News

Dubai To Install World’s Largest Airport Rooftop Solar Array

The project will mark a significant step toward greener airport operations and sustainable energy development.

Published

2 years ago

October 7, 2024

dubai to install world's largest airport rooftop solar array

In partnership with Etihad Clean Energy Development Company, Dubai Airports is launching the largest rooftop solar panel installation ever seen at an airport. This major project marks a significant step toward greener airport operations and sustainable energy development.

The agreement for the initiative was signed by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, and Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO, during the World Green Economy Summit (WGES).

Chairman and CEO of the Emirates Group, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, highlighted that this project aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make Dubai one of the world’s most sustainable cities. He pointed out, “Our roadmap sets clear goals for achieving 25% of energy from clean sources by 2030 and 100% by 2050. However, we are working ahead of schedule and aim to surpass our 2030 target, potentially reaching 27% clean energy by then. Innovation and advanced technologies will continue accelerating our journey towards a greener future”.

The installation will be fully operational by 2026 and includes 62,904 solar panels spread across Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports, producing 39MWp of clean energy. This solar energy will power 6.5% of DXB’s needs and 20% of DWC’s, with the annual generation of 60,346MWh of electricity. This renewable energy initiative will offset 23,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to removing 5,000 cars from the roads or powering 3,000 homes annually.

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Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, emphasized that airports are major energy consumers and bear a significant responsibility to implement meaningful changes. “This isn’t just about adding solar panels — it’s about embedding sustainability into our operations. Every kilowatt we generate brings us closer to minimizing our carbon footprint and securing a sustainable future for airport operations”.

Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO, reiterated the importance of this partnership, stating, “This project and others like it are essential for advancing Dubai’s sustainability goals. By expanding the solar infrastructure, we reduce energy demands and increase the use of sustainable solutions”.

The initiative builds on the successful installation of solar panels at DXB’s Terminal 2 and Concourse D. These projects, alongside future innovations, show Dubai Airports’ commitment to environmental sustainability and reflect the UAE’s broader goals for a greener future.

News

YouTube Rolls Out Supervised Children’s Accounts Across MENA

An industry-first feed timer lets parents cap Shorts scrolling. Access can also be switched off entirely ahead of exam season.

Published

12 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Dana Saadeh

YouTube

YouTube has launched supervised kid accounts across the Middle East and North Africa, giving parents a way to hand their children the main YouTube app without handing over all of it. Announced in Dubai on July 2, the accounts are built directly into the platform rather than the standalone YouTube Kids app, and are aimed at families who feel a child has outgrown the curated library but isn’t ready for the open feed.

Parents can choose from three content settings, each broadly aligned with international content ratings. Explore covers educational videos, tutorials, arts and crafts, and dance. Explore More adds gaming and live streams. Most of YouTube opens up almost everything except videos rated 18+ or deemed inappropriate for supervised accounts.

The standout tool is an industry-first Shorts feed timer, which lets parents set daily limits on short-form scrolling. Set it to zero and Shorts disappears altogether – a lever YouTube suggests parents might pull ahead of exam season. Other protections are on by default for all users under 18: “Take a Break” and “Bedtime” reminders, no personalized ad targeting, autoplay switched off, and no ability to upload videos or write comments. The accounts are optional, and parents can end supervision at any time.

The kid accounts join supervised teen accounts already available across the region, which notify parents by email when a teenager uploads a video or starts a live stream.

“YouTube has been a huge part of families’ lives across this region for over 20 years,” said Javid Aslanov, head of YouTube Middle East and North Africa, citing Kantar research showing 95% of viewers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE agree YouTube has top content in education and learning.

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“It’s essential that we protect young people in – not from – the digital world,” added Garth Graham, YouTube’s head of health.

The new settings are rolling out gradually across the MENA, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, and Iraq. The latest features can be set up through Family Center in the YouTube app or via Google Family Link.