Emirates Engineering has launched a new programme giving UAE university students the chance to transform retired aircraft materials into innovative products while gaining hands-on experience with the airline’s engineering teams.

Called Material Futures Studio, the six-week initiative is led by Emirates Engineering’s Upcycling department. It aims to inspire the next generation of aviation engineers by challenging students to find creative new uses for materials recovered from retired aircraft.

The first edition brings together 23 students from Khalifa University, Emirates Aviation University and the University of Sharjah.

Students began the programme with an orientation session and a behind-the-scenes tour of Emirates Engineering’s facilities in Dubai, where they met senior leaders, explored aircraft maintenance operations and visited the airline’s upcycling workshop to see how retired aircraft materials are already being turned into new products.

How the programme works

Over six weeks, participants will develop concepts and prototypes using materials recovered from retired aircraft, with guidance from Emirates Engineering specialists throughout the design and development process.

The programme will conclude with a showcase where students present their final ideas and prototypes.

According to Emirates, the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by giving students practical engineering experience while enabling the airline to tap into fresh ideas and emerging talent.

Part of Emirates’ sustainability efforts

Material Futures Studio builds on Emirates’ wider sustainability strategy and its multi-billion-dollar aircraft retrofit programme.

The airline is currently refurbishing 219 Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, one of the largest retrofit projects in the aviation industry. Rather than discarding materials removed during the upgrades, Emirates Engineering has been repurposing them into new products through its in-house upcycling projects.

These include the Aircrafted by Emirates collection of limited-edition luggage, bags and accessories made from reclaimed aircraft materials, as well as Aircrafted KIDS, which transforms retired aircraft fabrics into backpacks for children. Emirates says more than 4,000 backpacks have already been donated to children in 11 countries.

Getting around Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) is about to become much easier. A new fully electric bus service, JLT Link, launches on August 1, offering residents and visitors a convenient way to travel across the neighbourhood for just Dh3 per ride.

Replacing the existing bus service, the new network is designed to make short trips around JLT quicker, cheaper and more sustainable.

How does JLT Link work?

The service operates a fleet of turquoise electric buses across two circular routes:

• Route 1: Clusters A to N
• Route 2: Clusters O to Z

There’s no need to book. Simply head to the nearest bus stop, scan the QR code to pay and hop on.

Metro connections and 18 stops

JLT Link connects directly with both DMCC Metro Station and Sobha Realty Metro Station, making it easier to continue your journey across Dubai.

The network serves 18 stops across JLT and Uptown Dubai, with buses arriving every 20 minutes.

Sustainable and accessible

The fully electric buses are part of DMCC’s wider sustainability strategy and feature:

• Low-floor boarding
• Wheelchair accessibility
• Space for standing passengers

The launch complements other sustainability initiatives across JLT, including solar-powered infrastructure, Dubai Can refill stations and community recycling facilities.

UAE motorists could see petrol prices fall for a second consecutive month in August, although any reduction is expected to be modest as global oil markets remain volatile.

Experts are predicting lower crude oil prices during July will support another cut at the pump, but the ongoing geopolitical tensions and tight fuel inventories are likely to limit how much prices fall.

Based on current trends, experts estimate Special 95 could fall to around Dh3.13 per litre, while Super 98 could drop to about Dh3.24 per litre.

Oil markets continue to react to geopolitical developments, particularly tensions involving Iran and concerns over shipping routes in the Gulf.

However, prices are capable of moving up sharply if regional tensions escalate.

July fuel prices

• Super 98: Dh3.40 per litre
• Special 95: Dh3.29 per litre
• E-Plus 91: Dh3.21 per litre
• Diesel: Dh3.60 per litre

The UAE is expected to announce fuel prices for August this week, with many motorists hoping for another reduction to help ease the rising cost of living and daily commuting expenses.