In an exclusive interview with Sal Jafar, CEO of ESG Mena, Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of Tech Innovation Institution, shares her perspective on the challenges and benefits of integrating AI and sustainability in the Middle East.
In a bid to empower and up skill researchers, students and innovators with entrepreneurial expertise to tackle challenges in food and water systems, biodiversity loss and climate change, Goumbook, a social enterprise accelerating sustainability in the MENA region, has announced that applications are now open for the second edition of the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme.
The Programme has been opened for its second edition in continued partnership with the Saudi Awl Bank, HSBS Bank Middle East, and the European Institute of Technology (EIT) Food and the Climate Champions Team.
The programme seeks to bridge the gap between academia, research and the business sector, by transforming research, science and nature- based solutions into accessible, scalable, and sustainable outcomes tailored to the needs of small to medium farm holders. This initiative will catalyse a regional regenerative agriculture movement, addressing the unique agricultural challenges posed by the region’s arid climate, saline soils, desert landscapes, and water scarcity.
Innovators, researchers, and students focusing on regenerative agriculture are encouraged to apply by the 6th January 2025 on the programme website. Applicants will be able to present their ideas and receive support to develop their regenerative solutions addressing pressing issues such as food security, water management, and ecosystem restoration.
The programme’s judging committee will select 20 participants for intensive boot camps and mentorship, culminating in a pitch event where three winners will receive $20,000 grants each and additional support to further develop their proof of concepts and scale their projects for environmental and social impact.
History of the Programme
“The programme’s continued support reflects a dedication to empowering regional researchers and innovators to advance impactful solutions that address both local and global environmental priorities”, said Samantha Kayruz, Goumbook’s Strategy and Sustainability Impact Director.
“By welcoming a new cohort of change-makers, we aim to further the journey begun last year, where talented researchers laid the groundwork for agricultural solutions that actively combat food, water and climate issues and improve livelihoods across our region. With the continued support of our partners, we are creating pathways for innovators to move from research concept to impact, shaping a regenerative agricultural future for the MENAT region.”
Last year’s inaugural cohort attracted 158 registrations from 18 countries, representing 19 universities and research institutes across the MENAT region. Highlighting the importance of local solutions to the MENAT region’s unique agricultural challenges, participants achieved significant milestones, transforming their research into actionable solutions that enhance climate resilience and food security.
“This initiative is part of our strategy to build global partnerships and support climate-resilient innovations”, said Sabrin Rahman, Head of Sustainability for HSBC in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye region. “Last year’s cohort demonstrated the potential for transformative change in regenerative agriculture, and we are excited about the potential these pioneering ideas bring to the table.”
In a bid to advance foldable and high-quality technology, Huawei Customer Business Group (CBG) unveiled several products as part of the ‘Unfold the Classic’ HUAWEI Flagship product Launch held in Dubai on the 12th December. Among this new range is the new foldable smartphone, HUAWEI Mate X6, which is expected to redefine the foldable experience with its innovative design, durability and advanced features.
In addition to the Mate X6, Huawei introduced a lineup of new devices, including the HUAWEI nova 13 series, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, HUAWEI FreeClip in rose gold, and the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5. These products highlight a new era of innovation for the Huawei, and reinforce the company’s commitment to continuous advancement and delivering flagship experiences for users across the MENA region.
Features of the HUAWEI Mate X6
HUAWEI Mate X6 is a foldable smartphone that’s extremely thin and light while also being extremely durable. It comes with the 2nd Generation Kunlun Glass, which protects the exterior screen, while a carbon fibre inner screen plate adds strength to the interior display. The phone features an advanced multi-dimensional hinge and a robust aviation-grade aluminium middle frame. The Kunlun Glass offers 25 times better drop resistance.
The HUAWEI Mate X6’s camera system is one of its standout features, designed to capture true-to-life colours. The 50MP Ultra Aperture Camera is equipped with a ten-size adjustable physical aperture, ranging from F1.0 to F4.0, allowing users to control depth of field and light intake with precision. The camera also incorporates the Ultra Chroma technology, which uses 1.50 million spectral channels to boost colour accuracy by 120 per cent. Equipped with an OLED exterior and a large internal OLED display, the Mate X6 supports a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate.
The HUAWEI Mate X6 is ” A breakthrough technology from the inside out, bringing consumers a truly innovative foldable screen experience”, said Richard Yu, Chairman of Huawei Consumer Business Group.
he HUAWEI Mate X6 will be available in UAE for preorder starting from the 12th December 2024, at a price of AED 7199 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers. It will be available in three colours: Nebula Gray, Nebula Red, and Black. Preorder customers will benefit from add-ons worth AED 2698.
Features of the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4
The HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, the first-ever HUAWEI SOUND earbuds, set new benchmarks for wireless audio. Featuring an Ultra-Hearing Dual Driver system, these earbuds deliver a rich and dynamic listening experience across a wide frequency spectrum, from booming bass to sparkling treble. Designed for exceptional clarity during calls, the FreeBuds Pro 4 feature advanced AI noise cancellation and a high-sensitivity bone-conducting microphone.
The earbuds can intelligently distinguish between human voices and environmental noise, isolating your voice while filtering out distractions. Whether you’re at a concert or walking through a busy street, your calls remain uninterrupted, with crystal-clear sound.
HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 will be available in UAE from the 9th January 2025, at a price of AED 749 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers.
Features of the HUAWEI nova 13 Series
HUAWEI nova 13 Series, introduces the new Dynamic Plaid Texture Design, multi-focal portrait capabilities, and AI-driven innovations. The series debuts in the striking new Loden Green colourway, alongside classic Black and White options.
The HUAWEI nova 13 Series redefines front-camera photography with its 60 MP Ultra-Wide Front Camera and innovative features like the AI Best Expression. The ultra-wide angle allows users to effortlessly capture group selfies with everyone in the frame and showcase breathtaking scenery without the need for a selfie stick. The AI Best Expression feature ensures every group photo is flawless by selecting the best expressions from burst shots. The 5X Selfie Zoom expands the creative possibilities enabling close-up portraits, and delivering detailed and cinematic-quality selfies. With the new 100 W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series can charge to 50% in just 10 minutes.
HUAWEI nova 13 Series will be available in UAE before end of January 2025, at a starting price of AED 1699 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers.
Features of the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5
The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 features an eye-soothing PaperMatte Display and productivity-boosting upgrades, including an enhanced HUAWEI Notes app. Designed with students and light-duty office workers in mind, this tablet empowers users to embrace a paperless experience while enhancing efficiency, whether at school, home, or on the go.
The HUAWEI MatePad 11.3 will be available in UAE in January 2025, at a price of AED 1299 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers. It will be available in Isle Blue and Space Grey.
Features of the HUAWEI FreeClip – now in Rose Gold
The HUAWEI FreeClip combines cutting-edge audio technology with sleek, fashion-forward aesthetics. Now available in a captivating Rose Gold finish, the latest iteration of the HUAWEI FreeClip introduces a soft pink hue with subtle golden undertones. The FreeClip incorporates new features like the Dynamic Bass Algorithm, Head Motion Controls, and Drop Reminders. The Drop Reminders feature provides a gentle alert in the remaining earbud if one slips out during use, accompanied by a notification on your phone.
HUAWEI FreeClip in Rose Gold is available in the UAE, at a price of AED 699 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers. Preorder customers will get AED 100 off.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to introduce a new tax at the start of 2025, and is considering options for incentives to support innovative businesses advancing the economy.
The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced updates in relation to specific provisions of Federal Decree Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses.
A Domestic Minimum To-Up Tax (DMTT) will be effective in the UAE for financial years starting on or after the 1st January 2025 – this follows the issuance of Federal Decree Law No. 60 of 2023.
This step highlights the UAE’s commitment to implementing the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Two-Pillar Solution, targeted at establishing a fair and transparent tax system aligned with global standards.
The Pillar Two rules will require large multinational enterprises (MNEs) to pay a minimum effective tax rate of 15 per cent on profits in each country where they operate.
The DMTT will apply to multinational enterprises operating in the UAE with global revenues of $794 million or more in at least two out of the four financial years immediately preceding the financial year in which the DMTT applies.
In a bid to promote sustainable development, innovation and investment, the Ministry of Finance is considering the introduction of Corporate Tax Incentives under Federal Decree Law No. 47 of 2022.
In order to promote and encourage research and development activities, and foster innovation and economic growth in the UAE, a Research and Development Tax is being considered.
Following feedback received during public consultations conducted in April 2024, the proposed incentive is expected to take effect for tax periods starting on or after the 1st January 2026.
The research and development tax incentive will be based on expenditure, potentially offering 30-50 per cent tax credit and that will be refundable depending on the revenue and number of employees in the business in the UAE.
Refundable tax credit for high-value employment activities is being considered. This aims to encourage businesses to engage in practices that deliver significant economic benefits, inspire innovation, and enhance the UAE’s global competitiveness. This incentive is proposed to take effect on the 1st January 2025.
The final form and implementation of the aforementioned proposed incentives are subject to legislative approval. The Ministry of Finance will provide further details and guidance for taxpayers regarding these incentives in due course.
How is technology reshaping sustainability? Monaem Ben Lellahom shares his insights in an exclusive interview with Sal Jafar at COP29, highlighting how Sustainable Square is revolutionising sustainable operations and transactions through digital innovation.
A smart water conservation solution has secured top place at the inaugural edition of TCS Sustainathon Saudi Arabia.
The Sustainathon, organised by Tata Consultancy Services, challenged students to use technology to develop solutions to promote eco-friendly practices, enhance resource management, and improve the overall quality of life in urban environments in Saudi Arabia.
The winning team, Team Magic AI, made up of students from King Faisal University, King Khalid University and King Saud University, developed a smart device that attaches to water taps to monitor consumption and detect leaks.
According to Abdulrahman Alhassan, one of the winners from King Saud University, the main objective was to make water conservation accessible and achievable for everyone.
The winning team competed against 65 other submissions and received 20,000 SAR.
Second and third-place teams were awarded 15,000 SAR and 10,000 SAR, respectively.
Alongside the cash prize, participants in the top three winning teams were also awarded the chance to gain industry experience through internships at TCS.
The 12 finalist teams presented their innovative solutions to a panel of judges at the King Khalid Foundation (KKF headquarters, Riyadh, held in the presence of Her Highness Princess Nouf bint Muhammad bin Abdullah, CEO of KKF.
“Saudi Arabia is rapidly urbanizing and TCS is committed to supporting the development of urban environments in the Kingdom where people and nature co-exist harmoniously,” Sumanta Roy, President and Regional Head, Middle East & Africa, TCS, said.
Adding: “We are incredibly inspired by the ingenuity and passion demonstrated by the finalists. The innovative solutions they presented reflect a deep understanding of the challenges facing our modern-day cities and a dedication to creating a sustainable future. TCS is proud to support these young changemakers and provide them with a platform to turn their ideas into reality.”
Her Highness Princess Nouf bint Muhammad bin Abdullah Al Saud, CEO of King Khalid Foundation, commented: “Building a sustainable future begins today through decisions to improve the environment, economy, and society together, Sustainability is a deep commitment to our communities, aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its focus on building a sustainable future for future generations.”
Global humanitarian hub Dubai Humanitarian and Heriot-Watt University Dubai have announced a strategic partnership. The partnership between the two institutions is centred around a number of strategic objectives, including advancing sustainable solutions and will focus on enhancing capacity building and knowledge sharing.
According to the two parties, this will be realised in part by collaborative efforts to host and organise various events such as academic conferences, forums, site visits, seminars, and symposiums.
It was shared that the partnership will facilitate knowledge-sharing initiatives and educational trips. It will also see Heriot-Watt University Dubai students gain access to hands-on training and internship programs at Dubai Humanitarian.
Another key objective of the partnership is the implementation of sustainable solutions within the humanitarian sector. Here, both parties will undertake joint research projects focusing on sustainable packaging approaches and “innovative” solutions.
An initiative stemming from this partnership is the Packaging for Sustainability Programme.
The initiative engages academic experts, industry leaders, government officials, students and innovators through a series of academic activations.
Part of this programme is the Packaging for Sustainability Symposium, scheduled for 21 October 2024, and a design competition that encourages students to create practical solutions for reducing the environmental impacts of packaging.
Dubai Holding has announced the winner and runner-up for its global sustainability challenge, ‘Innovate for Tomorrow,’ which received 150 submissions worldwide.
The challenge aimed to advocate responsible consumption and production practices and unlock new solutions in areas such as economic circularity, efficient resource use, supply chain sustainability, waste minimisation, and consumer education.
Entrants hailed from across 31 countries, 68 per cent of which were UAE-based companies. Further, 30 per cent of the companies that applied had a female founder, and 81 per cent of the scale-ups that entered were operational.
Over one-third of the entrants targeted waste reduction, recycling and reusing, 24 per cent focused on solving supply chain sustainability issues, and 22 per cent looked at resource efficiency.
Meanwhile, 15 per cent of the entrants focused on supporting consumer education and raising awareness of key issues linked to sustainability.
The Pitch and Award Ceremony of ‘Innovate for Tomorrow’ was hosted at the Museum of the Future, where five finalists presented their scalable solutions to a judging panel of professionals in the presence of the Group’s senior management, industry experts, partners and key stakeholders.
Pitches were assessed for business viability, scalability, innovation and impact potential of the proposed solutions.
Frank Cato Lahti from Othalo, Norway, was selected as the winner with his ‘Upcycling Plastic into Homes’ solution.
He was awarded an exclusive, funded implementation of the award-winning solution through a pilot programme with Dubai Holding, which will be guided by the Group’s experts, it was shared.
Rana Hajirasouli from The Surpluss, UAE, was chosen as the runner-up for her ‘Transforming Excess into Equal Access’ solution.
The three other finalists were Manhat, UAE; Mi Terro, USA; and Midori, UAE.
The winner and runner-up were granted one-year access to TECOM Group’s in5 business incubator, the challenge’s execution partner.
In addition, all five finalists will gain access to Dubai Holding’s support network and attend a pitch day event featuring a group of potential investors.
Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer, Dubai Holding, said: “Innovate for Tomorrow champions innovation and sustainability, showcasing Dubai Holding’s commitment to harnessing entrepreneurial talent in support of the UAE’s net-zero ambitions. As a socially responsible business, sustainability and philanthropy are the cornerstone of our operations, and we are dedicated to fostering innovation and job creation by empowering SMEs and scale-up companies.”
“We look forward to reinforcing the winner with mentorship in the next phase of the challenge as they transform their visionary ideas into reality through a pilot programme with the Group, with the goal of driving substantial positive change in the UAE,” Buhumaid added.
Winner Frank Cato Lahti from Othalo, Norway, commented: “This challenge represents the most incredible opportunity to partner with Dubai Holding, allowing us a springboard into the MENA region and into the world. Dubai Holding has a power of execution that few others have, and this region has consistently pushed the boundaries and made the impossible possible. Thank you again to Dubai Holding and its execution partner TECOM Group’s in5 business incubator.”
AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA), Abu Dhabi’s new food and water cluster, has announced it is teaming up with five of the UAE capital’s leading universities and technology enablers to advance food and water innovation.
Led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), AGWA will join forces with the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Lab (ADIA Lab), Khalifa University, the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), and Hub71.
Together, the partners will establish a comprehensive framework to facilitate research and development activities. This framework aims to bring new products, processes, and services to market while supporting companies in integrating into global value chains and enabling their transition to high-value activities.
Additionally, the partnerships will reportedly provide continuous learning opportunities to enhance the skills of Abu Dhabi’s workforce.
The five Abu Dhabi research-led organisations will work closely with other AGWA companies to support the development of cutting-edge solutions and technologies, nurture talent and expertise, and provide insights into emerging trends that affect market demands and challenges related to food and water.
The research centres will play a “defining role” in uncovering breakthroughs and advancements related to the future of food and water. This will drive progress in areas such as the development of alternative proteins, functional ingredients, algae, farming, and reverse osmosis membranes, it was shared.
Dr. Horst Simon, Director of ADIA Lab, commented: “The AGWA Cluster will foster collaboration between experts from various fields, working together to find solutions to a global and vitally important issue: food and water scarcity. We look forward to drawing on our network of leading scientists, supporting cutting-edge research projects and hosting knowledge-sharing events to play our part in the success of AGWA.”
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, added: “Food and water security has been an important theme for Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Innovative technologies will play a significant role in developing sustainable food and water systems, essential for a resilient future. Abu Dhabi’s pioneering initiatives in establishing this new cluster will foster collaboration and drive the development of transformative technologies in this sector.”
By 2045, AGWA is expected to contribute AED 90 billion in incremental GDP to Abu Dhabi’s economy, create 62,000 new jobs, and attract AED 128 billion in investments.
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford and Burjeel Holdings have announced the launch of the second edition of the Oxford Saïd-Burjeel Holdings Climate Change Challenge.
The challenge is a global competition aimed at empowering high school students and educators to address the climate crisis. Last year, the inaugural edition saw over 600 applications from more than 43 countries.
This year’s finalists will be invited to Azerbaijan during COP29, with winners visiting Oxford University in 2025 to study a short programme. The winning teacher will also be invited to participate in a programme at Oxford University in 2025.
Students, as a team comprising three to five members and educators, can submit proposals across five key themes, including:
- Food Security,
- Biodiversity,
- Water Scarcity,
- Air Pollution, and
- Extreme Weather Events.
Teachers are required to submit their entries as lesson plans designed to educate students about climate change and its various aspects.
“The Climate Change Challenge represents our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders equipped to tackle the climate crisis head-on,” commented Dean Soumitra Dutta of Oxford Saïd.
“By empowering youth to drive change and fostering collaboration across borders, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.”
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, added: “This collaboration underscores our commitment to addressing global challenges through education and innovation. We are seeing more extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, and floods that highlight the urgent need for decisive action against climate change. By engaging the next generation in this critical mission, we can foster the creativity and determination needed to combat the climate crisis effectively.”
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