Holcim, the leading partner for sustainable construction, has launched its latest ECOPlanet low-carbon cement in the UAE, produced from locally sourced materials and designed to support the country’s drive toward stronger, more self-reliant industrial growth.

The launch reflects the UAE’s continued focus on building a more resilient manufacturing base and minimizing dependence on imported construction inputs. By using materials sourced within the country and produced locally, ECOPlanet helps strengthen in-country value while supporting the construction sector’s transition to lower-carbon building practices.

Holcim’s new product achieves a 30% reduction in carbon footprint compared to traditional cement and offers developers, contractors, architects and engineers a locally made solution that aligns with both sustainability targets and national industrial priorities. ECOPlanet is engineered to deliver reduced carbon emissions without compromising performance, offering the same strength, durability, and consistency required for large-scale infrastructure and commercial developments. Its formulation enables ready-mix producers and contractors to integrate low-carbon solutions into existing construction workflows with ease.

In the UAE, ready-mix concrete producer Conmix is already using ECOPlanet in an active project, demonstrating the material’s real-world applicability and readiness for immediate deployment at scale. This marks an important step in translating low-carbon construction materials from production into on-ground execution.

As the UAE continues to lead regional growth across the built environment, ECOPlanet establishes the new benchmark for high-performance, low-carbon construction, delivering the scalable foundations required for projects ranging from critical infrastructure and industrial hubs to the icons of the future.

“ECOPlanet reflects our commitment to delivering real, measurable progress in sustainable construction. It is made in the UAE, from UAE materials, and designed to help reduce emissions while strengthening the country’s industrial ecosystem.” said Ali Said, CEO of Holcim UAE and Oman. Holcim is showcasing ECOPlanet at Make it in the Emirates 2026, highlighting how material innovation and local production are helping shape the future of construction in the UAE. The presence reflects the company’s broader role in supporting industrial development, while early adoption by partners such as Conmix demonstrates growing momentum for low-carbon building solutions across active projects in the country.

ECOPlanet is part of Holcim’s global portfolio of low-carbon building materials and solutions designed to deliver high performance while supporting the transition to more sustainable construction practices, building progress for people and the planet.

Nothing and Charli xcx are announcing a partnership that pairs one of the most distinct artists of her generation with a tech brand built on the same principle. As Nothing’s latest Shareholder and first Global Brand Ambassador, Charli xcx marks a new creative chapter for the brand.

As a Shareholder, Charli joins a global roster of cultural leaders, including The Weeknd, Casey Neistat, and Swedish House Mafia, who back Nothing not just as a maker of award-winning technology, but as a platform for creative expression.

Charli xcx said: “When I’m creating, I’m always thinking about how my work will be experienced out in the world and I love how Nothing headphones sound and are designed. Its ethos of prioritising creatives is really something I look for when working with a partner.”

Carl Pei, Co-Founder and CEO of Nothing, said: “I’ve been a fan of Charli’s work for years, and what struck me when we started talking was how much we agreed on. The tech industry has spent a decade making everything quieter, more minimal, more monotonous. Charli has spent her career going the other way in pop. We want Nothing to feel more like that. She’s joining as a shareholder and partner, and the campaign launching today is just the start of what we’re working on together.”

A global campaign with Charli xcx – shot by Aidan Zamiri, her long-time collaborator, in London – launches today under the name ‘NOTHING (CHARLI XCX)’. In the campaign Charli wears Nothing headphone (a) for five days straight, highlighting its industry-leading 135 hours of playtime.

Nothing recently raised US$200M in a Series C round at a USD $1.3B valuation. The partnership with Charli xcx signals what that scale is now being directed toward: a new kind of company at the intersection of technology and culture, built in partnership with the creative community.

HONOR, a global AI device ecosystem company, has announced a strategic collaboration with OWN eSIM to bring seamless digital connectivity solutions to smartphone users across the GCC. Through this partnership, the OWN eSIM application will be preinstalled on selected HONOR smartphone models using Google PAI, enabling customers to access and activate global connectivity services directly from their devices with greater ease and flexibility.

By integrating OWN eSIM’s digital connectivity platform within HONOR devices, users will be able to activate international data services instantly, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards and enabling a smoother travel and connectivity experience.

Enabling a Smarter and More Connected Mobile Experience

With digital lifestyles evolving, consumers increasingly expect their devices to offer seamless access to services that enhance everyday convenience. The partnership between HONOR and OWN eSIM responds to this demand by embedding advanced connectivity capabilities directly into the smartphone ecosystem. This integration allows HONOR users across the GCC to manage connectivity more easily, particularly when travelling or using multiple networks.

The initiative strengthens HONOR’s commitment to delivering innovation beyond hardware, positioning its devices as intelligent platforms for modern digital lifestyles. Through the integration of ready-to-use connectivity solutions. The preinstallation of the OWN eSIM application on HONOR devices will significantly enhance accessibility, adoption and visibility for the platform, allowing OWN eSIM to reach a wider audience of smartphone users across the GCC.

Debo Zhang, General Manager – HONOR GCC said, “Connectivity today must be as dynamic as the lives we lead. Our collaboration with OWN eSIM reflects HONOR’s commitment to delivering smarter, more integrated digital experiences for our users. Smartphones today are central to how people work, create, and stay entertained. By bringing eSIM functionality directly into our devices, we are enabling customers to stay connected more easily and confidently wherever their journeys take them.”

Expanding the Future of Digital Connectivity in the GCC

For OWN eSIM, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in expanding its presence across the GCC and strengthening its position within the rapidly growing eSIM ecosystem. With its application integrated directly into HONOR devices, OWN eSIM will be able to reach a broader base of consumers.

Martijn Van Der Ven, Founder and CEO of OWN eSIM, said, “We are pleased to partner with HONOR to bring our connectivity platform closer to users across the GCC. This collaboration represents a shared ambition to remove friction from the way people connect when they travel or move across borders. By embedding OWN eSIM directly into HONOR smartphones, we are delivering a seamless, future-ready connectivity experience designed for today’s digital-first consumers.”

Beyond the technical integration, the partnership will be supported by coordinated marketing and communication initiatives aimed at raising awareness and encouraging adoption across the region. Both companies will work together on campaigns that highlight the benefits of integrated eSIM technology.

Driving the Next Generation of Digital Connectivity

As mobile connectivity shifts toward more flexible, digital-first solutions, the collaboration between HONOR and OWN eSIM reflects a broader industry move toward embedded connectivity services that simplify the user experience. Combining HONOR’s device innovation with OWN eSIM’s connectivity expertise, the partnership aims to give users greater freedom and convenience to stay connected wherever they are.

Through this collaboration, HONOR and OWN eSIM are enhancing the smartphone experience while contributing to smarter connectivity across the GCC.