Mubadala unit banks on decarbonising buildings
The UAE has set a target of reducing emissions in its building sector by 56 percent by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. This is part of the country’s broader efforts to slash emissions by 40 percent by the end of the current decade. However, it is going to be difficult for the UAE to reach this figure, according to Ahmed Patel at Solutions+, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, that specialises in sustainability initiatives. “I do think it is going to take a lot of effort across the entire real estate sector to be able to hit this ambitious target,” Patel, chief business process outsourcing officer at Solutions+, told AGBI. “But we’re very optimistic that it can be achieved. As always, there are challenges, but every day we see new technologies coming out that are helping us along this decarbonisation journey.” The drive towards greener buildings has seen revenue at Solutions+, a wholly owned entity of Mubadala Investment Company, rise by around 20 percent a year over the past three years, Patel said. He expects this trend to continue, helping the company to achieve its target of generating annual revenue of AED1 billion ($272.3 million) within the next few years. Solutions+ last week signed an agreement with Mubadala Investment Company, which has a global portfolio worth $276 billion, to help the latter leverage on Solutions+’s expertise. “We work across a spectrum of different-sized businesses, from very large all the way to startups,” Patel said. “Once we measure the emissions for a company’s building, we identify and prioritise energy efficiency measures and develop implementation plans for them. “This could include LED lighting retrofits or the implementation of solar PV within their building.” One new line of business for Solutions+ is sustainable procurement, Patel said. “We’re working towards offering this to a broader base of clients whereby we can help them to decarbonise their supply chain, which typically represents a significant part of their carbon footprint,” he said. Occupier and investor demand for green buildings has risen in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region to 51 percent, placing it ahead of the global average of 44 percent, according to a recent report by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a global professional body for those working in the built environment. The top priorities for the MEA region are sustainable buildings that minimise water consumption (40 percent), provide a good indoor environmental quality (37 percent) and are energy efficient (40 percent). As of 2023, about 1,500 buildings in the UAE hold the green Leed building certificate. JLL, the real estate services company, reported that more of its clients are approaching it, seeking assistance in the preparation of ambitious, yet achievable, roadmaps.
Solutions+ to showcase their sustainability business vertical at COP28
Abu Dhabi, UAE, December 2023: Solutions+, a Mubadala company and a leading provider of shared services, will showcase their sustainability business vertical at COP28, encompassing a broad spectrum of initiatives, notably decarbonization services and sustainable procurement. Solutions+ conducts thorough end-to-end carbon footprint assessments and energy audits for businesses, pinpointing areas of high emissions. The resulting strategies aim to reduce carbon footprints, contributing directly to COP28’s climate change mitigation efforts and aligning with the UAE’s goals for carbon reduction. On the sustainable procurement front, Solutions+ collaborates closely with clients, optimizing procurement processes to minimize carbon footprints. The company actively identifies environmentally friendly alternatives, reflecting its dedication to fostering sustainable practices within the business community. Recognizing the increasing global demand for sustainable practices, Solutions+ strategically integrates sustainability into its service portfolio. This strategic move positions the company as a key ally for enterprises and small businesses committed to eco-friendly operations, thereby aligning directly with COP28’s sustainability mission and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. Nasir Al Nabhani, CEO of Solutions+, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting the COP28 sustainability agenda: “Aligned with the UAE’s ambitious goals, outlined in Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and in response to COP28’s sustainability agenda, Solutions+ proudly introduces its dedicated sustainability business vertical. As a service entity within our industry, we are strategically positioned to harness these objectives. “Our strategic move to offer a broad range of sustainability initiatives, including decarbonization services and sustainable procurement, aligns seamlessly with COP28’s mission to address climate change and promote an inclusive global transition. We acknowledge the pivotal role we can play in advancing Abu Dhabi’s journey towards a resilient, integrated and sustainable business environment, reflecting the essence of Vision 2030.” The Solutions+ kiosk will be located at the Mubadala Pavilion in the Green zone at COP28.
Solutions+, A Mubadala Company, Launches Decarbonization Subsidies for Abu Dhabi registered companies under Project Decarb 2.0
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 5 December 2024: Solutions+, a Mubadala company, has launched an innovative initiative “Project Decarb 2.0” aimed at accelerating the decarbonization journey of companies across Abu Dhabi. Through this initiative, starting in 2025, qualifying companies will gain access to comprehensive decarbonization consulting services with subsidies that can cover up to 75% of the associated costs. Backed by Mubadala Investment Company through its Mubadala Foundation, as part of its commitment to responsible investing, Solutions+ intends to work with companies across Abu Dhabi over the next two years, advancing the UAE’s net zero goals by providing tailored carbon emissions assessments, energy audits, and sustainable procurement services. This initiative will help Abu Dhabi-based companies identify and reduce their carbon emissions, boosting their drive towards decarbonization. Solutions+ through the first launch of Project Decarb brings a successful track record to this initiative, having provided similar services to 16 UAE companies across the Mubadala portfolio in 2023. This effort identified numerous cost saving measures that are being implemented within 2024 showcasing sustainable financial returns while simultaneously enabling reduced emissions and increasing operational efficiency. Building on this experience, Solutions+ will extend this model under the theme of Project Decarb 2.0 to smaller enterprises in the Abu Dhabi ecosystem, empowering them to align with the UAE’s net zero agenda. Solutions+’ approach is designed to make sustainability a financially viable choice, encouraging companies to take active steps toward decarbonization as a competitive and strategic advantage. As part of the initiative, Solutions+ will commence the subsidized decarbonization services for selected companies in early 2025. Abu Dhabi-based companies interested in participating are encouraged to apply on the Solutions+ website, this program is open to government, semi-government, public, and private companies registered and located within Abu Dhabi. Once the application is submitted, the eligibility of subsidies for the preferred service will be identified through a robust criteria that has been set in place. “At Solutions+, we believe it is critical to support companies across the Abu Dhabi ecosystem in progressing their sustainability and net zero goals. This not only helps organizations and businesses create long-term value but also strengthens the UAE’s position as a leader in climate action,” said Nasir Al Nabhani, Managing Director at Solutions+. “Through this initiative we aim to accelerate the decarbonization process for companies across Abu Dhabi through supporting them by leveraging our experience and knowledge within this domain.” Representing the Mubadala Foundation, Mansour Al Ketbi, Deputy Chief Corporate and Human Capital Officer of Mubadala said: “At Mubadala, we recognize that building a low-carbon future requires practical, scalable solutions accessible to businesses of all sizes. Through our support for Solutions+, we’re helping to accelerate the integration of decarbonization into companies core strategies. This helps to ensure that these companies can unlock the value-creating opportunities linked to sustainability while simultaneously making them and the UAE economy more resilient for the future. This initiative aligns with our commitment to responsible investing, and to delivering both financial returns and positive outcomes for the communities we serve and the broader UAE economy.”
Madar City partners with Solutions+ to trial next-generation autonomous vehicles
Abu Dhabi, 11 July 2025: As part of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council’s (SASC) strategy, Masdar City has begun testing level 4 autonomous vehicles (AV) in the city, in partnership with smart mobility provider Solutions+, a Mubadala company. The initiative, overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), has involved the registration, testing and operational approval of autonomous vehicles, ensuring safety, compliance and alignment with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision for smart mobility. The project demonstrates the emirate’s commitment to driving innovation and shaping the future through cutting-edge technology and underlines the role of Masdar City, a global hub for clean technology and home to the Smart Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, in further advancing autonomous transport. Level 4 automation is a significant leap in AV technology as it enables the vehicle to operate entirely on its own within a specific geofenced zone. Masdar City is offering a real-world testbed for advanced sustainable mobility by inviting global manufacturers to test their level 4 AVs in its integrated urban ecosystem. Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City, said: “The announcement of level 4 testing marks a substantial leap forward in AV capabilities and we are proud that Masdar City is once again leading the field in the development of such a critical future technology. The initiative also aligns perfectly with our vision to shape the cities of the future through innovation, digital integration and environmental responsibility. By collaborating with partners like Solutions+, we are not only advancing autonomous vehicle technology but also contributing to a more sustainable and efficient urban landscape for all.” Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the ITC, said: “This initiative marks a key milestone in Abu Dhabi’s vision to embrace future transport technologies and reaffirms our commitment to providing an integrated regulatory environment that supports innovation and accelerates the adoption of smart mobility solutions. We are working to enable a sustainable and flexible transport model that enhances the emirate’s competitiveness and supports its ambition to become a global hub for smart cities and sustainable mobility.” Ali Alyafei, Chief Operations Officer at Solutions+, said: “Partnering with Masdar City allows us to test our level 4 autonomous vehicles in a unique, real-world environment that combines cutting-edge infrastructure with a strong commitment to sustainability. This collaboration not only helps refine our technology but also demonstrates how innovative mobility solutions can contribute to building smarter, more efficient urban ecosystems aligned with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.” The proof of concept phase is an opportunity to monitor the technology’s performance amid the real-world infrastructure and specific climatic conditions of the UAE, delivering invaluable insights for the global development of autonomous transportation. The vehicles are following a comprehensive 2.4km test route that links several important locations, such as the Siemens building, North Car Park, My City Centre Masdar mall and Central Park, navigating past prominent landmarks including the International Renewable Energy Agency headquarters, MC2 and The Link. The AVs initially have safety officers onboard but will transition to fully autonomous operation from a centralised remote control room as the programme progresses. The testing will enable AVs to be modified in line with the UAE’s requirements and operational infrastructure. Masdar City will assess performance, safety and adaptability during testing before considering wider deployment in line with Abu Dhabi Government regulations. This initiative underscores Masdar City’s leadership in accelerating change and innovation through its Smart Mobility Cluster. By serving as a testbed for cutting-edge technologies, Masdar City is helping to shape the future of sustainable urban transportation and positioning itself as a key enabler of clean-tech advancements. The trials are the latest milestone in the urban sustainability hub’s commitment to the development of AVs, with the introduction of the first generation of vehicles in 2010.
