Called the Random Analogue Predictor (RAP), the algorithm uses historical sea ice data to identify past patterns that resemble current conditions and uses what happened next to generate possible future forecasts. RAP also provides an estimate of uncertainty for each forecast.

Arctic sea ice plays an important role in the global climate system because it reflects solar energy back into space, while the darker ocean absorbs it. Changes in Arctic sea ice can also influence atmospheric and oceanic patterns far beyond the region, making the ability to forecast these changes in advance valuable for better understanding wider climate impacts.

“Forecasting Arctic sea ice several months ahead is a difficult problem, and an increasingly important one as the Arctic continues to change,” said Francesco Paparella, inaugural director of Mubadala ACCESS at NYU Abu Dhabi and senior author of the study. “Our approach is deliberately simple, but it performs competitively with much more complex forecasting models. Importantly, it also provides an estimate of its own uncertainty, making it a useful and transparent benchmark for evaluating future forecasting methods.”

The researchers found that RAP produced forecasts with a level of skill comparable to models used by the Sea Ice Prediction Network (SIPN). For September sea ice extent, its forecast error was comparable to that of 34 models used for seasonal forecasting.

Unlike physics-based models, which simulate the atmosphere, ocean and sea ice, RAP uses only the historical record of Arctic sea ice extent. By identifying similar past conditions, it generates an ensemble of possible forecasts. The spread of these forecasts provides an estimate of uncertainty, allowing users to assess how much confidence to place in a prediction.

The researchers propose RAP as a benchmark for both physics-based and AI-driven models. Its simplicity and interpretability provide a clear reference point for assessing more complex approaches.

The post NYU Abu Dhabi Develops New Algorithm To Improve Climate Change Predictions first appeared on Go Green.

EcoVadis is a global provider of corporate sustainability assessments. Its methodology draws on internationally recognised standards and frameworks, including the United Nations Global Compact principles, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, and ISO 26000. The platform assesses the sustainability performance of more than 175,000 companies across over 180 countries, spanning more than 230 industries.

The Platinum medal strengthens EMSTEEL’s position as a responsible, trusted supplier and partner by providing customers and business partners with independent evidence of the effectiveness of the Group’s sustainability management systems. This recognition can support customers in meeting their sustainability and responsible supply chain objectives, as these considerations play an increasingly important role in global purchasing decisions, tenders and supplier selection.

According to a benchmarking analysis conducted by EMSTEEL using publicly available results, the Group is the only company identified with a Platinum rating in the UAE’s heavy industries sector and the GCC’s steel and building materials sector. The rating also places EMSTEEL among a select group of steel and cement producers worldwide to have achieved Platinum status.

EMSTEEL’s progression from Bronze to Platinum in 2026 represents a significant improvement within one assessment cycle and demonstrates the rapid strengthening of its sustainability performance and systems.

Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL, said: “Our progression from Bronze to Platinum within a single assessment cycle reflects the rapid progress we have made in embedding sustainability and responsible practices across our business. Ranking among the top 1% globally with a score of 95 out of 100 reinforces our customers’ and partners’ confidence in EMSTEEL as a responsible, trusted supplier. It also strengthens our ability to compete and meet the evolving requirements of global markets and supply chains.

“Sustainability is a key pillar of our product competitiveness and long-term business growth. We will continue to build on this progress by reducing emissions, improving resource efficiency, developing more sustainable products and embedding responsible practices across our value chain, supporting the UAE’s ambition to build a more sustainable and globally competitive industrial sector.”

The recognition comes as EMSTEEL continues to expand its efforts in decarbonisation, circularity, resource efficiency and low-carbon product development, while strengthening health and safety standards, governance and responsible practices across its operations and value chain. These efforts support its ability to meet customer and global market requirements and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of its products.

The post EMSTEEL Achieves EcoVadis Platinum Medal With A 95/100 Score, Ranking Among The Top 1% Globally first appeared on Go Green.

The MBRIF credit guarantee will support Wisewell’s capital investment and R&D to further enhance its IoT-enabled water purification technology. By offering a smart and sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bottles, Wisewell’s systems purify water at the source and provide real-time insights, enabling households and businesses to monitor water quality, environmental impact, and consumption.

Supporting sustainable innovation

Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the UAE Ministry of Finance, Chief Innovation Officer, and the Ministry’s representative at MBRIF, said: “The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund remains committed to supporting innovative companies that contribute to the UAE’s future-focused and sustainability-driven economy. Wisewell represents a strong example of a home-grown UAE company leveraging advanced technology to address critical environmental and public health challenges through sustainable solutions. By supporting companies such as Wisewell in scaling their operations and accelerating innovation, we continue to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and sustainable development.”

Advancing sustainable water solutions

Sami Khoreibi, Founder of Wisewell, said: “The support from MBRIF marks an important milestone in Wisewell’s journey as we continue to transform how households and businesses access clean drinking water. We recognise the challenges associated with bottled water, including delivery, plastic waste, and unnecessary clutter. This funding lets us replace all three faster and keep building it here. This partnership enables us to accelerate our research and development efforts, expand our operational capabilities, and continue delivering measurable environmental and health benefits while continuing to build a UAE-grown technology platform with global potential.”

To date, Wisewell has prevented more than 17.4 million single-use plastic bottles from reaching landfills. This measurable impact has earned Wisewell significant recognition, including selection in the Ministry of Economy’s Future100 initiative and as a top 20 finalist in Majra’s Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025.

As part of MBRIF’s wider support for innovative companies in the UAE, the Guarantee Scheme enables high-potential companies to access financing without giving up equity, enabling them to invest in technology, strengthen their operations and pursue sustainable growth. This Scheme, along with the Innovation Accelerator Program that supports innovative companies in the UAE, reflects MBRIF’s dedication to helping drive the growth of disruptive enterprises and contributing to the country’s economic diversification.

For more information about MBRIF, please visit https://mbrif.ae/.

The post MBRIF Supports Wisewell To Advance Sustainable Water Technology Solutions In The UAE first appeared on Go Green.

The season supports EAD’s commitment to preserving falconry as an integral part of the UAE’s cultural heritage, while protecting wildlife and natural habitats.

Hunting during the 2026 – 2027 season is restricted to licensed falconers, and only captive-bred Houbara bustards may be hunted. It is permitted in open areas across Abu Dhabi, at least two kilometres away from main and secondary roads, and from restricted areas, including protected areas, forests, residential and military areas, petroleum facilities, private property.

EAD issues falconry licences under Resolution No. (5) of 2021, which amended certain provisions of the Executive Regulations of the Hunting Law. Applicants must be UAE nationals aged 18 or over, and any falcon used for hunting must be registered in the national falcon registration system of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

Applications for a traditional hunting licence for falconry can be submitted through the ‘TAMM’ smart application or website using UAE Pass. Applicants should select “Leisure” under Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, followed by the “Issuance of Falconry Licence” service, accept the terms and conditions, and pay the seasonal fee of AED 127. The licence is then issued electronically.

Falconers must comply with all environmental requirements specified in the licence. Hunting is permitted only between sunrise and sunset, and licences are valid for one season. Falconers must not hunt or disturb any other wild animals, birds or reptiles; drive over or damage vegetation; or transfer their licence to another person.

Licence holders must carry their licence while hunting and present it to the relevant authorities upon request. They must also keep natural areas clean and dispose of all waste responsibly.

Through its close cooperation with strategic partners, particularly the Emirates Falconers’ Club, EAD continues to establish science-based controls and clear implementation measures that enable falconry to be conducted to the highest standards and in line with international best practice.

The post Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Announces 2026–2027 Falconry Season first appeared on Go Green.

The new plant represents a significant addition to Empower’s expanding district cooling infrastructure in Dubai, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing and expanding its services to meet the cooling needs of diverse sectors and developments across the emirate. The plant will also support the continued growth of Dubai Science Park, a specialised hub for companies and institutions operating in the fields of science, technology, research, and innovation. As the park continues to expand, demand for district cooling services is expected to increase, reinforcing the need for reliable, efficient, and sustainable cooling solutions that meet the operational requirements of the facilities and establishments.

“Awarding this contract marks a new milestone in the implementation of our carefully planned expansion strategy and the development of advanced district cooling infrastructure that keeps pace with Dubai’s rapid growth across various sectors and specialised communities. The Dubai Science Park project holds particular significance due to the dynamic environment it provides for business, research, and innovation, which requires infrastructure characterised by efficiency, reliability, and adaptability, and capable of meeting both current and future needs,” said H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower.

“At Empower, we ensure that our expansions contribute to enhancing energy and resource efficiency and supporting the development of more sustainable buildings and communities. We continue to deploy advanced technologies across our new plants to improve operational efficiency and reduce resource consumption and emissions, thereby strengthening Dubai’s infrastructure readiness and supporting the emirate’s sustainable development and green economy goals,” he added.

Empower’s new plant at Dubai Science Park will utilise a range of advanced technologies that the company has developed and implemented across its operations,, including thermal energy storage systems, the use of treated sewage effluent, and artificial intelligence (AI) enabled smart solutions. These technologies will help optimise the load on the power grid during peak periods, reduce fresh water consumption, and enhance the plant’s operational efficiency and sustainability.

This project aligns with Empower’s strategy to continuously expand and enhance its district cooling network and cooling capacity while extending service coverage to areas experiencing rapid urban and economic growth. It will enable the company to meet future demand for district cooling services and support the development of sustainable, highly efficient infrastructure n line with Dubai’s long-term development objectives.

The post Empower Begins Excavation And Foundation Works For Its New District Cooling Plant At Dubai Science Park first appeared on Go Green.

An Integrated Vision for Coastal Living

Eco Life presents an integrated vision for a coastal destination centred on a yacht marina and waterfront, combining hospitality facilities, villas, residential complexes and entertainment, alongside internal lakes and water features surrounded by buildings and units overlooking the water. The design places the sea and water at the heart of the destination’s experience and lifestyle.

Syrian Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani said the current concept represents the project’s initial vision, which will continue to evolve during the design phase. He noted that construction is targeted to begin within around five to six months, once the plans, procedures and land handover are complete.

A Broader Economic Impact

Al-Salhani said the project’s most significant impact will be the economy that grows around the destination, from hotels, restaurants, entertainment, transport and events to suppliers, entrepreneurs, services and local businesses, making tourism investment a driver of broader economic activity and giving surrounding communities a greater role in, and benefit from, the growth of tourism.

Initial official estimates indicate that the Latakia project could generate more than 40,000 direct and indirect jobs, including over 10,000 permanent positions. Al-Salhani said that working with international investors and expertise also opens the door to knowledge transfer, capacity building and developing the skills of Syrian talent in hospitality and destination management.

The Syrian coast has a diverse base for developing tourism products that combine the sea, mountains, nature, cultural heritage, cities, villages and local experiences. Developing integrated destinations can extend the tourism season, diversify the reasons for visiting, and strengthen the region’s ability to attract investment and different tourism segments.

The project’s development comes as the Ministry of Tourism works to convert rising tourism demand into investment, capacity and new products and experiences, with a central role for the private sector in construction, operations and innovation, supporting a broader economy led by growth in the tourism sector.

The post Latakia Unveils Eco Life, A Project Developed By Eagle Hills Expected To Create 40,000 Jobs first appeared on Go Green.

Led by H.E. Abdulla Balalaa, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, the programme included a high-level session at United Nations Headquarters with H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, focused on strengthening collective action on water ahead of the Conference.

H.E. Balalaa and H.E. Badr Jafar, UAE Special Envoy on Business and Philanthropy, also convened more than 50 investors and C-suite leaders to discuss how greater investment can be unlocked for water. H.E. Balalaa separately joined business and investment leaders for a World Economic Forum Year of Water roundtable and delivered a keynote as part of the initiative.

Technology also featured throughout the week. At Goals House, H.E. Balalaa joined leaders from Microsoft, 500 Global, and Xatoms to discuss how innovation, investment, and responsible resource management must advance together. Separately, a discussion at the UAE Permanent Mission to the UN explored how AI can support areas including hydrological forecasting, flood planning, drought response, irrigation management, and more effective water allocation.

H.E. Balalaa also participated in the US Chamber of Commerce’s convening on the role of technology in addressing the global water challenge and joined Ian Bremmer for a fireside conversation at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting focused on water as a driver of economic opportunity.

At Goals House, Shaima Gargash, Director of Energy and Sustainability at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted a discussion on the role of culture, sport, and storytelling in engaging wider audiences around water.

Further engagements included a dedicated discussion on water as a tool for peace and investment in fragile and humanitarian settings, as well as a meeting between H.E. Balalaa and students from New York University and other academic institutions on the role of youth in driving innovation and action on water.

These engagements form part of the UAE’s wider programme on the road to the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in Abu Dhabi from 8–10 December.

Registration for the 2026 UN Water Conference’s Oasis is now open and free of charge via the official Conference website, with further updates available across X, LinkedIn, Meta, and Instagram at @UNWaterConfUAE.

The post UAE Advances Global Water Engagement During UNGA81 And New York Climate Week first appeared on Go Green.

The achievement further strengthens the Group’s track record in industrial sustainability and reflects its continued progress in translating environmental commitments into practical initiatives and solutions across its operations.

The awards were announced during the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2026 ceremony in Dubai, which celebrates outstanding sustainability initiatives and practices across the Middle East. The awards span 21 categories covering key areas, including environmental impact, social impact, governance and professional excellence, with entries assessed by a specialised judging panel.

EMSTEEL received the awards for its achievements in sustainable products, the circular economy, environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, environmental sustainability, and innovation in sustainable technologies.

Together, these achievements reflect the Group’s integrated approach to sustainability, encompassing the development of lower-carbon products and solutions, improved resource efficiency, and increased recycling and utilisation of industrial by-products.

The post EMSTEEL Group Wins Five Awards At The Gulf Sustainability Awards 2026 first appeared on Go Green.

Marking 45 years of leadership of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman and Member of the UAE Supreme Council , 26 students from North Gate British School, in collaboration with the Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media, planted 45 mangrove saplings at Al Zorah Beach on Wednesday morning. The programme was held in celebration of World Tourism Day, observed on September 27, highlighting the importance of sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.

The post 45 Mangrove Saplings For 45 Years Of Leadership first appeared on Go Green.

Her Excellency Dr. Amal Abdulrahim, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector and Chief AI and Innovation Officer at MOCCAE, attended the final project presentations and the awards ceremony, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 28 to 30 September 2026.

Her Excellency Dr. Amal Abdulrahim said: “The Green Innovation Challenge reflects the Ministry’s approach to engaging youth as genuine partners in building a more sustainable future, helping them move from recognising environmental challenges to solving them. Investing in youth’s capabilities isn’t just about preparing them for future jobs, it is about giving them the tools, expertise, and space to shape that future, connecting their scientific knowledge and creativity to national priorities in climate, food security, biodiversity, circular economy, and environmental protection.”

Her Excellency added: “Students used artificial intelligence as a tool to understand problems, analyse them, and design more efficient, applicable solutions, not as an end in itself. A distinctive part of the experience was a comprehensive development journey, testing assumptions, refining solutions, assessing expected impact, and presenting the work clearly to experts. That journey doesn’t end with Ru’ya. We are now building tailored support pathways for the winning teams, connecting them with mentors, technical experts, incubators, and innovation partners, while exploring ways to develop and showcase their work through the Ministry’s platforms and future events. Our goal is to turn high-potential ideas into solutions with real environmental and societal impact.”

The Green Innovation Challenge formed the central pillar of the Ministry’s participation in the Ru’ya Careers UAE 2026. It targeted high school students from public and private schools across the UAE with interests in artificial intelligence, sustainability, environmental protection, food security, smart agriculture, biodiversity, circular economy, and innovation.

Five Tracks

The challenge focused on five tracks reflecting priority areas in national environmental action, including Climate‑Smart Communities; Food Security and Smart Agriculture; Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection; Circular Economy and Waste Reduction; and Environmental Monitoring and Awareness.

The challenge aimed to transform academic knowledge, creative ideas, school projects, and early environmental initiatives into practical, scalable proposals, while enhancing participants’ skills in artificial intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship, teamwork, problem‑solving, project pitching, and engagement with experts and evaluation panels.

The journey of the challenge began before Ru’ya Careers UAE 2026, with outreach to schools across the country and an open call for applications. It received approximately 160 applications from students at public, private and technical schools across the UAE. Submissions were assessed on the basis of their relevance to the challenge tracks, originality, use of AI, feasibility, and potential environmental and community impact. Seven projects were then selected for the three-day development programme at the exhibition and to present their solutions to the judging panel.

On the first day, teams presented their initial ideas and learned the fundamentals of building an effective project presentation. They then worked hands-on with Ministry experts and partners to sharpen their problem definitions, strengthen proposed solutions, articulate their value, and map out expected impact and implementation pathways.

Day two featured tailored mentoring sessions led by experts from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Matched to each project’s domain and technical needs, the sessions focused on refining solutions, assessing feasibility, and strengthening AI integration. Students also received practical guidance on presenting ideas, structuring their narratives, managing time, and responding to jury questions, supported by rehearsal simulations and direct feedback from experts.

On the final day, teams presented their projects to a panel of experts and responded to questions before solutions were evaluated against the established criteria. HE Dr. Amal Abdulrahim honoured the winners for combining innovation and technology with environmental insight, transforming initial ideas into clear, scalable proposals with potential societal and ecological impact.

Winning Projects

First place went to ‘NAWA’, developed by Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, Mohammad Al Attar and Hamdan Al Awadhi of Dubai National School – Al Barsha. Their app encourages school and university students to collect recyclable materials and document them through the app in return for points, badges and rewards. It also introduces rankings for students and schools to help make recycling an engaging everyday habit.

Second place went to ‘Agri-Compass’, developed by Mahra Hamdan Al Qaidi and Fatima Dawood Al Qaidi of Zayed Educational Complex – Al Saf in Kalba, Sharjah. The project combines soil data, sensor readings and AI to recommend crops suited to the conditions of a farmer’s land, helping farmers make more informed planting decisions.

Third place went to ‘ASL’, developed by Hafsah Alhashimi and Joud Almuhaidib of Deira International School. It proposes using fermentation and AI to produce protein locally for animal feed, with the aim of reducing the UAE’s reliance on imported feed and strengthening food security.

The challenge provided students with practical experience simulating the key stages of solution development, from problem definition and validation, through design, testing, and prototyping, to presentation and defence before specialists. It also enabled them to connect with mentors, experts, and partners from diverse sectors, and to explore career and entrepreneurial opportunities linked to sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the green economy.

Following Ru’ya Careers UAE 2026 the Ministry is establishing a dedicated support track for the winning teams, linking selected projects with mentors, technical experts, incubators, and relevant innovation partners. It will also explore opportunities to further develop and showcase these projects through the MOCCAE platforms and future initiatives. This pathway aims to sustain the momentum generated during the challenge, assist students in advancing prototypes, testing solutions, and enhancing applicability, while fostering a culture of environmental innovation and entrepreneurship among youth and expanding their contribution to the UAE’s sustainable development goals.

The post Ministry Of Climate Change And Environment Honours Winners Of Green Innovation Challenge Backing Youth-Led Sustainable Solutions first appeared on Go Green.