Thousands of the world’s experts on solar power will arrive in Dubai next week for the Global Solar Leaders’ Summit, and that might seem strange.
Dubai would not even rank in the top 100 global cities in terms of solar power. So why choose a city in an oil-rich country such as the UAE? Are these delegates using solar as an excuse to come here and visit the indoor ski-slope at the Mall of the Emirates?
Not quite. Despite the lack of solar footprint in this country, there are five trends that are setting the stage for an explosion in solar power in the region.
Fewer economic barriers
Throughout much of the GCC, electricity and water prices are subsidised by governments. Abu Dhabi alone spent Dh17.5 billion last year on subsidising electricity and water. In Saudi Arabia, the government is burning 900,000 barrels of oil per month to produce electricity, which is then sold at a fraction of the cost.
Now that oil revenue has dropped with the fall in oil prices, these subsidies are making a dent in government budgets. Dubai was the first to adopt cost-reflective pricing policies, and others will follow. This will push up the rice of electricity and make solar, which is not subsidised, more attractive.
Favourable policies
Slowly but surely, governments are starting to adopt solar-friendly policies. This year a string of countries and cities have introduced regulations allowing home owners and businesses to install rooftop solar systems. These include Egypt, Jordan and Dubai. In Dubai’s case, there will be more than 10 megawatts of solar power covering 12,000 square metres of rooftop space launched by the end of this year. Those jumping on to the solar bandwagon include ABB, Emirates, Dewa and Aramex.
Lower prices
Solar energy’s penetration in this region is set to grow because the cost of solar equipment keeps dropping. Five years ago I installed a 2-kilowatt system on my roof, enough to offset roughly 15 per cent of my home’s electricity consumption. The cost of this system was roughly Dh20,000. Today, that same system would cost half as much. More contractors will enter the market as solar regulations start to take root, which means more competitive prices and more variety. For example, Ergosun is a new entrant in Dubai offering roof tiles with integrated solar cells – a new technology that eliminates the extra costs for support fixings through the roof.
Payment plan
The Achilles heel of residential solar systems has always been lack of financing. It is like trying to buy a new car without having access to car loans. And since these systems are typically bolted into place for up to 25 years, buying a second-hand one on Dubizzle is not an option. As a result, a lot of potential solar customers have been kept out of the market. But not for much longer. The Middle East Solar Industry Association is working with regional developers on financing plans similar to car loans. The emergence of solar financing will revolutionise the market, much like it did in North America.
Solar in other sectors
As solar becomes more competitive, this technology will branch out to other sectors beyond power generation. One logical area is oil and gas. Petroleum Development Oman, Oman's largest oil producer, is partnering with GlassPoint Solar to build one of the world's largest solar plants. Miraah will be a 1,000MW solar facility in Oman, harnessing the sun's rays to produce steam. The steam will be used in thermal oil recovery at the Amal oilfield. This project underscores the massive market for deploying solar power in the oil and gas industry today.
As these trends take shape, the next time the solar gurus come for a visit, they might find that Ski Dubai is powered by the sun.
Vahid Fotuhi is the head of origination at Access Power and the founder of the Middle East Solar Industry Association.
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MATCH RESULT
Al Jazira 3 Persepolis 2
Jazira: Mabkhout (52'), Romarinho (77'), Al Hammadi (90' 6)
Persepolis: Alipour (42'), Mensha (84')
Key facilities
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MATCH INFO
Karnatake Tuskers 114-1 (10 ovs)
Charles 57, Amla 47
Bangla Tigers 117-5 (8.5 ovs)
Fletcher 40, Moores 28 no, Lamichhane 2-9
Bangla Tiger win by five wickets
Schedule:
Friday, January 12: Six fourball matches
Saturday, January 13: Six foursome (alternate shot) matches
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Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
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Favourite book: ‘The Art of Learning’ by Josh Waitzkin
Favourite film: Marvel movies
Favourite parkour spot in Dubai: Residence towers in Jumeirah Beach Residence
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Sector: e-learning
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ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
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May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
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THE DETAILS
Kaala
Dir: Pa. Ranjith
Starring: Rajinikanth, Huma Qureshi, Easwari Rao, Nana Patekar
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BULKWHIZ PROFILE
Date started: February 2017
Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce
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- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
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- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The Year Earth Changed
Directed by:Tom Beard
Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough
Stars: 4
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Rain Management
Year started: 2017
Based: Bahrain
Employees: 100-120
Amount raised: $2.5m from BitMex Ventures and Blockwater. Another $6m raised from MEVP, Coinbase, Vision Ventures, CMT, Jimco and DIFC Fintech Fund
Results
Stage 7:
1. Caleb Ewan (AUS) Lotto Soudal - 3:18:29
2. Sam Bennett (IRL) Deceuninck-QuickStep - same time
3. Phil Bauhaus (GER) Bahrain Victorious
4. Michael Morkov (DEN) Deceuninck-QuickStep
5. Cees Bol (NED) Team DSM
General Classification:
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates - 24:00:28
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers - 0:00:35
3. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep - 0:01:02
4. Chris Harper (AUS) Jumbo-Visma - 0:01:42
5. Neilson Powless (USA) EF Education-Nippo - 0:01:45
