Read the Digital Magazine

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.

As seasonal rainfall swept across the UAE, LEAD Development highlighted the performance of its integrated water management system at Jubail Island, positioning the project as a model for climate-responsive infrastructure.

The developer said the island’s drainage approach is designed to work with natural processes rather than rely solely on conventional stormwater systems. At the core of the strategy is a network of retention ponds embedded throughout the landscape, which collect and manage rainwater during periods of heavy rainfall.

These ponds, incorporated into parks and communal spaces, are designed to capture surface runoff and reduce the risk of localised flooding. By easing pressure on traditional drainage networks, the system helps maintain operational resilience during peak rainfall events, which are becoming increasingly variable across the region.

According to LEAD Development, the retained water is gradually absorbed into the ground, supporting groundwater recharge and sustaining native vegetation. This process not only improves water efficiency but also contributes to the long-term ecological balance of the island’s environment.

The initiative reflects a broader shift in urban planning across Abu Dhabi, where developers are integrating sustainability into core infrastructure design. Rather than treating water management as a standalone engineering challenge, projects such as Jubail Island are embedding it into the overall living environment, aligning functionality with environmental and social benefits.

Beyond flood mitigation, the system delivers additional environmental gains. By reducing dependence on treated water for irrigation, it supports more efficient resource use while helping to preserve surrounding ecosystems, including mangrove habitats. These natural assets play a key role in coastal protection and biodiversity, making their conservation a priority for sustainable development in the emirate.

The presence of water features across public spaces also enhances the visual appeal and liveability of the community. Landscaped areas designed around the retention ponds provide residents with a closer connection to nature, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on wellness and outdoor living.

Jubail Island forms part of a wider sustainability-driven development model, combining low-density planning with the protection of natural habitats. LEAD Development said this approach is intended to create a balanced environment that supports both ecological resilience and long-term community wellbeing.

As climate considerations continue to influence real estate strategies across the UAE, projects incorporating adaptive infrastructure are gaining prominence. Developers are increasingly exploring solutions that address environmental challenges while delivering tangible benefits for residents.

LEAD Development noted that the system at Jubail Island demonstrates how infrastructure can be reimagined to serve multiple purposes, from managing rainfall to enhancing biodiversity and improving quality of life.

With changing weather patterns placing greater emphasis on resilience, such integrated solutions are expected to play a growing role in shaping the next generation of sustainable communities.

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.

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.

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. 

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.