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Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), signed a 30-year water purchaser agreement with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power for phase 1 of the Hassyan sea water desalination project using solar power. The project is part of DEWA’s efforts to increase its water desalination capacity to 730 MIGD by 2030, from 490 MIGD at present. The project aligns with Dubai’s unparalleled economic growth and the Emirate’s thriving construction sector. This complements the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, addresses the substantial population growth, and meets the steadily increasing demand for water in domestic, commercial, and other consumer sectors.
The agreement was signed by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA; and Mr. Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman and Founder of ACWA Power. Officials from both entities were present.
Last August, DEWA announced ACWA Power as the ‘Preferred Bidder’ for the construction and operation of the 180 Million Imperial Gallon per Day (MIGD) Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Hassyan Phase 1 Independent Water Producer (IWP) project, with an investment of AED 3.357 billion (USD 914 million). The allocated land area for the project is 252,300 square metres. DEWA achieved a world record by receiving the lowest bid of 0.36536 USD/m³ of desalinated water. This project is the largest of its kind in the world for water production based on Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) technology using solar energy. It is DEWA’s first Independent Water Producer (IWP) model project. The water desalination capacity in Dubai is currently 490 MIGD. This capacity will increase to 670 MIGD in 2026 with the completion of this project.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) signed a 30-year water purchaser agreement with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power for phase 1 of the Hassyan sea water desalination project using solar power
“We are pleased to sign the agreement with ACWA Power. This project supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance water supplies in Dubai from sustainable sources and achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. We are building water production plants based on Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) technology which require less energy than Multi-Stage Flash distillation (MSF) plants, making it a more sustainable choice for water desalination. By 2030, DEWA aims to produce 100% of desalinated water by a mix of clean energy and waste heat,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said: “We ensure the continuation of the 100% availability of DEWA’s services according to the world’s highest levels of availability, reliability, and efficiency thanks to our state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced technologies. This is based on innovation and sound scientific planning so that we contribute to making the UAE the world’s leading nation by its centennial in 2071.”
Mohammad A. Abunayyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors, ACWA Power, said: “This agreement between ACWA Power and DEWA is another example of the strong collaboration between ourselves and our valued partners in the United Arab Emirates. The Hassyan IWP will be the largest plant of its kind in the world, and we have set a new record for the lowest levelised water tariff. The plant will be highly efficient, desalinating water through reverse osmosis powered by solar energy. With our years of experience in the industry, ACWA Power has ambitious aims and we are proud of continually breaking records through innovation and using new technologies to enhance water security. With this project, we are reaffirming our commitment with our partners towards achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.”
DP World announced today the completion of a $400 million expansion project at the Port of Callao in the Republic of Peru, to enhance the container handling capacity of the port’s southern terminal by 80%.
The Bicentennial Pier expansion project focused on increasing the length of the berth from 650 meters to 1,050 metres, making Callao one of the few ports in South America capable of accommodating three ships, or two mega ships, at the same time.
On the other hand, the project increased the handling capacity from 1.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot containers) to 2.7 million TEUs annually, and the container yard was also expanded to reach a total area of 40 hectares.
According to DP World, the Callao Port expansion project comes within the framework of ambitions to expand in Latin America, which were announced last month.
His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World Group, said: “We are proud to contribute to a more sustainable future for Peru and for global trade.”
He added: “This investment confirms our firm commitment to supporting economic growth in the region and strengthening Callao’s leading logistics position, as a commercial center that sets new standards for sustainable port operations in South America.”
For his part, Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World in Peru and Ecuador, said that the completion of the Bicentennial Pier expansion project represents a turning point for the economy in Peru, which considers the port of Callao its economic center, through which more than 90 passengers are handled. % of the goods transported by containers in the country, and 60% of those goods are transported through the southern terminal.
In addition to expanding the quay and container handling capabilities, the project also adds state-of-the-art electrical powered equipment to the southern terminal at Callao Port. Including 15 cranes and 20 internal transport vehicles, making it the first port terminal in the world to have an equipment fleet of this size.
Merino added: “With the introduction of the latest electrically powered equipment and the application of sustainable practices, we are paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future of global trade.”
To promote the transition towards sustainable energy in Peru, the southern terminal in the port of Callao now has the first electric vehicle charging station in Latin America with a capacity of 2 megawatts, to support DP World’s fleet of electric internal transportation vehicles, and contribute to reducing more than 2,000 tons of emissions. carbon dioxide annually.
Wasl, one of the largest real estate development and management companies in the region, has set a new Guinness World Records™ title for the ‘Highest Running Track on a Building’. Wasl’s Sky Track, located on the 43rd floor of 1 Residences, the luxury residential tower within the Wasl1 master development, exemplifies Dubai’s commitment to promoting fitness and healthy living and encouraging residents to pursue an active lifestyle.
Situated 157m above the ground, Sky Track is a 335m rooftop track where fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a unique experience surpassing a traditional gym workout. Walkers and runners alike are able to enjoy unrivalled views of Dubai that include Burj Khalifa, Zabeel Park, The Dubai Frame, Sheikh Zayed Road, old Dubai, and the Arabian Gulf.
The global fitness industry has seen significant growth in recent years aligned with increased awareness of the importance of physical activity. Community events organised in Dubai such as the 30-day Dubai Fitness Challenge have succeeded in inspiring residents to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Responding to this societal shift, Wasl prioritised health and well-being in its innovative development process by building the most iconic running track in the world.
His Excellency Hesham Al Qassim, CEO of Wasl, said: “We are delighted to achieve another Guinness World Records title for Dubai. We are humbled that Sky Track has achieved a world record, and happy that it will enhance residents’ daily lives. 1 Residences is a unique development that reflects the vision of our wise leadership in striving for excellence in all spheres. We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating projects that inspire and improve the well-being of residents and communities.”
Talal Omar, VP – MENA & Türkiye, Guinness World Records™ said: “We are consistently delighted by the ingenuity and ambition of record holders around the world. The achievement of constructing the highest running track on a building is not just a testament to architectural prowess but also to human aspiration. It’s remarkable how boundaries are continually pushed to redefine what’s possible.
This track isn’t just a feat of engineering, but a symbol of Dubai’s commitment reaching for the skies—both literally and metaphorically. We congratulate everyone involved in this monumental accomplishment.”
This is the second time that Wasl has been recognised by Guinness World Records following its ‘Largest Aerial Projection Screen’ record, which took to the skies in celebration of ‘Year of Zayed’ in 2018 to commemorate the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE.
1 Residences is a mixed-use development comprising 753 ready-to-move-in units. Residents can enjoy an array of exceptional dining, leisure, and entertainment facilities within the project, which also features two swimming pools, two state-of-the-art gymnasiums, a podium courtyard, children’s play areas, and BBQ pits, among many others.
Dubai has been ranked among the top 10 cities in the Global Power City Index (GPCI) 2023, a prestigious and internationally recognised league table issued by the Mori Memorial Foundation’s Institute for Urban Strategies in Japan. The new ranking makes Dubai the first city in the Middle East to attain this prestigious global recognition.
In the 2023 index, which ranks major cities on to their ‘magnetism’ – or power to attract people, capital and enterprises – Dubai climbed three places to eighth overall. The achievement cements Dubai’s position as a leading global city, driven by the vision of its leadership and the collective determination of its citizens and residents.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, said that Dubai’s progress in the Global Power City Index 2023 reflects the dedicated efforts to realise the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to attain top global positions across various vital sectors and establish Dubai as the world’s best city to work and live in.
Congratulating Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on the emirate’s achievement as the first city in the Middle East to make it into the prestigious list, Sheikh Hamdan said, “There is no limit to our ambitions, and with the unwavering dedication of our nation’s people, we will continue to strengthen Dubai’s position as a model for the cities of the future, achieving milestones that set the global standard. Dubai’s excellence and accomplishments stem from the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, propelling the city at an accelerated pace towards the pinnacle of leadership and excellence.”
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed urged both the private and public sectors in Dubai to persist in their efforts to establish Dubai as a sustainable development model that places the development of people’s capabilities and enhances their quality of life at the forefront of its priorities. He underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to achieving further milestones in various global competitiveness indicators and consolidating a knowledge and creative economy through the adoption and implementation of modern legislative frameworks and regulatory rules, carefully crafted to address global changes. These efforts affirm Dubai’s capability to efficiently keep pace with the evolving landscape, he said.
“To cement Dubai’s position as a global economic powerhouse and its role as a catalyst for growth, we must cultivate world-class working environments that empower our national talent and attract the brightest minds from across the globe. This commitment to excellence will propel comprehensive development, establishing Dubai as a global benchmark for sustainable economic prosperity and resilience,” His Highness added.
In the 2023 index, Dubai retained its fourth position for the second consecutive year within the Cultural Interaction parameter, surpassing Tokyo, Istanbul, Madrid, Moscow, and Singapore. Meanwhile, London, New York, and Paris maintained the top three spots. The ranking is an outcome of Dubai’s commitment to enhancing its status as a cultural destination, a major hub for creativity, and one of the best cities in which to live and work. This effort aligns with Dubai’s cultural vision that aims to cement the emirate’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. Dubai has also maintained its top regional ranking in Cultural Interaction.
The Global Power City Index (GPCI), which has been published annually since 2008, is a global benchmark for measuring the performance and competitiveness of global cities. It is used by governments, businesses, and individuals to make decisions related to investment, immigration, and travel. The index reflects the dynamic nature of cities and their ability to adapt and thrive in the face of global challenges. It provides a comprehensive overview of cities’ standing and impact on the global stage. The index comprises six parameters, including Economy, Research and Development, Cultural Interaction, Liveability, Environment, and Accessibility.
Dubai progressed in several sub-parameters within Cultural Interaction, ranking first globally in the Number of Foreign Residents and second in the Number of Luxury Hotel Rooms, reinforcing the emirate’s cultural offering, creative environment, and diverse tourist attractions.
The index further revealed Dubai’s excellence and leadership across various sub-indicators, encompassing work flexibility, low unemployment rate, and city cleanliness. It also highlighted Dubai’s success in hosting global exhibitions and events, attracting visitors and tourists, and increasing the influx of travellers through its airports.
Today, Dubai stands as one of the world’s most renowned cities in terms of economies, finance, business, tourism and travel. It is also one of the most successful cities in attracting talent, with more than 200 nationalities from various backgrounds living together in a tolerant and welcoming society. Dubai is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Two more UAE residents, Emirati Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al Qassimi and British painter Sacha Jafri, receive awards in the culture category.
The Mother Teresa International Awards 2023 celebrated the accomplishments of 18 outstanding individuals, with Emirati philanthropist Ahmed Al Falasi at the forefront for his contributions to social work. Al Falasi, recognised as the Arab Hope Maker in 2020, garnered this honour for his humanitarian efforts in establishing advanced kidney dialysis centres and incubators in Kenya’s Mombasa.
Joining the ranks of awardees were two esteemed UAE residents, Emirati Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al Qassimi and British painter Sacha Jafri. Both were lauded in the culture category. The accolades were presented during a ceremony held at Dubai’s Conrad Hotel on August 26, which was the 113th birth anniversary of Mother Teresa, a global icon known for her selfless devotion.
These awards were organised by the All-India Minority and Weaker Sections Council, a non-political organisation founded by Late Prafulla Chandra Sen, a former chief minister of West Bengal, and Mr. Anthony Arun Biswas, alongside other dignitaries.
Mother Teresa, beatified by Pope John Paul II as Saint Teresa, was born on August 26, 1910. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, a humanitarian organisation that grew to include over 4,500 nuns serving in 133 countries. Her life’s work revolved around assisting the most impoverished individuals, receiving honours such as the Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize and the Nobel Peace Prize.
Notably, this marked the first instance of the award ceremony being hosted outside of India. After Saint Teresa’s passing in 1997, the council established the Mother Teresa International and Millennium Award Committee. This committee was entrusted with the task of annually recognising exceptional individuals who have excelled in the fields of education, science, culture, sports, social work, medicine, industry, and politics in India.
Prior to this event, the Harmony Organisation, which also presents awards in Mother Teresa’s name, expressed concerns regarding the August 26 event in Dubai. They asserted that it lacked the endorsement or recognition of the Missionaries of Charity, the Catholic religious institute established by Mother Teresa herself in 1950. This institute, now under the Catholic Church’s recognition as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, exclusively supports Harmony Organisation’s awards, they said, emphasising that any other award ceremony could tarnish the legacy of the revered Saint.
However, the organisers of the Mother Teresa International Awards unequivocally refuted these claims. Dr. T.H. Ireland, Principal of St. James’ School in Kolkata and chairman of the awards committee told Khaleej Times: “Nobody can lay sole claim to Mother Teresa. She was a universal icon. Our award ceremony has a 22-year history of recognising luminaries such as Dr Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, and Ms. Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.”
During a press conference earlier, Indian playback singer Usha Uthup shared her profound connection with Mother Teresa, spanning four decades. She recalled visiting Mother Teresa at the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata during both her trying and triumphant times. Usha Uthup said she had the privilege of being present during her passing and her canonisation.
Dubai businessman and cricket enthusiast Shyam Bhatia fondly remembered his visits to Mother Teresa and her simple yet powerful message: “We don’t want your money; we want your time.”
Sacha Jafri, the Dubai-based world-renowned artist, who intends to place the first official artwork on the moon, expressed his delight at receiving this prestigious award.
The ceremony’s highlights included dance performances by the mother-daughter actor-artiste duo Indrani Dutta and Rajnandini Paul, as well as Bollywood actor Kalpana Iyer and Usha Uthup, creating a memorable blend of song and dance.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)’s Research and Development (R&D) Centre has filed a new patent for an innovative method for improving the performance of electrodes in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, sodium–sulfur batteries, and electrolyte distribution batteries.
This is achieved by treating the electrodes chemically using a polymer to increase the number of active groups on the surface of the electrodes, which leads to improving their performance. The low-cost, environmentally friendly method requires low temperatures and ensures stable battery performance. This is part of the centre’s efforts to promote the technologies of energy production and storage.
The patent supports the pilot project for energy storage that DEWA has inaugurated at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park using Tesla’s lithium-ion battery solution. The project has a power capacity of 1.21 MW and an energy capacity of 8.61 MWh with a life span of up to 10 years. This pilot project is the second battery energy storage pilot project by DEWA at the solar park. The first project was implemented in collaboration with AMPLEX–NGK to install and test a sodium sulphur (NaS) energy solution with a power capacity of 1.2 MW and an energy capacity of 7.5 MWh. This was the first utility-scale energy storage pilot project in the region.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said, “Our strategies and plans are inspired by the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to ensure energy security and sustainability, as well as improve energy efficiency. DEWA relies on research and innovation to support the development of energy storage technologies and increase the share of clean and renewable energy. This supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100 percent of Dubai’s total power production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. DEWA is working on other energy storage projects, including using Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) at the 4th phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the 250MW hydroelectric power plant in Hatta with a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours, and the Green Hydrogen project to produce and store hydrogen using solar power.”
“DEWA’s R&D Centre is a global platform that provides innovative solutions and technologies for the operations and services of the utility sector worldwide. This maintains DEWA’s worldwide leadership and enhances Dubai’s position as a global hub for research and development in solar power, smart grids, water, energy efficiency, and capacity building in these sectors. The R&D Centre improves the services provided by DEWA to customers by developing the latest technologies and sustainable solutions for energy and water and conducting applied research,” Al Tayer continued.
“The R&D Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park enriches the scientific community in the UAE and the world. This is through disseminating knowledge and nurturing the talent of Emirati researchers,” Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA, added.
Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, rang the market-opening bell to celebrate and mark listing the domestic Dirhams Islamic Treasury Sukuk (T-Sukuk) on Nasdaq Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) as the issuer and in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) as the issuing and paying agent, has announced launching dirham-denominated Islamic Treasury Sukuk (T-Sukuk), with a benchmark auction size of AED1.1 billion.
The launching of Dirham-denominated Islamic Treasury Sukuk (T-Sukuk) includes a series of issuances, in order to attract a new category of investors and support the sustainability of economic growth.
Total issuance of AED1.1 billion
The issuance of T-Sukuk is aimed at enhancing the UAE’s economic competitiveness by providing high-quality Islamic assets at competitive prices. This will support the Central Bank of the UAE in managing liquidity within the banking sector and boosts the size of financial investments, which will reflect positively on the country’s economy, investment environment, per capita income, and gross national income.
The bell-ringing ceremony was attended by a number of senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of the UAE, Nasdaq Dubai, and the CEOs of the eight banks that were onboarded as primary dealers, in addition to other senior officials from various relevant authorities.
The inaugural issuance of the Dirham-denominated Islamic Treasury Sukuk programme witnessed a strong demand through the eight primary bank dealers, with bids received worth AED8.3 billion, and an oversubscription by 7.6 times.
The strong demand was across both tranches, with a final allocation of AED550 million for the two-year tranche, and AED550 million for the three-year tranche, with a total issuance of AED1.1 billion. Other tranches of Islamic Treasury Sukuk will be issued with various tenures of up to five years initially, followed by a 10-year sukuk at a later date.
Reaffirming UAE’s position in Islamic economy
Al Hussaini noted that issuing the T-Sukuk contributes to expanding the scope of Islamic banking and is one of the most important tools for managing monetary policy and liquidity to finance development programmes and projects.
The T-Sukuks are Sharia-compliant financial certificates for trading in the secondary market along with the main distributors, reflecting the current return on investment. These sukuk will also contribute to stimulating the securities market and strengthening the base of Islamic securities, providing safe and rewarding investment alternatives, and attracting new segments of local and international investors.
He emphasised that the success of the first auction is another testament to the UAE’s creditworthiness as one of the most advanced and competitive economies in the world, reaffirming its position as a leading investment hub in the field of the Islamic economy.
Al Hussaini said, “The issuance of Islamic Treasury Sukuk is a new step towards achieving the comprehensive and sustainable economic and social development objectives of the UAE. It contributes to the development of the financial market and the investment environment in the country by attracting financial investments and rejuvenating the local financial and banking sector to diversify funding sources, which cements the UAE’s position as a global hub for the Islamic economy.”
Efficiency of UAE’s financial sector
Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, said, “The T-Sukuk programme’s first issuance, denominated in UAE Dirhams, reinforces the UAE’s competitive position as a developed global financial centre.
The programme has succeeded in diversifying financial markets activities, enhancing infrastructure to support Sharia-compliant investment options and alternatives, and strengthening the resilience and stability of the financial system. This milestone will also support in bolstering financial investments and promoting greater confidence among local and international investors in the UAE’s financial system, leading to further strategic growth across the sector and fortifying the UAE’s role in the global Islamic economy.”
He added, “The remarkable success of the first auction for the issuance of T-Sukuk denominated in UAE Dirhams is a testament to the soundness of the financial and economic policies, the robust creditworthiness, and the efficiency of the UAE’s financial sector. It also supports the UAE’s stimulating investment environment globally to diversify investment and financial alternatives and continue sustainable growth underpinned by future visions and plans. We are pleased to have partnered with the Ministry of Finance in enhancing the UAE’s financial markets and improving the investment environment in the country.”
Dubai as global centre for Sukuk listings
Hamed Ali, CEO of Dubai Financial Market and Nasdaq Dubai, said, “The issuance of the T-Sukuk is an important development for the UAE capital markets attracting diversified investment categories to the country and providing an important investment tool for Islamic banking. The listing today further strengthens Dubai’s position as one of the largest centres for Sukuk listings globally with US$77.67 billion total value of Sukuk listed in Dubai.
This opens the path for regional and international investors to strengthen their links with the UAE government as well as to expand their investment options in the UAE. At Nasdaq Dubai, our mission supports the UAE Central Bank’s ambitious strategy to develop a strong fixed-income market in the UAE by providing investors with investment opportunities in sovereign issuances and a more effective yield curve gauge in debt instruments.”
The Ministry of Finance onboarded eight banks, namely Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC (ADCB), Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), HSBC, Mashreq, and Standard Chartered as Primary Dealers to participate in the T-Sukuk primary market auction and to actively develop the secondary market.
Dewa Sat-2 will help further improve Dubai’s utility network.
Dewa’s second nanosatellite was launched on Saturday morning on a SpaceX rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
After several postponements due to bad weather, Falcon 9’s launch of the Transporter-7 mission took place shortly before 11am UAE time.
The launch is the seventh dedicated smallsat rideshare mission for SpaceX with 51 payloads on the flight, including CubeSats, MicroSats, hosted payloads, and orbital transfer vehicles carrying spacecraft to be deployed at a later time.
Dewa’s 6U nanosatellite — Dewa Sat-2 — comes a year after it launched its first satellite and will help further improve Dubai’s utility network.
The nanosatellite (or cubesat) features a high-resolution camera (4.7 metres) that will be used for Earth observation missions.
It was designed and developed at Dewa’s R&D centre, in co-operation with NanoAvionics in Lithuania, and is part of Dewa’s Space-D programme that it announced in 2021.
The programme aims to improve operations, maintenance and the planning of its networks by using nanosatellite technology, the Internet of Things and remote sensing technologies.
This involves launching a nanosat constellation that will support Dewa’s primary satellite.
Utility companies like Dewa can use satellite technology to monitor and map their infrastructure as well as track the environmental impact their operations have. The data can also help these companies improve their services.
Dewa is the first utility in the world to launch nanosatellites to improve its operations.
The high-resolution camera on Dewa Sat-2 will provide continuous line-scan imaging in seven spectral bands from approximately 500km orbit.
The satellite is also equipped with infrared equipment to measure greenhouse gases.
The IFFCO Group, one of the UAE’s largest producers of food products, has opened the first 100-percent plant-based meat factory in the region, in Dubai.
Located in the Dubai Industrial City, the THRYVE factory will catalyse the move towards a more sustainable and healthy food chain in the Middle East, actively supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the UAE’s Vision 2051 initiative to bolster food security through diversity and innovation. The factory will provide nourishing, sustainable and healthy local plant-based meat products inspired by the unique flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, said, “The new 100-percent plant-based meat factory supports the UAE’s Food Security Strategy and our mandate to mitigate the impact of climate change. The opening of this innovative new facility also supports our efforts to protect the country’s ecosystems and enhance its food and water security and diversify our food sources. By fostering such robust research and development focused on producing innovative food products, we seek to raise the UAE’s ability to move up the global food industry value chain and achieve first place on the Global Food Security Index by 2051. The new factory represents a significant contribution to sustainability in the food supply chain.”
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism said, “The opening of this factory, which will pave the way for a dynamic new industry that will boost trade across the region, is a reflection of the UAE’s commitment to pioneer the use of innovative technologies to provide sustainable solutions to real world problems. It contributes to Dubai’s economic diversification journey in line with the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to consolidate the emirate’s status as one of the top three global cities. The new facility is a testament to the pivotal role being played by Dubai in promoting the growth and evolution of environmentally sound practices that can alleviate the effects of climate change. By providing opportunities for private companies to invest in sustainable technologies, Dubai is accelerating the creation of a robust and resilient green economy.
“Such initiatives also reflect Dubai’s success in creating a fertile environment for new businesses and investors to thrive, and generating new job opportunities. Dubai and the UAE will continue to work with stakeholders and partners to remain at the forefront of innovation and economic sustainability, inspired by the ambition of our visionary leadership to create a better future for all.”
Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President, Industrial Leasing, Dubai Industrial City, said, “DIC is an ideal location for initiatives like the IFFCO Group’s plant-based meat factory that underscore the importance of food security. The Dubai Industrial City is home to a growing number of Dubai-based food manufacturers who are leading the way in introducing innovative food products. This new enterprise adds value to the industry while strengthening our reputation as facilitators of a self-reliant food programme.”
The THRYVE plant-based venture, developed using cutting-edge food technology, contributes to at least three UN’s SDG’s: good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.
The only 100 percent plant-based meat factory in the Middle East, IFFCO’s THRYVE will leverage advanced food technologies to produce tasty, healthy, sustainable and culturally relevant food that meets the needs of the local consumer. In addition, IFFCO is working closely with the government to create regulatory standards for plant-based food products.
The global plant-based meat market was estimated to be worth US$7.9 billion in 2022, and is forecast to reach US$15.7 billion by 2027, according to a report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. The newly opened THRYVE factory will cater to 30 percent of the GCC population, stimulating the development of the market for local plant-based products. As per proprietary research, the GCC has the potential to be a future leader in developing food products for flexitarians, people whose diet is primarily vegetarian.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, today inaugurated the green data centre of Data Hub Integrated Solutions LLC (Moro Hub), a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
Recognised as the world’s largest solar-powered data centre by the Guinness World Records, the facility is located at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world.
The opening event featured the signing of agreements between Moro Hub and its key technology partners and customers including Dell Technologies, Microsoft, Huawei, VMWare, Emirates NBD, Digital Dubai Authority, and Dubai Islamic Bank.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed was welcomed at the site of the green data centre by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA.
Following the inauguration, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed toured the green data centre. He was briefed by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer on the facility’s integrated solutions designed to provide next-generation services in the areas of digital transformation, cloud and hosting services, cybersecurity, smart cities, IoT services and professional and managed services, as well as Moro services supported by ChatGPT technology.
“The development of the world’s largest solar-powered data centre was guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, for advancing sustainable development, The new centre is yet another achievement that raises the UAE’s profile as a leading global player in advancing sustainability and the green economy. The centre provides an exceptional model for combining digital technologies with energy technologies. With a world-class low-carbon information technology infrastructure powered by solar energy, the data centre supports the goal of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050 to generate 100 percent of its energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050,” Al Tayer said.
“Moro Hub’s solar-powered data centre also supports our efforts to achieve the targets of the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. This initiative is particularly significant since it comes in a year in which the UAE is hosting the largest international climate conference, the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28). The new data centre reflects our commitment to support the development of a sustainable economy and our efforts to transform Dubai into a global green economy hub. Moro Hub has always been a frontrunner in promoting digital transformation and sustainability as well as enhancing its integrated solutions to help organisations and companies reach net-zero carbon emissions,” Al Tayer added.
Moro Hub’s green data centre features ground-breaking solutions from Dell Technologies, Microsoft and Huawei including the latest advances in Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, Digital Twin Technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Recovery as a Service, Consulting & Professional Services, Managed Services, Residency Services, Network as a Service, Moro Open Cloud and more.
Using 100 percent renewable energy, the Uptime TIER III-Certified data centre, , has a capacity exceeding 100 megawatts (MW). Its area will exceed 16,000 square metres.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, said, “The launch of the green data centre embodies Dubai and the UAE’s commitment to harness innovation and adopt the principles of sustainability in providing services to citizens and residents. It also reflects the significant role played by public-private partnerships in Dubai’s strategic projects. The project is a bright sign in Dubai’s journey towards a sustainable future that takes into account environmental needs. We at Digital Dubai support this approach as part of our leadership of the digital transformation process in the emirate, which has made the city a global model for adopting creative ideas and projects that contribute to a bright future for humanity.”
“We are glad to sign strategic cooperation with Moro Hub to jointly provide solutions that will elevate and accelerate the region towards digital transformation. Dell Technologies has always been at the forefront of intelligent solutions, and we are confident that our ground-breaking solutions will continue to create opportunities for customers to adapt to digital transformation easily,” Walid Yehia, General Manager, UAE at Dell Technologies, stated.
An exemplary model for combining cutting-edge digital and power electronic technologies to create an advanced green ICT infrastructure powered by renewable energy, the green data centre offers digital products and services using Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, such as cloud services, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), among others.
“Microsoft remains committed to leading the march towards sustainable digital transformation. Our partnership with Moro Hub is another endeavour to accelerate the growth of sustainable digitisation in the country, driven by our best-in-class technologies. Our digital solutions will enable businesses to avail greater flexibility for managing their operations and strengthen their infrastructure, thereby protecting them from any potential risks that arise from cyber threats,” Naim Yazbeck, General Manager, Microsoft UAE, added.
The introduction of Moro Hub’s new solar-powered data centre will further drive the digital transformation of government and private organisations in the UAE, reinforcing their efforts to upgrade their infrastructure to keep pace with new Fourth Industrial Revolution trends. “Huawei has always been committed to supporting its partners with innovative solutions that will help them accelerate digital transformation across sectors. Our longstanding partnership with Moro Hub is an effort to enhance the experience for their customers, offer higher reliability and help contribute effectively to their vision of transforming the UAE business landscape into a sustainable digital model,” Jiawei Liu, CEO of Huawei UAE, commented.
Moro Hub’s solar-powered data centre aims to establish a global benchmark for energy efficiency and use of green technologies. By using smart and eco-friendly technologies, the facility will enable business enterprises in the region to unlock new efficiencies.
“It is a pleasure to collaborate with Moro Hub’s solar-powered data centre. At Emirates NBD, sustainable digitisation is the core of our operations, and by utilising the state-of-the-art technology available at the data centre, we will not only be able to enhance our operations, but also manage our customer expectations well. This also gets us a step closer to accelerating the UAE’s goals of net zero carbon by 2050,” Hesham Abdulla Al Qassem, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Emirates NBD Group, said.
The new solar-powered data centre will help organisations in the country accelerate the pace of its progress and create innovative and productive work environments while ensuring high levels of productivity.
“We are glad to associate with Moro Hub’s largest solar powered data centre to host our IT workloads. As a leading provider of transformative digital solutions, this partnership will certainly fortify our drive to achieving sustainability, as well as position us a step ahead in the financial industry. We look forward to working together with them and are optimistic that this will be a new chapter that will bring positive results to both parties in the long run,” Yahya Saeed Ahmed Nasser Lootah, Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Dubai Islamic Bank, explained.
Ahmed Auda, Vice President and General Manager, Middle East, Turkey and North Africa, VMware, said, “Through this collaboration with Moro Hub, VMware will help empower young talent with the cloud skills and training they need to support digitisation across the UAE in line with initiatives including UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade and strengthen its position as one of the top three global cities. As the UAE cements its position as a global technology leader, VMware and Moro Hub will give young people access to the technical skills they need to support the transformation plans of both public and private sector organisations.”
The solar-powered data centre will play a major role in developing a new sustainable ecosystem featuring the latest solar energy and storage technologies, AI systems, and sustainability practices. It will also enable global hyper-scalers to access carbon-free computing and help organisations reduce their carbon footprint.
