A new reports argues that to build its economy, agricultural sector, and education system, Afghanistan must focus on rebuilding its infrastructure. Continue Reading
Category Archives: Energy
Flying Pods, Supersonic Trains to be Tested in Dubai
In 2016 Dubai’s government leaders announced an ambition plan: by 2030, one-fourth of all trips in Dubai would be driverless. At the time, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, told a media outlet that he wanted Dubai to become “the world’s biggest laboratory for technology, research, and development.” In the ensuing… Continue Reading
$4 Billion UNICEF Appeal to Focus on Children at Risk
UNICEF appeals to the international community for almost $4 billion to help children in crisis around the world. Continue Reading
Increased Cycling in the Middle East Could Reduce Pollution
As Middle Eastern countries seek solutions to traffic congestion and pollution, some hope that more residents will commute by bicycle. Continue Reading
Humanitarian Groups Help Afghans Affected by the Drought
The western region of Afghanistan is facing its worst drought in a decade, following several years of extremely low rain and snowfall. Some blame the lack of snow on the La Nina weather cycle in the Pacific Ocean, which resulted in rainfall totals that were 70 percent lower than usual. Wells have run dry, and… Continue Reading
Permaculture Projects Promote Sustainable Farming in the Middle East
Farming in the dry, arid Middle East is often a fight against nature. As populations have increased, resulting in more demand for food and higher water usage, innovative farmers and researchers are experimenting with alternative farming methods, including greenhouses and vertical farms. Permaculture, which is attracting interest across the Middle East, takes a similar tack.… Continue Reading
Renewable Energy Is Set to Overtake Fossil Fuels in the Middle East – What You Need to Know
Long considered an epicenter of fossil fuel production, the Middle East is now leading the way in renewable energy initiatives. Whether it’s a college student club in Saudi Arabia focusing on sustainability or a petroleum company building a wind farm, representatives from sectors across the region are saying that the future is in renewable energy,… Continue Reading
Artificial Islands Allow Middle Eastern Countries to Expand
Israel is running out of land for development, and Israeli officials are floating an idea for expansion that other small countries have successfully employed: building artificial islands. One of Israel’s biggest needs is a new airport, as the Middle Eastern country currently has only one major international airport, Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The facility… Continue Reading
This Is What You Need to Know about Vertical Farms
Greenhouses have long been used to grow produce when the outside conditions aren’t conducive to farming. Middle Eastern countries face increasingly challenging conditions for agriculture, including productive land turning into desert, a lack of water, and harsh weather conditions. As a result, some entrepreneurs are trying an ambitious new type of greenhouse that could help… Continue Reading
Middle East Searches for Innovative Solutions to Water Shortage
While the Middle East is rich in oil, the region is increasingly struggling with the lack of a more important natural resource: water. Changing climates, population growth, and desertification—the process by which fertile land becomes desert—have made water scarce. Experts acknowledge that there is no one solution and that multiple ideas and approaches will be… Continue Reading