Dubai Municipality has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BiOD Technology, a subsidiary of DUBAL Holding, to convert used cooking oil and food grease into renewable biodiesel, in a move aimed at advancing the emirate’s circular economy and environmental sustainability goals.

Under the agreement, BiOD Technology will collect used cooking oils (UCO) and fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from across Dubai and process them into B100 biodiesel, a clean, renewable fuel.

The initiative is designed to reduce environmental pollution, protect sewage infrastructure, and lower the costs of wastewater treatment.

“This partnership represents a significant step in our mission to advance Dubai’s environmental agenda through innovative and sustainable waste-to-energy solutions,” said Adel Al Marzooqi, CEO of the Waste and Sewerage Agency at Dubai Municipality. “By turning waste into a valuable energy resource, we contribute effectively to Dubai’s Vision 2030 for environmental sustainability.”

BiOD-Dubai Municipality collab supports Dubai’s circular economy

BiOD chairman Ahmed bin Fahad Al Muhairi said the collaboration reinforces a shared commitment to practical, scalable solutions that support Dubai’s circular economy. “We strive to build a service ecosystem dedicated to making a positive global impact,” he said.

CEO Shiva Vig added that BiOD is leveraging advanced technology to transform food-based waste into high-quality biodiesel, and that the partnership will serve as a foundation for broader recycling and sustainable waste management initiatives.

The agreement aligns with Dubai’s long-term environmental strategies and supports local green economy growth, further strengthening the emirate’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

Dubai’s commercial real estate market has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth in the second quarter of 2025, driven by soaring transaction values and a shift towards premium properties. Despite a slight dip in transaction volume, the total value of commercial sales climbed sharply, reflecting increased investor confidence and a maturing market. This upward trajectory signals Dubai’s continuing emergence as a dynamic hub for commercial property investment in the region.

Commercial sales value hits Dhs31.03bn

The total value of commercial real estate transactions in Dubai reached Dhs31.03bn in Q2 2025, marking a substantial 50 per cent increase compared to Dhs20.75bn recorded in the same period last year. This growth highlights a robust demand for commercial assets and underscores investors’ confidence in Dubai’s property sector, CRC Property’s latest Q2 2025 Commercial Property Market Report said.

Read-Dubai’s real estate market 2025: Role of brokers explained

However, while the value of sales surged, the overall volume of transactions saw a slight decline. The number of commercial property sales dropped by 1 per cent to 2,883 deals from 2,915 in Q2 2024. This suggests a market increasingly driven by fewer but larger and more valuable deals.

Quarter-on-quarter, the value of transactions rose by 6 per cent compared to Q1 2025, which registered Dhs 29.25bn. In contrast, the transaction volume declined by 14 per cent, falling from 3,350 sales in Q1 to 2,883 in Q2. These figures indicate a clear trend towards high-value sales dominating the market, possibly driven by the sale of larger commercial assets and prime locations.

Overall, the commercial real estate sector in Dubai shows signs of steady maturation, with rising transaction values balancing out the slight contraction in deal volume.

Office market: Strong growth despite slight quarterly dip

The office segment within Dubai’s commercial real estate sector has been a standout performer in Q2 2025. Total office sales surged to Dhs 2.62bn during the quarter, representing an impressive 93 per cent increase compared to Dhs 1.36bn in Q2 2024. This dramatic rise underlines sustained demand for office spaces fueled by business expansion, increased foreign investment, and a recovering post-pandemic economy.

The number of office units sold also climbed, with 965 transactions recorded, up 26 per cent from 764 units in Q2 2024. The simultaneous growth in both value and volume demonstrates a healthy and active office market, reflecting investor and tenant confidence.

However, quarter-on-quarter figures show a slight contraction in value, with office transactions dropping 5 per cent from Dhs 2.77bn in Q1 2025. Despite this, transaction volume rose marginally by 3 per cent from 933 to 965 sales, suggesting a shift towards a higher number of mid-tier office deals. This could indicate changing buyer preferences and pricing adjustments within the market.

The office segment’s strong year-on-year growth and steady quarterly activity underscore its resilience and continuing appeal to investors and businesses alike.

Business Bay dominates as top office location

Office transactions in Dubai during Q2 2025 were heavily concentrated in key business districts, with the top five locations accounting for nearly 90 per cent of all sales.

Business Bay led the market with 356 transactions, representing 36.9 per cent of total office sales. This reaffirms Business Bay’s status as Dubai’s premier commercial hub, thanks to its strategic location and modern office infrastructure that attracts both local and international investors.

Following closely was Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), with 312 transactions, or 32.3 per cent of the total. JLT’s accessibility and variety of office sizes continue to make it popular among small and medium enterprises as well as established companies.

Motor City ranked third with 86 transactions (8.9 per cent). Its rising popularity reflects growing demand for suburban office options offering competitive pricing and easier commutes.

Barsha Heights (Tecom) came in fourth with 72 sales, accounting for 7.5 per cent of transactions. Its proximity to key transport links supports its strong performance.

Dubai Silicon Oasis rounded out the top five, with 36 transactions (3.7 per cent). The free zone’s focus on tech and innovation appeals to startups and technology firms.

These leading districts clearly dominate Dubai’s office market, highlighting a strong preference for established and well-connected business hubs.

Upcoming supply and off-plan projects signal future growth

Looking ahead, Dubai’s office market is set to benefit from a significant influx of new supply, with an estimated 680,000 square metres expected to be delivered by 2027. New developments will focus on key areas such as Business Bay, Motor City, Majan, and Dubailand — all of which have seen rising demand recently.

The off-plan segment is also gaining momentum. In Q1 2025, off-plan transactions reached Dhs 800m ($218m), and this figure is projected to rise as new projects enter the market.

Among the upcoming developments, Omniyat’s Lumena project stands out. This luxury Grade A office building will offer 91 office units across 582,000 square feet, featuring world-class amenities such as the region’s first-ever Sky Theatre, a wellness suite, a private members’ club, and 19 high-speed elevators. Lumena is expected to attract premium tenants looking for cutting-edge workspaces.

Dubai’s commercial real estate market shows strength and maturity

Dubai’s commercial real estate market has delivered strong results in Q2 2025, with transaction values reaching record highs despite a slight dip in deal volume. The surge in high-value commercial property sales, combined with robust growth in the office segment, signals a healthy and evolving market.

Key business districts continue to dominate transactions, underscoring Dubai’s role as a major commercial hub. Meanwhile, significant new supply and off-plan projects are poised to sustain the market’s growth trajectory over the next few years.

As investor confidence remains high and demand for premium office space grows, Dubai’s commercial real estate sector is well-positioned for continued expansion and increased market sophistication.

The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has launched The Entrepreneur’s AI Playbook, a practical guide designed to equip entrepreneurs with powerful AI tools to build, grow, and scale their businesses effectively.

Developed under the Create Apps in Dubai initiative by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the guide aligns with Dubai’s broader digital vision—to triple the number of app developers, train 1,000 UAE nationals, and launch 100 homegrown apps. Here’s how the playbook can help you get there:

1. Get started fast with branding and naming

Naming your business or app can be time-consuming. The AI Playbook suggests tools and prompts that help you instantly generate memorable names and visual identities tailored to your brand values, audience, and tone.

2. Craft compelling value propositions

The guide walks founders through using AI to quickly create persuasive value propositions that resonate with specific audiences—an essential step in building a strong market fit.

3. Design smarter business models

AI helps entrepreneurs model revenue streams, cost structures, and pricing tiers that scale. Whether you’re building a SaaS, e-commerce, or service startup, the playbook provides AI prompts to help you chart a clear path to profitability.

4. Accelerate app and product development

From AI-assisted wireframing to user experience (UX) enhancements, founders can speed up their digital product journey. The guide includes hands-on examples to design app features that meet real user needs.

5. Attract and retain customers with AI-powered marketing

The playbook shares strategies for leveraging AI in campaign planning, social media messaging, and visuals—helping startups run effective, conversion-driven marketing on tight budgets.

6. Streamline billing and fulfillment

Operational pain points like billing, order processing, and logistics are tackled with AI automation tips. Founders are shown how to integrate invoicing tools, manage customer payments, and improve delivery processes.

7. Deliver world-class customer support

Entrepreneurs can use AI to implement chatbots, automate responses, and identify customer behavior trends—all designed to enhance satisfaction and free up human time for more complex interactions.

As the guide states: “With practical examples and expert insight, this guide is your key to using AI to refine your business model, attract customers, and provide exceptional support with minimal resources.”

Read: New report reveals 10-point drop in AI readiness in EMEA

Entrepreneurs can download The Entrepreneur’s AI Playbook from the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy website and start building businesses aligned with the city’s AI-first future.

DMDC, one of the region’s fastest-growing interior design and construction firms, has officially launched DMDC Estates — a new division dedicated to property investment and renovation that aims to transform Dubai’s high-end real estate market.

The announcement was made during a private press conference and marks the company’s largest strategic investment since its inception. DMDC has allocated Dhs70m to kickstart a portfolio of premium residential projects, with flagship developments already underway in Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Emerald Hills.

An additional Dhs30m investment is planned for the second half of 2025, bringing the total capital commitment to Dhs100m for the year.

Unlike DMDC’s core client-focused services, DMDC Estates is wholly owned and operated by the company, focusing exclusively on acquiring, renovating, and selling luxury properties across Dubai. By operating independently, the new division allows DMDC to apply its full creative and construction expertise without external constraints.

The company confirmed it will continue to undertake client projects across interior design and construction, while DMDC Estates will focus solely on its own development ventures.

The first completed property under DMDC Estates is already generating buzz. A fully reimagined six-bedroom villa in Arabian Ranches, the project has been elegantly redesigned from the ground up and serves as a model for a series of curated homes currently in progress.

“We are excited to finally share DMDC Estates, a division that has been months in the making,” said Raji Daou, CEO of DMDC. “The market is constantly evolving, and we are delighted to be part of Dubai’s dynamic real estate scene in a brand new way. Through DMDC Estates, we’ll be curating exceptional masterpieces that reflect our design philosophy and high standards.”

Founded in 2021, DMDC has quickly risen to become a key player in Dubai’s design and construction scene. The firm employs more than 700 professionals and delivers integrated solutions across residential, commercial, and retail sectors.

By blending innovative design, digital technology, artisanal craftsmanship, and sustainable practices, DMDC has earned a reputation for pushing creative boundaries. The launch of DMDC Estates is a bold step toward expanding that vision — not just shaping interiors, but entire lifestyles, one property at a time.

Empower Insulated Pipe Systems (ELIPS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), has signed a new contract to supply insulated pipes for the Ali Al-Sabah Military Academy project in Al Zahra, Kuwait. The scope of the contract includes pipe sizes ranging from 25 mm to 800 mm and covers a total network length of 19 kilometres. Deliveries are set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking the start of the project’s infrastructure implementation phase.

A leading regional provider of insulated pipe systems and advanced thermal solutions, ELIPS is known for its focus on precision, safety, and quality. The company implements robust monitoring and supervision mechanisms to ensure full compliance with international specifications.

The latest contract adds to ELIPS’ growing footprint in Kuwait, where it has already delivered key infrastructure for developments such as Kuwait University in Khaldiya, the industrial and storage zones in Sabah Al Ahmad City, and commercial facilities in Jaber Al Ahmad Residential City.

“We are proud to be a part of the Ali Al-Sabah Military Academy project led by the Kuwait Ministry of Defence. Through the supply of highly efficient, world-class insulated pipes, we aim to support the project’s sustainability goals in line with the highest international standards. This reflects Kuwait’s vision for carbon neutrality and reinforces ELIPS’ reputation for delivering quality, efficiency, and reliability,” said H.E. Ahmad bin Shafar, chairman of ELIPS.

Read: Empower begins district cooling service for world’s largest residential tower

“We continue to implement our expansion strategy by strengthening ELIPS’ presence in new markets in the region and driving sustainable growth that benefits our stakeholders. Our manufacturing operations are highly sustainable that contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions, reflecting our firm commitment to environmental protection and resource conservation. By leveraging innovation, advanced technologies, and cutting-edge solutions, we aim to help build a sustainable, green future. This project also underscores the strong trust our clients place in ELIPS, which is known for supplying defect-free insulated pipes that operate with high efficiency and meet the rigorous demands of district cooling projects across various applications,” he added.

The project is being supervised by Dar Al Khaleej Engineering Consulting and implemented by Hydrotech Engineering. It forms part of Kuwait’s broader push towards sustainable infrastructure, where district cooling systems are increasingly being used to reduce carbon emissions, lower electricity consumption, and preserve natural resources. These systems are particularly well-suited to Kuwait’s challenging climate conditions.

Over the past 16 years, ELIPS has produced and supplied more than 880 kilometres of insulated pipe systems, with a 40 per cent production increase recorded in the last five years alone. The company currently serves over 300 customers and has successfully delivered more than 240 projects across the UAE, the broader Gulf region, and North Africa.