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ENERGY-
Work commences on Sharjah’s largest solar plant: Emerge –– a joint venture between Abu Dhabi state-owned renewable energy developer Masdar and France’s EDF — kicked off construction on its 60 MW solar plant at the Sharjah National Oil Corporation’s (SNOC) Sajaa Gas Complex, according to a statement. The new plant — the largest in the emirate — is expected to be operational by the end of 2024. Emerge will provide turnkey operation and maintenance solutions for 25 years. The project supports SNOC’s goals to reach net-zero emissions by 2032.
This has been in the works since last year: SNOC signed an agreement with Emerge to set up the solar power plant last October. Emerge plans to export the surplus solar energy produced by SNOC’s Sajaa Gas complex during the day to the Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority (SEWA). In return, SEWA will provide SNOC with electricity during the night when demand for electricity is lower.
INFRASTRUCTURE-
Enter Dubai Green Spine: Dubai-based developer URB unveiled a proposed megaproject to turn Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road into a 64-km sustainable corridor, dubbed the Dubai Green Spine, according to a statement picked up by Zawya. URB planned the project with its research arm Epic Lab. The corridor features solar-powered trams, a 300-MW solar energy network, mixed-use buildings, as well as green spaces.
A USD 10 bn project? The project is still in the concept stage and no formal proposals have been submitted to authorities, URB CEO Baharash Bagherian told Khaleej Times, adding that the project is expected to cost USD 10 bn. If approved, the project would take 10 years to complete.
LOGISTICS-
#1- EMX goes international: The UAE’s EMX launched a new global service for ecommerce package delivery, dubbed EMX International, across the GCC region, Wam reports. The delivery platform will help companies serve customers in KSA, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan. Companies will be able to use the UAE as a regional gateway to cut down on delivery times and operational costs.
#2- Ship management company Oscar Middle East will open a new AED 150 mn liquid bulk terminal at Jebel Ali Freezone, according to the Dubai Media Office. The terminal has a total storage capacity of 45k cubic meters, capable of handling specialized storage and bulk-breaking services for chemicals and base oils, according to the statement. The terminal’s first phase is scheduled to become fully operational within 16 months, with phase two incorporating additional storage capacity.
INS.-
Policybazaar’s products coming to Network International clients: Business customers of Network International ’s payment management platform Network Expense Hub will have access to ins. products offered by Policybazaar.ae under a referral agreement both companies signed, according to a statement from Network International. Policybazaar.ae is the UAE arm of Indian ins. marketplace Policybazaar.
HEALTHCARE-
Abu Dhabi advances mental health initiatives for mothers and children: The UAE’s largest healthcare provider PureHealth and the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood will work together on mental health initiatives and cooperate on the provision of treatment and rehabilitation for mental health disorders, especially for mothers and children, according to an Abu Dhabi Media Office statement.
MEDIA-
DangleAds Technologies lands in Dubai: Global digital marketing firm DangleAds Technologies inaugurated its Dubai office, according to news reports (here and here). The company operates offices in India, Singapore, Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia.
REAL ESTATE-
Afaq to offer escrow services to developers: Afaq Islamic Finance inked an MoU with the Dubai Land Department to provide escrow services for property developers in Dubai, Al Bayan reports.
Uh, Enterprise, what are escrow services? Escrow is a type of arrangement used in real estate sales, whereby a third-party agent is responsible for disbursing funds and property to their respective owners once both the developer and the buyer fulfill their contractual obligations. The point is to ensure that the money would be returned if either party didn’t adhere to the terms in the sale contract.
INVESTMENT-
Dubai Chambers inked an agreement with VFS Global, a major visa outsourcing and technology service provider, to enhance trade and investment growth for companies based in Dubai, according to Dubai Media Office. The partnership will facilitate market entry by giving businesses access to VFS’ global network of offices and resources, including partner evaluation and due diligence.
TECH-
Dubai Future Labs and Japan Science and Technology Agency are teaming up to advance research in cybernetic avatars (CAs), Wam reports. The two sides will focus on projects like controlling multiple avatars using advanced AI, creating culturally adaptable CA robots, and studying how people perceive different types of CAs.
Cybernetic what now? CAs are designed to act as proxies for humans, allowing them to engage in activities even if they’re not physically there using robots and 3D images, according to JST.
AVIATION-
#1- Etihad Airways will increase its flight frequency from Abu Dhabi to Boston to provide daily flights starting 27 October, up from four times a week, according to a statement.
#2- Sharjah Airport doubles down on security screening equipment: The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) signed a contract with Nuctech Middle East, a supplier of security inspection systems, to purchase security screening equipment, including 67 X-ray devices, Wam reports. The move comes as part of the airport’s expansion plans.
