Can urban transport reform put brakes on Gulf's car centric culture?

Modern Gulf cities built around car dependency face a net-zero pledges test. Plans to retrofit cities and weave in sustainable mobility are in the pipeline, but the car is still king.

Legacy: Gulf

Abu Dhabi to partner with British Petroleum on hydrogen power

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and BP will also help Etihad Airways develop sustainable aviation fuel, which is nearly impossible to obtain at present.

Legacy: Gulf

Analysis

Explainer: Waste-to-energy plant opens in UAE

Masdar's new facility in the Emirati city of Sharjah will burn garbage to produce electricity. Some observers believe the process is relatively harmful to the environment due to its carbon emissions, but others say it is a good way to reduce landfill waste.

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Egyptian woman takes on water shortages with new recycling system

An Egyptian engineering student has devised an onsite treatment unit to treat small-scale agricultural wastewater, which may become one strategy for reducing the country's many water challenges.

Egypt

More fintech startups come to Abu Dhabi

The UAE wants to attract more entrepreneurs and startups to the country.

United Arab Emirates

Google Translate adds Sorani Kurdish

Google previously only offered its translation service for the Kurmanji dialect of Kurdish.

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Paymob credits Egypt’s Central Bank for successful fundraising and growth

The fintech startup Paymob raised $50 million in its Series B financing round.

Egypt

Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala to develop electric car charging stations with France’s ENGIE

The UAE is in the early stages of a transition from oil and gas to cleaner energy sources.

United Arab Emirates

Israeli company reveals nasal spray of psychedelic mushrooms

Madrigal Mental Care says the spray treats post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and other mental challenges. Some experts believe magic mushrooms have health benefits, though they come with risks.

Israel

Syrian rapper embraces NFTs to shake up Middle East music industry

Nonfungible tokens are charting a new course for artists, and one Syrian musician hopes they will help more Arab artists gain independence.

Legacy: Gulf

Etihad tests out environmentally friendly flights

The airline said that sustainable aviation fuel will be needed to make planes pollute significantly less, but the technology is not ready for mass use.

United Arab Emirates

Beersheba evolves into Israeli tech powerhouse

With financial benefits, investment in infrastructure and a vibrant university, Israel's southern city of Beersheba is swiftly becoming a hub for both international and local high tech companies.

Israel