Marine fuel sales at the United Arab Emirates’ Fujairah port reached more than a year’s high in April, extending recovery for a second straight month, latest data showed.

Read-UAE’s Fujairah marine fuel sales extend monthly climb

Sales, excluding lubricants, totalled 669,378 cubic metres (about 663,000 metric tons) at the world’s third largest bunker port, based on Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) data published by S&P Global Commodity Insights late Thursday.

Bunker volumes in April climbed 4.6 per cent from the previous month, while edging 4.8 per cent higher from the same month last year.

The uptick was led by supported demand for high-sulphur marine fuel, with sales climbing 12.6 per cent month-on-month to 189,388 cubic metres.

Meanwhile, low-sulphur marine fuel sales, including low-sulphur fuel oils and marine gasoils, inched 1.8 per cent higher to about 480,000 cubic metres.

The market share of high-sulphur bunkers widened to 28 per cent in April, while low-sulphur bunkers were at 72 per cent.

Bunker demand at Fujairah rebounded in March and April after a slump in February.

Fujairah bunker sales by month, in cubic metres:

Breakdown of volumes by grade, in cubic metres:

Data source: Fujairah Oil Industry Zone data published by S&P Global Commodity Insights

(1 cubic metre = 6.29 barrels)

(1 metric ton = 6.35 barrels for fuel oil)

The UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US President Donald Trump witnessed the launch of the new UAE-US 5GW AI campus in Abu Dhabi, the largest such facility outside the US, as part of a deepening technology partnership between the two countries.

According to a report published by state news agency, WAM, the campus will host US hyperscalers and large enterprises with regional compute resources targeting nearly half the global population.

The facility will provide 5GW of capacity for AI data centres powered by nuclear, solar, and gas sources to reduce carbon emissions. It will also feature a science park dedicated to AI innovation.

G42 to build AI campus

The campus will be built by UAE-based G42 and operated in partnership with several US companies. It follows the launch of the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership, a government-led initiative aimed at expanding cooperation in AI and advanced technologies.

“This campus is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between our countries in artificial intelligence,” said Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC). “It is an expression of the UAE’s commitment to pioneering innovation and fostering global collaboration… delivering transformative benefits for humanity,” he added.

AI campus to offer access to US hyperscalers, approved cloud service firms

The facility will be accessible exclusively to US hyperscalers and approved cloud service providers, with both governments jointly overseeing access and regulation of compute resources.

According to the WAM report, US Secretary of Commerce Howard W Lutnick called the announcement “a historic Middle Eastern partnership on AI” and said it would spur major investments in semiconductors and data centres across both countries. “American companies will operate the data centres and offer American-managed cloud services throughout the region,” Lutnick said. “This agreement is a major milestone in achieving President Trump’s vision for US AI dominance.”

The UAE has taken an early lead in AI development. In 2017, it became the first country to appoint a federal Minister of Artificial Intelligence, and later launched the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the world’s first graduate-level AI university.

The UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, also launched in 2017, aims to integrate AI into key sectors such as education, healthcare, transport, and energy.

A good step towards AI readiness

Commending the move, Jad Haddad, Oliver Wyman’s Global head of Quotient – AI, said “This announcement signals a pivotal shift in the global AI infrastructure landscape, placing the UAE at the heart of a new transnational tech corridor. The scale and ambition of this data centre project reflect the UAE’s serious intent to lead in AI, not just adopt it.

“With 5GW of capacity, these facilities could support next-generation AI models, sovereign cloud services, and regional innovation at scale. It also opens doors for deeper strategic collaboration between US tech leaders and Gulf economies at a critical time for global digital transformation.”

“This announcement represents far more than a technology investment – it’s a signal to UAE organisations that AI readiness must become a national priority. As AI infrastructure scales, companies will need to focus on workforce transformation, ensuring employees are equipped to work with and alongside intelligent systems. Building an AI-literate workforce will be key to unlocking long-term value, fostering innovation, and ensuring the region doesn’t just consume AI but helps shape its global trajectory. It’s a moment to lead, not just adapt,” added Lisa Lyons, lead – Regional Transformation Centre of Excellence, Mercer IMEA.

Read: UAE schools to introduce AI curriculum from kindergarten-grade 12

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced deals totaling more than $200bn between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, including a $14.5bn commitment between Boeing, GE Aerospace and Etihad Airways, the White House said.

Read-UAE President Sheikh Mohamed holds talks with US President Trump

Etihad confirmed on Friday it was ordering 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft with GE engines, adding that the deal reflected the airline’s “ongoing approach to aligning its fleet with evolving network and operational needs.”

The Abu Dhabi-based airline said the planes were expected to join the fleet starting in 2028.

Etihad’s commitment

The White House said earlier that Boeing and GE had received a commitment from Etihad to invest $14.5bn to buy 28 Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE engines. GE and Boeing did not comment.

“With the inclusion of the next-generation 777X in its fleet plan, the investment deepens the longstanding commercial aviation partnership between the UAE and the United States, fueling American manufacturing, driving exports,” the White House said.

Etihad has a fleet of around 100 aircraft.

Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said last month that Etihad planned to add 20 to 22 new planes this year, as it aims to expand its fleet to more than 170 planes by 2030 and boost Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategy.

Etihad going through multi-year restructuring

Etihad, which is owned by Abu Dhabi’s $225bn wealth fund ADQ, has been through a multi-year restructuring and management shake-up, but has expanded under Neves.

He said that 10 of the new aircraft this year would be Airbus A321LRs, which the carrier launched on Monday and will start operating in August. The remainder include six Airbus A350s and four Boeing 787s.

On Wednesday, Boeing landed its biggest deal for wide body airplanes when state carrier Qatar Airways placed firm orders during Trump’s visit to the Gulf Arab country for 160 jetliners plus options to buy 50 more worth $96bn, according to the White House.

Chinese autonomous driving technology company WeRide has launched fully driverless robotaxi trial operations in Abu Dhabi.

Starting this quarter, WeRide will operate a fleet of robotaxis on public roads in the UAE capital without a safety driver on board, in what the company called a “major milestone” for the region’s smart mobility push.

The trial is accompanied by an expansion of WeRide’s service coverage to include Al Maryah Island – home to the Abu Dhabi Global Market financial centre – and Al Reem Island, a key residential and commercial district.

The two new areas add to WeRide’s existing operations on Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and the corridors connecting to Zayed International Airport, where the company has been active since 2021.

“WeRide makes history as the first company to pilot fully driverless robotaxis in the Middle East region, showcasing our autonomous leadership in one of the world’s most dynamic urban environments,” said Jennifer Li, CFO and head of International at WeRide.

“In parallel, we’re expanding commercial service to high-demand areas like Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands – bringing smart mobility solutions to more users in the Middle East. Together, these demonstrate our technological maturity while moving us closer to mass commercialisation of robotaxis,” Li added.

The UAE is a key market for WeRide

WeRide, which received the UAE’s first national self-driving vehicle license in July 2023, has identified the country as a key market in its international expansion strategy.

In December 2024, the company launched a robotaxi ride-hailing partnership with Uber in Abu Dhabi the largest of its kind outside China and the US.

The company also serves as a member of the Infrastructure, Regulations, and Pilot Acceleration Working Group under the Abu Dhabi Smart & Autonomous Systems Council, contributing to the development of local infrastructure and autonomous mobility legislation.

Commercial driverless rides and additional coverage areas are expected to roll out progressively from summer 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

WeRide operates in over 30 cities across 10 countries and holds driverless permits in China, the UAE, Singapore, France, and the US. Its WeRide One platform supports autonomous driving solutions across mobility, logistics, and sanitation sectors.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has streamlined its driver licensing services, reducing the number of services by 53 per cent, from 33 to 15.

Read-Dubai traffic: RTA mulls flexible working hours, remote work policies

This move is part of ongoing efforts to deliver a seamless, secure, and integrated digital experience focused on customer satisfaction. It aligns with the Government of Dubai’s vision to enhance the quality of life through improved public services across the emirate.

“The initiative to re-engineer the customer journey and simplify the process of obtaining a driver’s licence through smart channels is part of a comprehensive roadmap to enhance RTA’s services and improve the overall customer experience,” said Sultan Al Akraf, Director of Driver Licensing at the RTA’s Licensing Agency.

He added, “The initiative focuses on harnessing advanced technologies and data integration to improve driver licensing services and enable customers to access all RTA services through a unified app. This app serves vehicle owners, drivers, and public transport users. It forms part of the ‘Services 360’ plan within RTA’s Dubai App, which reflects a new, integrated vision for delivering seamless, proactive, and comprehensive services tailored to evolving customer needs.”

“RTA remains committed to enhancing service quality for both corporate and individual customers, adhering to the highest international standards. This commitment is supported by smart solutions, advanced customer services, streamlined procedures, and continuous improvements in operational efficiency and sustainability,” Al Akraf said.

Re-engineering the customer journey

Al Akraf explained that the re-engineering of the customer journey aims to simplify procedures by reducing steps and visits, minimizing waiting times, and improving operational efficiency while strengthening integration with other government platforms.

Range of streamlined services

The range of services that have been simplified includes applying for or managing a driver’s licence, adding new vehicle categories, transferring a trainee’s file between driving institutes, updating personal information, renewing a licence, and requesting replacements in case of loss or damage. Proactive notifications have been introduced, and all these services are now fully accessible online via RTA’s official website through simplified steps, eliminating the need for in-person visits. A comprehensive suite of additional driver-focused services is also available.