How Will New Fuel Standards Impact the Gulf?

As of 1st January 2020, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are implementing a 0.5% sulphur cap on bunker fuels. The IMO’s decision could cost the global economy $1 trillion over 5 years and increase crude prices by 10% in 2020 alone.

This could be bad news for the Gulf, which is home to the world’s second largest bunkering hub – the UAE’s Port of Fujairah. While the Gulf is develo...

What Will Happen if Natural Resources Run Out?

On our wonderful planet, there are multiple natural resources that help make life easier. We use trees for making paper products and they provide us with oxygen. We use natural gas to heat our homes and coal to help us produce electricity. Freshwater fish are a staple in the American diet and we pump billions of barrels of oil out of the ground to fuel our automobiles.

But what happens when ...

Who Is the UAE Sending into Space?

The UAE this month announced that it would be proudly sending the first ever Arab astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Niadi overcame a gruelling selection process to achieve the coveted prize, with the news being announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed via his Twitter account.

“It's a new Arab achievement announcing the names of the first Ar...

Is Takeaway Culture Damaging the UAE Environment?

A new study from auditing group KPMG has found that the takeaway habits of UAE citizens may be having a detrimental impact on the natural environment. According to their investigation, approximately 75% of the country’s populace order a takeaway meal at least once a week.

The majority of those meals are delivered in single-use plastic containers, many of which are not recycled at all. This c...

UAE plans Ethiopia – Eritrea Pipeline

Eritrea with the construction of an onshore crude oil pipeline between the two countries. The ambitious new project was outlined in an announcement last month, as the UAE continues its role as peacemaker between the neighbouring African nations.

The situation in the region had been volatile for well over 50 years until a momentous peace treaty was signed this July. Building upon that breakth...

Have Drone Inspections worked to reduce Industrial Pollution?

The Dubai Municipality is cracking down on environmental infringements from industrial polluters via the use of drones. Although the scheme was only announced last month, it has been in operation for the whole of 2018 and has already shown remarkable results in not only detecting transgressions but reducing their incidence.

To date, the number of overall environmental violations has fallen b...

How Can AI Combat Oil Leaks?

The UAE has announced the opening of a new artificial intelligence (AI) laboratory. Working in conjunction with the Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) plan to use the laboratory to bolster performance and efficiency in a number of areas.

One of these will be the prevention...

Why is UAE Healthcare Thriving?

The UAE healthcare sector is projected to increase by 60% over the five-year period between 2016 and 2021, resulting in an industry worth a whopping AED 103 billion by its close. The speculation is welcome news to Emirati citizens and business, but what is behind the growth? Why is the healthcare sector thriving at present? And what continues to fuel its forward movement? Here are five differen...

What is the NATIONAL WASTE DATABASE?

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has announced the launch of the National Waste Database, an online service which will analyse, compile and share data on waste produced across the UAE. As well as quantifying the amount of waste generated in different parts of the country, the database will also connect each emirate with its counterparts to allow easy sharing of best practices and ...

Is ABU DHABI ready to pump more Oil?

Abu Dhabi’s principal crude oil producer has indicated that it is ready to pump several hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil more per day, if the situation warrants it. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has announced that it has the capacity to deliver more oil immediately if the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) requires extra supply to meet demand.

OPEC had cappe...