01 | Saudi Arabia opens prequalification for 3,200 MW as projects move into tender preparation
As of 2026-11-12, the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has opened bidding prequalification for three projects under the eighth round of the National Renewable Energy Program, with a combined capacity of 3,200 MW. Chinese developers, engineering contractors and equipment suppliers considering Saudi renewable energy projects should now examine the qualification requirements and potential consortium arrangements: the projects have moved from market planning into an identifiable tender-preparation stage.
The round comprises the 900 MW Tumair Solar PV project in Riyadh Region, the 1,000 MW East Al Amwah Solar PV project in Aseer Region and the 1,300 MW Al Muzayriah Wind Power project in Makkah Region. Solar accounts for 1,900 MW of the total, while wind accounts for 1,300 MW.
All three projects fall under the National Renewable Energy Program, led and supervised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy. The program expects renewable energy sources and energy storage systems to account for around 50% of the electricity generation mix by 2030. SPPC prepares preliminary studies, tenders power generation projects, and signs power purchase and energy storage service agreements with developer consortia. A sound participation assessment should consider project location, technology and consortium responsibilities together rather than treating total capacity as the sole measure of opportunity.
Source: Argaam, 2026-11-11
03 | The UAE launches electronic ATA Carnets for paperless movement of exhibition goods and professional equipment
The UAE has launched the electronic ATA Carnet (eATA Carnet) system, becoming the first country outside Europe to adopt the digital customs facility. Businesses taking exhibition goods or professional equipment into the UAE can now reduce their reliance on paper documents through electronic issuance and processing. The change does not remove the rules on eligible goods or the requirement to re-export them.
Supported by Dubai Chambers, the system is being implemented by Dubai Chamber of Commerce in coordination with UAE customs authorities and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Customs processing and tracking will use digital declarations, QR codes, digital notifications and transaction histories. Dubai accounted for 71% of all ATA Carnet transactions in the UAE in 2025. In the same year, Dubai Chamber of Commerce issued and received 5,960 carnets covering goods worth AED 5.6 billion, with carnet volume up 11.2% from the previous year and total value up 30%.
An ATA Carnet applies to commercial samples, professional equipment, broadcasting and filming equipment, and goods used for exhibitions and trade events. It is valid for up to one year and can be used repeatedly across multiple participating countries. Consumable and perishable goods are excluded. Before arranging entry for goods or equipment, businesses should confirm eligibility and plan for re-export through the prescribed process.
Source: The Economic Times, 2026-11-11
05 | Abu Dhabi permits pre-approval novel food tastings through a controlled testing route
Abu Dhabi has issued a new guideline allowing cultivated meat, precision-fermented proteins and other novel foods to undergo controlled tasting and sensory evaluation studies before receiving full UAE market approval. For food technology companies, this creates a route to collect consumer feedback before commercial launch. A tasting trial still requires an application, safety assessment, laboratory testing and regulatory approval; it is not permission to sell the product.
The guideline was developed by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. It covers cell-cultivated foods, alternative proteins, precision fermentation products and other novel food ingredients. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority will review trial applications and approve studies in controlled research environments, while the Central Testing Laboratory of the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council will provide laboratory verification and technical evaluation.
Participant protection, product safety assessment and regulatory oversight are all part of the testing requirements. Abu Dhabi also intends to use its multinational population to help companies compare product acceptance across different groups and refine formulations, investment plans and commercialisation decisions. For Chinese food technology companies preparing to enter Gulf markets, this route is suited to validating taste and acceptance; market access still depends on subsequent registration and approval.
Source: Cultivated X, 2026-11-10
Last updated: November 2026. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.