Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
National energy and clean innovation players celebrate a year of tangible sustainability gains as the UAE marks the 54th Eid Al Etihad.
From cleaner fuel systems to operational upgrades that cut emissions and support national climate goals, the country is translating long-term strategies into real, measurable progress towards Net Zero.
Few places capture the nation's sustainability ambitions as vividly as Masdar City, now home to more than 2,000 companies shaping the UAE's clean-tech future.
Designed as a "green print" for urban innovation, the city has strengthened its position this year as a proving ground for technologies that will define tomorrow's low-carbon economies.
The attractive incentives offered by its Free Zone – 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, fast-tracked licensing – continue to draw startups and global giants working in critical areas such as smart mobility, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy.
Its strategic location near the Zayed International Airport makes it a perfect gateway for pioneering innovations to reach the world.
"But it is not just about business benefits; it is about a living, breathing city built for the future. Masdar City operates as a 'living testbed'; where groundbreaking ideas are not just discussed but are put to the test every single day," Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City, told Aletihad in a recent interview.
"Level 4 autonomous vehicles navigate its streets; vertical farms grow produce using minimal water; sustainable building systems are tested against the region's heat and dust. Each success strengthens the UAE's progress toward Net Zero by 2050 and reinforces the country's leadership in climate-resilient urban design."
This year, two milestones embodied Masdar City's contribution to national progress. The first was the live testing of MiCa, the region's first Level 4 autonomous vehicle, which took place on the city's streets.
In collaboration with government partners, Masdar City is also preparing to host the UAE's first dedicated Autonomous Vehicle Test Hub.
"This isn't just about technological advancement; it's about pioneering safer, more efficient, and inclusive mobility solutions that will ultimately enhance the daily lives and connectivity of residents across the UAE," Baghoum said.
Another key milestone in 2025 was the opening of the Masdar City Mosque, now recognised as the region's most sustainable mosque and the first to operate on net-zero energy.
"More than just an architectural marvel, it stands as a testament to our human-centred urban development, offering a spiritual and communal gathering space that unites people,"said Baghoum.
"In a year that celebrated the 'Year of Community', our achievements powerfully demonstrate how pioneering innovation, when nurtured within a collaborative environment, truly serves and elevates the broader public good and sense of shared identity," he added.
ENOC Group is also celebrating significant progress in operational efficiency and low-carbon fuel development.
Between 2014 and 2024, the company achieved Dh395 million in cumulative energy-cost savings and cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 703,840 metric tonnes. These long-term efficiencies earned ENOC the Golden Peacock Award for Energy Efficiency in 2025.
ENOC also unveiled a major biodiesel production facility at WETEX 2025 with an annual production capacity of 20 million litres.
The group's most prominent sustainability strides, however, emerged in the aviation sector. As the region's largest jet fuel supplier, ENOC took a central role in shaping the UAE's growing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) ecosystem through new partnerships with Emirates, flydubai, Jetex, and MENA Biofuels announced at the Dubai Airshow.
"We are deeply committed to leveraging our extensive infrastructure, operational expertise, and market leadership to drive environmental stewardship and ensure our contributions actively support the aviation sector's ambitious journey towards achieving net-zero emissions. These collaborations are direct examples of how we translate that commitment into tangible action," Hussain Sultan Lootah, Acting Group CEO of ENOC, told Aletihad.
The new MENA Biofuels facility in Fujairah will produce 125 million litres of SAF annually. ENOC will manage the logistics, storage, and distribution of this locally made SAF to airlines in Dubai.
The group is also leveraging its extensive infrastructure, including the UAE's only direct jet-fuel pipeline to Dubai World Central, to assess the modifications needed for SAF storage, blending, and long-term commercial viability.
"Eid Al Etihad embodies the founding vision of our nation, a vision built on unity, determination, and collective effort," Lootah said on the occasion.
"As a leading and fully integrated global energy player, our role extends beyond driving economic progress to supporting society in all its diversity. The UAE's strength lies in the cohesion of its people and their shared contribution to building a more sustainable and innovative future."
