In The Spotlight
Report: Qatar exploring decentralised water solutions
Qatar is intensifying efforts to diversify its water sources as concerns over long-term supply security grow, despite its advanced desalination capacity. A new report by Oxford Business Group highlights the increasing need for alternative solutions across the country and the wider MENA region.
Frequently identified by the United Nations as one of the most water-stressed nations globally, Qatar faces a complex challenge: while desalination has enabled reliable supply, it also creates dependency on centralised systems that can be vulnerable to disruption.
The analysis, produced in collaboration with Skydrops Sustainable Water Technologies, explores how decentralised water solutions are gaining traction as a complementary approach. As demand rises alongside population growth and urban expansion, policymakers are increasingly evaluating how distributed systems can strengthen resilience.
The report points to several factors shaping this shift, including fluctuations in energy costs, supply chain pressures and climate-related risks. In addition, heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the region has reinforced concerns around over-reliance on large-scale, centralised infrastructure.
Within this context, technologies such as atmospheric water generation are emerging as viable supplementary sources, particularly in densely populated urban areas where demand is concentrated. These systems can operate independently of traditional networks, offering flexibility and reducing pressure on existing desalination facilities.
The video also highlights the role of digital innovation in transforming water management. Advanced tools, including artificial intelligence-driven optimisation and smart distribution networks, are being deployed to improve efficiency while lowering the carbon footprint associated with water production.
Industry leaders note that while desalination will remain a cornerstone of Qatar’s water strategy, diversification is becoming increasingly important. Decentralised solutions are seen as a way to address distribution challenges and support expanding urban centres without requiring extensive infrastructure buildout.
From a broader regional perspective, water security is now closely linked to economic resilience and sustainable development. Qatar’s evolving approach illustrates how established systems can be enhanced through emerging technologies, creating a more adaptive and balanced model for the future.
As water demand continues to climb across the Gulf, integrating alternative solutions alongside traditional infrastructure is expected to play a critical role in ensuring long-term sustainability.
MENA power demand surges as clean energy reshapes outlook
The International Atomic Energy Agency has underscored the growing importance of clean energy in shaping the Middle East and North Africa’s evolving power landscape, as electricity demand continues to accelerate across the region.
Long recognised as a backbone of the global oil and gas market, MENA is now experiencing a parallel transformation driven by rapid population growth, urban expansion and higher living standards.
Increased reliance on cooling systems and desalination has further intensified power consumption, placing additional pressure on existing infrastructure.
According to the IAEA’s report, The Future of Electricity in the Middle East and North Africa, electricity demand has risen sharply over the past two decades.
Since 2000, consumption has tripled, climbing by more than 1,000 terawatt-hours. This upward trajectory shows little sign of slowing, with forecasts indicating a further 50% increase by 2035.
As governments respond to these pressures, attention is turning towards building more resilient and lower-emission energy systems.
The report highlights how clean energy technologies can support this shift, offering a route to reliable power supply while also opening up new industrial and economic opportunities.
Both energy exporters and importers stand to benefit, particularly through participation in emerging clean energy value chains.
In parallel with long-term planning, several countries are already taking steps to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
In Algeria, Egypt, Iraq and Libya, collaborative initiatives have focused on curbing methane emissions and strengthening overall energy security.
Algeria, for instance, has launched a new programme in partnership with international stakeholders and domestic specialists.
The initiative aims to expand methane monitoring and mitigation efforts, while also developing local expertise through to 2027.
The IAEA notes that such targeted actions, combined with broader adoption of renewable energy and efficiency measures, will be critical in ensuring the region can meet rising demand without compromising sustainability goals.
Kuwait steps up water quality monitoring efforts
Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority (EPA) is strengthening its oversight of water resources through enhanced monitoring systems designed to safeguard public health and ensure environmental sustainability, according to a report by Arab Times.
The authority is deploying advanced tracking mechanisms to assess water quality in line with international benchmarks, aiming to maintain access to safe and clean water supplies amid current conditions.
In a televised statement, Abdullah Al-Yateem, head of the EPA’s Chemical Testing Department, said water quality management is guided by standards derived from Kuwait’s Environmental Protection Law. He noted that a combination of chemical and biological indicators is used to detect contaminants and verify that water remains within safe limits.
Al-Yateem highlighted the critical role of EPA laboratories in analysing both drinking water and seawater samples, ensuring continuous monitoring across the entire water cycle. He explained that inspection teams conduct routine field visits across all governorates, collecting random samples of drinking water for laboratory testing to confirm compliance with regulatory standards.
The monitoring programme also extends to marine environments. Samples are regularly collected from coastal areas across Kuwait, from the northern to southern shores, and analysed to assess seawater quality. This process is supported by coordination with other relevant authorities, which contribute additional testing data to strengthen overall monitoring efficiency.
In addition to water testing, the EPA is carrying out checks on marine life, including fish and other organisms, to ensure they are safe for consumption and free from pollutants. These measures are part of a broader effort to protect ecosystems and maintain public confidence in environmental quality.
Al-Yateem reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to adopting best practices in environmental monitoring and resource management. He also stressed the importance of public awareness, encouraging responsible water use as part of wider sustainability efforts.
The EPA sought to reassure residents that drinking water supplies, as well as marine environments, remain safe, emphasising that ongoing testing has not identified concerning levels of contamination.
The intensified monitoring comes as regional authorities place greater emphasis on environmental protection and resource security, particularly in relation to water, which remains a critical asset in arid climates such as Kuwait.
EGA outlines recovery after Al Taweelah attack
Emirates Global Aluminium has issued an initial operational update following the recent missile and drone strikes on its Al Taweelah complex, confirming extensive damage and a prolonged recovery timeline.
The facility, located within Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi, was fully evacuated as a precaution, with all major units placed into emergency shutdown. The affected assets include the smelter, casthouse, power plant, alumina refinery and recycling plant, all of which form a critical part of the company’s global production network.
EGA said restoration of primary aluminium output will require significant repairs and a phased restart of reduction cells, with early estimates indicating that full recovery could take up to 12 months. The restart process is expected to be gradual, reflecting the technical complexity of smelter operations and the need to ensure safe recommissioning.
While the smelter faces a longer timeline, the company indicated that parts of the alumina refinery and recycling plant may resume operations sooner, depending on the outcome of detailed damage assessments currently under way.
Chief executive Abdulnasser Bin Kalban said the company’s immediate priority remains the wellbeing of its workforce. “We are deeply disturbed by this attack on our people, who come from more than 40 nations and were simply doing their jobs. We thank God no one received life-threatening injuries and that those hurt are recovering well.
“Our Al Taweelah site is a foundation of the global economy, and a significant contributor to global supply, making this incident damaging to industries and prosperity worldwide. We will do our very best to support our customers around the world during this difficult period. We are working directly with customers whose deliveries might be impacted by the situation at Al Taweelah.”
The Al Taweelah site is one of the largest aluminium production complexes globally, producing 1.6 million tonnes of cast metal in 2025. It also houses an alumina refinery with annual output of 2.4 million tonnes, supplying nearly half of EGA’s alumina requirements, and a recycling plant with a capacity of 185,000 tonnes per year.
To mitigate supply disruptions, EGA confirmed it holds significant metal inventories, both in transit and at storage locations within the UAE and internationally. These reserves are expected to provide short-term support to customers while recovery efforts continue.
The company is coordinating closely with stakeholders to manage the operational and commercial impact, while maintaining strict safety protocols during the restoration phase.
Industry analysts note that disruptions at Al Taweelah could have broader implications for global aluminium markets, given the facility’s scale and strategic importance. EGA said it will continue to provide updates as assessments progress and recovery plans are refined.
Jubail Island showcases rainwater management system
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.
Dubai rolls out driverless taxis via Apollo Go app
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.
Global renewable capacity surges to record 5,149GW
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.