Ecomondo 2025, Europe and the Mediterranean basin’s leading international event for the green, blue and circular economies, concluded successfully at the Rimini Expo Centre, reaffirming its role as a global hub for ecological transition. Organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), this 28th edition marked a significant expansion, reflecting growing international engagement and the event’s leadership in advancing sustainability.

Total attendance increased by 7 per cent, with international visitors rising by 10 per cent. The exhibition featured over 1,700 brands—18 per cent from abroad—spanning 166,000 square metres. More than 600 journalists, including 15 per cent from outside Italy, helped draw global attention to Rimini as a centre of innovation and sustainability.

Highlighting the importance of Ecomondo’s role in the global green economy, Italy’s Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, visited the exhibition on November 6. “We can count ourselves among the leading countries in the world in terms of recycling capacity,” he said. “There is a lot of talk about rare earths and critical raw materials, but the largest deposit we have is our waste… And the ability to recycle is fully demonstrated at this show, a symbol of innovation and sustainability.”

Ecomondo 2025: the most international edition yet

This year’s event reinforced Ecomondo’s position as a global platform for collaboration between businesses, researchers, and industry professionals. Working with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), the show welcomed over 800 hosted buyers and delegations from 65 countries, including Spain, Turkey, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt. Around 90 international associations also participated. Together, they facilitated 3,800 business meetings, advancing global cooperation and sharing best practices in ecological transition.

A global lens on the green transition

Over 200 events took place during the four-day exhibition—70 organised by Ecomondo’s Technical and Scientific Committee, chaired by Professor Fabio Fava. The programme offered deep insights into pressing sustainability topics, including waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), critical raw materials, the circular textile industry, sustainable finance, water management, the blue economy, bioenergy, AI in resource optimisation, and the role of communication in promoting ecological awareness.

The forum also dedicated focus to international cooperation, the Mediterranean’s green transition, and clean energy access initiatives in Africa, under the Mattei Plan and “Mission 300” programme. The fifth Africa Green Growth Forum further emphasised collaboration with the continent.

The 14th States General of the Green Economy opened Ecomondo with the presentation of the Report on the State of the Green Economy 2025, examining Europe’s ecological transition within the shifting global landscape. For the first time, the second day’s plenary session was conducted entirely in English, expanding the event’s international reach.

Innovation and industry on display

The return of Sal.Ve, the biennial Exhibition of Ecological Vehicles in partnership with ANFIA, showcased advanced vehicles and equipment for waste collection, street sweeping, and sewage disposal.

The Innovation District bridged research and industry, hosting 40 high-tech startups, including 20 from Morocco and Tunisia through the Luca Attanasio Lab Innovates for Africa project by ITA and MAECI. Ecomondo also presented the Lorenzo Cagnoni Award for Green Innovation to seven companies—one from each sector—for the most forward-looking technologies.

Ecomondo will return to the Italian Exhibition Group’s Rimini Expo Centre from 3–6 November 2026, continuing its mission to accelerate the global green transition.

VAST Data, the AI Operating System company, has announced the signing of a commercial agreement worth $1.17bn with CoreWeave, the essential cloud for AI. The expanded partnership strengthens CoreWeave’s long-standing commitment to the VAST AI Operating System (AI OS) as its primary data foundation, positioning VAST as a core component of CoreWeave’s AI cloud infrastructure.

Powered by the VAST AI OS, CoreWeave’s infrastructure provides instant access to massive datasets, breakthrough performance, and cloud-scale economics for both training and inference workloads. With its infinitely scalable system architecture, CoreWeave can deploy VAST in any data center, supporting any customer requirement without concerns about platform reliability or scalability. In some of the world’s most demanding computing environments, VAST and CoreWeave are working together to ensure that customers are always computing at peak performance.

As part of this expanded collaboration, CoreWeave and VAST will jointly deliver advanced data services that span the full stack, enhancing data pipelines and enabling model builders with powerful design and performance capabilities. The two companies are developing next-generation AI infrastructure that allows customers to innovate faster, scale seamlessly, and operate with greater efficiency.

“At VAST, we are building the data foundation for the most ambitious AI initiatives in the world,” said Renen Hallak, founder and CEO of VAST Data. “Our deep integration with CoreWeave is the result of a long-term commitment to working side by side at both the business and technical level. By aligning our roadmaps, we are delivering an AI platform that organisations cannot find anywhere else in the market.”

“The VAST AI Operating System underpins key aspects of how we design and deliver our AI cloud,” said Brian Venturo, co-founder and chief strategy officer of CoreWeave. “This partnership enables us to deliver AI infrastructure that is the most performant, scalable, and cost-efficient in the market, while reinforcing the trust and reliability of a data platform that our customers depend on for their most demanding workloads.”

The agreement advances a shared mission to redefine the data and compute architecture powering AI. By combining CoreWeave’s GPU-accelerated cloud infrastructure with the VAST AI OS, the companies are creating a new class of intelligent data architecture that supports continuous training, real-time inference, and large-scale data processing for mission-critical industries.

Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of Emirates, has upgraded its ground fleet with the latest-generation Euro 6 trucks from MAN Trucks, in partnership with Allied Transport Company. With 40 new vehicles entering service, Emirates SkyCargo becomes the first operator in the region to adopt long-haul, heavy commercial Euro 6 models—introducing the most advanced trucking technology into its on-road logistics operations.

The Euro 6 engine meets the world’s most stringent emissions standards, producing substantially lower levels of pollutants than previous models. By replacing 40 of its existing trucks with 40 Euro 6 vehicles, Emirates SkyCargo expects to achieve a 17 per cent annual reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from its trucking operations. This initiative reinforces the airline’s broader commitment to adopting fuel- and emissions-saving measures across all areas of its ground operations.

Badr Abbas, divisional senior vice president, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “The addition of the Euro 6 trucks to our fleet is an important evolution in our commitment to more sustainable operations, and to investing in future-ready technology that will fuel our next era of growth. We expect cargo volumes to and through Dubai will continue to grow, driven by Dubai’s strategic Economic Agenda and are ready to play our part in better facilitating global trade by deploying the right equipment and infrastructure across our operations.”

Beyond emissions reduction, the Euro 6 trucks are equipped with advanced driver-assistance and safety systems. Each vehicle includes kerb mirrors, reverse cameras, and blind-spot monitoring for enhanced 360° visibility. Intelligent driver-assist features, such as the AI-powered Driver Monitoring System, provide real-time alerts when signs of distraction or fatigue are detected, helping elevate overall road safety standards.

Security and operational visibility are also enhanced with dual camera systems that record both forward and in-cabin views, supported by GPS and cloud-based tracking for live fleet monitoring, real-time video transmission, and data-driven performance insights.

Ali Bin Beyat, chief executive officer, Allied Transport Company, said: “The long-term relationship between Allied Transport and Emirates SkyCargo reflects our shared commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability in logistics. The introduction of the first long-haul Euro 6 fleet to the Middle East marks a major step forward in our collective effort to drive cleaner, smarter, and more efficient transport operations. At Allied Transport, we believe that efficiency and environmental responsibility go hand in hand, and this milestone showcases how enduring industry relationships and advanced technologies can together create meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future for regional logistics.”

Handling over 1,000 tonnes of cargo daily, Emirates SkyCargo’s truck fleet plays a critical role in linking Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and Dubai International Airport (DXB) via the 77 km bonded corridor—traversed up to six times a day per truck. The introduction of the Euro 6 fleet enhances operational efficiency and sets new sustainability and performance benchmarks for the airline’s dual-airport cargo operations.

Gold prices extended gains on Tuesday to their highest in nearly three weeks, supported by expectations a potential US government reopening could restart the flow of US economic data ahead of an expected Federal Reserve rate cut next month.

Spot gold was up 0.5 per cent at $4,137.06 per ounce as of 0816 GMT, having earlier hit its highest since October 23 at $4,148.75, still below its record peak of $4,381.21 hit on October 20.

US gold futures for December delivery rose 0.5 per cent to $4,143.80 per ounce.

Read more-Gold tops $4,300, set for biggest weekly surge since 2008

Gold is gaining traction because of “a renewed focus on US fiscal concerns, as a government reopening would enable fresh spending financed through additional borrowing”, said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.

The US Senate on Monday passed a compromise measure that would end the longest government shutdown in US history, which had delayed critical economic data releases, including the key non-farm payrolls report.

It next heads to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson has said he would like to pass it as soon as Wednesday.

“A reopening would also restart the economic data flow, potentially firming expectations for a December rate cut,” Hansen said.

US Federal Reserve policymakers remain divided on the path of monetary policy, complicating Chair Jerome Powell’s efforts to navigate differing views following two rate cuts earlier this year.

Fed Governor Stephen Miran on Monday suggested that a 50 basis-point cut might be appropriate for December.

Meanwhile data last week highlighted economic stress, with the US shedding jobs in October and consumer sentiment declining to a 3-1/2-year low as of early November.

Traders are pricing in a 64 per cent probability of a quarter-point rate cut next month.

Julius Baer analyst Carsten Menke reiterated a constructive outlook for both gold and silver, adding that “the fear of missing out still seems present” amid a favorable fundamental backdrop for the metals.

Non-yielding gold typically performs well in low interest-rate environments and during periods of economic uncertainty.

As part of its continued drive to simplify travel and enhance operational efficiency, Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) launched the initiative on November 10, allowing passengers to complete all check-in formalities from the comfort of their homes. The move reinforces the airport’s reputation for adopting technology-driven services that prioritise speed, comfort, and ease.

The new service enables passengers flying through Sharjah Airport to finalise check-in procedures before leaving home, from boarding pass issuance to luggage collection, and then proceed directly to passport control upon arrival. According to a WAM report, this innovation aims to “save passengers’ time and effort” while maintaining the airport’s high service standards.

Read more-Etihad, Air Arabia chart new routes: Here’s what travellers need to know

Bookings can be made via the Sharjah Airport website, by calling 800745424, or through the “SHJ Home Check-In” mobile app. Passengers must book the service at least eight hours before their flight’s departure.

A specialised Sharjah Airport team will manage all aspects of the process, issuing boarding passes, weighing, tagging, and transporting luggage directly from the passenger’s home, hotel, or workplace.

To cater to different passenger needs, SAA has introduced a tiered pricing structure:

• Coral Package: Dhs145 for one to two bags.
• Silver Package: Dhs165 for three to four bags.
• Gold Package: Dhs185 for up to six bags.

An additional Dhs20 fee applies per extra bag, aligned with the operating airline’s baggage policy.

Initially, the service will cover various areas within Sharjah City, marking the first phase of its rollout. SAA said it plans to expand coverage gradually as adoption grows, highlighting that the feature is particularly beneficial for families, business travelers, and frequent flyers seeking speed, reliability, and convenience.

Aligning with UAE’s smart airport vision

The launch underscores Sharjah Airport’s commitment to aligning with the UAE’s broader aviation innovation goals. The airport has steadily integrated smart services and automated systems to streamline operations and enhance the passenger journey, consistent with international travel and safety standards.

SAA noted that the new initiative “reflects its ongoing commitment to passenger satisfaction,” positioning Sharjah among the growing number of UAE aviation hubs offering at-home convenience as part of their digital transformation strategy.

Sharjah Airport’s move follows a similar trajectory seen across leading UAE carriers, each introducing home check-in or baggage collection options to reduce airport congestion and boost traveler comfort.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways offers its Home Check-in service for passengers departing from Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi). Operated in partnership with Morafiq, the service covers locations within 50 km of the airport. Etihad’s team completes all procedures, including boarding pass issuance, baggage tagging, and payment for optional extras like excess luggage or seat selection, at the customer’s chosen address.

However, Etihad restricts the service for unaccompanied minors, passengers requiring medical support, or those traveling to the United States. It must be booked at least six hours before departure, with all details and terms available on Etihad’s official website.

Air Arabia

While Air Arabia’s own channels do not list an in-house home check-in service, the airline collaborates with Morafiq to offer a comparable experience for passengers departing from Zayed International Airport. The third-party arrangement mirrors Etihad’s model, covering home collection, check-in, and boarding pass delivery.

Air Arabia’s baggage rules and fare policies remain unchanged, and the service area follows Morafiq’s coverage limits.

Emirates

Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates provides one of the most comprehensive home check-in options across the UAE. The service is complimentary for First Class passengers and available for a fee across all other cabin classes for flights departing from Dubai (DXB) and Sharjah.

An Emirates representative verifies travel documents, tags baggage, and issues boarding passes at the traveler’s home or hotel. The service must be reserved via emirates.com at least 12 hours before departure. Full pricing and baggage policy details are outlined on the airline’s official Home Check-in page.

flydubai

Meanwhile, flydubai, in partnership with DUBZ and dnata, provides Home Check-in from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB). The carrier’s team handles document verification, check-in, baggage collection, and boarding pass issuance at the customer’s location in Dubai.

Bookings are made via flydubai.com, with transparent pricing and scheduling. Passengers can also pay for excess or oversized luggage during pickup.

Competitive advantage through passenger-centric innovation

The rise of home check-in services across the UAE signals a regional shift toward hyper-personalized, contactless travel, a trend accelerated by post-pandemic traveler expectations.

For Sharjah Airport, this initiative represents both a service enhancement and a strategic differentiator in a highly competitive market. As neighboring airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue investing in similar innovations, SAA’s adoption of home check-in positions it among the country’s most forward-thinking transport hubs.

By reducing congestion, cutting wait times, and enhancing convenience, the Home Check-In program reinforces Sharjah Airport’s ambition to become a model of efficiency and customer satisfaction, a move that may well redefine the UAE’s next phase of airport service excellence.