In The Spotlight
Joby’s aircraft can carry a pilot and four passengers. (Image source: Joby)
Joby Aviation completes first piloted air taxi flights in Dubai
Joby Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has completed a landmark series of piloted wingborne flights in Dubai, marking its first operational demonstrations in the region and a major milestone in its global commercialisation plans.
The successful tests signal the start of Joby’s market readiness efforts in the UAE ahead of planned commercial passenger service by 2026.
The achievement forms a key part of Joby’s broader commercial strategy, which includes direct operations, aircraft sales, and regional partnerships. These Dubai test flights also represent a first in the eVTOL sector, with Joby leading efforts to bring advanced air mobility to one of the world’s most forward-thinking urban centres.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), attended the inaugural flights, underlining the strategic alignment between Joby and the RTA's long-term vision for sustainable, next-generation transport solutions. The milestone follows the 2024 agreement with the RTA, which granted Joby exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years.
Approval from UAE authorities
In close coordination with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Joby is now accelerating the integration of its service model into the emirate’s urban fabric. Initial flight routes are expected to link Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai. A journey from DXB to Palm Jumeirah, for instance, would take just 12 minutes, significantly reducing travel time compared to the current 45-minute car ride.
Joby’s aircraft can carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph (around 320 km/h), all while operating with zero emissions and ultra-low noise. Designed for urban mobility, it offers a quieter, cleaner, and faster alternative for short-haul trips and cross-city commutes.
These flights also build on nearly two years of hot-weather testing at Edwards Air Force Base in the US and demonstrate Joby’s expanding operational readiness and logistical capabilities. With over 15 years of engineering development, more than 40,000 miles of test flights, and validated multi-aircraft operations, Joby is fast approaching its goal of making efficient, quiet, and sustainable air travel a reality.
“The United Arab Emirates is a launchpad for a global revolution in how we move,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “In addition to building a performant aircraft, we’ve also been maturing our program for anticipated passenger service with global operational capabilities and scalable, durable manufacturing. Our flights and operational footprint in Dubai are a monumental step toward weaving air taxi services into the fabric of daily life worldwide. With our visionary partners, we’re igniting a future where quiet, clean flight is the new normal, and we’re demonstrating the leadership of American innovation on the global stage.”
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said, “The launch of the air taxi’s trial operation reflects UAE leadership’s vision to advance sustainable and innovative mobility across all public and shared transport modes. It underscores Dubai’s commitment to keeping pace with rapid global transformations and developing future-ready solutions to emerging mobility challenges.
“The air taxi will introduce a new premium service for residents and visitors seeking smooth, fast, and safe travel to key destinations across the city. The service will also strengthen integration with public transport systems and individual mobility options such as e-scooters and bicycles, enabling seamless multimodal travel and enhanced connectivity across Dubai, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for all passengers.”
Also read: Air taxis to take-off in Saudi skies?
Thermal storage needs to be scaled in the region. (Image source: AED Energy)
Aed Energy secures investment to scale thermal storage in MENA
Aed Energy has secured investment from Catalyst, the Masdar City and bp-backed accelerator dedicated to advancing climate technologies across the Middle East and beyond.
This funding will support Aed Energy’s expansion in the region and accelerate the deployment of its long-duration thermal energy storage systems.
As part of the partnership, Aed Energy will establish a branch office in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, reinforcing its commitment to developing decentralised energy, water, and cooling infrastructure across the GCC and wider MENA region.
The new office situates the company within a global centre for clean energy innovation and commercialisation.
Optimised operations
Catalyst, backed by Masdar City and bp, provides a strong platform for scaling practical, impact-driven technologies.
With access to strategic partners and deep regional expertise, Catalyst’s investment will help Aed Energy rapidly deploy its storage systems in markets where stable, dispatchable clean energy is crucial to meeting growing demand.
Aed Energy’s modular thermal batteries store surplus renewable electricity as high-temperature heat and deliver zero-carbon baseload energy on demand.
Suitable for applications in heat, power, and cooling, these MWh-scale systems are designed for reliable, low-maintenance operation.
Their flexibility makes them particularly effective in settings where conventional batteries underperform, including remote grids, heavy industry, and integrated energy–water–cooling systems.
The Construction Authority for Potable Water and Wastewater in Egypt.
Acciona's role in the future of wastewater treatment in Egypt
ACCIONA, along with local firm DHCU, obtained an €35mn (US$38.15mn) contract from Egypt’s Construction Authority for Potable Water and Wastewater (CAPW) so it can operate and maintain Phase II of Cairo's Gabal El Asfar wastewater treatment complex.
The eight-year agreement rehabilitates also upgrades two major plants within the facility so that they can each treat 500,000 m³ per day.
Other developments
GA will integrate its existing digital use cases into the EX cells. (Image source: EGA)
EGA advances next-gen smelting with EX technology
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has commenced hot metal production at pilot reduction cells for its next-generation aluminium smelting technology, known as EX.
The pilot programme, taking place at EGA’s Al Taweelah site, marks a major step toward scaling up the EX technology for full industrial deployment.
It lays the groundwork for EGA’s future expansion in low-carbon primary aluminium production, while also reinforcing the company’s standing as a leading provider of smelting technology to the global aluminium sector.
In addition to testing the technology’s operational readiness, the pilot will serve as a proving ground for the most advanced Industry 4.0 applications in aluminium manufacturing.
Cutting emissions
EGA will integrate its existing digital use cases into the EX cells and is also developing cutting-edge capabilities that leverage artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to enhance operational performance.
EGA has been developing its own aluminium smelting technologies in the UAE for over 35 years.
Since the 1990s, the company has used its proprietary technology for every smelter expansion and has successfully retrofitted all older production lines.
In 2016, EGA became the first UAE industrial company to license its core process technology internationally through a landmark agreement with Aluminium Bahrain, which used EGA’s technology for its Potline 6 expansion.
EX is the 10th generation of EGA’s in-house smelting technology, with pilot cell construction beginning in late 2024.
Designed to increase output while reducing energy consumption and emissions, EX offers improved productivity per sqm compared to the company’s DX+ Ultra platform.
Depending on the variant, EX is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 5% to 12% per tonne of aluminium produced.
EGA’s DX+ Ultra is already considered among the most energy-efficient smelting technologies in the global market.
The company launched its digital transformation in 2021 to improve cost-efficiency, responsiveness, safety, and sustainability.
Since then, EGA has implemented more than 80 Industry 4.0 applications, generating roughly US$100mn in value. In January 2025, EGA became the first aluminium company globally, and the first industrial firm in the UAE, to be named an Industry 4.0 Global Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, chief executive officer of EGA, said, “First hot metal from these EX Technology reduction cells is a key milestone for both our technology leadership and future growth at EGA. Our goal is to expand our primary aluminium production with the most advanced and smart aluminium smelting technology, to build the smelter of the future and to create further value for EGA through smelting technology partnerships around the world."
Also read: EGA signs agreements to produce gallium in the UAE
Ali Abdulla Kanoo, Deputy Chairman of Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo (KSA) and Chairman of Kanoo Industrial & Energy. (Image source: Kanoo Energy)
Kanoo Energy showcases industrial solutions at Saudi Industry Forum
Kanoo Energy, a division of Kanoo Industrial & Energy and part of Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Company Limited, will participate in the Saudi Industry Forum 2025, taking place from 23-25 June at the Dhahran Convention and Exhibition Center.
Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the event serves as a national platform for advancing industrial innovation and enhancing local capabilities aligned with Vision 2030.
As one of the Gulf’s most established industrial players, Kanoo Energy will showcase its comprehensive in-Kingdom service offering during the forum.
Highlights include its Height Safety Services and Process Solutions portfolio, which features DOPAK’s precision sampling systems and instrumentation from SICK.
The company will also spotlight its locally manufactured safety and pressure relief valves, as well as mechanical services for pumps, covering refurbishment, diagnostics, and performance testing.
KESS solutions
In addition, Kanoo’s Electrical Diagnostic Solutions and Workshop Services will present its capabilities in automation, system retrofits, and on-site maintenance.
Through Adage Kanoo Industrial Company (AKIC), the company will exhibit its gas analytics and industrial instrumentation expertise, including analyser manufacturing and calibration systems.
Kanoo Environment & Sustainability Solutions (KESS) will highlight solutions in emissions control, robotics, additive manufacturing, water treatment, and energy optimisation, supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader environmental and sustainability objectives.
“Our participation is a reflection of our alignment with the Kingdom’s industrial ambitions,” said Ali Abdulla Kanoo, deputy chairman, Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo KSA and chairman Kanoo Industrial and Energy. “We are proud to support national efforts to localise supply chains, digitise operations, and deliver long-term impact through industrial self-sufficiency.”
“Everything we do is centred around delivering localised future ready solutions,” added Fahad Kanoo, board member, Kanoo Industrial & Energy. “From developing Saudi talent to investing in in-Kingdom infrastructure, we’re focused on building industrial strength from within.”
“The Saudi Industry Forum is an opportunity to demonstrate how Kanoo Energy is translating national strategy into action,” said Manoj Tripathy, CEO, Kanoo Industrial & Energy. “We are building capabilities that enable industries to adapt faster, operate smarter, and grow more sustainably within the Kingdom.”
Also read: Kanoo Machinery showcases latest innovations in Jeddah
DEWA and Microsoft has joined hands together to transform utility sector. (Image source: DEWA)
Transforming utilities: DEWA’s digital roadmap with Microsoft
Following the global digital transformation trend, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Microsoft have joined hands together to transform utility sector
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO, DEWA had an official meeting with Naim Yazbeck, general manager of Microsoft UAE, to delve into new opportunities for collaboration in digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing in the utilities sector.
The main agenda of meeting was how Microsoft’s innovative technologies can advocate DEWA’s innovation-led projects and help achieve its sustainability goals. Both parties discussed improving operational efficiency and building next-generation infrastructure alongwith the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
Gen AI tools
HE Al Tayer said, “Our collaboration with Microsoft is instrumental in transforming DEWA to become the world’s first AI-native utility, leveraging artificial intelligence across all core operations. By integrating AI and cloud-based solutions, we aim to enhance our renewable energy capabilities, drive operational excellence and provide world-class services in line with Dubai’s vision for sustainability and innovation.”
Yazbeck acknowledging the Microsoft’s support for the UAE’s digital future stated, “Our work with energy leaders like DEWA enables us to co-develop transformative solutions that redefine energy management, advance sustainability goals and build intelligent, resilient infrastructure across Dubai.”
DEWA is already employing Microsoft’s generative AI tools, like the Microsoft Power Platform and the Microsoft 365 Copilot. These have helped DEWA improve internal productivity, service quality, and satisfaction for both customers as well as employees.
DEWA has been an initial investor in AI since 2017 and wasfirst among the utilities globally to adopt Microsoft’s Copilot platform.
This new partnership reflects Dubai’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and technology-driven growth in the energy sector.
Also read: Middle East Energy 2025 closes with record turnout
Johnson Controls Arabia will deliver a state-of-the-art cooling solution powered by YORK. (Image source: JCA)
Johnson Controls Arabia to supply cooling system for Saudi EV facility
Johnson Controls Arabia has entered into a strategic partnership with Modern Building Leaders (MBL) to provide and operate a fully integrated YORK cooling system for the new CEER manufacturing facility in King Abdullah Economic City.
Johnson Controls Arabia is a global leader in HVAC systems, smart building controls, and energy efficiency.
The company said that its collaboration with CEER represents a significant advancement in Saudi Arabia’s industrial technology landscape and supports the Kingdom’s “trailblazing end-to-end electric vehicle brand.”
Under the agreement, Johnson Controls Arabia will deliver a state-of-the-art cooling solution powered by YORK technologies, featuring 12 chillers and various cooling units with a combined capacity of 33,000 TR.
HVAC innovations
The CEER facility, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle industry, is designed to produce world-class electric cars, prioritising sustainability, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.
The partnership aligns with the launch of the region’s first YORK air-cooled chiller production line, boasting a 600-ton capacity, at the YORK manufacturing complex in King Abdullah Economic City.
This milestone was accompanied by the opening of Saudi Arabia’s first AHRI-certified performance testing laboratory for air-cooled chillers of this capacity, cementing the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for innovation in the HVAC and cooling sector.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior executives, including Tareq Telmesani, CEO of MBL, and Mohamed Fathy El-Bordany, Plant Facility and Maintenance Director at CEER.
This agreement underscores Johnson Controls Arabia’s commitment to supporting major manufacturing initiatives in Saudi Arabia, enhancing its role as a trusted partner in delivering high-efficiency, sustainable cooling solutions that meet global standards and bolstering the Kingdom’s industrial infrastructure.
Commenting on the milestone, Dr. Mohanad AlShaikh, CEO of Johnson Controls Arabia, stated, “We are proud to play a role in this ambitious national project that reflects our commitment to delivering smart, sustainable solutions aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Our success in this initiative demonstrates the trust our partners place in YORK’s technical strength and reliability, and our ability to provide integrated solutions that rival the world’s leading providers, driven by expert engineering teams, fast execution, and excellent after-sales support.”
Editor's pick
The Big 5 Construct Egypt
Venue:
Egypt International Exhibition Centre (EIEC)
Dates:
19 - 21 June 2023
Website:
https://www.thebig5constructegypt.com/
