a stable, water-secure future for generations to come.