Qatari Diar, the real estate arm of Doha’s sovereign wealth fund, will enter into a partnership deal to develop a project on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast with investments worth $29.7bn, a source with direct knowledge told Reuters on Wednesday.

The agreement with Egypt’s New Urban Communities Authority includes a payment of $3.5bn for the land and an in-kind investment of $26.2bn to build the project that will cover an area of 4,900 acres along a 7.2 km stretch of coastline.

Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC) and Siemens Energy have announced a collaboration with Decahydron, a natural hydrogen and carbon mineralisation company, to explore the feasibility of using natural hydrogen for power generation and other industrial applications in the northern Emirates.

The initiative builds on ongoing technical studies conducted by Decahydron and SNOC at an existing exploration well in Sharjah, which aim to assess the Emirate’s natural hydrogen potential. Preliminary findings have been promising, with plans to conduct further drilling in 2026 to collect detailed resource data and measure flow rates.

The project will evaluate the direct use of natural hydrogen for energy production and industrial operations, reducing the need for costly storage and transport infrastructure while creating a potential new low-carbon energy source for the UAE. This could support energy-intensive sectors such as data centres and industrial manufacturing.

Decahydron is currently advancing a natural hydrogen and CO₂ mineralisation project in Sharjah to validate the scale and viability of the resource. Siemens Energy will contribute its expertise in energy systems and hydrogen technologies, providing analytical and technical insights to assess the commercial potential and guide the strategic direction of the project as it moves toward implementation.

Khamis Al Mazrouei, CEO of SNOC, said: “We look forward to advancing this feasibility study in parallel with our ongoing exploration activities. The potential discovery of natural hydrogen could mark a new chapter in Sharjah’s energy landscape — providing an abundant, naturally occurring source of clean energy. If proven viable, it would not only strengthen Sharjah’s role in the national energy transition but also reaffirm SNOC’s commitment to driving sustainable, secure, and resilient energy solutions for generations to come.”

Khalid Bin Hadi, managing director UAE, Siemens Energy, said: “Hydrogen has the potential to be central to the decarbonisation of the power sector, and our technology is ready to enable this transition. This collaboration marks the start of a new initiative to explore the potential of natural hydrogen as a clean, sustainable energy source for the region.”

Arnaud Lager, CEO of Decahydron, added: “Natural hydrogen has the potential to transform the energy landscape. Our early findings suggest that this resource could redefine how clean hydrogen is produced by offering an abundant and continuous supply directly from the Earth. This is the right moment for the energy industry to come together and prepare for the opportunities that natural hydrogen will bring. Our work indicates that Sharjah and the northern Emirates hold exceptional potential, a finding also supported by independent research from the Colorado School of Mines and the Université de Pau.”

The collaboration marks a key step in advancing natural hydrogen exploration in the UAE, aligning with the country’s broader efforts to diversify its energy mix and support the transition to low-carbon, sustainable energy systems.

Hala, the UAE’s e-hailing taxi service and a joint venture between Careem and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has announced its official expansion into Fujairah, marking its entry into a third emirate. The move reinforces Hala’s mission to create a connected, technology-enabled mobility network across the UAE.

The expansion is being carried out in partnership with the Fujairah Transport Corporation (FTC) and underscores a shared commitment to advancing safe, affordable, and reliable mobility across the emirate. The collaboration highlights the importance of working closely with local regulators to ensure operational excellence and long-term service success. Combining FTC’s experience in delivering trusted public transport with Hala’s proven digital expertise, the partnership aims to provide residents and visitors with a seamless e-hailing experience that enhances connectivity and convenience.

The announcement follows a successful pilot phase during which Fujairah and Dibba’s taxi fleets were integrated into the Careem app. The pilot delivered measurable improvements across several key performance indicators, including increased Captain engagement and higher customer adoption of e-hailing services.

The official signing ceremony took place in Fujairah, attended by Khaled Nuseibeh, chief executive officer of Hala, and Engineer Asayel Albalghoni, general manager of Fujairah Transport Corporation.

Khaled Nuseibeh, chief executive officer of Hala, said: “Partnering with the Fujairah Transport Corporation represents a pivotal milestone for Hala and for the UAE’s broader mobility ecosystem. Reliable, sustainable, and tech-driven transport solutions are only possible through collaboration with local regulators who deeply understand their communities’ needs. Together, we’re setting a new standard for accessibility, convenience, and smart transportation that is shaping the future of mobility in the UAE.”

With Fujairah’s growing population and its emergence as a tourism and logistics hub, the emirate represents a strong market for Hala’s services. Its developed tourism infrastructure and expanding visitor base further enhance the potential for long-term demand for safe and efficient mobility options.

Engineer Asayel Albalghoni, general manager of the Fujairah Transport Corporation, added: “The Corporation has always prioritised safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction. By joining forces with Hala, we are embracing the next phase of transport modernisation, one that integrates digital innovation while preserving the trust and quality that Fujairah residents expect. This partnership represents our shared commitment to making mobility easier, smarter, and more sustainable for everyone.”

Since its inception in 2019, Hala has redefined urban mobility in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah through its focus on convenience, affordability, and reliability. In Dubai, the platform has achieved average ride ETAs of under four minutes, consistent year-on-year growth in completed trips, and an 11 per cent monthly improvement in reliability scores — reflecting its scalability and customer trust.

For the initial launch phase in Fujairah, Hala will offer the same trusted user experience available in Dubai and RAK, including real-time ride tracking, transparent Captain ratings, and seamless digital payments. The company will continue to enhance services based on customer feedback and through continuous Captain engagement and training programs jointly led with FTC.

Hala’s expansion into Fujairah marks another strategic milestone in its nationwide growth, aligning with the UAE’s vision for smart cities and integrated, data-driven transport systems. By partnering with local transport authorities such as the Fujairah Transport Corporation, Hala continues to set new benchmarks for sustainable, efficient, and accessible urban mobility across the Emirates.

Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company with global reach, has announced two major milestones that reinforce its position as a global leader in advanced satellite communications and Earth observation. The company confirmed the global availability of its next-generation mobile communications satellite, Thuraya-4 (T4-NGS), alongside the successful launch of three new Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites—Foresight-3, Foresight-4, and Foresight-5—as part of its expanding Foresight Earth Observation (EO) Constellation.

Together, these achievements mark a pivotal step in Space42’s mission to combine connectivity with intelligence, delivering an integrated ecosystem of mobile satellite communications, geospatial insights, and AI-powered data solutions to governments, enterprises, and industries worldwide.

Expanding Global Connectivity with Thuraya-4

The newly operational Thuraya-4 satellite delivers secure and reliable communications across more than 100 countries in Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, extending coverage to new markets including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia. Built on the Airbus Eurostar Neo platform and launched in January 2025, Thuraya-4 is one of the most advanced mobile communications satellites in orbit, with a 12-meter reflector antenna, software-defined architecture, and in-orbit reconfiguration capabilities that deliver speeds exceeding 1 Mbps.

Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, said: “Thuraya-4’s commercial readiness is a major milestone for Space42. It strengthens our Non-Terrestrial Network leadership, showing how we translate long-term vision into global scale and commercial growth. By combining connectivity with next-generation technology, we are building a more adaptable, resilient communications ecosystem that will support customers, partners, and markets for years to come.”

Operating on the L-band spectrum, Thuraya-4 ensures uninterrupted connectivity across land, sea, and air — supporting maritime operations, remote energy sites, and aviation networks where terrestrial communications cannot reach. The platform is also IoT- and Direct-to-Device-ready, enabling smartphones and sensors to connect without specialized terminals.

Thuraya-4 introduces 16 new product offerings, including:

• Land: IP NEO M/C (Comms on the Pause) and Commander NEO for secure field operations.

• Maritime: Orion NEO for offshore communications.

• Airborne: T320, T420, and T220 terminals for aircraft and UAVs.

• Deployable Networks: Mobile Gateway M/C NEO for instant field connectivity.

• Tactical Use: T-TAC transceiver system for extending UHF/VHF communications across all environments.

The satellite also supports a 15-year government contract worth USD 708 million, anchoring Space42’s mobile satellite services business and strengthening its Non-Terrestrial Network leadership.

Advancing Earth Observation Capabilities with ICEYE

In parallel, Space42 and ICEYE, the global leader in SAR satellite operations, have expanded the company’s Earth Observation capacity with the successful launch of Foresight-3, Foresight-4, and Foresight-5 into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The satellites were launched aboard SpaceX’s Bandwagon-4 rideshare mission from Cape Canaveral, Florida, via integrator Exolaunch, and have already begun early routine operations.

Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42, said: “Expanding the Foresight Constellation to five satellites in just over one year demonstrates our commitment to operating as a center of excellence for space innovation, and enhances the space ecosystem we are developing, that can scale globally from Abu Dhabi. By combining sovereign capability with global collaboration, together with ICEYE, we deliver intelligence that matters across industries and borders. Space42’s strategy is to lead the premium geospatial intelligence market, and today’s milestone is proof of execution at speed and scale.”

Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and co-founder of ICEYE, added: “Working with Space42 demonstrates how ICEYE’s technology and operational expertise can help partners establish sovereign satellite capabilities. By launching mid-inclination SAR satellites, we are enabling Space42 to deliver persistent coverage across key regions at middle latitudes. We look forward to building even greater capabilities in the UAE and collaborating with our partners as they advance their space ambitions.”

The Foresight Constellation, which now includes five operational satellites, integrates SAR imagery with Space42’s AI geospatial platform, GIQ, to deliver real-time, decision-grade intelligence. Operating at 25-centimeter resolution, GIQ provides continuous visibility, daily revisit rates, and advanced change detection — enabling faster response times, predictive infrastructure monitoring, and operational efficiency gains across sectors.

Read: Space42, e& to develop, deploy vehicle-to-everything tech across UAE

Supporting the UAE’s Space and AI Vision

With the Foresight satellites produced in Finland, tested and integrated for the first time in Abu Dhabi at Space42’s Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facility, and launched from the United States, the program exemplifies international collaboration and distributed manufacturing — aligning with the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030 and strengthening the country’s role as a global space hub.

Space42 now stands among the few global operators integrating SAR, communications, and AI platforms to deliver intelligent, interoperable data systems. The expansion of satellite manufacturing and operations from the UAE further strengthens the nation’s industrial base, supporting high-tech talent development and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

The company’s achievements with Thuraya-4 and the Foresight Constellation collectively advance its mission to transform how the world connects, observes, and understands the planet — empowering governments and enterprises to make smarter, faster, and more sustainable decisions.

The Saudi Film Commission (SFC), one of 11 sector-specific bodies under the Saudi Ministry of Culture, has unveiled a cutting-edge virtual production soundstage at JAX Film Studios — the Kingdom’s newest flagship production complex in Riyadh. Designed by Oscar-winning visual effects studio Pixomondo and powered by Sony’s latest VERONA LED technology, the facility represents a major leap in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to build a world-class film production ecosystem.

The new custom-built virtual production volume within JAX Studios is now fully operational and equipped to accommodate the most demanding global film and television productions. The stage features:

• 2,720 Sony VERONA Crystal LED panels with 2.3mm pixel pitch technology

• A volume spanning 23 metres in diameter, 27.5 metres in depth, and 10 meters in height

• Seamless integration of camera tracking, real-time rendering, and in-camera VFX workflows

• Support for high-resolution, photorealistic environments that meet the standards of major Hollywood productions

In addition to the new virtual production stage, JAX Film Studios offers two 1,500-square-meter soundstages, a private VIP lounge, a modern cinema screening room, production offices, and fully equipped prep spaces — creating an all-inclusive production environment for filmmakers of all scales.

Abdullah Al-Qahtani, CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, said: “JAX Film Studios represents a new landmark for film production in Saudi Arabia. The investment in world-class virtual production infrastructure is a key milestone in realising the Kingdom’s ambition to build a dynamic, globally competitive film industry. It reflects our commitment to empowering Saudi and international filmmakers with the technology, facilities, and partnerships they need to tell their stories at the highest standard.”

Pixomondo, the award-winning VFX and virtual production company behind high-profile projects such as House of the Dragon, The Penguin, and Chief of War, brings global expertise to the initiative.

Jonny Slow, CEO of Pixomondo, said: “The unique combination of Sony and PXO’s innovations and expertise will make Riyadh a focal point for virtual production in the region. Together with the Saudi Film Commission, PXO and Sony add significant value to all productions by enabling filmmakers to push creative boundaries with confidence.”

Sony group president and CEO Hiroki Tokoki added: “Today’s JAX Stage opening is the result of years of investment and innovation to deliver virtual production at scale – from the development of extraordinary Sony LED panels to the integration of Pixomondo’s virtual production services and talent. I would like to thank our teams at Pixomondo and Sony, who combine the technical expertise, engineering excellence, and operational experience to deliver creative freedom in virtual production, and the Saudi Film Commission and the Ministry of Culture for their commitment and partnership in building this remarkable stage.”

Abduljalil Alnasser, general manager of Sector Development & Investment Attraction, said: “With JAX Film Studios, we are redefining the production landscape in the region. Our collaboration with Sony and Pixomondo brings together cutting-edge technology and expertise under one roof. Their depth of knowledge and commitment to excellence ensured that every detail, from pixel pitch to system integration, was world-class.”

Jaime Raffone, senior virtual production manager at Sony Electronics, added: “As a global leader in innovation and technology tailored for creators, Sony Electronics collaborated with VFX powerhouse Pixomondo on this world-class project with the Saudi Film Commission. While many manufacturers offer individual solutions within the production process, Sony sets itself apart by providing cohesive, end-to-end workflow solutions for Virtual Production, supporting creators throughout every stage of the project.”

Located in the JAX District of Diriyah — one of Riyadh’s emerging creative and cultural hubs — JAX Studios offers proximity to five-star hotels, King Khalid International Airport, and an expanding ecosystem of creative talent and production services. Together, these facilities reinforce Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a global hub for filmmaking, content creation, and technological innovation.