GREEN TECH-

UAE launches field research project to monitor Abu Dhabi’s natural habitats: The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) and green tech company Dendra will conduct a comprehensive assessment of natural terrestrial habitats across Abu Dhabi through an AI-based research program, Wam reports. The program will focus on evaluating native vegetation cover within and beyond protected areas, measuring changes in plant diversity and distribution linked to human activities and climate change.

About the program: The six-month research project — which will cover an area of 11k hectares — is the largest field research initiative in the region. It aims to improve decision-making for protecting natural habitats by utilizing AI and drone-based data collection. The program also includes techniques like drone-dispersed seed sowing, and ongoing monitoring to assess natural regeneration.

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES-

Neom orders electric ferries to greenify water commuting: KSA’s Neom city has ordered eight units of Swedish electric boat and ferry company Candela‘s P-12 shuttle, TradeArabia reports. This marks the largest order in Candela’s history, with the first batch set to be delivered and integrated into the city’s planned water network between 2025 and early 2026.

About the ferries: Launched last year, the P-12 — the world’s first electric hydrofoil ship — will debut in Stockholm’s public transport later this year, TradeArabia writes. It offers zero-emission, energy-efficient water transport with advantages over traditional ferries, including faster speeds and more frequent departures. It uses 80% less energy and emits 97.5% less CO2 than traditional diesel vessels of the same size.

Neom will offer EVs on sea and in the air: Neom and German flying taxi maker Volocopter successfully tested the kingdom’s first electric air taxi last year to be used as part of the Saudi mega city’s smart and sustainable multimodal mobility system, which will be fully powered by renewables.

GREEN FINANCE-

NBD to work with BeZero Carbon on due diligence projects: UAE lender Emirates NBD will work with UK-based carbon rating agency BeZero Carbon to conduct due diligence on projects for clients looking to offset their emissions, according to a statement. The bank will collect the science-based risk assessments of global carbon projects — including voluntary carbon credits markets — to provide a better picture to clients seeking to invest in green projects.

GREEN POLICY-

Iran + FAO + GCF partner on climate resilience: Iran’s Department of Environment will collaborate with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to help the country increase its climate financing potential, according to Tehran Times. GCF, along with other climate finance organizations, will support the development of a climate investment framework, to develop climate projects which will align with GCF standards and help the country improve its climate resilience. Iran will also get access to the FAO’s National Climate Change Knowledge Hub.

MISCELLANY-

Other stories worth knowing about on this fine late-summer morning:

  • New solar plant inaugurated in Dubai Investments Park: Dubai Investment Real Estate and UAE Owners Association Al Mujama launched a 1.2 MW solar power plant in the Ritaj residential community located in Dubai Investments Park. More than 2k roof solar panels have been installed, producing 1.9 mn GWh of green energy, equivalent to reducing emissions by 756k kg per year. (Press Release)
  • Ma’aden and Zeeco to launch ultra-low NOx burner: Saudi mining company Ma’aden has partnered with American combustion company Zeeco to develop the Middle East and Asia's first “ultra-low NOx burner replacement project.” The initiative aims to reduce NOx emissions from Ma’aden’s boilers by 77%. (Statement)
  • Dubai-based e-mobility startup raises USD 15 mn: Dubai-based startup E Daddy has secured a USD 15 mn investment to advance its efforts in electrifying transportation in the UAE. The company plans to launch a zero-emission electric motorcycle in 1Q 2025, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions. (Arabian Business)
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