Tensor, the Silicon Valley–based AI company behind the world’s first personal Robocar, is making its debut in Abu Dhabi at DRIFTx 2025, the flagship event of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster hosted by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The event, taking place from 10 to 12 November at Yas Marina Circuit, brings together global innovators shaping the future of intelligent, connected, and sustainable mobility.

Part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, DRIFTx is the Middle East’s leading platform for smart and autonomous transport technologies spanning air, land, sea, and robotics. Following acclaimed appearances at the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport and GITEX Global 2025, Tensor’s participation in DRIFTx marks a major step in its mission to make autonomy safer, smarter, and accessible for personal ownership. The company’s involvement also highlights its growing partnership with Abu Dhabi and shared vision to advance personal autonomy across the region.

“Abu Dhabi represents a defining chapter in Tensor’s journey, a place where the future of autonomy meets purpose and leadership,” said Hugo Fozzati, chief business officer at Tensor. “We are proud to take part at DRIFTx and contribute to the UAE’s conviction for autonomous and intelligent mobility. Tensor was built on a simple belief – that technology should serve humanity. Our goal is to give individuals control, privacy, and time, and empower every person to Own Their Autonomy.”

Read: Tensor’s Amy Luca on the Dubai debut of the ‘personal’ Level 4 robocar and the tech driving it

The Tensor Robocar is the world’s first fully autonomous Level 4 vehicle designed for private ownership at scale. Built from the ground up to prioritise safety, privacy, and intelligence, the Robocar embodies Tensor’s vision of autonomy created for people. Powered by the Tensor Foundation Model, a multimodal AI system trained on millions of real and simulated driving scenarios, the Robocar can perceive, reason, and act with human-like awareness. Featuring more than 100 integrated sensors, a Dual Mode design that lets users drive or be driven, and on-board data sovereignty that ensures all personal data stays encrypted within the vehicle, Tensor redefines trust, safety, and control in autonomous mobility.

“DRIFTx is more than an exhibition. It is a glimpse into the future,” said Eric O’Dell, chief financial officer at Tensor. “I view events like DRIFTx as more than showcases of technology — they are catalysts for sustainable economic opportunity. Abu Dhabi’s forward-thinking investment landscape makes it the ideal environment for building the future of personal autonomy. Tensor’s presence here represents our commitment to long-term value creation through innovation that is not only intelligent and secure, but also financially scalable and globally impactful.”

Tensor’s participation in DRIFTx supports the UAE’s national mobility strategy, which targets 25 percent autonomous transport by 2030. The company’s global collaborations with NVIDIA, Oracle, VinFast, and Marsh further reinforce its mission to deliver autonomy that is reliable, secure, and human-centered, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to lead the world in next-generation mobility innovation.

The Emirates Group has reported a record-breaking performance for the first half of the 2025–26 financial year, achieving its fourth consecutive half-year of record profitability, with a profit before tax of Dhs12.2bn ($3.3bn). This marks a 13 per cent increase in profit after tax, reaching Dhs10.6bn ($2.9bn) compared to the same period last year.

Group revenue rose 4 per cent to Dhs75.4bn ($20.6bn), supported by robust global demand for air travel and logistics services. The Group also reported a strong EBITDA of Dhs21.1bn ($5.7bn), up from Dhs20.4bn ($5.6bn) in the previous year, reflecting its sustained operational resilience.

As of 30 September 2025, the Emirates Group held a record cash balance of Dhs56bn ($15.2bn), compared to Dhs53.4bn ($14.6bn) on 31 March 2025. The Group continued to use its robust liquidity to fund new aircraft deliveries, service debt, and pay the remaining AED 2 billion (US$ 545 million) dividend declared for FY2024–25.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “The Group has once again delivered an outstanding performance, surpassing our half-year results of last year to achieve a new record profit for H1 2025-26. I’m delighted to note that Emirates maintains its position as the world’s most profitable airline for this half-year reporting period.

“This performance was primarily driven by the unflagging demand and growing customer preference for our product and services, which drove revenue growth and profitability.

“Emirates and dnata have invested billions to continually enhance our products and services, to bring new products to market, to improve our operations through innovation and technology, and to look after our employees who ensure our customers’ safety and satisfaction. These are core to our DNA.

“The Group’s strong profitability enables us to continue making these investments, and to scale up our proven business models in concert with Dubai’s growth as a global city of choice for talent, for businesses, and for tourists.”

He added: “Global demand for air transport and travel services has been buoyant, despite geo-political events and economic concerns in some markets. We expect this demand resilience to continue for the rest of 2025–26 and look forward to increasing our capacity to grow revenues as new A350 aircraft join the Emirates fleet, and new facilities come online at dnata.”

The Group’s workforce expanded by 3 per cent to 124,927 employees during the first half, supporting ongoing business expansion.

Emirates Airline performance

Emirates Airline reported a new record profit before tax of Dhs11.4bn ($3.1bn) for H1 2025–26, compared to Dhs9.7bn ($2.6bn) last year, with a 13 per cent rise in profit after tax to Dhs9.9bn ($2.7bn). Revenue increased 6 per cent to Dhs65.6bn ($17.9bn), driven by continued global travel demand and strong uptake of premium cabins.

During the period, Emirates launched new routes to Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, expanding its network to 153 airports across 81 countries. The airline also increased frequency on key routes and entered new codeshare and interline partnerships with Air Seychelles, Condor, and Aurigny, further strengthening global connectivity.

Between April and September 2025, Emirates received five new A350 aircraft and completed the retrofit of 23 aircraft as part of its $5bn cabin refurbishment programme, expanding the reach of its Premium Economy product to 61 cities. On the ground, the airline opened “Emirates First” at Dubai Airport, a dedicated check-in lounge for First Class customers and Platinum Skywards members, and expanded its retail footprint with new stores across multiple international markets.

Emirates continued to advance its sustainability agenda, uplifting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at 37 airports and joining the Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC) to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in aviation.

The airline also strengthened its global brand visibility through new sponsorships, including FC Bayern Munich, Real Madrid Basketball, and European Professional Club Rugby, while extending its long-term partnerships with ATP Tour and Olympique Lyonnais until 2030.

Operationally, Emirates carried 27.8 million passengers between April and September 2025 (up 4 per cent year-on-year) with an average seat factor of 79.5 per cent. Emirates SkyCargo moved 1.25 million tonnes of cargo, up 4 per cent, supported by the addition of three new Boeing 777 freighters and the launch of Emirates Courier Express, a door-to-door express shipping service for businesses.

dnata performance

dnata recorded its highest-ever half-year revenue, surpassing the $3bn mark for the first time. Revenue rose 13 per cent to Dhs11.7bn ($3.2bn), with profit before tax of Dhs843m ($230m) — up 17 per cent year-on-year — and profit after tax of Dhs697m ($190m), up 22 per cent.

Its airport operations remained the largest contributor, generating Dhs5.5bn ($1.5bn) in revenue, up 15 per cent, supported by strong growth in Italy, Australia, the UK, and the UAE. dnata handled 450,903 aircraft turns (+15 per cent) and 1.59 million tonnes of cargo (+3 per cent).

dnata’s flight catering and retail segment contributed Dhs4.1bn ($1.1bn) in revenue, up 11 per cent, while its travel division generated Dhs2bn ($538m), up 11 per cent, with total transaction value reaching Dhs5bn ($1.4bn).

The company announced a $110m investment to deploy 800 new ground support equipment (GSE) units globally, and expanded its airport hospitality brand marhaba to the UK. dnata also invested in WonderMiles, an NDC-enabled corporate booking platform, and entered its first major sports sponsorship as Founding Partner of Dubai Basketball.

Sustained growth momentum

With record profits across both Emirates and dnata, the Emirates Group continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most profitable aviation groups. Its strong cash position, disciplined reinvestment strategy, and focus on sustainability and digital innovation reinforce its long-term growth outlook in alignment with Dubai’s economic vision and global aviation leadership.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has officially opened the application process for the third cycle of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp, inviting hotels to apply for the prestigious recognition before the extended deadline of November 7, 2025.

The DST Stamp, initially launched in 2021, is designed to honor and recognise hotels that demonstrate excellence in meeting DET’s stringent 19 sustainability requirements.

The comprehensive criteria cover key areas critical to reducing the sector’s environmental footprint, including energy and water efficiency, robust waste reduction and circularity programmes, and comprehensive staff training and engagement initiatives.

The initiative is a cornerstone of Dubai’s strategy to become a global leader in responsible tourism, directly supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the UAE Net Zero Strategy, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030).

In the previous cycle, the initiative saw a surge in industry participation, awarding the stamp to a total of 153 hotels across three tiers: 18 Gold, 64 Silver, and 71 Bronze.

This represented a notable 118 per cent increase in participation compared to the inaugural edition, underscoring the strong sector-wide commitment to environmental stewardship.

To ensure credibility and alignment with international best practices, assessments for the DST Stamp are managed by independent third-party evaluators and overseen by a senior jury panel.

Hotels are encouraged to apply by the November 7 deadline to showcase their commitment to a greener future.

Applications must be completed via DET’s Classification System under the Sustainability category.

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.