Innovation & Education

The World Utilities Congress 2025 continued today at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, solidifying its role as a global platform for sector-wide transformation. Bringing together global leaders, policymakers and innovators under the theme Innovating for a New Age of Utilities, day two of the Congress showcased how policy, technology and investment are converging to reshape utilities systems worldwide.

Hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and brought to you by dmg events, the second day of the Congress featured high-level discussions that underscored the urgent need for scalable innovation, strategic investment and global collaboration to accelerate the energy transition. With electricity demand surging and water scarcity becoming more acute, delegates explored how integrated infrastructure, advanced technologies and climate-aligned policy can work in tandem to transform the global utilities landscape.

Jasim Husain Thabet, Group CEO and Managing Director of TAQA, said: “The utilities industry stands at the forefront of solving critical global challenges – from ensuring water security to delivering reliable, low-carbon energy. Whether it’s system flexibility, water resilience or clean energy integration, these issues have a direct impact on the communities we serve. In this Year of Community, it is a reminder that our role as a utilities provider goes beyond infrastructure — it is about contributing to sustainable, inclusive growth for all. The World Utilities Congress provides a vital platform for sharing scalable solutions, forging partnerships, and shaping the policies and technologies that will define the future of power and water worldwide.”

A Ministerial Panel titled “Powering Energy Security Through Strategic Cross-Border Water Cooperation” examined regional collaboration as a critical enabler for water resilience and sustainable development. H.E. Alejandro Gallardo Baldiviezo, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Energy of Bolivia; H.E. Mrs. Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus; and Hon. Prof. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Sri Lanka, engaged in a meaningful dialogue to explore ways to enhance cross-border water security.

A key session on day two was also the Global Leadership Panel titled “Realising the ambition: tripling global nuclear energy capacity by 2050.” Senior executives from organisations including the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), Siemens Energy, the World Nuclear Association, EPRI Gulf, and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) explored the growing role of nuclear in global decarbonisation strategies. The panel addressed how innovation in small modular reactors (SMRs), streamlined regulatory frameworks, and increased investment—estimated at $100 billion annually—can unlock nuclear energy’s potential as a cornerstone of a low-carbon future.

Speaking on the panel, Karim Amin, Board Member at Siemens Energy, highlighted the importance of striking a balance between advancing nuclear energy and maintaining continuity across the supply chain. He stated: “There is no net zero without nuclear energy. If we really want to meet net zero, we must focus on carbon capture and nuclear energy.”

Across the exhibition, the Innovation Hub continued to showcase transformative technologies aimed at building smarter, more sustainable systems. The Innovation Hub, which includes the Cleantech Theatre and the Climate Tech Theatre, featured cutting-edge innovations that addressed real-world challenges in power and water. From real-time grid analytics and decentralised renewables to smart water networks and modular infrastructure, the Innovation Hub brought together youth entrepreneurs, global tech leaders and utilities pioneers, driving progress on the ground toward net-zero outcomes.

The Cleantech Theatre highlighted the growing importance of electrification across sectors and the critical role of ESG-led innovation in decarbonising utilities, transport and energy systems. Meanwhile, the Climate Tech Theatre explored strategies for integrating renewables into energy systems, with a strong focus on emerging technologies, regulatory evolution and the drive toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future. A panel discussion titled “Renewable-powered desalination for sustainable water supply” featured experts from Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, EWEC, ENGIE, Etihad Water & Energy, and SUEZ – Near and Middle East, who examined how solar, wind, and other renewable sources are being harnessed to power desalination sustainably.

Speaking on the panel, Maitha Ahmed Al Hallami, Project Manager at Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, said: As global water stress increases, renewable-powered desalination has emerged. Abu Dhabi’s economy has entered a new age of transformation and now is the moment for action across the whole water and energy nexus.”

She added: “In Abu Dhabi, we view renewable powered desalination not just as a technological evolution, but a strategic enabler of economic diversification and environmental stewardship.”

 The Congress concludes tomorrow, Thursday 29 May, with high-level sessions on climate finance, urban decarbonisation and regional energy integration, continuing the journey toward a more sustainable and connected utilities future.

Sustainable Square is advancing its AI-powered ESG reporting platform, SQUARELY, by embedding international best practices across its design, functionality, and user experience. With the ESG reporting landscape becoming increasingly complex, SQUARELY is designed to offer organizations a smarter, more intuitive way to meet global disclosure requirements with confidence and efficiency.

The platform’s continued development is driven by a team of diverse global experts, including Neil Mackintosh, who joined Sustainable Square earlier this year to lead product design and user experience. Neil brings more than 25 years of experience, including significant work in Silicon Valley’s technology sector, where he helped shape digital products for high-growth ventures. His work at Sustainable Square is focused on applying human-centered design principles to ensure SQUARELY is not only technologically advanced, but also accessible and user-friendly.

“We’re applying international UX standards to build a platform that supports users at every stage of their ESG journey,” Neil said. “My experience in Silicon Valley emphasized clarity, usability, and customer-first thinking—values that now inform how we shape every interaction inside SQUARELY.”

SQUARELY leverages AI to automate the complexities of ESG reporting—helping organizations align with frameworks like GRI, ISSB, and CSRD through intelligent data capture, real-time insights, and automated calculations. Its design reflects Sustainable Square’s strategic goal: to provide a reporting tool that combines technical compliance with a smooth, intuitive experience.

This product evolution is part of Sustainable Square’s broader commitment to developing globally benchmarked tools that reflect both regional priorities and international expectations. As ESG standards evolve, SQUARELY remains positioned to support businesses with a platform that’s modern, compliant, and built to scale.

In a bold move that redefines the intersection of agriculture, technology, and climate action, Global Olive Corporation (GOC) has launched a global campaign to tokenize 100 million olive trees, positioning the ancient crop as a modern-day climate solution and a pioneering green asset class. Unveiled in Dubai, the initiative aims to transform olive tree cultivation into a traceable, blockchain-enabled investment model. Beyond its investment potential, it also addresses global climate and sustainability challenges, key priorities aligned with the UAE’s environmental vision and the legacy of COP28.

A Green Solution Backed by Science

According to the International Olive Council, olive trees absorb up to 11.5 kg of CO₂ per tree per year. A plantation of 100 million trees could sequester over 1 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, an impact comparable to removing 217,000 passenger cars from the roads each year (US EPA). This aligns directly with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy and recent regional pushes for nature-based carbon offset solutions.

Why This Matters for the UAE

While the trees are planted across climate-appropriate zones, including Georgia and the Mediterranean, the model is scalable and adaptable to arid-zone agriculture, making it a reference project for MENA investment funds, UAE family offices, and sustainable finance frameworks. In recent years, the UAE has positioned itself as a regional leader in green tech, sustainable finance, and digital innovation. GOC’s project unites all three.

From Tree to Token: Tracking Agriculture in Real Time

Each token issued by GOC is backed by a living olive tree. With drone surveillance, RFID chips, and real-time blockchain data, investors can trace each tree’s health, yield, and carbon capture performance, enabling a secure and transparent asset ecosystem. A typical hectare of olive trees creates up to 5 local jobs, supporting rural development and land regeneration across regions affected by drought, conflict, or economic downturn.

Not Just Finance—A Generational Impact

The token model includes returns from fruit harvest, premium extra virgin olive oil, and the trading of carbon credits. But GOC says the value is far deeper. With more than 1 million trees already planted, and backed by partnerships with Tether (the world’s largest stablecoin issuer) and the International Olive Council, GOC is setting a benchmark for nature-based digital assets in a post-COP28 world.

Climate Action Meets Digital Innovation in GOC’s Vision for the Future

Commenting on the intersection of environment, technology, and investment, George Svanidze, Founder and Executive Chairman of GOC, said: “With this initiative, we embark on a journey where environmental stewardship meets digital innovation and ethical investment. This is not just about planting trees or creating new assets, it’s about redefining prosperity itself, grounding it in climate action, transparency, and long-term value for both communities and investors.”

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) as an official subject in the public school curriculum for kindergarten to Grade 12, starting from the 2025-2026 academic year. The move will equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required to understand AI concepts and apply them in everyday life, as part of the UAE’s focus on empowering youth to adapt to evolving global trends and drive innovation. It also positions the UAE among the first countries to introduce AI in school curricula.

Towards an innovative education system

This key national initiative supports the UAE’s drive to become a global leader in AI and digital transformation. In partnership with Presight a G42 company, AI71, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and Emirates College for Advanced Education to accelerate tech adoption in education in order to support the country’s vision to invest in people and create a future-ready education system that drives sustainable national development.

A bold step on the UAE’s journey to build one of the world’s most digitally advanced societies

Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, said: “Introducing AI ​​across all public school levels is a strategic step that modernises teaching tools and supports a generation of young people who understand tech ethics and can create smart, locally relevant solutions to future challenges. The integration of AI into classrooms reflects the UAE Government’s future-focused vision, reinforcing its global leadership in innovation- and tech-driven education and supporting its goal of building a knowledge-based society and a competitive digital economy led by skilled national talent.”

A curriculum that meets global standards

The UAE’s AI curriculum spans seven key areas: foundational concepts, data and algorithms, software use, ethical awareness, real-world applications, innovation and project design, and policies and community engagement. It equips students with the knowledge and skills appropriate for each academic level, ensuring all public school graduates are well-versed in AI fundamentals and able to apply them in everyday life.

Purposefully designed learning stages for each age group

The curriculum offers tailored units for each age group, starting with kindergarten, where children engage in visual and interactive activities to discover AI and other digital technologies through stories and play. In Cycle 1, students compare machines to humans, develop digital thinking skills, and explore AI applications. In Cycle 2, students design and evaluate AI systems, learn about bias and algorithms, and focus on ethical AI use. Cycle 3 prepares students for higher education and careers by teaching command engineering and simulating real-world scenarios.

Seamless integration without altering existing school schedules

The new AI curriculum will be seamlessly integrated within existing school schedules without requiring additional teaching hours. It will be taught by designated teachers as part of the Computing, Creative Design, and Innovation subject. MoE will also provide comprehensive guides, including activities, models, and lesson plans adaptable to various classroom settings.

Zscaler, Inc., the leader in cloud security, has announced its participation in LEAP 2025 from February 09-12, 2025, at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center, Malham. Zscaler will be located in Hall 3, Stand C40, under the theme “Zero Trust Meets AI” to showcase its cutting-edge Zero Trust Exchange™ platform and AI-driven innovations.

As a pioneer of Zero Trust, Zscaler is bringing its expertise to LEAP to empower organizations with secure, simplified, and transformative digital solutions. The company’s highly integrated Zero Trust Exchange™ platform uses AI to prevent and predict cyber threats, secure data, and provide fast, reliable connectivity for users, workloads, and OT/IoT devices.

Committed to the region, Zscaler is also expanding its strategic presence in Saudi Arabia by enhancing its public data center (DC) footprint and broadening the availability of Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) in the Middle East. This development ensures reduced latency, improved performance, and enhanced data sovereignty for customers, adhering to local compliance regulations and data residency requirements. By extending its network to the region, Zscaler is able to provide businesses with a seamless, secure platform to protect their applications, users, and data, regardless of whereabouts.

“Zscaler’s Zero Trust Exchange™ platform is designed to deliver comprehensive security for today’s dynamic business environments,” said Brian Marvin, SVP at Zscaler EMEA. “Organizations can now standardize their cybersecurity approach just as they do with HR, ERP, or CRM systems, enabling secure and seamless business transformation.”

Users and organizations want a café-like branch experience to empower hybrid work

Zscaler will demonstrate the unique capabilities of its Zero Trust Exchange™ platform, which addresses the following critical business needs:

• Zscaler Business Analytics: Leveraging over 500 trillion daily signals, Zscaler’s analytics provide actionable insights to reduce cyber risk, enhance employee digital experiences, and optimize the use of SaaS applications and office spaces.
• Zscaler Cyberthreat Protection: A holistic approach to protecting users, workloads, and devices using least-privilege access. The platform’s proxy architecture enables full TLS/SSL inspection at scale, securing connections based on identity, context, and business policies.
• Zscaler Data Protection: Comprehensive security for all data types across all channels, powered by AI to prevent sensitive data loss.
• Zero Trust Networking: Simplifies network architecture, reduces operational complexity, and prevents lateral movement across all locations.

“The rapid pace of digital transformation in the Middle East requires a secure, scalable, and efficient architecture,” said Saeed Agha, VP EMEA Emerging Markets. “The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™ platform is purpose-built for a cloud-first world, eliminating legacy technologies and securely connecting users, devices, and applications. Our vision has always been to create a seamless and secure information exchange.”

Event Highlights

Visitors to Zscaler’s booth at Hall 3, Stand C40, will experience firsthand the benefits of the Zero Trust Exchange™ platform, including its ability to:

• Securely enable AI-driven insights for better decision-making and faster threat detection.
• Demonstrate the scalability and resilience of Zscaler’s global security cloud, which processes over 500 billion daily transactions and serves more than 8,600 customers worldwide.
• Showcase its AI-powered threat prevention and policy recommendations for superior cybersecurity outcomes.

In addition, Zscaler’s thought leaders will participate in key discussions at LEAP, highlighting how AI and Zero Trust are driving secure digital transformation across industries.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company launches its cutting-edge Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in Saudi Arabia. This advanced solution integrates  digital technology with Goodyear’s tire expertise to deliver advanced fleet management capabilities for logistics and mass transport providers in one of the world’s most demanding environments.

Designed to meet the needs of fleets operating in Saudi Arabia’s challenging weather conditions, Goodyear TPMS enables proactive tire monitoring and maintenance, allowing operators to act before they suffer any damage or downtime – enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The introduction of TPMS is poised to reinforce Goodyear’s value proposition and drive growth for fleets in the region.

Goodyear TPMS provides real-time monitoring of tire pressure and temperature to detect issues like under-inflation, air leaks, and mechanical faults. Using a cloud-based platform, the system delivers predictive insights about the fleet’s tire health via user-friendly web and mobile applications, enabling fleet managers to reduce downtime and optimize performance. By maintaining optimal tire conditions, TPMS improves fuel efficiency, reduces CO2 emissions, and lowers operating costs, all while enhancing safety and compliance through early detection of potential issues.

Saban Gungor, General Manager of Goodyear Middle East & Africa, commented on the launch, stating, “We believe that Goodyear TPMS can be a game-changer for fleet operations in Saudi Arabia. This innovative technology exemplifies our commitment to delivering solutions that enhance performance while prioritizing safety and sustainability. We’re thrilled to bring this technology to local fleets to enhance their day-to-day performance and give peace of mind when it comes to the safety of their drivers and assets.”

Combined with Goodyear’s CheckPoint solution, this launch strengthens the company’s position as the preferred mobility partner for fleets across the Kingdom.

Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) has officially opened registrations for ‘One Million Prompters’, a pioneering initiative aimed at training one million individuals in the emerging field of AI prompt engineering. As the first and largest initiative of its kind, it is designed to empower participants with the skills needed to master AI prompt technology and unlock its transformative potential.

Launched in May 2024 under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the ‘One Million Prompters’ initiative serves as a cornerstone of Dubai’s strategy to lead in AI adoption and innovation. Over the next three years, the initiative will equip one million individuals with critical AI and prompt literacy skills, further enhancing their professional and creative capabilities through the use of generative AI.

The initiative aligns with ‘Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI’, an ambitious framework designed to develop specialised talent and advance the adoption of AI technologies across key sectors. By fostering expertise in AI prompt engineering, it reinforces Dubai’s position as a leader in shaping the future of technology and driving innovation.

Saeed Al Falasi, Director of DCAI, highlighted the transformative impact of ‘One Million Prompters’, stating, “This initiative opens new avenues for individuals from diverse disciplines to drive AI adoption across technical, creative, and knowledge-driven sectors. By mastering AI prompt engineering, participants gain the tools to unlock groundbreaking applications and drive innovation from Dubai to the world.”

“The initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment in becoming future-ready, fostering a new generation of AI specialists. It plays a critical role in achieving the vision of ‘Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI’ launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ensuring seamless AI integration across industries that are shaping tomorrow’s world,” he added.

‘One Million Prompters’ initiative features a comprehensive curriculum divided into four specialised modules. The first module, ‘Unleashing the Power of AI’, introduces foundational knowledge on AI, generative AI, and prompt literacy, preparing participants for a future shaped by AI. The second module, ‘Commanding Conversations with AI Chatbots’, focuses on advanced prompt engineering techniques to enhance human-AI interactions. The third module, ‘AI-Powered Productivity Revolution’, presents tools and strategies for leveraging AI to optimise workflows and boost productivity in professional environments. The final module, ‘Creative Frontiers with Generative AI’, delves into the use of AI in creative fields, including art, music, and video production. Upon completing these tracks, participants will receive accredited certificates, marking their expertise in AI prompt engineering.

The initiative builds on the success of the inaugural ‘Global Prompt Engineering Championship’, the world’s largest AI prompt engineering competition, held in Dubai in May 2024. The event attracted thousands of applicants from nearly 100 countries, resulting in 30 finalists from 13 nations competing in categories such as Coding, Art, and Literature. Winners included Ajay Cyril from India in the Coding category, Megan Fowkes from Austria in the Art category, and Aditya Nair from India in the Literature category. The second edition of the championship will take place during ‘Dubai AI Week’ in April 2025.

Emirates Aviation University (EAU) has graduated another diverse, highly skilled class of 288 students who have mastered academic success to officially enter the rapidly evolving world of aerospace and aviation.

Held at the EAU campus in Dubai, the graduation ceremony showcased the broad range of nationalities and disciplines, which included postgraduate and undergraduate programmes in aviation management, aeronautical and aerospace engineering, aviation security, software engineering, aircraft maintenance engineering and more.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, and Chancellor of EAU, officially awarded the degrees at EAU’s 34^th ceremony, which was also attended by other dignitaries, Emirates Group executives, graduates’ families and friends and the university’s faculty.

Professor Ahmad Al Ali, Vice-Chancellor of Emirates Aviation University, reflected on the institution’s ongoing success: “Each graduating class continues to demonstrate extraordinary talent and professionalism, with our alumni consistently advancing in positions across different areas of the aviation industry. At our core, we remain dedicated to embracing next-generation technologies and new methods of learning that prepare our students to address the evolving challenges of modern air travel. We take particular pride in our 84% post-graduation employment rate, watching our graduates forge successful careers and push boundaries across the sector.”

This year’s cohort of 288 graduates included 100 postgraduate and 188 bachelor students of which 37 are Emirates sponsored students. Emirates Aviation University honoured 14 exemplary students across all disciplines, whose accomplishments reflected EAU’s commitment to delivering future aviation leaders. 

Over 180 undergraduate students received the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to intern with the Emirates Group for more than one semester. The highly sought-after roles serve as a vital stepping stone for students, performing authentic job tasks for hands-on experience, helping equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to build a strong foundation for their future careers.