Saudi Arabia courts Chinese firms in mining investment drive Mining and Industry Minister Bandar Alkhorayef met with executives from more than 20 mining firms in Beijing on Thursday. Saudi Arabia
IEA report: Mideast electricity generation to rise 50% by 2035 as renewables expand The International Energy Agency said that oil and gas remain the main sources of energy in the Middle East and North Africa, but noted the region’s rising investment in alternatives and renewable energy potential. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Sudan, Egypt FMs urge Ethiopia to change course ahead of megadam launch Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced in July that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been completed and will be formally inaugurated in September. Sudan
Egypt, Turkey ink investment deals with China on SCO Summit sidelines Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were in China for the two-day summit. Egypt
With help from Copenhagen, Cairo makes room for bicyclists In partnership with the Cairo government, the United Nations and the Danish Embassy, a civil society organization hopes to cut down on traffic and encourage healthier lifestyles with bicycle-friendly infrastructure. Egypt
Egypt launches renewable energy curriculum to boost promising sector In anticipation of the expected increase in employment opportunities in the solar and wind power sectors, the Egyptian government has launched training programs in renewable energy for students at technical schools in various governorates. Egypt
Solar-powered mosque answers prayers in West Bank Palestinians are making deep inroads into renewable energy and looking forward to much greater independence as more solar power projects pop up all the time. Palestine
How innovators aim to solve Gaza’s environmental problems The Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority held an exhibition in the Gaza Strip showcasing innovative ideas to cope with the environmental problems in the besieged enclave. Palestine
Israel's endangered birds face growing threats A new report paints a worrisome picture of the condition of Israel’s wild birds, of which 65 species are in severe danger of extinction from various threats. Israel
Syrian refugee camp in Jordan goes solar A German-built solar power facility is helping to improve life for residents of the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp and other camps in Jordan through clean energy. Jordan
Iraq oil pipeline comes with major environmental costs A gas pipeline that runs from Iran to the suburbs of Baghdad has caused environmental pollution and damaged agricultural land and archaeological sites in local areas. Iraq
Turks, Russians partner on mega projects Construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant is being moved forward to begin in August, as plans are shaping up for the Turkish Stream natural gas pipeline. Turkey
Private solar power systems catch on in Gaza The National Economy Ministry in Gaza has lifted taxes and fees on alternative energy equipment to encourage residents to buy it to get through the ongoing electricity crisis. Palestine
Aswan solar power project brightens Egypt’s energy outlook By 2018, Upper Egypt will be home to Egypt’s largest and first-of-its-kind grid-connected solar power park. Egypt
Solar car race shines light on renewable energy in Egypt For the first time, the United Solar Challenge was held in Egypt as innovators and engineers race solar-powered cars and try to spark interest in renewable energy sources. Egypt
Morocco takes lead in climate change fight, but at what cost? Morocco is pushing forward with an ambitious renewable energy sector, but its policies may be doing more harm than good. Morocco
