AGP Executive Report

Marine Safety: A projectile struck a vessel off the UAE coast, sparking a fire that was extinguished. The crew’s status, damage and possible environmental impact remain unknown as authorities investigate. Waste-to-Value: Three UAE school pupils are testing a process that turns discarded chicken feathers into biofertiliser, with trials underway at 16 farms and nurseries across the UAE, Oman and India. Circular Living: Emirati tea entrepreneur Fatma AlMoosawi is giving used tea leaves a second life as compost and natural ink, while pursuing further research. Natural Heritage: Abu Dhabi is imposing a Dh150,000 penalty for damaging the emirate’s natural heritage. Climate Finance: Central bank leaders and experts met in Abu Dhabi to discuss climate risks to financial stability and ways to expand sustainable finance.

Natural Heritage: Abu Dhabi fined a company Dh150,000 for repeatedly damaging Al Barqa, a rare desert formation and wildlife habitat. The Environment Agency says such damage cannot be restored. Environmental Culture: The Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival returns to NYU Abu Dhabi from October 9–11 with a “Mend” theme focused on restoring our relationship with nature. Marine Safety: A tanker was struck by a projectile off the UAE coast and a fire was extinguished; the crew’s condition and any environmental impact remain unknown. Climate Action: Abu Dhabi’s Climate Solutions Summit opened this week as the UAE called for climate finance promises to be put into practice ahead of COP31. Water Security: Preparations for December’s UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi are focused on action, with the UAE highlighting AI tools to monitor water supplies, consumption and leaks. Cleaner Energy: The UAE-France Energy Forum targeted clean-energy cooperation, while Dubai Airports’ solar programme and the UAE’s first industrial carbon-capture pilot point to local efforts to cut emissions.

Climate Policy: Abu Dhabi’s Climate Solutions Summit opened as UAE officials called for climate finance to move from promises to action. WGES 2026 and the Central Bank’s Climate Forum also focused on advancing the green transition. Clean Energy: Dubai Airports is developing a 45-megawatt-peak solar programme, while data-centre operator Khazna aims to use 100% carbon-free electricity for cooling by 2035. Industrial Innovation: Holcim UAE and 44.01 commissioned the country’s first industrial carbon-capture and mineralisation pilot. Nature and Research: The UAE became the first Arab country to join an Antarctic research group, and children in Ajman planted 45 mangroves to expand coastal forests.

Climate Action: Abu Dhabi’s three-day Climate Solutions Summit opened at Khalifa University, bringing researchers, policymakers and investors together to turn climate research into practical solutions. The UAE also called for climate finance pledges to move into implementation. Green Finance: The Central Bank’s second Climate Forum is examining climate risks to financial stability and how sustainable finance can support a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. Clean Energy: Dubai Airports is advancing a 45-megawatt-peak solar programme, while Holcim and 44.01 have launched the UAE’s first industrial carbon-capture and mineralisation pilot. Water and Food Security: Abu Dhabi’s proposed land-based aquaculture project aims to produce 30,000 tonnes of seafood a year using systems that treat and reuse water; the target depends on feasibility studies and approvals. Next on the Agenda: The World Green Economy Summit returns to Dubai on October 21–22, with energy, water and food security, business transition and finance among its themes.

Climate Finance: The UAE urged COP31 talks to turn climate pledges into funding and practical action, citing Tuvalu’s coastal adaptation project as a model. Energy & Data: Khazna says carbon-free electricity covered 27% of its data-centre cooling load in 2025, with a goal of 100% by 2035; Dubai Airports is also advancing a 45-MWp solar programme. Nature & Science: The UAE became the first Arab state to join the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research. Sharjah’s Sir Bu Nair Festival is also raising awareness of the island’s marine biodiversity. Cutting Emissions: Holcim UAE and 44.01 commissioned the country’s first industrial carbon capture and mineralisation pilot.

Wildlife: Abu Dhabi’s 2026–27 falconry season runs from October 20 to January 31. Only licensed falconers may hunt, and only captive-bred houbara bustards, under rules designed to protect wildlife and habitats. Clean Energy: Dubai Airports reported a 45 MWp rooftop solar programme across DXB and DWC, alongside lower electricity use and a 5% biodiesel blend in airport vehicle fleets. Food Security: Elite Agro Holding announced Dh660 million in agricultural investments, including an Dh80 million blueberry project in Al Ain, as Global Food Week opened in Abu Dhabi. Water and Research: The UAE will host the UN Water Conference in December. The country also became the first Arab state to join the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, expanding its role in international environmental science.

Food Security Data Boost: Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD) and Silal Group signed a Service Level Agreement to strengthen data exchange and statistical capabilities for smarter planning in Abu Dhabi’s agriculture and food sector, supporting food security and sustainable development. Cooling for a Hotter Future: Empower awarded excavation and foundation works for a new 47,000 RT district cooling plant in Dubai Science Park, aiming to serve nearly 80 mixed-use buildings with more efficient, environmentally friendly cooling. Greener Masterplan in Sharjah: Azizi Developments broke ground on Azizi Florence, a AED30bn Sharjah community with 25% green space, 160,000+ trees and plants planned, and a large Bardini Park. Pharma Logistics Standards: FedEx’s Dubai World Central hub earned IATA CEIV Pharma certification, backing temperature-controlled handling for sensitive healthcare shipments. Global Food Week Momentum: The Global Food Security Summit opened in Abu Dhabi alongside Global Food Week 2026, focusing on resilient, sustainable food systems and investment-driven solutions. Renewables Scale-Up: Smartgrid Analytics says it has surpassed 107 GW in commissioned renewable energy assets worldwide, including growing storage and hybrid projects.

UAE Food Security Push: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed says the UAE will keep collaborating on innovative, resilient food systems as the Global Food Security Summit opens in Abu Dhabi, with Thani Al Zeyoudi stressing interconnected, adaptable supply chains. Fujairah Natural Resources Oversight: Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad reviews Fujairah’s natural resources and mining plans, including service upgrades and a Global Star Rating pilot. Global Food Week in Abu Dhabi: The summit runs alongside Global Food Week, positioning the UAE as a trade and logistics hub for food under climate and geopolitical pressure. Data Centres & Water Stress: A new study flags rising concerns over water use from AI data centres, noting water stress impacts beyond the US, including Belgium. Nuclear & Radiation Regulation: FANR board updates include progress on the UAE’s National Environmental Radiation Measurements Portal and ongoing Barakah oversight. Dubai Dining Spotlight: MICHELIN Guide Dubai’s 5th edition adds 19 new restaurants and promotes Orfali Bros to Two Stars. BRICS Move (Ghana): Ghana’s Cabinet approves a formal application to join BRICS, aiming to diversify partnerships and boost development.

Antarctic Science Push: The UAE became the first Arab country to join SCAR, linking its Emirates Polar Programme and Khalifa University’s Polar Research Centre to global Antarctica research and climate assessments. Sustainable Data Centres: Khazna Data Centres published its first ESG report, aiming to power 100% of mechanical load with carbon-free electricity by 2035. Environmental Justice at UN Crime Congress: In Abu Dhabi, the UN Crime Congress put “crimes that affect the environment” front and centre, launching the Abu Dhabi Call to Action on Environmental Crime to target trafficking networks. Gulf Maritime Security: A Greek-owned LNG tanker, Maran Gas Mystras, was struck near the Strait of Hormuz; crew were safe and no pollution reported as investigations continue. Food Security Spotlight: Global Food Week 2026 opened in Abu Dhabi at ADNEC with 2,580 exhibitors from 92 countries, focusing on scalable, sustainable food futures. Cyber Resilience: The UAE Cyber Security Council and SCC Middle East plan a Centre of Excellence for Cyber Resilience and Trusted Technology, with labs, incubation and pathways to global markets.

Maritime Security & Environment: A tanker in the Strait of Hormuz reported an engine-room fire after being hit by an unknown projectile, with no casualties or environmental impact reported so far, as UKMTO urges extra caution amid renewed attacks that keep oil routes risky for the region. Public Health: Abu Dhabi’s Breast Cancer Awareness push is showing results, with breast cancer screenings up 377.5% in October 2025 versus the same month in 2024, as awareness turns into sustained action. Innovation & Clean Tech Momentum: The UAE has entered the world’s top 25 innovation economies for the first time, ranking 25th in the Global Innovation Index 2026, including top scores for entrepreneurship policies, attracting international students, and startup funding. Energy & Climate Resilience: Holcim commissioned the UAE’s first industrial carbon capture and mineralisation (CCM) pilot, marking a step toward cutting industrial emissions. Digital Infrastructure: e& plans to expand UAE international connectivity to over 500Tbps by 2030, aiming to strengthen the country’s AI-ready digital backbone. Food Security & Sustainability: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi is set to host Global Food Week 2026 (Oct 6–8) alongside AI Everything 2026, with a focus on scalable food futures and agrifood transformation.

Industrial Decarbonisation: Holcim UAE and 44.01 have commissioned the UAE’s first live-condition carbon capture and underground mineralisation pilot at the Holcim Emirates Cement Plant in Fujairah, capturing about 4–4.5 tonnes of CO2 daily and permanently locking it into solid rock. Sustainable Food Security: Dubai Chamber’s “Sustainability 365” forum is pushing supply-source diversification, local production, circular economy practices and steps to cut food loss and waste. Climate Finance: The UAE Central Bank will host its second Climate Forum in Abu Dhabi on 8 October, focusing on how banks and regulators can manage climate risks and fund the net-zero transition. Water-Saving Innovation: AUS students won a Women in Engineering challenge with AquaServe, a concept to reuse water by capturing heat from data centre servers and recycling condensed vapor. Clean Energy Storage Push: ROX Capital Group launched a Gulf Energy Storage platform for utility-scale projects across the UAE and Oman, assessing multiple battery technologies including long-duration options. Digital Twin for Cities: Dubai Municipality joined the Digital Twin Consortium to advance geospatial data use in urban planning, infrastructure and asset management.

Green Mobility Push: Dubai’s RTA will host the inaugural Dubai International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and Conference (EV World 2026) at Dubai World Trade Centre from Nov 10–12, aiming to speed up smarter, lower-emissions transport. Marine Life Under Threat: Research warns Iran-linked attacks on oil infrastructure in the Persian Gulf are endangering coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and fisheries, adding to climate and pollution stress. UAE Tech for the Environment: Emirati firm Stellaria is turning university AI and geospatial research into satellite-based solutions for coastal and maritime monitoring, infrastructure and environmental assessment. Wildlife & Heritage: A UAE archaeologist explains rock art and petroglyphs across the Hajar Mountains, highlighting sites in Fujairah. Bees in Focus: A student project from Lacombe Composite High School in the UAE has reached the Americas finalist stage of the Zayed Sustainability Prize for a solar-powered, AI-sensor “BeeCube” to help protect bee colonies. Aviation & Climate Angle: Emirates launched daily year-round Dubai–Helsinki flights, with Finland’s nature and national parks spotlighted.

Strait of Hormuz Security: A British maritime agency says an unknown projectile hit a tanker’s engine room in the Strait of Hormuz, with no crew injuries and no recorded environmental impact—highlighting how shipping risks remain tied to regional tensions. Human Rights + Climate Tech: Abu Dhabi’s National Human Rights Institution urges the UAE to integrate human rights and environmental impact checks across the full lifecycle of climate technologies, from R&D to deployment. Clean Mobility Push: Dubai’s RTA will host the inaugural EV World 2026 (Nov 10–12) at DWTC to accelerate electric and sustainable transport, charging infrastructure and greener public mobility. Urban Resilience Tech: Abu Dhabi’s DMT and Siemens sign a partnership for digital infrastructure, AI-enabled stormwater and flood prediction, and smarter transport systems. Wildlife Conservation Calendar: Dubai Safari Park announces Season 8 (Oct 12) with a “Wildest Opening Week” and family activities built around conservation and education. Food System Scaling: The Emirates Franchise Association highlights franchising as a route to grow UAE food and beverage brands globally.

Aviation Security in Focus: The UAE says a FlyDubai co-pilot used a crash axe to attack the captain in a “terrorist act” on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, after the attacker was reportedly flagged by Oman over extremism concerns; investigations continue into whether he acted alone. Wildlife Protection: An Oman sea-turtle incident involving a social media influencer has triggered legal action by the country’s environment authority, after footage of disturbing the animal circulated online. Sustainable Food Agenda: Abu Dhabi’s Global Food Week (Oct 6–8) will bring FAO and WOAH-led discussions on food security and more sustainable, resilient agrifood systems. Local Sustainability Leadership: The Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Awards (10th edition) named winners across energy management, reporting, leadership and sustainability initiatives. Blue Economy Angle: A new push highlights the growing economic case for ocean-based development—fisheries, ports, marine energy and tourism—while protecting marine ecosystems.

Environmental Security: A new Gulf-focused study warns the Iran war is causing “unprecedented” ecological damage, citing oil spills, toxic debris and noise impacts on marine life and biodiversity, with UAE habitats flagged for harm. Food & Sustainability: Global Food Week 2026 opens in Abu Dhabi (Oct 6–8), bringing FAO and WOAH into talks on food security and more sustainable, resilient agrifood systems. UAE Climate Tech: Abu Dhabi is rolling out AI tools to track residents’ exposure to air pollution in real time, aiming to improve public awareness and response. Wildlife Protection: A major animal sanctuary raid in the Midlands rescued neglected dogs, cats and owls, highlighting ongoing pressure on animal welfare and enforcement. Digital Governance: DEWA’s Smart Bank Guarantee System cuts transaction turnaround time by 95% and reduces reliance on physical guarantees, boosting efficiency for customers. Space for Environment: Kyrgyzstan set up a satellite data monitoring center with support from Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, using UAE’s Altair satellite for agriculture, water and emissions monitoring.

Maritime Heritage & Community Sport: Sharjah Broadcasting Authority announced the second Sir Bu Nair Dhow Sailing Race on 10 October, with 71 dhows and a prize pool of about Dhs3m, plus a Sir Bu Nair Challenge for Sharjah government employees. Marine Life Recovery: Abu Dhabi’s Sustainable Fisheries Index hit 100% by end-2025, up from 8% in 2018, as EAD credits coral reef rehabilitation, mangrove growth and a single-use plastic bag ban that cut usage by 95%. Desert & Climate-Inspired Design: UAE University launched “Desert by Design” for desert architecture and urbanism in Al Ain, asking students and early-career professionals to propose climate- and heritage-led future urban ideas. Sustainability in Schools: École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School was named a finalist for the 2027 Zayed Sustainability Prize for its solar-powered, AI-monitored BeeCube hive system. Energy & Shipping Pressure: LNG traffic through the Strait of Hormuz improved to its best month since the Iran war began, but the wider disruption risk remains for Europe’s gas supply. UAE at the UN: The UAE delegation wrapped up UNGA81 participation, spotlighting climate action and sustainable water solutions.