Technology

These vehicles are outfitted with cutting-edge technologies. (Image source: Hamad International Airport)

In a first for the region, Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), in partnership with MATAR and Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of the Qatar Foundation, has started a project to test the newest autonomous transportation technologies at Hamad International Airport (DOH) as part of its airside operations.

Advanced autonomous vehicles, such as an autonomous bus and an autonomous baggage tractor, will be incorporated into the proof-of-concept trials, which began their first Autonomous staff bus trials testing on Sunday, February 16.

These vehicles are outfitted with cutting-edge technologies including GPS, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered systems, and a variety of smart sensors and lidars that are intended to improve operational efficiency and safety.

Real-time monitoring, automated charging systems, and round-the-clock operations in a variety of weather conditions are among their capabilities.

Supporting national growth

Through process optimisation and a reduction in manual involvement, the project prioritises innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

The State of Qatar's larger autonomous transportation framework will eventually benefit from the successful completion of this proof-of-concept project, which will set the groundwork for growing the autonomous fleet.

Hamad Ali Al Khater, chief operating officer at Hamad International Airport, said, "Our airport is proud to lead the way by trialing autonomous vehicles. This initiative reflects our dedication to enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability. We are excited to lead the way into a future where technology and mobility seamlessly converge and look forward to a successful outcome through collaboration with our key stakeholders”.

Murat Nursel, senior vice president at QAS, commented, “We have an ambitious vision for the years ahead—one that demands a company-wide commitment to execution and innovation. At QAS, we are driven by a relentless pursuit of advancement and excellence. The testing of autonomous vehicles, in collaboration with MATAR and Qatar Science & Technology Park, underscores our dedication to supporting our nation’s vision while enhancing operational efficiency. We remain steadfast in our mission to redefine excellence, delivering unparalleled value to both our customers and employees."

Dr Jack Lau, president of QSTP, said, "At QSTP, we are proud to support the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies that redefine industries. This collaboration demonstrates not only our commitment to advancing technology but also to driving the digital transformation of one of the world’s most complex and high-risk sectors—aviation. The Level 4 autonomous vehicle solutions being trialed at Hamad International Airport, developed within QSTP to shape the future of smart mobility. As we push the boundaries of technological excellence, initiatives like this align seamlessly with Qatar National Vision 2030, reinforcing our collective role in fostering a sustainable, tech-driven economy."

Also read: UAE maps air corridors for cargo drones and air taxis

The agreement aims to bolster national capabilities. (Image source: Safran)

At IDEX 2025, Safran Aircraft Engines and Abu Dhabi Aviation Group (ADA) signed an MoU to enhance collaboration in military aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.

The agreement aims to bolster national capabilities while expanding international opportunities in aerospace maintenance.

ADA Group, the parent company of GAL and AMMROC—two key players in integrated aviation support and military MRO solutions—plays a vital role in advancing the UAE’s defence and aviation sector.

Leveraging expertise

Through this partnership, Safran Aircraft Engines and ADA will jointly explore engine maintenance opportunities, combining ADA subsidiaries’ expertise with Safran’s extensive knowledge as an engine manufacturer.

The collaboration will focus on ensuring sustained operational readiness for military aviation, enhancing local depot-level maintenance (DLM) capabilities, and strengthening support for Safran’s military engine portfolio.

By leveraging shared expertise, both companies aim to reinforce the UAE’s position as a leader in aerospace maintenance and defence operations.

The signing of this MoU aligns with the UAE’s strategic vision to strengthen its indigenous defence capabilities while positioning the country as a global hub for aerospace services.

By integrating expertise and resources, Safran Aircraft Engines and ADA will jointly pursue initiatives that enhance fleet availability, improve delivery timelines, and ensure mission readiness for the UAE’s armed forces.

His Excellency Nader Ahmed AlHammadi, chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, commented, “This agreement with Safran Aircraft Engines is a strategic step in reinforcing the UAE’s aerospace and defence ecosystem. By integrating Safran’s world-class expertise with ADA’s proven capabilities in aviation maintenance and operational support, we are empowering fleet readiness, enhancing technical proficiency, and ensuring sustained mission success. This partnership aligns with our commitment to advancing capabilities and positioning the UAE as a global leader in aerospace services, while delivering long-term value to our defence and aviation sectors.”

“We are honored to partner with ADA to support the UAE’s defence sector,” said Christophe BRUNEAU, EVP & general manager for the military engines division at Safran Aircraft Engines. “This collaboration represents a significant step forward in leveraging our combined expertise to deliver world-class MRO solutions. By working together, we aim to anticipate and address the maintenance needs of the UAE armed forces and to reinforce our MRO global network, reinforcing fleet reliability and sustainability.”

The IATA-123Carbon partnership will focus on three main elements.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and 123Carbon have established a strategic agreement to enhance interoperability between their Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) registries.

Interoperability will improve transparency, prevent errors in emissions reporting (including double issuance), and streamline certificate maintenance among SAF registries.

The IATA-123Carbon partnership will focus on three main elements:

1. A unique identifier and alignment of relevant data enable registry sharing.
2. A technique for exchanging information in order to avoid double issuance.
3. A process for resolving disputes.

“User trust is essential. The transparency that comes with interoperability will ensure that our registries can function cohesively to maximise SAF’s potential to support aviation’s decarbonisation. The broader the alignment among registry providers, the better. We welcome all entities active in this field to work with IATA and 123Carbon towards global interoperability between all registries,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s senior vice president sustainability and chief economist.

“123Carbon is committed to establishing integrity and trust in the market for Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) within multi-modal transportation (e.g. air, sea, road & rail). With IATA, we have found a strong partner in the aviation sector that shares our beliefs. This collaboration allows SAF providers, airlines, freight forwarders, and corporate entities to utilise our platforms without the concern of double issuance, whilst managing their SAF certificates digitally on our platform,” said Jeroen van Heiningen, managing director, 123Carbon.

The IATA SAF Registry will be launched in April 2025 with the goal of facilitating the broadest possible use of SAF in aviation decarbonisation by standardising the market for SAF certifications. After registering a SAF batch, SAF certificates are provided, which include product and environmental characteristic information. As part of its preparation for the Registry's introduction, IATA has published the IATA SAF Accounting and Reporting Methodology.

Over 50 organisations, including airlines, fuel producers, and state governments, have contributed to the creation of the IATA SAF Registry. The IATA SAF Registry is being developed in collaboration with a wide range of SAF partners, including 123Carbon.

With over 50 global users, 123Carbon is the first independent platform for carbon offsets across all forms of transportation. It assists fuel suppliers, fleet operators, forwarders, and cargo owners with the issuing, management, and transfer of Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) for all modalities and technologies, including SAF. In addition to the central registry, 123Carbon provides a private Book & Claim solution that SAF providers and airlines can use to assign company-branded SAF certificates to their clients in a private environment. This is also recognised as an important tool for forwarders who operate across many modes of transport and are looking for a unified approach to apportion their environmental advantages.

Also read: SAF One and Airbus partner to promote SAF adoption

Renie is turning waste into a valuable resource. (Image source: Renie)

In a world where waste is often seen as a burden, Sander Van Waes, the founder and CEO of Renie, is on a mission to transform this perception.

Through his company's innovative technology, Renie is turning waste into a valuable resource, creating new revenue streams for businesses and driving sustainability.

Renie's core focus is to address the fundamental issue that plagues waste management globally - the low perceived value of waste. "Waste is a huge issue, and the value of waste is low for everyone," said Van Waes. "That's the reason why you see waste ending up everywhere in the environment, landfills, etc." Recognising this, Renie has developed a unique solution that collects waste, extracts data, and monetises it, making waste an income source rather than a cost.

The traditional waste management model typically involves companies paying waste management firms to collect and dispose of their waste, with no return on investment. Renie's approach flips this paradigm on its head. "We developed hardware and software solutions to collect waste, monetise it, and make waste an income to companies," said Van Waes. 

Data analytics

The key is that the data generated from the waste only has value once it reaches the recycling facility, incentivising companies to ensure proper waste handling.

At the heart of Renie's technology is a focus on data analytics and environmental impact. The company's dashboard provides clients with insights into their carbon footprint reduction, energy savings, and the specific types of waste being diverted from landfills. This data-driven approach not only incentivises companies to improve their waste management practices but also contributes to the broader sustainability agenda.

Renie’s partnerships with government entities, such as Ajman Tourism in the UAE, further demonstrate the potential for widespread adoption of its innovative approach. The company also has the Government of Fujairah as one of its major clients. 

Mohamed Salah, managing director at Renuterra [Renie’s partner], said, "At Renuterra, we are committed to not only providing innovative waste management solutions but also fostering public awareness about sustainability and recycling. Renie’s smart bin technology plays a pivotal role in this mission by serving as an educational tool for communities, especially children, to understand the importance of responsible waste disposal. By collaborating with partners like the Fujairah environmental authority and showcasing Renie's smart bin technologies at platforms like WFES, we aim to inspire a culture of sustainability across the UAE, empowering the next generation to lead the charge toward a greener future."

Renie's global expansion plans are ambitious, with the company already establishing a factory in August 2023 and planning to export its hardware to nine countries this year, spanning the GCC region, Europe, and beyond.

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