ENERGY-

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority will begin exporting clean energy from its Hatta hydroelectric power plant to Dubai in April 2025, CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said during a site visit, state news agency Wam reports. The AED 1.4 bn project is 96.8% complete, with operational testing underway since last month and a trial run planned for 1Q 2025.

The details: The 250 MW plant, designed with 1.5k MWh of storage and an 80-year life span, will generate electricity using water stored behind the Hatta Dam and a newly built upper dam in the mountains. Operating with a 78.9% turnaround efficiency, the facility uses solar power from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park to pump water back to the upper dam, enabling on-demand electricity generation within 90 seconds.

INFRASTRUCTURE-

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) awarded a contract valued at AED 798 mn (c. USD 217 mn) for the development of Al Qudra Street, according to a statement. The project will extend from the intersection with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, through Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, and to Emirates Road. The scope of the project includes the development of several interchanges, the construction of 2.7k meter long bridges, and an 11.6 km street extension.

Upon completion, Al Qudra Street is expected to accommodate 19.2k vehicles per hour, and serve an estimated population and visitor base of 400k individuals in nearby residential and developmental areas. The expansions are also set to reduce travel time from 9.4 minutes to 2.8 minutes.

F&B-

Jafza + Haldiram’s to build major saffron processing facility: The Jebel Ali Freezone (Jafza) inked an agreement with Indian food giant Haldiram’s to establish one of the largest saffron processing facilities in the GCC, according to a Dubai Media Office statement. The facility, which will be managed by saffron processing specialist Kesar Expert & Packer, is set to begin operations in March 2025. It will initially process 30 metric tonnes of saffron, with plans to scale up to 100 tonnes over five years. The entities also discussed plans to expand Haldiram’s presence in Dubai and explore additional investments in food processing and distribution.

SUSTAINABILTY-

#1- Kezad Group + ETG to build polymers factory: Sustainable manufacturing firm ETG Bio Green Polymer signed a 50-year land lease agreement with Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad Group) to build an AED 150 mn compostable polymers factory in Kezad Al Ma’mourah, according to a press release from Friday. The facility – spanning some 22 sq km – will produce compostable polymer resin as a plastic-free packaging material to help decarbonize the packaging industry. No timeline was disclosed for the project.

Not Kezad’s first: Dubai-based polymer supplier Gulf Biopolymers Industries (GBI) announced plans in 2024 to build the region’s first biodegradable PLA polymer production facility in Kezad. The facility — for which GBI signed a 50-year lease agreement— will span 135k sq meters and is planned to have an annual 30k ton PLA production volume.

#2- Abu Dhabi Mobility partners with Gigatons: Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Mobility) inked an agreement with UAE-based decarbonization tech acceleration platform Gigatons to adopt advanced technologies in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. Initial projects planned for 2025 and 2026 include multi-modal charging stations for cars, trucks, taxis, and electric bicycles, as well as heavy electric vehicle solutions in ports and autonomous vehicle infrastructure. The agreement was signed during UAE Innovates 2025.

REFRESHER- Launched last December by the founders of the UK’s renewables-based EV charging company Gridserve, Gigatons focuses on accelerating the net-zero transition by mobilizing capital, scaling infrastructure, and enhancing transparency and trust.

MARITIME-

Dubai Maritime Authority expands telecom network: The Dubai Maritime Authority announced at the Dubai International Boat Show 2025 a telecommunications network expansion project to enhance connectivity along Dubai’s coastal waters and artificial islands, according to a press release. The initiative, developed in collaboration with three strategic partners, aims to improve maritime communication, support navigation, and enhance emergency response capabilities.

The first phase—testing key maritime routes to assess network coverage—has been completed. The project will install four telecommunications towers across Dubai Islands, The World Islands, Palm Jebel Ali, and Dubai Waterfront. At the boat show, DMA also showcased initiatives including guidance on marine vehicle licensing, vessel registration support, and a simulation room offering virtual maritime experiences.

REAL ESTATE-

Ayat Development launches Ayamore Residence on Dubai Islands: Ayat Development, a subsidiary of Ayat Group, launched its new residential project, Ayamore Residence, on Dubai Islands, with a total investment of AED 300 mn, the company said in a statement. The project is scheduled for completion in 1Q 2027, Emarat Alyoum reports.

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