The UAE has made another giant leap in space technology as MBZ-SAT, the region’s most advanced commercial satellite, launched successfully from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California on Tuesday.

You can watch a rerun of the launch below:

What is MBZ-SAT?

Developed entirely by Emirati engineers at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), MBZ-SAT is a 750kg Earth observation satellite designed to deliver high-resolution images with unprecedented accuracy. The satellite will provide real-time data for environmental monitoring, infrastructure planning, and disaster response with a 24/7 automated imaging system.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced MBZ-SAT in 2020, naming it after President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in recognition of his contributions to the UAE’s space sector.

Why is MBZ-SAT a Game-Changer?

• 2x Image Capture Accuracy – Enhanced detail for global users
• 4x Faster Data Transfer – Quicker access to critical information
• 10x More Image Production – Greater coverage and insights
• Real-Time Delivery – Images processed in under two hours

What Happens After Launch?

• First Signal: Expected 1 hour 22 minutes post-launch as MBZ-SAT passes over Norway
• Orbit: 500-550km above Earth in Low Earth Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
• Mission Control: Operated from MBRSC in Dubai

A Major Milestone for the UAE’s Space Industry

MBZ-SAT is a major step forward in the UAE’s goal to build a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and technology.

Around 90 per cent of its mechanical structures and electronic modules were developed in partnership with UAE-based companies, strengthening the country’s aerospace sector.

Tadweer Group, the driving force behind waste management innovation in Abu Dhabi, is leading the charge towards a sustainable and circular economy.

With ambitious goals to divert 80 per cent of waste from landfills by 2030, the group is committed to transforming waste into valuable resources through cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships.

Under the leadership of Ali Al Dhaheri, Tadweer Group has already launched several high-impact projects, from the region’s first greenfield material recovery facility (MRF) to collaborations on waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies and sustainable aviation fuel.

As the UAE continues its journey towards Net Zero 2050, the group’s initiatives are paving the way for an environmentally and economically sustainable future.

In this interview, the MD and CEO of the group talks about Tadweer’s key projects and initiatives in support of Abu Dhabi’s ambitious environmental targets, such as diverting 80 per cent of waste from landfills by 2030, and the role that technology plays in making this a reality.

What steps is Tadweer Group taking to achieve its ambitious goal of diverting 80 per cent of waste from Abu Dhabi’s landfills by 2030?

Tadweer Group is at the forefront of revolutionising waste management in Abu Dhabi, aiming to divert 80 per cent of waste from landfills by 2030. We are taking a multi-faceted approach, with a strong focus on leveraging advanced technologies, building strategic partnerships, and engaging the community in recycling efforts.

One of the cornerstones of this initiative is the development of Abu Dhabi’s first greenfield material recovery facility (MRF), which will be capable of processing 1.3 million metric tonnes of waste per year.

Located in Al Mafraq Industrial area, the MRF will be one of the largest in the region, covering an area of over 90,000 square metres.

Additionally, we have rolled out 25 Tadweer reverse vending machines (RVMs) across high-traffic areas in Abu Dhabi, including key locations like the Ministry of Finance and Rabdan Park. These machines, coupled with our Tadweer Rewards app, incentivise the public to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans, creating a more engaged and responsible community.

Our collaboration with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) on the development of a waste-to-energy (WtE) plant near the Al Dhafra landfill is another pivotal step. This plant will process 900,000 tonnes of waste annually, generating enough electricity to power 52,500 homes in the UAE.

Technology is central to this transformation, and we believe that the adoption of these innovative technologies, from advanced waste sorting to energy conversion, will drive us closer to our target of 80 per cent waste diversion by 2030.

Tell us about the group’s approach to the circular economy and how your partnerships complement this strategy.

Tadweer Group’s approach to the circular economy revolves around maximising the value of waste, transforming it into valuable resources that can benefit both the environment and the economy. We aim to shift public perception of waste, viewing it not as something to be discarded, but as a resource that can be harnessed for positive environmental and economic outcomes.

Our global partnerships are key to this mission. For instance, the Waste to Zero initiative, which we launched at COP28, has gained international traction. This initiative aims to decarbonise the waste sector and has already been endorsed by over 50 global institutions.

Our collaboration with the Japanese consortium to develop a waste-to-energy plant in Al Dhafra and our joint development agreement with Uzbekistan to build a similar facility in the Navoi and Bukhara regions are just some examples of how we are exporting our expertise and learning from global best practices.

Additionally, our partnership with UK-based Levidian, to bring their LOOP technology to Abu Dhabi, is helping us to turn waste methane into hydrogen and carbon-negative graphene, providing a new, sustainable way to utilise waste materials.

By exploring such innovative technologies and building international partnerships, we are enhancing our ability to contribute to the global circular economy, reducing emissions, and generating new economic opportunities.

How does the group’s work align with Abu Dhabi’s broader environmental and economic objectives, and what role do you see for waste management in the UAE’s sustainability vision?

Tadweer’s initiatives are directly aligned with both Abu Dhabi’s environmental and economic objectives. Our efforts to divert waste from landfills and reduce emissions through advanced waste-to-energy technologies are crucial in helping the UAE achieve its Net Zero 2050 goals.

The development of large-scale waste-to-resource plants, such as the greenfield MRF and WtE plants, is contributing to the country’s push for renewable energy alternatives and resource efficiency.

From an economic standpoint, Tadweer Group is helping to build a green economy by creating new job opportunities in the waste management and recycling sectors.

Our initiatives are fostering a new ecosystem for sustainable practices that will benefit local industries and drive innovation, which in turn promotes new business models, creates employment opportunities, and boosts investment in the sustainability sector.

The circular economy is not just about recycling; it’s about rethinking how we use resources and how we can continually derive value from them.

The group is committed to this vision and to supporting the UAE’s broader sustainability goals by turning waste from an environmental challenge into an economic opportunity.

Are there any new projects Tadweer will announce at the EcoWASTE event, and what impact do you anticipate these will have on your overall mission?

At the EcoWASTE exhibition, Tadweer is highlighting several new advancements and strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating the UAE’s waste management transformation. We will showcase our cutting-edge waste-to-energy technologies and discuss our collaborative efforts with international partners.

A key highlight will be our focus on ‘waste-to-plus’ industries, where we explore the added value that can be derived from waste, such as the conversion of waste into hydrogen or sustainable aviation fuel.

Tadweer will also present new business opportunities in the circular economy and promote best practices for sustainable waste management. We plan to make important announcements during the event, which will further solidify our role as a leader in waste management and circular economy solutions in the region.

Moreover, the group will continue to host its Sustainable Stand Awards, encouraging exhibitors to build their stands from sustainable materials and facilitate networking opportunities at our EcoMajlis Lounge.

We look forward to inspiring more businesses and individuals to join us in driving forward a sustainable future, where waste is not just discarded but is given a new life as a valuable resource.

Through these initiatives and partnerships, the group is not just contributing to the UAE’s sustainability vision but is helping to set new benchmarks for waste management and circular economy practices on the global stage.

The US government said on Monday, that it would further restrict artificial intelligence chip and technology exports, divvying up the world to keep advanced computing power in the United States and among its allies while finding more ways to block China’s access.

The new regulations will cap the number of AI chips that can be exported to most countries and allow unlimited access to US AI technology for America’s closest allies.

Unveiled in the final days of outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration, the lengthy new rules go beyond China and are aimed at helping the United States maintain its dominant status in AI by controlling it around the world.

“The US leads AI now – both AI development and AI chip design, and it’s critical that we keep it that way,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said.

The regulations cap a four-year Biden administration effort to hobble China’s access to advanced chips that can enhance its military capabilities and seek to maintain US leadership in AI by closing loopholes and adding new guard rails to control the flow of chips and global development of AI.

While it is unclear how President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration will enforce the new rules, the two administrations share similar views on the competitive threat from China. The regulation is set to take effect 120 days from publication, giving the Trump administration time to weigh in.

New limits will be placed on advanced graphics processing units (GPUs), which are used to power data centers needed to train AI models. Most are made by Santa Clara, California-based Nvidia, while Advanced Micro Devices also sells AI chips. Nvidia shares were down about 5 per cent while AMD shares were down about 1 per cent in morning trading.

Major cloud service providers such as Microsoft, Google and Amazon will be able to seek global authorizations to build data centers.

Once approved, the cloud providers would no longer need export licenses for AI chips, allowing them to build data centers in countries that cannot import enough chips because of the US-imposed quotas.

Shares of all three companies were down about 1 per cent.

To obtain a stamp of approval, authorized companies must abide by stringent conditions and restrictions, including security requirements, reporting demands and a plan or track record of respecting human rights.

Until now, the Biden administration had imposed sweeping restrictions on China’s access to advanced chips and the equipment to produce them, updating the controls annually to tighten restrictions and capture countries at risk of diverting the technology to China.

Nvidia fears ‘overreach’

Because the rules alter the landscape for AI chips and data centers around the world, powerful industry voices criticized the plan even before it was published.

Nvidia on Monday called the rules “sweeping overreach” and said the White House would be clamping down on “technology that is already available in mainstream gaming PCs and consumer hardware.” Data center provider Oracle argued earlier this month that the rules would hand “most of the global AI and GPU market to our Chinese competitors.”

The restrictions do not apply to gaming chips.

The rules impose worldwide licensing requirements on advanced chips, with exceptions, and also set controls for what are known as “model weights” of the most advanced “closed-weight” AI models. Model weights help determine decision making in machine learning, and are generally the most valuable elements of an AI model.

AI has the potential to increase access to healthcare, education and food, among other benefits, but also can help develop biological and other weapons, support cyberattacks and assist with surveillance and other human rights abuses.

“The US has to be prepared for rapid increases in AI’s capability in the coming years, which could have transformative impact on the economy and on our national security,” US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said.

Read: US clears export of advanced AI chips to UAE under Microsoft deal

Intersec 2025, the world’s biggest business event, mapping the future of security, safety and fire protection, opened its doors in Dubai on Tuesday.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Intersec will mark its 26th edition from 14-16 January 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

As part of its Silver Jubilee event in 2024, Intersec hosted 47,506 trade buyers from 141 countries. The participants included organisational heads of industries as well as government leaders.

Over the past 25 years of its organisation, the event has been perpetually offering the potential for growth as innovation in businesses continues to encounter new and higher levels of risks.

Read: How to protect your company’s systems in 2025

The constant evolution of the markets, in terms of technology and functioning involving IoT, AI and blockchain, poses a constant need to upgrade the safety and security industry.

Keeping this scenario in mind, Intersec brings together the industry experts, buyers, suppliers, and the heads of the organisations involved in safety, security, and fire protection under one roof.

The event gives professionals the opportunity to meet face to face, discuss and share cutting-edge technology, and offer and exchange safety solutions across the industrial sectors and segments.

What to expect at Intersec 2025

Listed below are just some of the innovations that visitors can look forward to.

System for the security of large-scale facilities

The Genetec stand at the exhibition gives visitors an opportunity to test the advancements in physical security technology.

They can experience the Security Center 5.12, which is the company’s futuristic platform, boasting of an approval from Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA). This high-powered safety solution introduces enhanced map features and authentication tools to optimize the management of large-scale facilities.

Identification and security solutions

ScreenCheck is all set to launch three of its latest innovations in the world of safety and security, namely- EvTrack, TANlock, and IDTech.

The company, which is also a subsidiary of the Centena Group and a key player offering end-to-end identification and security solutions in the Middle East, will be launching the security solutions from its global partners.

These security solutions are well-equipped to deal with the perpetually evolving security needs of the businesses in the region.

EvTrack

EvTrack, integrated with the Evolis Rewritable card printer, helps to create eco-friendly rewritable visitor badges for the visitors in an organisation.

TANlock

TANlock, a specialised electromechanical locking system, ensures secure server rack access in data centres and organisations. It offers versatile authentication options, including card and fingerprint scanning, and caters to both large-scale and micro data centres.

IDTech platform

The IDTech platform integrates seamlessly with top access control readers, offering the perfect balance of convenience, security, design, and flexibility.

How Dubai Civil Defence is revolutionising fire safety

The firefighting scenario in the UAE has been going through tremendous change and growth since 2024. This is because of the stringent safety regulations that have been imposed by the authorities as well as the rapid urbanisation that the city has been experiencing day in and day out.

For this reason, advancements in firefighting technology, including drones with thermal imaging cameras and AI-powered firefighting robots, are taking centre stage.

Dubai Civil Defense, the government supporter for Intersec 2025, has also launched the world’s first sustainable mobile floating fire station.

Syria’s new central bank governor, Maysaa Sabreen, said she wants to boost the institution’s independence over monetary policy decisions, in what would be a sea change from the heavy control exerted under the Assad regime.

Sabreen, previously the Central Bank of Syria’s number two, took over in a caretaker role from former governor Mohammed Issam Hazime late last year.

She is a rare example of a former top state employee promoted after Syria’s new Islamic rulers’ lightning offensive led to President Bashar al-Assad’s fall on December 8.

“The bank is working on preparing draft amendments to the bank’s law to enhance its independence, including allowing it more freedom to make decisions regarding monetary policy,” she told Reuters in her first media interview since taking office.

The changes would need the approval of Syria’s new governing authority, though the process is unclear at this stage. Sabreen gave no indication of timing.

Economists view central bank independence as critical to achieving long-term macroeconomic and financial sector stability.

While the Central Bank of Syria has always been, on paper, an independent institution under Assad’s regime, the bank’s policy decisions were de facto determined by the government.

Syria’s central bank, Sabreen added, was also looking at ways to expand Islamic banking further to bring in Syrians who avoided using traditional banking services.

“This may include giving banks that provide traditional services the option to open Islamic banking branches,” Sabreen, who has served for 20 years at the bank, told Reuters from her office in bustling central Damascus.

Islamic banking complies with sharia or Islamic law and bans charging interest as well as investing in prohibited businesses. Islamic banking is already well-established in the predominantly Muslim nations. Limited access to international and domestic financing meant the Assad government used the central bank to finance its deficit, stoking inflation.

Sabreen said she is keen for all that to change.

“The bank wants to avoid having to print Syrian pounds because this would have an impact on inflation rates,” she said.

Asked about the size of Syria’s current foreign exchange and gold reserves, Sabreen declined to provide details, saying a balance sheet review was still underway.

Four people familiar with the situation told Reuters in December that the central bank had nearly 26 tonnes of gold in its vaults, worth around $2.2bn, some $200m in foreign currency and a large quantity of Syrian pounds.

The Central Bank of Syria and several former governors are under US sanctions imposed after former Assad’s violent suppression of protests in 2011 that spiralled into a 13-year civil war.

Sabreen said the central bank has enough money in its coffers to pay salaries for civil servants even after a 400 per cent raise promised by the new administration. She did not elaborate.

Reuters reported that Qatar would help finance the boost in public sector wages, a process made possible by a US sanctions waiver from January 6 that allows transactions with Syrian governing institutions.

Syria’s inflation challenge

Analysts say Sabreen’s key tasks will include stabilising the currency and tackling inflation, as well as restoring the financial sector to sound financial health.

The Syrian currency’s value has tumbled from around SYP50 per US dollar in late 2011 to just over SYP13,000 per dollar on Monday, according to LSEG and central bank data.

The World Bank, in a report in spring 2024, estimated that annual inflation jumped nearly 100 per cent year-on-year last year.

The central bank is also seeks to restructure state-owned banks and to introduce regulations for money exchange and transfer shops that have become a key source of hard currency, said Sabreen, who most recently oversaw the banking sector.

Assad’s government heavily restricted the use of foreign currency, with many Syrians scared of even uttering the word “dollar”.

The new administration of de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa abolished such restrictions, and now locals wave wads of banknotes on streets and hawk cash from the backs of cars, including one parked outside the central bank’s entrance.

To help stabilise the country and improve basic services, the US last week allowed sanctions exemptions for humanitarian aid, the energy sector and sending remittances to Syria. However, it reiterated the central bank itself remained subject to sanctions.

Sabreen said allowing personal transfers from Syrians abroad was a positive step and hoped sanctions would be fully lifted so banks could link back up to the global financial system.

Read: Oil prices climb amid fall of Syria’s Assad regime