Artificial intelligence has rapidly transitioned from a theoretical concept to an operational necessity for modern enterprises.

Across the globe, businesses are seeking out computing solutions that can support complex AI-enabled workloads, aiming to catalyse productivity and fortify security. In the Middle East, this technological evolution is moving at an unprecedented pace, with the United Arab Emirates positioning itself as a central hub for digital transformation. Addressing this growing demand, ASUS is set to showcase its latest AI-enabled commercial solutions at the upcoming AI Everything Abu Dhabi event, ensuring that the main announcement takes centre stage right away.

Embracing 'Ubiquitous AI'

The overarching theme for the upcoming showcase is “Ubiquitous AI. Incredible Possibilities”, a concept that reflects the pervasive nature of machine learning and advanced data processing in today’s corporate environment. No longer relegated to isolated departments or experimental projects, artificial intelligence is now being integrated into the very fabric of commercial IT infrastructure. This integration is essential for creating smarter, more efficient, and highly secure ways of working.

Tolga Özdil, Regional Commercial Director, Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) at ASUS, highlighted the significance of this shift within the corporate landscape. “AI is becoming a fundamental part of how organisations work,” he stated, underscoring the reality that businesses must adapt their hardware and software capabilities to remain competitive. The drive towards ubiquitous integration means that every facet of an organisation—from data analytics to endpoint security—can benefit from intelligent automation and enhanced computational power.

Delivering practical value for organisations

While the theoretical applications of artificial intelligence are vast, the primary focus for enterprise leaders remains on practical implementation. Decision-makers are actively looking for commercial portfolios that can seamlessly handle the demanding processing requirements of AI tools without compromising on reliability. At AI Everything Abu Dhabi, the focus will firmly be on AI business solutions that are specifically designed to support these evolving organisational requirements. By providing robust computing frameworks, technology providers aim to bridge the gap between abstract AI concepts and day-to-day business operations.

“We are pleased to be back at AI Everything and to contribute to the conversation around how AI can deliver practical value for organisations,” said Tolga Özdil. This practical value is realised through devices and systems that enhance workflow efficiency, protect sensitive corporate data against sophisticated threats, and empower employees to focus on strategic tasks rather than routine administrative duties.

Prioritising sustainable tech hardware

As the computational demands of artificial intelligence increase, so too does the need for environmentally responsible technology. The modern commercial portfolio must balance high performance with rigorous sustainability standards. The technology sector is increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices to minimise the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and operating advanced computing hardware. Key sustainability initiatives embedded within these modern commercial solutions include:

• Eco-Friendly Manufacturing: A dedicated shift towards the use of more sustainable materials in the production of hardware components and protective packaging.

• Energy Efficiency: Strict compliance with globally recognised standards, including ENERGY STAR 8.0, ensuring that devices consume less power during operation without sacrificing performance capabilities.

• Environmental Certifications: Adherence to the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) standards, which evaluate the environmental impact of technology products over their entire lifecycle.

Fostering industry collaboration

Events such as AI Everything serve as critical touchpoints for the technology ecosystem, bringing together hardware manufacturers, software developers, and enterprise end-users. The opportunity for face-to-face engagement remains vital for understanding the nuanced challenges that different industries face when deploying artificial intelligence.

The event, which is taking place from the 6th to the 7th of October 2026 at the ADNEC Centre, will feature dedicated spaces for these crucial industry dialogues. Key executives, representatives, and stakeholders will be present throughout the exhibition at Hall 2, Booth B40. Their presence is designed to facilitate meaningful conversations with customers, partners, and industry professionals, fostering a collaborative approach to digital transformation.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the commercial landscape, the focus on practical, secure, and sustainable business solutions will only intensify. The developments showcased in Abu Dhabi will likely set the tone for enterprise technology investments across the region in the coming years.

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.”