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Abu Dhabi National Energy Company has unveiled plans to invest more than AED37 billion to meet the escalating power demands of the emirate’s expanding data centre and artificial intelligence infrastructure. The announcement was made by Group CEO and Managing Director Jasim Husain Thabet during the World Utilities Congress 2025.

This substantial investment is integral to TAQA’s strategy to deliver clean, certified, and reliable energy to critical infrastructure. The company aims to support Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global hub for digital innovation and AI development.

TAQA’s market capitalisation stands at approximately AED360 billion, positioning it among the top five companies in electricity generation, transmission, and water desalination across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Operating in 25 countries, TAQA has doubled its electricity production capacity to 56 gigawatts over the past four years, surpassing the total electricity consumption of the United Kingdom.

The company’s growth strategy includes significant international acquisitions. TAQA recently partnered with Mubadala to acquire an 875-megawatt gas-powered electricity station in Uzbekistan, aiding the country’s energy transition and opening new markets in Central Asia. Additionally, TAQA has acquired Transmission Investment, a leading UK-based energy and utility investment platform, enhancing its capabilities in offshore transmission services and infrastructure development.

In collaboration with Masdar, where TAQA holds a major stake, the company is developing 5 gigawatts of solar energy supported by 19 gigawatt-hours of battery storage. This integrated solar and battery system is designed to deliver a continuous supply of 1 gigawatt for 24 hours, marking it as the largest project of its kind globally.

TAQA plans to invest AED75 billion by 2030 to triple its electricity generation capacity to 150 gigawatts. Part of this strategy includes developing water desalination plants with a combined capacity of 1.3 billion gallons per day, with two-thirds utilising highly efficient reverse osmosis technology.

The company is also exploring acquisition opportunities in the United States, identifying it as a key market for expansion. TAQA aims to spend around $20 billion between 2023 and 2030 on organic and inorganic growth, targeting 150 gigawatts of capacity by the end of that period, up from around 56 gigawatts currently.

Dubai’s employment landscape continues to attract job seekers from across Asia, Europe, and Africa, with South Asians among the most visible presence. From tax-free salaries to a safe, cosmopolitan lifestyle and fast-track digital governance, the emirate is steadily reinforcing its image as a global work destination with an accessible entry point for skilled professionals.

Dubai’s appeal is anchored in a combination of economic liberalism and aggressive infrastructure development, which has made the city one of the busiest hubs for aviation, logistics, finance, hospitality, and tech. For those seeking employment from outside the UAE, Dubai offers two main routes: applying for positions remotely, or entering on a short-term tourist visa with the hope of converting that stay into full-time employment. While the latter path involves risk and financial outlay, it remains the most widely taken route for candidates without existing work permits.

The city’s population is made up of nearly 90% expatriates, with professionals from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and the UK dominating several industries. Recruiters in Dubai confirm that demand remains steady for roles in sales, marketing, IT, logistics, real estate, engineering, healthcare, and hospitality. According to hiring trends tracked by regional recruitment firms, companies in free zone jurisdictions are particularly active, often targeting foreign candidates who bring sector-specific experience.

Dubai’s tax structure is a major driver of migration. With no personal income tax and a salary-based remuneration system, employees receive their full contracted pay without statutory deductions. This setup increases the net earnings of professionals, particularly those coming from high-tax jurisdictions. However, the city’s high cost of living — with real estate, private schooling, and transport costs — offsets some of the financial advantage, making proper salary negotiations crucial before signing contracts.

For prospective applicants based outside the UAE, the digital ecosystem built around Dubai’s employment market is an essential resource. Company career pages, job portals such as Dubizzle and Bayt, and professional networks like LinkedIn are widely used by HR departments and hiring managers. LinkedIn in particular has emerged as a preferred screening tool, where recruiters assess candidates’ professional branding even before calling for interviews. A well-structured profile featuring quantifiable achievements, skills endorsements, and updated CV attachments is now considered essential.

Recruitment agencies based in Dubai and in neighbouring countries also play an intermediary role. Many global firms with a presence in the UAE outsource their talent acquisition to specialist agencies. These agencies have formal tie-ups with employers to fill positions across levels, from blue-collar to senior management. In India, for instance, manpower firms with UAE licenses are regularly approached for hospitality, construction, medical, and logistics roles. Candidates approaching these agencies are advised to verify accreditation details and ensure the agency operates under UAE labour ministry guidelines.

A significant portion of those who eventually land jobs in Dubai do so by entering on a 60-day or 90-day visit visa. This visa allows job seekers to attend interviews, network with prospective employers, and explore options in person. While this method can be effective for confident candidates with solid credentials, the costs — including visa fees, accommodation, and living expenses — must be budgeted in advance. Moreover, there is no guarantee of securing employment during this window, making it a calculated gamble for many families.

An alternative is to enter Dubai on a student visa. Universities and training institutions in Dubai offer various professional development courses, and part-time work is permitted in certain free zone jurisdictions. While this route also involves significant upfront costs, it has become popular among young graduates aiming to break into the UAE market through education-led migration. However, strict visa compliance rules and limited working hours under student permits make it less appealing for mid-career professionals.

Once an individual secures a job offer, the employer typically initiates the work visa and residency sponsorship process. This includes submission of documents such as educational certificates, previous employment references, and medical fitness results. Once approved, a UAE resident permit is issued, which then allows the individual to bring in dependents under family sponsorship. The entire onboarding and visa stamping process usually takes two to four weeks, depending on the company’s internal HR process and jurisdiction.

Dubai’s strategic geographical position — within a 4-hour flight radius from major South Asian cities — adds another layer of practicality for job seekers. With only a two-hour time difference from India and Sri Lanka, many multinational firms operate regional back-offices or satellite centres in Dubai, recruiting bilingual and culturally adaptive professionals who can bridge operations between West Asia and South Asia.

Climate compatibility is another subtle advantage for those relocating from tropical or semi-arid regions. Temperatures and humidity levels, while extreme during peak summer months, mirror weather conditions in parts of South Asia and the Gulf, reducing the cultural adjustment curve for new migrants.

Safety and rule of law remain among the top reasons cited by working professionals and families relocating to Dubai. The UAE consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. For women professionals and young students, this perception of security plays a pivotal role in relocation decisions.

Another factor contributing to Dubai’s growing job market is its economic diversification programme. With Vision 2030 and associated sectoral strategies, the city is investing in AI, clean energy, space technology, and digital banking. These emerging sectors have triggered a wave of high-skilled job openings, especially for engineers, data analysts, fintech specialists, and regulatory professionals. Start-up hubs like Dubai Internet City and Dubai Silicon Oasis are witnessing increased hiring, backed by funding incentives and incubator schemes.

However, competition remains high, with thousands of applications flooding each job posting. Recruiters advise applicants to focus on niche skills, international certifications, and sector-specific experience. A generic application or a poorly crafted CV has minimal chance of clearing the initial screening stage. Instead, candidates are urged to tailor their applications to each role, use keywords matching the job description, and attach short, results-oriented cover letters.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, emphasising the importance of a shared future in the face of global uncertainties. During their meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, the leaders discussed strategies to bolster economic development and safeguard mutual interests.

Premier Li highlighted the need for both nations to collaborate closely, particularly in promoting economic growth and addressing external challenges. He stressed the significance of building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future, aiming to provide stability and certainty amid international fluctuations.

Prime Minister Hun Manet echoed these sentiments, expressing Cambodia’s dedication to deepening ties with China. He reiterated support for the Belt and Road Initiative and other collaborative frameworks, underscoring the importance of joint efforts in infrastructure development, trade, and cultural exchanges.

The meeting also saw discussions on expanding cooperation in emerging sectors such as green industries and the digital economy. Both leaders acknowledged the potential for these areas to contribute significantly to their countries’ modernization and industrialization goals.

In addition to economic collaboration, the leaders addressed regional security concerns. They agreed on the necessity of maintaining peace and stability in the region, with a focus on mutual support in international and regional affairs.

The talks concluded with the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents, further solidifying the partnership between China and Cambodia. These agreements encompass various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and cultural heritage restoration.

NesmaKent Energy Company , the joint venture between Saudi Arabia’s Nesma & Partners and the international engineering firm Kent, has secured a significant project management consultancy contract with Saudi Aramco. This contract marks a milestone for NKJV, positioning the partnership as a crucial player in the kingdom’s energy infrastructure development amid expanding ambitions in the energy sector.

The PMC contract involves comprehensive project oversight and management services for one of Saudi Aramco’s large-scale energy initiatives. NKJV’s responsibilities will span across planning, execution monitoring, quality control, cost management, and ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards. This contract is part of Aramco’s broader strategy to engage specialised joint ventures that combine local expertise with international engineering standards, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to diversify and modernise its energy sector.

Nesma & Partners, well-established for its construction and engineering projects within the kingdom and region, has brought extensive local market knowledge and regulatory experience to the partnership. Kent, recognised for its global engineering and project consultancy portfolio, contributes advanced technical capabilities and international project management best practices. Together, the joint venture is expected to deliver high-quality consultancy services that meet Aramco’s stringent operational and environmental benchmarks.

The contract signals the growing trend among Saudi energy entities to engage collaborative partnerships that marry domestic strengths with foreign technological expertise. This aligns with the kingdom’s policy to increase localisation and private sector participation in mega projects. NKJV’s role as a PMC will extend beyond traditional supervisory functions, encompassing risk mitigation, technical advisory, and integration of innovative engineering solutions aimed at optimising project delivery and operational efficiency.

Saudi Aramco’s selection of NKJV follows a competitive tender process where multiple firms vied for the contract. The award underscores Aramco’s confidence in NKJV’s combined capabilities and track record. The project itself forms part of a wider portfolio of energy infrastructure investments by Aramco, which include enhancements in oil production facilities, downstream expansions, and renewable energy projects as the company transitions towards sustainable energy sources.

NesmaKent Energy’s contract exemplifies the shifting dynamics within the Saudi energy sector, where engineering consultancy and project management are gaining prominence as critical factors in successful project execution. The emphasis on specialised joint ventures highlights the kingdom’s commitment to leveraging cross-border partnerships to accelerate technological transfer and capacity building.

Industry experts note that the contract reinforces the strategic positioning of Nesma & Partners and Kent in the Middle East’s energy market. Nesma’s long-standing presence in Saudi Arabia has enabled it to navigate complex regulatory environments and develop robust relationships with government entities and private sector clients. Kent’s engineering pedigree, with a portfolio spanning oil and gas, petrochemicals, and infrastructure, complements Nesma’s regional experience with global standards.

The joint venture’s involvement in this Aramco project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and skill development programmes in line with Saudi Arabia’s localisation agenda, known as Saudisation. NKJV plans to incorporate training modules and knowledge transfer frameworks to build local competencies in project management and engineering consultancy.

The energy project under NKJV’s management consultancy contract is critical to Aramco’s operational goals, encompassing upgrades to production capacity and the integration of advanced monitoring and control technologies. These developments are part of Aramco’s efforts to maintain its position as the world’s leading energy producer while adapting to evolving global energy demands and environmental regulations.

The scope of NKJV’s mandate also includes coordinating with multiple contractors, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies to ensure seamless execution. This requires a high level of technical expertise, project coordination skills, and compliance with international safety and quality certifications. NKJV’s approach reportedly emphasises sustainability and innovation, incorporating digital tools such as Building Information Modelling and real-time project analytics to enhance transparency and decision-making.

As Saudi Arabia intensifies its focus on energy diversification, including the expansion of renewable energy projects alongside traditional hydrocarbon investments, the expertise of joint ventures like NKJV will be crucial. Their ability to deliver complex projects efficiently and within budget will be pivotal in meeting the kingdom’s long-term strategic targets.

NesmaKent Energy’s success in securing this contract may open doors for further collaborations between Saudi and international firms in the energy consultancy sector. This contract reflects a broader trend of joint ventures becoming key conduits for technology transfer and knowledge exchange in the Gulf’s infrastructure and energy projects.

The company’s initial foray into Bitcoin occurred in early 2021, when it invested $1.5 billion in the cryptocurrency. Subsequently, Tesla began accepting Bitcoin as payment for its vehicles. However, this payment option was suspended in May 2021 due to environmental concerns related to Bitcoin mining’s energy consumption. The suspension led to a notable decline in both Bitcoin’s value and Tesla’s stock price.

In the second quarter of 2022, Tesla sold approximately 75% of its Bitcoin holdings, amounting to $936 million. CEO Elon Musk stated that the sale was driven by the company’s need for liquidity rather than a lack of confidence in Bitcoin. Since then, Tesla has incrementally increased its Bitcoin holdings, now totaling around 11,900 BTC.

The recent surge in Bitcoin’s value has contributed to the increased valuation of Tesla’s holdings. As of May 24, 2025, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $109,058. This price point has bolstered the value of Tesla’s Bitcoin assets, aligning with the company’s strategic investment approach.

Tesla’s position in Bitcoin places it among the top corporate holders of the cryptocurrency. Other notable companies with significant Bitcoin investments include MicroStrategy and Galaxy Digital Holdings. These firms have adopted similar strategies, integrating Bitcoin into their corporate treasuries.

The broader corporate adoption of Bitcoin has been influenced by recent regulatory developments. In March 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This initiative aims to maintain government-owned Bitcoin as a national reserve asset. The move has sparked interest among various states and corporations, further legitimizing Bitcoin’s role in the financial ecosystem.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has entered into framework agreements valued at Dhs6 billion with 12 UAE-based manufacturers to produce critical industrial equipment locally. This initiative, part of the “Make it in the Emirates” programme, aims to enhance the resilience of the nation’s supply chain and create up to 1,300 skilled private-sector jobs.

The agreements focus on the domestic production of cables and pressure vessels, essential components in ADNOC’s operations. By localising the manufacturing of these items, ADNOC seeks to ensure timely availability, reduce dependency on international suppliers, and mitigate global supply chain disruptions.

The signing took place during the “Make it in the Emirates” forum in Abu Dhabi, attended by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC’s Managing Director and Group CEO. Dr Al Jaber emphasised the importance of strengthening local manufacturing capabilities to support the UAE’s industrial growth and economic diversification.

This move aligns with ADNOC’s broader strategy to stimulate domestic manufacturing. Previously, the company announced agreements with over 60 companies to locally produce critical non-oil products, aiming to manufacture AED70 billion worth of products in its procurement pipeline by 2027. These efforts are expected to create thousands of job opportunities and enhance the resilience of the local supply chain.

In addition to the current agreements, ADNOC has committed over AED20 billion for the procurement of structures and metal products from national companies. This commitment is part of a broader initiative to stimulate industrial growth and create more private-sector jobs for UAE nationals.

The “Make it in the Emirates” initiative, led by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, aims to position the UAE as a global hub for advanced industry and innovation. The programme encourages local manufacturing, supports the development of national talent, and promotes sustainable industrial practices.

ADNOC’s investment in local manufacturing is complemented by its focus on sustainability and technological innovation. The company has been leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to optimise operations and reduce emissions. Facilities like the Habshan 5 gas processing plant and Zirku Island offshore operations have been at the forefront of deploying such technologies, contributing to ADNOC’s goal of becoming a low-carbon energy leader.

ADNOC’s In-Country Value programme incentivises suppliers to adopt clean technologies and establish new manufacturing facilities in the UAE. Since its inception, the ICV programme has driven significant investment back into the UAE economy, supporting the nation’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

The “Make it in the Emirates” forum serves as a platform for collaboration between government entities, industry leaders, and investors. It showcases the UAE’s commitment to fostering a robust industrial sector, enhancing economic resilience, and achieving sustainable growth.