Sharjah Municipality has announced the allocation of AED100m ($27.2m) for a major new initiative aimed at reducing the risk of fires in towers and buildings in the emirate.

The funds allocated by HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, will be used for the comprehensive replacement of flammable aluminium facades, in line with the emirate’s efforts to enhance the safety and security of its residents.

In late January 2023, Beeah Recycling inked a deal to develop the UAE’s first EV battery recycling plant and, in early February 2023, SEWA said it had made major progress on Khorfakkan infrastructure projects.

Obaid Saeed Al Teneiji, Director-General of Sharjah Municipality, revealed that the contract for the project will soon be awarded. Phase One of the project will cover 40 high-risk residential towers, all exceeding seven floors in height.

Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director of Technical Services, said the municipality has formed a committee with the Department of Planning and Survey and Sharjah Civil Defence to study the project and conduct risk management fire inspections on buildings with aluminium facades. He explained that the existing aluminium facades will be replaced with safer materials to reduce the risk of fire and protect residents, properties, and the environment, aligning with the government’s priority to ensure building safety in Sharjah.

In mid April 2023, Arada inked a deal to bring sustainable water treatment tech to the UAE.