Latest news with #AbuDhabi
Zawya
35 minutes ago
- Business
- Zawya
Gridora in deal to fast-track delivery of $9.5bln infrastructure projects
UAE - Gridora, the new infrastructure platform established by ADQ, IHC and Modon Holding, has signed its first MoU with Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) for the delivery of high-impact transport infrastructure projects. The agreement marks a key milestone in Gridora's mission to champion the delivery of strategic infrastructure projects. Through this agreement, Gridora and ADPIC will establish a framework for potential collaboration in relation to supporting the development, planning and implementation of strategic infrastructure projects within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The initial focus of the MoU will be to establish a working committee to explore potential opportunities and identify pilot projects, activities and initiatives Gridora could undertake. These would be considered from several projects ADPIC aims to deliver within the emirate, with the centre having been mandated to implement projects with an estimated value of at least AED35 billion ($9.5 billion). Chairman Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi said: "Gridora's expertise and resources will deliver world-class infrastructure, empowering the nation's ambitious economic and population growth goals. Our MoU with ADPIC reflects our shared commitment to accelerate the implementation of critical transport infrastructure, combining innovation, scale and vision." "The delivery of these high-impact infrastructure projects will be transformative to Abu Dhabi, and we look forward to working closely as a trusted infrastructure partner to ADPIC," he stated. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said: "This strategic partnership between ADPIC and Gridora underscores a shared focus on creating transport infrastructure that enhances Abu Dhabi's continued growth as a global city. By leveraging Gridora's capabilities, this collaboration aims to accelerate project delivery, improve cost efficiency, and deliver long-term value for Abu Dhabi and its communities." ADPIC Director General Eng. Maysarah Mahmoud Eid said: "We see infrastructure as a powerful enabler of opportunity, economic growth, and long-term sustainability. This MoU with Gridora advances our shared commitment to accelerate the delivery of high-impact projects that enhance connectivity and quality of life across the emirate." "By combining our strategic vision with Gridora's delivery capabilities we are shaping a future-ready emirate that aligns with Abu Dhabi's strategic vision and long-term goals," he noted. Modon Holding Group CEO Bill O'Regan said: "With this MoU, we can unlock Gridora's capability to deliver critical infrastructure, ensuring the long-term growth of the recently announced infrastructure platform. We look forward to seeing Gridora move forward with purpose, enabling world-class cities with cutting edge infrastructure." Operating under Modon Holding and established in partnership with ADQ and IHC, Gridora serves as a strategic platform for collaboration with specialist partners and capital providers, enabling the delivery of large-scale, high-impact infrastructure projects. Al Zaabi said Gridora has adopted a dual-focus business model spanning 'Infrastructure Projects' and 'Infrastructure Investments', enabling it to lead across the full infrastructure lifecycle. This MoU with ADPIC marks the first in a series of planned engagements to advance high-impact public-priority infrastructure, enhance and foster long-term collaboration between the public and private sectors and is a testament to the significant scale of Gridora's business, he added.
Zawya
35 minutes ago
- Business
- Zawya
New UAE initiative to boost local products' competitiveness
The UAE's Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and Sinaha — an e-commerce platform dedicated to supporting Emirati-made goods — have signed a partnership aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of national products. Through the partnership, Sinaha will design a national digital platform that showcases products bearing the 'Made in the Emirates' mark, a unified national identity that recognises goods manufactured in the UAE. The agreement was signed by Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Accelerators Sector at MoIAT, and Mansour Mohammed bin Kardous Al Ameri, Deputy CEO of the Sinaha platform, with the ceremony taking place on the sidelines of the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates Forum, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. As part of the agreement, the community-focused Walaa' (loyalty) Platform will be launched under the supervision of MoIAT. The platform will engage influencers, media professionals, and community organisations to support the culture of local consumption and promote national products. It will also celebrate the contributions of key supporters of the Make it in the Emirates initiative. Awareness campaigns will further enhance public and investor confidence in national products. This partnership aims to align efforts between MoIAT and Sinaha to deliver innovative initiatives that support national priorities and enhance public-private sector integration. Key focus areas will include developing digital solutions for industrial employment, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and advancing the Make it in the Emirates initiative. Fadhel emphasised that MoIAT remains committed to supporting strategic initiatives that bring together public and private sectors in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. These efforts strengthen the growth and competitiveness of the UAE's industrial sector, while raising awareness of the quality and value of Emirati products under the umbrella of Make it in the Emirates. He added: 'At the ministry, we are committed to supporting efforts that elevate 'Made in the Emirates' products. This not only enhances investment opportunities but also fosters a stronger culture of local consumption by highlighting the quality of Emirati-made goods in collaboration with our partners at Sinaha. Marketing plays a vital role beyond production, and initiatives such as the Walaa' platform will be instrumental in showcasing the excellence of our national products in both local and international markets.' Al Ameri, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sinaha platform, said: "We operate in line with the directives of our wise leadership to strengthen the capabilities of the national industrial sector. This strategic partnership with MoIAT marks a significant step toward establishing an effective, integrated model of collaboration between the public and private sectors to support Emirati products across all levels.' He also added: "Industrial development cannot be achieved without recognising the vital role of marketing — it is as important as production itself. Strong demand drives higher production volumes, expands the consumer base, and contributes directly to employment and economic growth. Smart, consistent marketing of Emirati products is key to unlocking new markets. It fuels the manufacturing ecosystem, attracts investment, and accelerates the journey toward sustainable industrial development." Al Ameri also highlighted how the partnership will enable Sinaha to expand its support for national products by increasing integrated digital and media efforts. It will also contribute to developing policies and investment opportunities that advance innovation and support long-term competitiveness. This partnership between MoIAT and Sinaha represents a significant step in digital industrial empowerment by laying the foundation for a comprehensive, integrated system that enhances the added value of national products. It will also support long-term cooperation, industrial localization and provide quality employment opportunities in future industries. The platform will also leverage advanced digital tools and artificial intelligence to analyze consumer behavior. These local market insights will support efforts to raise awareness of Emirati products and services across the industrial and technology sectors, serving as a unified gateway for the national industrial ecosystem — connecting manufacturers with consumers, investors with factories, and talent with employment opportunities, said the statement. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
an hour ago
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi's data centre industry power investments to exceed $10.08bln: TAQA CEO
ABU DHABI – Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) is poised to significantly bolster Abu Dhabi's burgeoning data and artificial intelligence hub, with its CEO and Managing Director announcing that total investments to support the power needs of the data centre industry in the emirate will exceed AED37 billion. This announcement aligns with TAQA's broader strategy to provide clean, certified, and reliable energy for critical infrastructure. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the World Utilities Congress 2025, Jasim Husain Thabet, TAQA's Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director (GCEO & MD) highlighted the company's robust growth and strategic acquisitions. With a market capitalisation estimated at approximately AED360 billion, TAQA stands among the top five companies in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East for electricity generation, transmission, and water desalination, operating across 25 countries. Over the past four years, TAQA has impressively doubled its electricity production capacity to 56 gigawatts, surpassing the total electricity consumption of the United Kingdom. Recent strategic moves include the acquisition of an 875-megawatt gas-powered electricity station in Uzbekistan, in partnership with Mubadala, supporting Uzbekistan's energy transition and opening new Central Asian markets. Additionally, TAQA's acquisition of "Transmission Investment", a leading UK-based energy and utility investment platform. Further enhancing its clean energy portfolio, TAQA is currently constructing a 1-gigawatt gas turbine power station. In collaboration with Masdar, where TAQA holds a major stake, the company is also developing 5 gigawatts of solar energy backed by 19 gigawatt-hours of battery storage. This integrated solar and battery system, designed to deliver a continuous supply of 1 gigawatt for 24 hours, will be the largest project of its kind globally. TAQA aims to invest AED75 billion by 2030 to triple its electricity generation capacity to 150 gigawatts, he said. As part of this growth strategy, the company also plans to develop water desalination plants with a combined capacity of 1.3 billion gallons per day, with two-thirds utilising highly efficient reverse osmosis technology.
Gulf Business
6 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Abu Dhabi: Gridora, ADPIC ink MoU to drive mega infrastructure projects
Image: Supplied Gridora, the newly launched infrastructure platform backed by ADQ, IHC and Modon Holding, has signed its inaugural memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) to accelerate the planning and delivery of major transport infrastructure projects across the emirate. The agreement establishes a framework for potential collaboration between Gridora and ADPIC, aimed at supporting the development, planning and implementation of strategic projects. ADPIC has been mandated to implement transport infrastructure projects valued at a minimum of Dhs35bn. Under the MoU, Gridora and ADPIC will form a joint working committee to explore opportunities, pilot initiatives, and identify priority projects for Gridora's engagement. 'Gridora's expertise and resources will deliver world-class infrastructure, empowering the nation's ambitious economic and population growth goals,' said Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, chairman of Gridora. 'Our MoU with ADPIC reflects our shared commitment to accelerate the implementation of critical transport infrastructure, combining innovation, scale and vision.' The MoU marks a milestone for Gridora as it embarks on its mission to deliver high-impact infrastructure and strengthen public-private collaboration. Gridora's business model spans 'Infrastructure Projects' and 'Infrastructure Investments', covering the entire infrastructure lifecycle. The MoU is a milestone for Gridora 'This strategic partnership between ADPIC and Gridora underscores a shared focus on creating transport infrastructure that enhances Abu Dhabi's continued growth as a global city,' said Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport. 'By leveraging Gridora's capabilities, this collaboration aims to accelerate project delivery, improve cost efficiency, and deliver long-term value for Abu Dhabi and its communities.' Engineer Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, DG of ADPIC, added: 'This MoU with Gridora advances our shared commitment to accelerate the delivery of high-impact projects that enhance connectivity and quality of life across the emirate.' Bill O'Regan, group CEO of Modon Holding, said the agreement will enable Gridora to demonstrate its delivery capabilities and contribute to the growth of world-class infrastructure. 'We look forward to seeing Gridora move forward with purpose, enabling world-class cities with cutting edge infrastructure,' he said. The MoU with ADPIC is the first in a series of planned partnerships aimed at enhancing Abu Dhabi's infrastructure landscape through sustained public-private cooperation.
Khaleej Times
10 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Cold-stunned, injured, rescued: 50 sea turtles returned to Abu Dhabi waters
Dozens of children, conservationists, and curious onlookers lined the shores of Jumeirah Saadiyat Beach on Wednesday morning as 50 sea turtles, once injured or sick, were returned to their natural home. A massive turtle which took several hands to carry from its container, seemed to sprint as soon as it touched the sand. Smaller turtles seemed equally excited — flicking flippers in the air as soon as they were lifted from their plastic basins. As they hit the shoreline, they shuffled their way through, disappearing into the water in a matter of seconds. This public release, organised by the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi (EAD), in collaboration with Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue and The National Aquarium, is part of a years-long effort to rescue and rehabilitate marine turtles vulnerable to threats in UAE waters. 'This season we've contributed 137 turtles,' said Scott McCoy, senior zoological director at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. 'Today, 25 of those are ready to go back. The rest will go back shortly.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The turtles released had spent weeks or months recovering from a range of conditions, from infections and injuries to one particularly surprising ailment: the cold. 'Yes, you heard me right, they get cold,' McCoy said. 'If they are in water that is too cold, it'll actually suck the energy from their body. They become lethargic, stop eating, and then you get dehydration and other issues.' This phenomenon, known as 'cold-stunning', may seem unlikely in the Arabian Gulf, but marine experts say temperature swings between summer and winter are more extreme than many realise. 'In the summer, the water can reach 35°C, but in winter, it drops to 12°C or 13°C,' explained Lewis Cocks, curator at The National Aquarium. 'That massive change is what shocks the turtles. Being cold-blooded, they rely on the external environment to regulate their body temperature.' Many of the turtles are juveniles, including hawksbills born locally in Abu Dhabi, who may not yet know to avoid colder waters in winter. Found washed ashore or floating with barnacle-covered shells, they are often reported by beachgoers and coastal residents. 'We really rely on the public,' said McCoy. 'If they ever see an animal in distress, we want them to call us.' Members of the public can call the Abu Dhabi Government hotline (800-555) if they encounter a turtle on land or in the water, said Dr Hind Alameri, acting section head of marine biodiversity at EAD. But she cautioned against trying to help without guidance. 'Sometimes, they have injuries that can be worsened if handled. The best thing to do is stay away and report it,' she said. EAD has rescued over 1,500 turtles since launching its programme in 2016. This season alone, 287 turtles have been saved — 140 by The National Aquarium and 147 by Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue. For McCoy's team, the most serious case this season involved a turtle with a flipper amputation. 'We don't know why it was injured, but the flipper had to be removed. It's now doing great and will be released in the next batch,' he said. Even turtles with missing limbs can return to the wild if deemed fit by the environmental authorities. 'We make sure they can swim, feed, and survive on their own before release,' he added. As part of their expanded research, this year 15 turtles, identified as special cases, are being fitted with satellite GPS trackers. 'You'll see five of those today,' said Cocks. 'We want to learn where they go, where they feed, and whether they migrate. It's valuable data for conservation.' 'These animals are getting a second chance,' McCoy concluded. 'They don't get that chance if it's not for the people who report them, and the people who work every day to bring them back.'
