IFAT to open in KSA in 2026

Messe München will be holding its first-ever trade fair in KSA in 2026 with IFAT, the trade fair for environmental technologies. A memorandum of understanding was signed in late January with the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) in KSA.

The trade fair, the 13th in the IFAT stable, will be held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center from January 26 to 28, 2026, and will bring together the key players in waste, water and various environmental technologies from the Middle East and North Africa region. 

"Strong and successful international business also secures the economic future of our trade fairs in Munich," explained Messe München Co-CEOs Stefan Rummel and Dr Reinhard Pfeiffer. 

"We see great potential in Saudi Arabia and are looking forward to the first IFAT in the Middle East."

The trade fair is an important part of the KSA government's Vision 2030 programme, through which it is investing more heavily in the sustainable development of the economy. This development offers great growth potential for environmental technologies and the circular economy.

Goals include 91% source segregated waste, 79% of waste prepared for recycling and 90% diversion from landfills by 2040. For the water sector, desalinating seawater, expanding water networks and building wastewater treatment plants and associated infrastructure to meet national needs are all being accomplished while ensuring the sustainable extraction and consumption of this valuable resource, and protecting the natural environment of the Kingdom.

Sungrow, Khalifa University unveil a path to a clean energy future

Sungrow, the global photovoltaic (PV) inverter and energy storage system provider, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Khalifa University of Science and Technology, a research-intensive university in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to collaborate on advancing region-specific research and innovation to tackle climate change, promote energy diversification, and support economic sustainability. The strategic partnership is expected to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in the UAE's renewable energy sector.

Source: Sungrow. VIPs pose for a picture after signing the MoU. The MoU was signed by HE Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University (left), and Thompson Meng, VP of Sungrow PV & Storage BG (right).

Sungrow specialises in solar inverters and battery energy storage systems (BESS), and has a local presence in the UAE.

HE Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, said: "The MoU with Sungrow reflects Khalifa University's dedication to aligning with the objectives of the UAE's Energy Strategy 2050, which targets an energy mix of 44% clean energy, 38% gas, and 12% clean coal. In order to achieve such targets, we aim to help offer transformative solutions from our top-of-the-range academics and researchers with their expertise. 

"We believe this MoU with Sungrow will pave the way for contributing to the UAE's energy objectives and deliver effective innovations through the synergy created from this collaboration."

Thompson Meng, VP, Sungrow PV & Storage BG, said: "Our cooperation with Khalifa University is of great significance to Sungrow. Guided by our mission Clean power for all, we are eager to contribute to the transition to clean energy and enhance power grid support in this region. We can plan a greater blueprint together by collaborating with Khalifa University!"

Under the terms of the MoU, Sungrow and Khalifa University will conduct advanced system innovation development and solution performance optimisation under GCC climate conditions. The partnership will include:

• Joint experiments and prototype development.
• Exploration of sponsorship and collaboration opportunities with additional stakeholders.
• Establishment of research and testing facilities.

Sungrow has already visited Khalifa University's Advanced Power and Energy Center (APEC) and expressed an interest in collaboration on some of the ongoing research projects.

Premier marine research and rescue centre opens in Abu Dhabi

SeaWorld Rescue has gone global with the launch of its first centre outside of the US. YasSeaWorld Research and Rescue (YSWRR), Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, is the first dedicated marine research and rescue centre in the MENA region. 

YSWRR joins three locations adjacent to SeaWorld parks in the US. Together the four locations support local, regional and global conservation efforts for dozens of species, many of which are threatened or endangered. 

The 8,602 m² YSWRR will be a key contributor to marine-life conservation in both the UAE and the wider MENA region through research, rescue, rehabilitation, return and education programmes, informed by SeaWorld's nearly 60 years of animal care and rescue experience. 

"The waters of the Arabian gulf are an important marine ecosystem and integral to the fabric of the Abu Dhabi community. The conservation of their marine animals and ecosystems is vital, and we are excited to be a part of this important effort. Expanding SeaWorld's nearly 60-year legacy of animal care and conservation globally and having the opportunity to share our knowledge with the region is an honor and a privilege," said Dr Chris Dold, Chief Zoological Officer of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment.

The marine rescue and research centre will host rescue vehicles and equipment, including two custom-made rescue boats, a rescue clinic, a veterinary hospital, and aquaculture facility. The center will also have over 25 rescue pools, from large pools for marine mammals to smaller pools for fish, invertebrates and marine reptiles. Two of the larger pools are equipped with lifting floors, which will make access for treatment easier and less disruptive for the animals. An onsite lab is also equipped with advanced rescue and rehabilitation facilities, including the ability to conduct in-house pathology analysis for wildlife.

The centre also conducts fundamental research focusing on the marine ecology of the Arabian Gulf and covering topics such as marine biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, sensitive wildlife conservation, critical habitats, fisheries, pollution and wildlife health. Specifically, the focus on applied research studies for marine ecosystem restoration will include aquaculture-based projects on fish propagation, seagrass cultivation, coral reproduction as well as field projects focusing on critical habitats of Arabian Gulf waters such as seagrass, mangroves, oyster beds and coral reefs. 

This research will be supported by three dry laboratories, a wet laboratory, and a 345 m³ aquaculture facility which includes live feed culture rooms, brood stock pools and larvae culture pools. The centre's research team will conduct most of these studies with its 12.5 m research vessel.

The center was developed and will be operated by Miral, Abu Dhabi's creator of immersive destinations and experiences, and SeaWorld. The Chairman of Miral, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, said: "We are very proud to begin 2023, the UAE's Year of Sustainability, with opening the first dedicated marine research and rescue center in the region, Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue. This is a cornerstone in the emirate's journey of education and conservation, inspiring the next generation of marine scientists to learn more about Abu Dhabi's impactful long-term vision of protecting our marine wildlife and their habitats. 

"Together with SeaWorld, we will be pushing the limits of science and conservation to become the foremost knowledge hub for marine scientists, not only in the UAE but also in the wider region."

Source: SeaWorld. A rescue in progress.

Added the Chairman of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Scott Ross: "For nearly 60 years, SeaWorld has maintained its unwavering mission and steadfast commitment to protecting marine animals and their ecosystems and inspiring others to act and care for marine life. Our new centre in the UAE is an extension of this commitment and expands our reach to the Gulf region with a partner who is equally committed to protecting, preserving and honouring the importance of the sea, and will create a strong regional rescue network to protect and preserve native species in the Arabian Gulf."

Each rescue facility is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating ill, injured or orphaned wildlife. Due to their deep expertise and innovative techniques, SeaWorld rescue teams have helped more than 40,000 animals, including whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, turtles, manatees, otters and a wide range of other marine animals. At these facilities, animal care specialists, marine biologists and veterinarians also work on critical and life-changing research and conservation projects that impact animal care, veterinary knowledge, habitat restoration and species preservation.

If marine animals are spotted in danger in UAE waters, please call the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) on 800 555.

Movenpick Hotel Makkah is Green Globe certified

Source: Movenpick Hotel Makkah website. View from the hotel.

Movenpick Hotel Makkah, a five-star hotel overlooking the Kaaba and facing King Abdul Aziz Gate, has received the Green Globe certification for the third consecutive year it has received the certification. 

The certification honors tourism companies with excellent eco-sustainability standards and social responsibility initiatives in the hospitality industry. It is awarded based on the extent of a company’s interaction within its social sphere through training and development programmes, as well as a company’s social responsibility and enhancement of the positive image associated with sustainable companies.

Adil Irfan, Movenpick Hotel Makkah’s General Manager said, “Movenpick hotels around the world follow a far-reaching policy, aspiring to take leadership in the hospitality industry when it comes to sustainability programmes aimed towards a better tomorrow. We seek to secure a healthy and motivating environment in all respects."

Movenpick Hotel Makkah is focused on making all its facilities eco-friendly by implementing principles of environmental sustainability and raising awareness amongst its staff. The hotel’s sustainability management plan incorporates strategies to reduce the consumption of water, electricity and use of chemicals by 10% per day. Such practices include replacing all light bulbs with 5-watt LED lights to reduce energy, deploying signage in the hotel to help raise public awareness about the environment and making contracts annually with companies specialisng in recycling. Finally, environmental awareness is instilled amongst hotel staff to encourage them to act as volunteers in various programmes including reforestation initiatives.

As part of its social responsibilities, Movenpick Hotel Makkah maintains partnerships with universities and colleges to fully support the training of students specializing in management and hospitality. The hotel also offers career opportunities to people with special needs wishing to enter the labour market. Internal training programmes are conducted to raise employees’ efficiency and increase the number of career opportunities available for local residents.

Free Islamic civilisation and Asian civilisation MOOC to be offered by Universiti Putra Malaysia

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) said its new online learning environment, available for free to the local community and globally as well, will include a course on Islamic civilisation.

The new method of learning, incorporating video lectures, interactive forums, chats, quizzes, and e-assessments, is in line with the current National Higher Education Strategic Plan which emphasises life-long learning, e-learning, internationalisation and knowledge transfer, the university said. 

UPM is currently converting the “Islamic Civilization and Asian Civilization” (Tamadun Islam, Tamadun Asia) course that is compulsory for all public universities as a MOOC course to benefit in-campus students as well as interested public communities. To be conducted in English, the course will focus on the role of civilisation in building Malaysian society based on principles such as mutual respect and social interaction within a multiracial society.  

Students can register online for the Putra Massive Open Online Course (PutraMOOC), and complete a course in roughly seven to eight weeks. 

*Images from UPM website