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Solar plane takes off for 1st international flight
13 May 11, Khaleej Times
The Solar Impulse team behind the project plans to fly the experimental aircraft to Belgium and France.
Shams Maan Power Generation begins solar technology qualification works in Maan
09 May 11, AME Info
In a joint cooperation between the National Center for Research and Development/ Energy Research Program (NERC), and the Ma'an Development Company (MDC), Shams Ma'an Power Generation PSC, officially began its Solar Technology Qualification Works in Ma'an.
UAE non-oil trade hits Dh702b in January 2011
09 May 11, Gulf News
The UAE non-oil foreign trade recorded a 22 per cent increase in January 2011, according to the UAE Federal Customs Authority
Oman: MoU to support solar energy development
07 May 11, Oman Daily Observer
Golden Dunes International LLC (GDI), pioneers and founders of Gulf International Pipe Industry LLC, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a renowned Korean energy solutions provider, Kwan Won Engineering and Construction, to deliver cutting-edge solar energy solutions to Oman.
Iran: Wind Energy Potential at 15,000MW
04 May 11, Iran Daily
Arid areas of Iran have the potential to generate over 15,000 megawatts of wind energy according to feasibility studies conducted recently, disclosed a senior Energy Ministry official.
Renewable energies to leap, costs fall
04 May 11, Khaleej Times
Renewable energies such as wind or solar power are set to surge by 2050, and expected advances in technology will bring significant cost cuts, a draft United Nations report showed on Wednesday.
UAE economy to grow by 4-5% in 2011 - cenbank head says
04 May 11, Arabian Business
The UAE's economy is expected to grow by up to 5 percent this year and the oil producer saw no significant change in capital flows due to regional unrest, its central bank governor said on Wednesday.
China becomes second largest trading partner of the UAE, reveals Dubai Chamber study
04 May 11, AME Info
A recent Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry study reveals that the economic ties between the UAE and China have expanded substantially since last decade, and China has become the second largest trading partner of the UAE.
Masdar mulls plans for $200m wind farm
28 Apr 11, AME Info
A $200m wind farm near the Saudi Arabian border is being considered by Abu Dhabi's Masdar, as part of a 9-year plan by the emirate to source 7% of its power from renewable sources
New FDI law to boost investment climate
26 Apr 11, Khaleej Times
The federal government is working on a foreign direct investment law, which is expected to be promulgated within this year, will help boost investments into the country by creating an enabling environment, Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said.
UAE a gateway for Australia to ME - Mansouri
24 Apr 11, Khaleej Times
The UAE Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri has emphasised the attractive investment environment of the UAE and invited Australian companies to visit the country to explore several investment opportunities in various economic sectors.
Solar farm to power Dubai's first sustainable city
21 Apr 11, Arabian Business
Diamond Developers has announced plans to build Dubai's first sustainable city which will include a solar power farm and will be 70 percent green space. The company said in a statement that it had put the final touches on plans to develop the green city. The project's electricity needs will be supplied by a solar energy farm and to combat growing water shortages in the region, waste and sewage water will be treated and recycled for irrigation purposes.
Egypt to launch tenders for wind power plants
17 Apr 11, AME Info
Egypt's electricity minister, Hassan Younes, has said the country plans to launch a tender next month to choose companies to build the first phase of 1,000 megawatt wind power plants in the Gulf of Suez
Budget hotel invests in solar energy
17 Apr 11, The National
The easyHotel in Jebel Ali charges just Dh99 per night, but there's nothing low-budget about the investment the developers made in energy efficiency. From the solar water-heating system on the roof right down to the ground, the hotel uses technology that reduces energy use by about 19 per cent compared with an ordinary building the same size says Istithmar World, the developer.
Dubai's non-oil global trade nears $15bn in Jan
17 Apr 11, Arabian Business
Dubai's non-oil trade with the world reached record levels in January, hitting AED55bn ($14.9bn), a senior official announced on Sunday.
Dubai sees 30% jump in foreign investment
12 Apr 11, Khaleej Times
Dubai expects a significant jump in foreign direct investment (FDI) this year on increasing interest of companies from new markets, said Fahd Al Gergawi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai FDI.
New building in Abu Dhabi to produce more clean energy
11 Apr 11, Gulf News
A new energy-producing "green building" to be completed next year in Abu Dhabi by Masdar Institute of Science and Technology will produce at least two megawatts of electricity from solar and photovoltaic (PV) panels, an official told Gulf News recently.
Dubai to generate 70% of power from natural gas, Dewa says
11 Apr 11, Arabian Business
Dubai aims to generate 70 percent of its power from natural gas and the rest from coal, nuclear energy and renewable sources, the head of Dubai Electricity & Water Authority said.
Nuclear and solar energy to cut Saudi oil, gas use
04 Apr 11, Gulf News
Saudi Arabia, which holds one-fifth of global oil reserves, aims to pursue renewable energy and nuclear power to help reduce by half the crude and natural gas it burns now to generate electricity.
The green mile
04 Apr 11, Gulf News
Abu Dhabi's aim to create a sustainable city with a minimal carbon footprint is being actualised at various levels — wind and solar power projects, waste management and long-term investment in energy from renewable sources, creating a building code that awards energy efficiency and training residents to use energy effectively
UAE's non-oil trade up 14.3%
02 Apr 11, Gulf News
The UAE's non-oil foreign trade grew 14 per cent to Dh754.4 billion in 2010, up Dh94 billion from Dh660.4 billion in 2009, according to the latest data released by the Federal Customs Authority (FCA).
Giant solar power plant to come up in Saudi
02 Apr 11, Trade Arabia
Belectric, a global leader in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of solar power plants, has joined hands with regional solar pioneer Sun & Life to build the largest solar power plant in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
S&P sees Abu Dhabi solar deal as start of new energy era
02 Apr 11, Arabian Business
The signing of the Shams 1 solar power project financing in the UAE has opened the way for a burgeoning in renewable energy in the Gulf, Standard & Poor's has said..
Irena assembly to chart future energy course
01 Apr 11, Gulf News
The UAE will next week be at the epicentre of dialogue and collaboration to find an action plan to accelerate the global development and deployment of renewable energy, said a top official.
Dubai economy may grow 6% in 2012 - Citibank
30 Mar 11, Arabian Business
Dubai’s economy may grow 3.5 percent to 4 percent this year and 6 percent in 2012, spurred by infrastructure spending and foreign investment
Kuwaiti student harnesses solar power in sprinkler system
29 Mar 11, Gulf News
A Kuwaiti high school student has managed to harness solar power and use it to run an irrigation system using sprinklers. The application aimed at reducing power consumption of irrigation systems and at best managing water resources
UAE expects large increase in foreign investment in 2011
22 Mar 11, Arabian Business
The UAE's Minister of Economy has said that he expects "a large increase" in foreign direct investments into the country this year. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri said the greater inflows in foreign investment would come following legislative reforms in the UAE.
Jordan must expedite implementation of renewable energy projects
17 Mar 11, Jordan Times
Jordan must expedite implementation of renewable energy projects in light of surging oil prices due to regional turmoil, sector experts said Wednesday. The Kingdom, which imports about 96 per cent of its energy needs at a total annual cost of about $3 billion, is facing mounting challenges that necessitate attracting investments in the renewable energy sector, they noted.
Jordan: Solar power technology poised to light up remote villages
15 Mar 11, Jordan Times
Three Jordanians who spent six months in India receiving training solar power technology, returned home on Monday with plans to utilise their experience to benefit their communities
UAE economy outpacing expectations, Mansouri says
14 Mar 11, Arabian Business
The UAE’s economy is growing faster than expected, the country’s Minister of Economy said in Dubai Monday. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri said economic diversification was key to growth in the world’s third largest oil exporter.
UAE utility company partners with SAP
13 Mar 11, Trade Arabia
UAE's Federal Authority of Electricity & WAter (Fewa) has signed a strategic agreement with SAP Middle East and North Africa. The said agreement includes running workshops about power generation, perfect plants, transmission, distribution, future smart grids, smart metering operations, pre-payment, renewable energies, sustainable cities, CO2 reporting, and overall sustainability.
UAE to preside over first session of IRENA assembly
10 Mar 11, UAE Interact
In an unprecedented show of commitment, 65 of the 149 members of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), have ratified the Agency's statute in time for their active participation at the upcoming First Session of the Assembly.
France has ratified the statute of the Irena
10 Mar 11, Gulf News
France has ratified the statute of Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), said a statement issued by France yesterday.
Saudi Arabia's Solar Powered Desalination Plant to Start Running in 2013
08 Mar 11, Bloomberg
Saudi Arabia expects to start its first solar-powered sea water desalination plant by 2013, Mohammed Alsuwaiyel, president of King Abdullah City for Science and Technology, told a conference today.
Shams Power Company secures $600m for Middle East solar project
07 Mar 11, AME Info
Shams Power Company today announced the financial close of Shams 1, one of the world's largest concentrated solar power (CSP) projects and the first of its kind in the Middle East. The $600m closing marks the largest solar project transaction to date and combines financing from 10 regional and international lenders.
Masdar nets $615m for world's largest solar power plant
07 Mar 11, Arabian Business
Green energy firm Masdar got $615m of bank financing for the world's largest concentrated solar power (CSP) plant and $153m equity from its Spanish and French partners, banking sources said.
Dubai's non-oil trade in 2010 surges 18% to $157bn
07 Mar 11, Arabian Business
Dubai's non-oil direct trading exchanges in the world markets increased by 18 percent in the last year, recording AED576bn ($157bn), it was announced on Monday.
Need to harness solar energy underlined
04 Mar 11, Arab News
A Saudi academic urged authorities on Thursday to pay more attention to developing alternative sources of energy. In another development, the Saudi Polysilicon Technology Company (PTC) announced recently that it signed a SR1.42-billion ($380 million) contract for the first phase of its polysilicon plant with Hyundai Engineering Company and KCC Engineering and Construction Corporation.
Turkey, UAE investments hit $10b in 2010
04 Mar 11, Gulf News
Investments between Turkey and the UAE reached $10 billion (Dh36.78 billion) in 2010, driven by tourism, energy and construction, according to the Turkish Ambassador to the UAE.
Masdar to lead Gulf in clean energy network
03 Mar 11, The National
The Masdar Institute has been chosen to lead the Gulf region in establishing a clean-energy research network for collaboration with the European Union. The EU-GCC Clean Energy Network, financially backed by the European Commission, has chosen Masdar over other institutions in the region that had expressed interest in the role
Southern town of Lebanon's Arab Salim looks to go solar
03 Mar 11, The Daily Star
The southern town of Arab Salim is looking forward to being fully solar-powered after its residents approved the launch of a pilot project under the supervision of their municipality, in an attempt to save electricity and reduce pollution.
Spanish Prime Minister hails Abu Dhabi's vision and its leading role in renewable energy sector
02 Mar 11, UAE Interact
Prime Minister of Spain Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero visited Tuesday Abu Dhabi's Masdar City to experience firsthand the visible progress of the sustainable, cuttingedge urban development and to reaffirm the growing cooperation between the two nations in the development and deployment of renewable energy.
SR1.43bn deal for solar cell manufacturing plant
01 Mar 11, Arab News
A contract to set up a polysilicon plant in Jubail to manufacture solar-energy cell material was signed on Sunday in Alkhobar.
Solar chillers help keep Jebel Ali company cool
26 Feb 11, Gulf News
Solar tubes rather than solar panels are harnessing the sun's energy in a more efficient way to cool an industrial property in the Jebel Ali free zone and has already recorded energy savings up to 60 per cent.
Solar energy a hot topic
21 Feb 11, Arabian Business
Currently there are more than 70 solar companies operating in the UAE,” said Enviromena Power Systems CEO Sami Khoreibi. “The UAE has all the elements for developing a successful solar power industry,” said Karel De Winter from Alsa Solar Systems.
A place in the sun
21 Feb 11, Arabian Business
Good news for the solar-power sector is the formation of the Emirates Solar Industry Association (ESIA), which recently held its inaugural meeting in Abu Dhabi. The ESIA notes that there are more than 70 companies already involved in the sector, so it is critical that some kind of overarching organisation give voice to the main concerns and issues
Dubai economy grew 2.5% in first nine months of 2010
20 Feb 11, Arabian Business
Dubai's economy grew 2.5 percent in the first nine months of 2010, compared with the same period of 2009, the head of the Gulf emirate's statistics office was quoted as saying on Sunday.
Omani firm to build solar park for Saudi Aramco
20 Feb 11, AME Info
Saudi Aramco has awarded Oman-based Phoenix Solar the contract to build a solar park with a peak power of 3.5 megawatts in the kingdom
Saudi Arabia eyes renewable energy shift to retain oil hold
18 Feb 11, Gulf News
For oil colossus Saudi Arabia, a shift to renewable energy is as much about preserving its international influence and maximising its revenues as saving the planet.
Abu Dhabi's Masdar plans to build a second 100mw solar plant
17 Feb 11, Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co, known as Masdar, plans to complete construction of its second 100- megawatt solar-power plant in the third quarter of 2013, boosting output of green energy in the Arabian Gulf emirate.
Dubai sees 30% jump in FDI on China, South America deals
16 Feb 11, Arabian Business
Dubai expects foreign direct investment to jump 30 percent this year, helped by rising confidence as its debt problems ease and an influx of South American and Chinese companies, a senior official said.
Georgia, Qatar to sign economic agreements mainly in energy sector
14 Feb 11, Arabian Business
The Georgian government and Qatar plan to sign several economic agreements, mainly in the energy industry in a bid to improve relations between the two countries. A Georgian delegation led by foreign minister Grigol Vashadze will visit Qatar on February 20- 21 to meet with the Emir and his counterpart and will sign agreements on double taxation as well as hydropower cooperation
JSRE, Spanish firm seal MoU
13 Feb 11, Jordan News Agency
The Jordanian Society for Renewable Energy (JSRE) on Sunday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish Millennium Energy Industries (MEI) for cooperation in solar air conditioning systems technology.
UAE economic growth to top 3% in 2011 says cenbank official
07 Feb 11, Arabian Business
Economic growth is set to hit 3% on rising tourism and other sectors, a UAE central bank official said The UAE economy should grow by more than three percent this year and its banking sector is able to weather difficulties in the foreseeable future, a central bank official said on Monday.
Saudi to develop solar and nuclear power
24 Jan 11, Financial Times
Saudi Arabia will be burning most of its oil production domestically in less than 20 years if current consumption patterns persist, a senior official has warned. In response, the authorities plan to cut reliance on fossil fuel and develop an alternative energy mix, including atomic and solar sources, as rising local demand could dramatically curtail the kingdom's ability to export oil.
Saudi Arabia requires alternative power resources to meet demand
24 Jan 11, Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia needs to develop alternative energy resources as power consumption for industrial growth and transportation increases in the world’s largest oil supplier, a senior energy official said.
Masdar to launch new investment fund
23 Jan 11, AME Info
Masdar Capital, the unit which manages Abu Dhabi's Masdar clean-tech funds, is planning to launch its third investment fund, after it closed a $290m clean-tech fund late last year, Reuters has reported.
The promise of solar power, made a century ago
22 Jan 11, The National
Try this at home. Take a shallow tin pan, paint it matte black on the inside, insulate the bottom and sides as best you can - try cotton wool - and pour in a small amount of water. Cover it with a pane of glass, put it outside in direct sunlight and, presto, the water will boil and give off steam.
Solar power could displace oil in Arabian Gulf region, BNEF says
20 Jan 11, Arabian Business
Solar energy may be more attractive than oil-fueled power plants in the Middle East, suggesting governments should encourage sun power and preserve petroleum for export, Bloomberg New Energy Finance said.
Investments in renewable energy grow 25%
19 Jan 11, Emirates Business 24/7
Renewable energy has notably penetrated energy markets and provides about 19 per cent of international energy needs in 2009, with a capacity of 1230 GW, an increase of 7 per cent over 2008, said Renewable Energy Policy Network in a study.
UAE to remain renewable energy leader in 2011
19 Jan 11, Emirates Business 24/7
Massive investments in renewable energy projects will allow the UAE to maintain its leadership in this field in the region in 2011 despite mammoth projects planned by other Middle East countries, industry experts said on Wednesday.
Hillary Clinton shows strong support for Irena
17 Jan 11, AME Info
The United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton commended the goals of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) towards accelerating the rapid development and deployment of renewable energy worldwide.
Dubai budgets for more growth
13 Jan 11, Gulf News
The Dubai Government expects to generate Dh29.9 billion in revenue against expenditure of Dh33.6 billion this year, leaving it with a Dh3.77 billion deficit, said the Department of Finance (DoF).
Irena to move headquarters to Masdar City from mid 2013
11 Jan 11, Arabian Business
The International Renewable Energy Agency’s “optimal” annual budget would be between $250m and $300m in five years as the Abu Dhabi-based body does more to promote sustainable energy, its head said on Tuesday. Such growth would mark a 22-fold increase over the agency’s current budget of $13.5m.
UAE renewable energy targets on track says Masdar CEO
11 Jan 11, Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi’s plan to have seven percent of its energy needs provided from renewable energy sources by 2020 is on track, the CEO of Masdar City has said.
Wind projects to help Egypt reach 2020 energy target
11 Jan 11, Daily News Egypt
Minister of Electricity and Energy Hassan Younes said Egypt will produce 2.6 GW of energy through the construction of new wind energy projects, which will be undertaken by both the private and public sectors, local media reported this week.
US banks on UAE for energy
11 Jan 11, Gulf News
The United States remains committed to supporting Abu Dhabi and the UAE, in the leadership role, in the development of clean renewable energy, Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, said.
Masdar plans wind turbine project, new solar plant
10 Jan 11, Arabian Business
Masdar, the Abu Dhabi government-backed renewable energy company, plans this year to start building a 20-to-30-megawatt wind turbine facility.
Foreign Investment in Wind, Solar Power Plant
3 Jan 11, Iran Daily
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with a Danish company for building the first private wind and solar power plant of the country in Damghan, Semnan province.