Solar-powered cars could be coming to the UAE after the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) established a pact with high-tech company Lightyear.
The Netherlands-based company is developing the world's first solar car, the Lightyear 0.
The vehicle requires only 1,500 kilowatt-hours per year, making it twice more efficient than the Tesla model S, the equivalent in its category, the company said on Thursday.
Lightyear and SRTI Park are “exploring a range of activities to drive sustainable mobility in the region, which could include the establishment of Lightyear testing facilities and sales and service support across the region”, it said.
The parties signed a preliminary agreement and aim to set up university research exchange programmes on solar-powered electric vehicles (EVs), and advance policy initiatives that promote government incentives for EVs, including solar-extended EVs.
“The UAE has created a holistic innovation ecosystem that helps companies develop and scale up trailblazing solutions,” said Mariam Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
“Today, it is a hub for top-notch competencies and scientific innovations, particularly those related to clean energy.
“This complements our nation’s efforts to combat global warming and contribute to collective climate action, and aligns with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
“We are pleased by Lightyear’s decision to set up its first base outside the Netherlands at SRTI Park, and wish the company success in its endeavours.”
The Lightyear 0 is production-ready and can drive for months in the summer period before needing to plug into a public charger or household outlet. It has a top speed of 160 kilometres an hour and accelerates from zero to 100kph in 10 seconds.
The first batch of cars is expected to be delivered to customers in Europe in November.
The UAE, as the world's third-largest producer of solar power, is the perfect place to test Lightyear’s patented solar technology, said STRI Park chief executive Hussain Al Mahmoudi.
The UAE announced its road to net zero by 2050 ambitions last year, and plans to invest Dh600 billion ($163.37bn) in clean and renewable energy sources in the next three decades.
The number of available electric cars is on the UAE's roads is increasing. Swedish premium electric car brand Polestar launched the Polestar 2 sedan in the country this year and opened its first dedicated retail outlet in the Emirates.
The Middle East's first refuelling station for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) opened in Dubai in 2017, the same year that the region's first Tesla showroom opened in the city.
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Lebanese driver transforms his car to run on solar power
Asia Cup 2018 Qualifier
Sunday's results:
- UAE beat Malaysia by eight wickets
- Nepal beat Singapore by four wickets
- Oman v Hong Kong, no result
Tuesday fixtures:
- Malaysia v Singapore
- UAE v Oman
- Nepal v Hong Kong
The story in numbers
18
This is how many recognised sects Lebanon is home to, along with about four million citizens
450,000
More than this many Palestinian refugees are registered with UNRWA in Lebanon, with about 45 per cent of them living in the country’s 12 refugee camps
1.5 million
There are just under 1 million Syrian refugees registered with the UN, although the government puts the figure upwards of 1.5m
73
The percentage of stateless people in Lebanon, who are not of Palestinian origin, born to a Lebanese mother, according to a 2012-2013 study by human rights organisation Frontiers Ruwad Association
18,000
The number of marriages recorded between Lebanese women and foreigners between the years 1995 and 2008, according to a 2009 study backed by the UN Development Programme
77,400
The number of people believed to be affected by the current nationality law, according to the 2009 UN study
4,926
This is how many Lebanese-Palestinian households there were in Lebanon in 2016, according to a census by the Lebanese-Palestinian dialogue committee
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV
In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein
By Fiona Sampson
Profile
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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