The Abu Dhabi Chamber has signed a landmark agreement with 1X Technologies. to advance the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics across the emirate’s industrial and energy sectors.

The partnership also targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to implement next-generation automation and AI solutions to improve productivity and gain access to global markets.

It provides Abu Dhabi-based companies opportunities to collaborate with 1X, a global developer of humanoid robots and AI-driven technologies, and explore localisation of advanced technologies in the region.

Collaboration marks important step for Abu Dhabi Chamber

“This agreement represents an important milestone in the chamber’s efforts to expand international partnerships and support Abu Dhabi’s vision of building a diversified, knowledge-driven economy powered by advanced technologies,” said Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, second vice chairman and MD of the chamber. “We look forward to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s global standing as a hub for industrial and energy innovation, and to empowering local companies and entrepreneurs to pursue new growth opportunities in global markets.”

CFO of 1X Technologies Mustally Hussain added: “We are pleased to partner with the Abu Dhabi Chamber at a time when advanced technologies are reshaping entire global economies. NEO represents a new era of human-robot collaboration — one where intelligent machines can work safely alongside people to transform how industries operate. Abu Dhabi stands out as a leader in innovation, making this partnership strategically valuable for our growth.”

The agreement was announced as part of the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s ongoing efforts at ADIPEC to expand its international network and attract strategic partnership.

The UAEs’ detergent chemicals and soap markets are undergoing a transformative period, driven by rising consumer hygiene awareness, rapid urbanization, and technological innovation. Market intelligence from Mobility Foresights and 6Wresearch projects that the UAE detergent chemicals market will grow from $58.9bn in 2025 to $85.6bn by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4 per cent.

Similarly, the UAE soap and detergent market is expected to expand steadily at a CAGR of 5.5 per cent during the same period.

These numbers underscore not only a robust growth trajectory but also a market increasingly shaped by sustainability, convenience, and innovation. The pandemic accelerated household and industrial cleaning habits, boosting demand for high-performance products while driving a shift toward environmentally conscious alternatives. From enzyme-based detergents to biodegradable surfactants and plastic-free innovations, the UAE’s cleaning sector is now a dynamic intersection of science, consumer behavior, and social responsibility.

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The UAE’s cleaning products market has long been dominated by traditional powders and liquids, primarily designed for household laundry and dishwashing. However, the landscape is changing rapidly. Rising disposable incomes, busy urban lifestyles, and an increased focus on hygiene are prompting consumers to seek products that combine effectiveness, convenience, and environmental responsibility.

Surfactants remain the backbone of most formulations, yet the adoption of enzymes, builders, and specialty additives is growing. These innovations are not just about cleaning performance, they also reflect environmental awareness and regulatory compliance. Technologies that reduce water and energy consumption while maintaining high efficacy have gained prominence, particularly in industrial and institutional cleaning segments, including healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing.

Key drivers for market expansion include:

• Hygiene awareness: COVID-19 heightened consumer consciousness around sanitation, fueling demand for detergents that deliver deep cleaning without compromising safety.
• Urbanisation and lifestyle changes: Smart washing machines, water-efficient appliances, and ready-to-use cleaning products have changed consumption patterns.
• Industrial expansion: Growth in healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing has increased demand for high-performance cleaning chemicals.
• Technological innovation: Enzyme technologies, bio-based surfactants, and concentrated formulations are enhancing performance while reducing environmental impact.
• Government regulations: Policies limiting phosphates and promoting biodegradable solutions stimulate innovation in green products.

Market challenges

Despite strong growth, the sector faces hurdles. Environmental concerns over wastewater pollution require investment in biodegradable formulations. Fluctuating raw material prices, high compliance costs, counterfeit products, and supply chain vulnerabilities challenge manufacturers, underscoring the importance of continuous innovation.

Segmentation snapshot:

• By type: Surfactants, builders, enzymes, bleaching agents, additives and fragrances
• By application: Laundry detergents, dishwashing products, household cleaners, industrial and institutional cleaners
• By end-user industry: Household consumers, healthcare and hospitality, food and beverage, textile and laundry services, industrial manufacturing

Key players dominating this market include BASF SE, Dow Chemical Company, Evonik Industries AG, Solvay SA, Stepan Company, Croda International Plc, Akzo Nobel N.V., Kao Corporation, Clariant AG, and Huntsman Corporation. Recent developments show a strong pivot toward sustainability, such as BASF’s biodegradable surfactants and Dow Chemical’s expanded enzyme-based portfolio.

Innovation and sustainability trends shaping the market

One of the most notable shifts in the UAE cleaning industry is the move toward eco-friendly, biodegradable, and enzyme-based products. Consumer and regulatory pressure are prompting manufacturers to minimize phosphates, non-biodegradable surfactants, and toxic bleaching agents. Green surfactants derived from plant oils, sugar, and enzymes are gaining traction, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainability.

Enzyme-based detergents are becoming a cornerstone of innovation, particularly in industrial laundries and textile sectors. Proteases, amylases, and lipases target specific stains at lower temperatures, reducing both energy and water consumption while enhancing cleaning efficiency.

Meanwhile, liquid and concentrated detergents are replacing traditional powders due to convenience, dosage accuracy, and improved formulation flexibility. This shift not only enhances product performance but also reduces packaging waste, a critical factor in sustainability.

Technological advancements in surfactant chemistry are expanding possibilities further. Bio-based surfactants from coconut oil, sugar, and corn are improving biodegradability and water solubility. Non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants allow specialty cleaners to achieve high performance at lower doses, combining efficiency with environmental benefits.

Baya’s bold move: Transforming UAE household cleaning through innovation and sustainability

While large chemical companies focus on innovation at scale, local brands are translating sustainability into tangible consumer experiences.

A prime example is Baya, a UAE-based eco-conscious brand that has introduced the region’s first plastic-free laundry detergent sheets and biodegradable dryer sheets. Founded with a mission to bridge a critical market gap, Baya combines convenience, environmental responsibility, and premium performance.

Identifying a market cap

Baya’s co-founder, Oana Lita, explains:

“We saw a clear disconnect between consumers’ desire to make sustainable choices and the actual options available. People were becoming more conscious of plastic and harmful chemicals in their homes, but retail shelves were still lined with traditional cleaning products in plastic packaging with limited ingredient transparency. Baya was created to offer effective, safe, and completely plastic-free home cleaning solutions without compromising convenience or results.”

This insight highlights a fundamental trend in the UAE market: consumer intent is evolving faster than product offerings, creating opportunities for agile, mission-driven brands.

Educating the market

The first challenge was introducing a novel format, detergent sheets, to a market accustomed to powders and liquids. Consumer education became central to adoption. Lita notes:

“Our goal was to show that sustainable living doesn’t mean sacrifice. Detergent sheets were new to many, so explaining how they work was key. Once people tried them and saw the results, adoption grew quickly.”

Baya’s educational efforts are complemented by community engagement, including workshops, pop-ups, and sustainability-focused events that foster awareness and advocacy.

A new business model for sustainable living

Baya distinguishes itself with a direct-to-consumer subscription model, ensuring customers receive plastic-free, non-toxic products at home on a recurring basis. This model removes the friction of reordering and makes eco-conscious living effortless.

“Our plastic-free, non-toxic products are delivered directly to homes, eliminating single-use plastic across the supply chain. Transparency is non-negotiable; people deserve to know exactly what they are using around their families,” says Lita.

The brand has also expanded into a hybrid model, combining online convenience with retail availability. This strategy allows Baya to capture a broader audience while maintaining a direct connection with consumers through its DTC platform.

Since launching its laundry detergent sheets in 2023, Baya has expanded its portfolio to include biodegradable dryer sheets and reusable color catchers. The company plans to continue introducing innovative, eco-friendly solutions, reflecting a commitment to meeting evolving consumer expectations while reinforcing its sustainability mission.

Premium, eco-conscious products often face price sensitivity in emerging markets. Baya addresses this challenge by offering smaller pack sizes and value bundles, ensuring accessibility without compromising quality. As the company scales, products are expected to become even more affordable, widening adoption.

Competitive landscape and challenges

While the UAE’s eco-friendly cleaning segment is still emerging, competition is seen as an opportunity rather than a threat. Lita emphasises:

“Sustainability shouldn’t be about competition. The real goal is eliminating plastic and harmful ingredients from homes. By collaborating toward the same mission, we collectively raise awareness and set higher standards.”

Broader market challenges persist, including:

• Raw material volatility: Fluctuating prices of enzymes and surfactants impact costs.
• Regulatory compliance: Meeting environmental standards without compromising performance is costly.
• Supply chain vulnerabilities: Ensuring consistent sourcing for bio-based ingredients remains a key concern.

Yet, these challenges coexist with unprecedented opportunities. Urbanisation, government support, and growing consumer awareness are propelling the sector forward, making the UAE a fertile ground for sustainable innovation.

Consumer behavior and government influence

Compared to more mature markets, UAE consumers are rapidly developing sustainability awareness. Government policies and initiatives play a pivotal role in shaping behavior. Programs such as Dubai Can and the UAE Circular Economy Policy raise public awareness about plastic pollution, waste reduction, and sustainable living.

“These national initiatives create a foundation of understanding and urgency,” Lita explains. “They make it easier for brands like ours to grow and reach people ready to make better choices for their homes and the planet.”

The synergy between government advocacy, consumer education, and private sector innovation is accelerating the transition toward eco-conscious cleaning habits across the region.

Enzymes, biodegradables, and market momentum: Inside the UAE’s booming detergent sector

The UAE cleaning market’s future is being shaped by three core trends: enzyme-based formulations, biodegradable chemicals, and concentrated or alternative formats like sheets. Together, these innovations are addressing both environmental concerns and evolving consumer needs.

The industrial and institutional sectors are also embracing sustainable solutions. Hospitals, hotels, and manufacturing plants increasingly demand high-performance, environmentally friendly detergents, creating a dual market for both B2B and B2C solutions.

By 2031, the UAE detergent chemicals and soap markets are expected to reach over $85bn, with eco-friendly, enzyme-based, and biodegradable products dominating new developments. The combined push from government initiatives, consumer awareness, and entrepreneurial innovation ensures that sustainability is not just a niche trend, it is the foundation for the sector’s next phase of growth.

Baya exemplifies how mission-driven companies can reshape consumer behavior while achieving commercial success. Through product innovation, strategic distribution, and educational outreach, Baya has positioned itself at the forefront of a regional shift toward sustainable living.

The UAE’s cleaning industry is no longer solely about removing stains, it is about aligning hygiene, performance, and environmental responsibility. From multinational chemical giants developing bio-based surfactants to homegrown brands like Baya offering plastic-free solutions, the market demonstrates that sustainability and profitability are increasingly intertwined.

As awareness grows, policies evolve, and technology advances, the UAE’s detergent and soap markets are poised for unprecedented expansion. Brands that combine innovation, transparency, and convenience will not only capture market share but also define the future of sustainable home and industrial cleaning in the Middle East.

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.