Abu Dhabi's Calidus integrates Emirati identity into AI-powered defence innovation
18 May 2025 22:19
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi-based defence and military company Calidus has been expanding its manufacturing capabilities and technological development. As the company reaches new heights, it remains committed to preserving its Emirati identity in both its products and operations.Calidus - a defence tech development and manufacturing company - is participating in the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates not only to showcase its innovations but also to affirm its "genuine commitment to enhancing sovereign defence capabilities" and supporting the UAE's goal of further strengthening the industry, the company told Aletihad. "Our products truly embody the spirit of Emirati innovation by integrating modern technology with solutions tailored to the needs of the local and global market, while preserving national identity in design and implementation," it said. Emirati experts design Calidus' systems to address a range of operational challenges across harsh environments, incorporating features like AI-powered targeting and enhanced survivability."These are all hallmarks of Emirati innovation," it said. The company's products provide greater agility and responsiveness to regional needs, compared to imported systems."The most important features of Calidus' defence industries are flexibility and rapid response to customer needs, in addition to high quality and low logistics costs. Our systems are built to operate in rugged terrain and extreme climate conditions, unlike imported alternatives, which often require costly modifications," the company said.The company is also aligning its operations with the UAE's environmental goals. "We have adopted a clear sustainability strategy, using recycled alloys, energy-efficient automation, and renewable energy sources to reduce our carbon footprint and build low-emission manufacturing processes."
Latest Innovations At the upcoming Make it in the Emirates event, to be held from May 19 to 22, Calidus will be showcasing advanced technologies that "rely on AI to automate production lines and improve efficiency". "Our lineup includes the LRV002 vehicle, the B250 model, the MATV vehicle, and a scale model of the CLS Military Vehicles Factory production line. We are also presenting component manufacturing solutions and an aircraft cockpit simulator," the company said. For the company, Make it in the Emirates serves as a platform for global market expansion.
"The forum enables us to engage with senior decision-makers and delegations, promoting our capabilities and opening doors to markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the broader MENA region. It enhances our credibility and global visibility as a leading Emirati defence company," it said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
15 minutes ago
- Al Etihad
UAE's new climate law sparks future-proof economic growth –experts
8 June 2025 23:58 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI) Businesses across the UAE are adjusting to new sweeping climate compliance requirements under Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024, now officially in effect. The law mandates all entities operating in the UAE, including those in free zones, to measure, track, and manage their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A one-month grace period, ending on June 28, was granted for registration and initial compliance. Cabinet Resolution No. 67 of 2024 details the specific thresholds and implementation requirements under the law. It defines 'entities of huge carbon emissions' as those emitting an equivalent of at least 500,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually (Scope 1 and 2). These entities are required to register with the National Registry of Carbon Credit (NRCC) and implement full Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification protocols( MRV).Failure to comply with the UAE Climate Change Law may result in financial penalties of up to Dh1 million and temporary business suspension until all requirements are met. However, experts say businesses should look beyond penalties and recognise the legislation as a launchpad for innovation and future-proof growth. 'The law's comprehensive approach, combining regulation, market-based incentives, and innovation support, positions the UAE to lead the region in green economic transformation,' Amro Zakaria, Co-founder of Kyoto Network and CEO of Madarik Ventures, told Aletihad. 'It not only helps future-proof the economy against climate risks but also unlocks new opportunities for sustainable growth, investment, and job creation,' the global financial markets strategist added. Creating New Growth Vectors Nahla Nabil, an ESG and Sustainability Strategist, views this new law as an economic blueprint for diversification - one that creates new growth vectors while protecting existing ones.'What excites me most is that the law is sending strong signals to both sides of the market,' she told Aletihad. 'On the supply chain, it's driving innovation: carbon capture, clean tech, nature-based solutions. All of these are moving from nice-to-have to must-have. On the demand side, businesses now urgently need climate expertise, advisory services, and MRV systems and that's where I see an explosion in new jobs and opportunities,' Nabil said. She noted that UAE educational institutions are already developing programmes around climate risk and emissions management, laying the groundwork for a future-ready, knowledge-based economy.'The law also lays the foundation for a national carbon market. If done right, the UAE could lead the region in green finance not just meeting targets but setting the benchmark,' said Nabil. She also pointed out that as global regulations like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) come into effect, having verified emissions data becomes a matter of trade resilience, not just good governance. While some companies may limit themselves to basic compliance, Nabil argued that those that thrive will be the ones exploring how the law can create value and drive innovation.'The law gives us direction, from tracking emissions to exploring cleaner operations. But it's not just about rules. It's about clarity. When we know where we're heading, it's easier to make smart, future-focused decisions.' Expanding Impact According to Nabil, companies that are ready to move beyond compliance should focus on emissions hotspots to identify innovation potential, engage early in carbon credit systems, and support customers in reducing their emissions to expand the impact of their climate strategies. Zakaria pointed out that the law encourages research and development (R&D) and innovation, offering incentives for the private sector to develop climate solutions, such as clean energy, carbon capture, and alternatives to high-emission materials. Companies can also engage in carbon trading, turning emissions reductions into financial assets and new revenue streams, he added. 'Research has proven that companies that have an ESG strategy and an environmentally conscious mindset are generally more profitable. One reason for that is that the cost of capital (finance rates) is lower for projects with lower carbon intensity,' Zakaria said. Over time, he added, compliance with this law will help UAE firms reduce their carbon footprint, positioning them for better access to international markets that may soon be out of reach for high carbon foot print companies and high carbon intensity Beyond EmissionsAccording to Zakaria, the law introduces several market-based tools to support implementation, including Carbon Credit Market/ETS, Carbon Offsetting and Shadow Pricing, Technology Adoption Incentives, Green Tax Incentives, Sustainable Finance Frameworkm, and Performance pointed to the law's alignment with international climate frameworks, without losing sight of national priorities.'Post-COP28, it's clear the UAE isn't just pledging alignment with the Paris Agreement it's embedding it. The law reinforces our Nationally Determined Contributions and puts in place the systems to act on them,' she said. 'The National Carbon Credit Registry is also a forward-looking move, signalling readiness for Article 6 and future participation in global carbon markets not just keeping pace, but helping shape what's next.'From an ESG standpoint, Nabil said the law reflects global standards like TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) and the GHG Protocol, offering a robust foundation for environmental reporting. While the current focus is on emissions, she expects broader governance and risk disclosures aligned with GRI and ISSB to follow.'That evolution feels natural, and the UAE's approach has been open and adaptive. The real progress will come with implementation and I'm optimistic we're heading toward even deeper global alignment.' Nabil views this law as a foundational step in a broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) shift.'At first glance, it may seem like the law is mostly focused on emissions and the environment - the 'E' in ESG. But when you read deeper, you realise it's more than that. This is a framework law,' she said. 'It's meant to be built on, with future ministerial resolutions, technical guidelines, and sector-specific policies that will gradually define the full ESG landscape.'Nabil points to Article 7 on climate adaptation, which moves beyond environmental metrics to address health systems, infrastructure resilience, early warning systems, and inter-agency coordination - elements that touch on both social and governance priorities. 'Even the definitions section makes it clear: climate impacts are not just about nature, they include effects on lives, health, economies, and culture,' she explained. 'The law sets the stage for ESG reporting that is people-centred, risk-aware, and impact-driven.'
Khaleej Times
9 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Beyond oil and data: Why water will dictate political and economic landscapes of the next century
Water is fast becoming the defining commodity of the 21st century. Not oil, not data, but water. As we look ahead, this basic element that is essential for life, agriculture, and industry is on course to surpass more commonly regarded natural resources in its globally strategic importance and economic value. Demand for water is rising at an unprecedented pace. From rising urban populations to the water-intensive requirements of AI data centres, semiconductor manufacturing, and green hydrogen production, the pressure on global freshwater supplies is accelerating. What was once considered a freely accessible resource is increasingly subject to scarcity, speculation, and geopolitical risk. The UAE's growing global role At the same time, the UAE is fast becoming a global leader on water solutions through major investments in rainwater harvesting, innovative reuse of water and advanced desalination. A key example is Taweelah in Abu Dhabi — the world's largest reverse-osmosis desalination plant, which can add 900,000 cubic metres of water per day to meet the needs of one million people. The UAE has also stepped up as a water solutions leader beyond its borders, pioneering energy-for-water deals with trade partners such as China, Jordan and Israel. As a quid-pro-quo arrangement where energy assets or support are exchanged for water assets and or services, this form of trade often compliments carbon-rich nations with an opportunity to shore up their water security, while providing energy to water-rich countries in return. On the international stage, the UAE already made significant inroads into recognising water's vital status. At COP28, it led a landmark agreement that explicitly recognised the critical role of water in climate adaptation. Backed by $150 million endowment via the Mohamed Bin Zayed Water Initiative, the UAE is also championing breakthrough technologies, while preparing to host the pivotal 2026 UN Water Conference. As we escalate our efforts to mitigate the effects of water scarcity upon our security, the time has come for all countries to reimagine water in the same light as other commodities - a highly strategic asset, integral to driving global sustainability and climate solutions. A transparent, neutral, and legally sound water market Nearly half the global population experienced water scarcity last year, a phenomenon that increasingly mirrors patterns of geopolitical tension. We see this vividly in the Nile Basin, where competing claims between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan have escalated into diplomatic standoffs. Similar strains are present along the Colorado River in North America and in the Mekong Delta of Southeast Asia, and just recently between Pakistan and India. As with energy, water is becoming politicised, but unlike oil or gas, we don't yet have mature markets to manage and mitigate these tensions. The absence of common trading frameworks, transparent pricing mechanisms, or enforceable governance structures leaves water vulnerable to fragmentation and conflict. While oil fields around the world are heavily guarded, the world's most vital resource is left exposed, undervalued, and unprotected. Without a clear price signal, water is treated as an unlimited resource, leading to waste, mismanagement, and inequitable access, discouraging innovation in conservation while failing to attract private sector financing. This is where global trade and logistics have a critical role to play – not by commodifying water for the sake of profit, but in bringing structure, neutrality, and transparency to its allocation. By recognising that water is an asset class with a tangible economic value, we can turn it into collateral for financial instruments to unlock much-needed capital for sustainable water infrastructure, storage, conservation and innovation. However, financial infrastructure is only one part of the solution. Physical infrastructure, particularly logistics, is equally essential. The ability to transport water in bulk, efficiently and cost-effectively, will determine the success of the global water trade and while much of the world's freshwater is geographically concentrated, the real challenge lies in getting it to areas facing acute scarcity. Innovative logistics solutions, including large-scale maritime transport, are now making this possible, however, what is really needed are strong, on-the-ground partnerships to receive, store, and distribute water reliably. Without this logistical backbone, even the most advanced water trading models will fall short. As a solution, technological breakthroughs that enable distributed water production via atmospheric humidity such as Hawana Water, a DMCC company, have promised to make an outsized contribution with impressive rates of efficiency and volume. Aside from accessibility, technology will also play a key role in adapting water for various purposes. For example, companies such as Enagic and its Kangen Water systems create hydrogen rich, alkalized water, which is produced using its patented ionizing technologies to optimise health via its antioxidant properties. Dubai – the future capital of the global water trade The same principles that apply to gold, diamonds and oil must now be applied to water. It is for these reasons that we are building the DMCC Water Centre, a dedicated ecosystem for water-focused companies that will spearhead innovation, technologies, sustainable best practices, knowledge sharing, and education. The Water Centre will eventually serve as the main regional hub for pioneers in the field of water management, from WaterTech innovators to logistics providers. To that end, we are proud to have signed a landmark deal with Fresh Water Norway, bringing one billion litres of natural drinking water to Dubai annually for the next 50 years, and a partnership in the works with Aqua Index, whose founder, Yaacov Shirazi, stands as an early pioneer of water tokenisation, and a leading advocate for global transparency. As a commodities centre, our role is to offer a neutral ground for trade, with Dubai providing a de-risked and regulated environment where international actors can collaborate, innovate, and produce with confidence – a crucial requirement as legal tensions over water inevitably escalate. The world cannot afford for water to become a source of division, but instead a basis for cooperation. In this capacity, DMCC Water Centre has the potential to serve as an agnostic facilitator for development, trade and progress, while striving to solve one of the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges - making clean water a right, and not a privilege.
Gulf Today
10 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Hundreds look for jobs at career fair in Dubai
More than 400 candidates wishing to seek new jobs or exploring better employment opportunities participated in the first phase of the career fair organised by the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai. The first phase of the 2-day Career Fair 2025 was organised in collaboration with Transguard Group. The officials conducted the initial interviews of job seekers who visited the consulate from across the UAE. More than 20 job categories were offered by Transguard Group, providing an opportunity for employment in diverse sectors. About 400 candidates participated in the initial phase of the recruitment drive. The final selection of candidates will be announced upon the completion of assessment and verification processes in accordance with the specific requirements of each role. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, visited the venue and observed the recruitment process. He emphasised the importance of such initiatives in employment opportunities for Pakistanis residing in the UAE. He lauded the collaboration as an important step towards generating job opportunities for the Pakistani community. 'The Consulate remains committed to supporting and facilitating such partnerships to further broaden the scope of employment opportunities for our community,' he said. Community Welfare Attachés Imran Shahid and Junaid Murtaza also expressed their satisfaction with the response and affirmed that plans are underway to organise recruitment drives in collaboration with leading UAE-based employment agencies. The second phase of Career Fair 2025 is scheduled to take place on June 18 and 19 at the Consulate premises.
