Solar, EVs, and eVTOL updates from the UAE

SOLAR-

Etihad Energy to slash Dubai Airports’ carbon footprint: Dubai Airports has inked an MoU with Etihad Energy Services Company to install the world’s largest rooftop solar project at an airport at Dubai’s airports, according to a statement released on Thursday. The project, to be implemented by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority subsidiary Etihad Clean Energy Development Company, will build on the existing solar installations at Dubai International (DXB), which have already cut energy consumption at the airport.

The details: The project will see 63k panels installed across both DXB and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports, with a total installed capacity of 39 MW of clean energy. The solar panels are expected to generate 6 GW of energy annually, cutting the airports’ carbon emissions by 23k tons every year. The initiative is set to supply 6.5% of DXB’s electricity needs and 20% of DWC’s.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES-

Nio taps into the MENA region via the UAE: Chinese EV manufacturer Nio partnered with Abu Dhabi-owned smart mobility-focused investment firm Cyvn Holding to launch its brand in the MENA region, with the UAE chosen as the initial market for its EVs, the company said in a statement. The partnership will also see Nio and Cyvn establish a research and development center in Abu Dhabi focusing on autonomous driving technologies and AI.

More in the pipeline: Nio MENA also plans to collaborate with local partners in Egypt on the production of EVs, the statement notes.

EVTOLS-

Parkin to help with air taxi infrastructure: Dubai’s parking facilities provider Parkin will provide electric aircraft infrastructure developer Skyports with parking facilities and explore developing integrated air taxi infrastructure across its facilities, according to a DFM disclosure (pdf) released on Thursday.

REMEMBER- The first of four vertiports in Dubai will kick off operations in 1Q 2026.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

• KSA launches first commercial aeroponics project to boost sustainable agriculture: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has issued the first license for a commercial aeroponics farm, which grows plants in an “ air or mist environment without the use of any substrate.” Led by Green Dunes, the project reduces irrigation water use by 95% and utilizes AI and automation to enhance sustainable agriculture. (SPA)