AVIATION-

#1- Emirates expands its cargo fleet: The UAE’s flagship carrier Emirates is set to uptake five newbuild aircraft for its air cargo fleet, regional air cargo director Faisal Al-Shafei told Amwalaghad. The airline currently has 11 operational carriers in its air cargo fleet and expects cargo operations to grow by 10% through 2025. The move aligns with the firm’s plans to boost its cargo-dedicated fleet to some 32 aircrafts by 2030 and expand its cargo network to reach 72 destinations.

ALSO- Emirates joined the Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC) to reinforce sustainability in the global aviation supply chain, according to a statement. Through the partnership, Emirates looks to reduce waste, enhance efficiency, and streamline the transition to more sustainable aviation solutions. The Emirati airline will offer up its experience in embedded recycling and circular solutions — which it already deploys across its operations — to other players in the network.

What’s the ACC? The group looks to build a circular economy in the aviation sector by spearheading new ways to boost decarbonization in heavy industry and transport supply chains, according to its website. The network was founded by aviation leaders Jamco, Qantas, Titan Leasing, Vaupell, Nandina and Sumitomo Corporation.

TELECOMS-

e& tests ultra-fast 5G: e& UAE partnered with the Telecommunications and DigitalGovernment Regulatory Authority to conduct tests of newly allocated 6 GHz and 600 MHz spectrum bands, achieving 10 GB per second speeds and extending 5G coverage beyond 6 km, according to a press release. The trials, using commercial-grade equipment, aim to enhance wireless infrastructure for urban and remote areas.

The details: The 6 GHz band supports ultra-fast applications like 8K streaming and industrial IoT, while the 600 MHz spectrum addresses coverage gaps in dense cities and rural zones. A GSMA study estimates mid-band 5G spectrum could drive 65% of the technology’s projected USD 610 bn global GDP contribution by 2030, with UAE sectors like AI and smart cities poised to benefit.

What’s next? The company plans to integrate these bands with existing C-band spectrum to create a balanced network for high-speed, wide-coverage connectivity. Businesses can leverage the hybrid infrastructure for scalable cloud workflows, while households gain fiber-like wireless speeds.

MANUFACTURING-

Dutch metal manufacturing firm Kersten Group established a new production facility in Al Hamra Industrial Zone, expanding its presence in the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, according to a statement. The 12k sqm site includes a production hall and office space, operating 24-hour shifts to supply curved metal components to sectors such as construction, architecture, offshore, and energy.

What’s next? The company plans to build on-site labor accommodation in 3Q 2025, with a second production hall set to follow in 3Q 2026.

SUSTAINABILITY-

New Sustainable City model for the UAE? SEE Holding announced plans for another UAE-based net-zero city Sustainable City 2.0 during the Alternative Investment Management congress, state news agency Wam reports, without clarifying its exact location. Designed to eliminate landfill, the city will convert all waste into usable resources through repurposing, recycling, or energy conversion. Mobility will be fully electric and autonomous, featuring shared e-cars, e-bikes, self-driving shuttles, and homes equipped for seamless contactless delivery via robots and drone pads.

There are already several Sustainable City models spread across the UAE — one operational in Dubai and two others set for handover in 4Q 2025 in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

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