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In The Spotlight

EMSTEEL launches private 5G network. (Image source: EMSTEEL)

Manufacturing

EMSTEEL Group has successfully piloted a private 5G network, in collaboration with e& UAE, the flagship telecom arm of global technology group e&.

The initiative represents a major milestone in EMSTEEL’s Industry 4.0 journey and supports the UAE’s national strategy for industry, Operation 300bn, by enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability across its production facilities.

The private 5G network delivers high-speed, reliable coverage throughout EMSTEEL’s extensive and complex industrial environments, overcoming the limitations of traditional connectivity solutions. With data securely managed on EMSTEEL’s on-premise infrastructure, the network enables the integration of advanced technology projects, including the Asset Insight platform.

The Asset Insight application was the first to be demonstrated on the network. Using industry-grade tablets, workers can scan QR codes on equipment to access real-time documentation, maintenance history, and sensor data. The app also allows staff to generate maintenance requests instantly, helping to minimise downtime and repair costs while improving efficiency and safety.

Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, group CEO of EMSTEEL, said, “Our partnership with e& UAE to launch the World’s first private 5G network in manufacturing represents a landmark achievement in EMSTEEL’s digital transformation journey. It is more than a technological upgrade; it is a fundamental shift in how we operate, innovate, and ensure the safety of our people and assets. The Asset Insight platform is a powerful example of how we are translating Industry 4.0 principles into tangible operational benefits. This pilot launch reinforces our commitment to pioneering sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices, setting a new benchmark for the industrial sector both regionally and globally.”

“This transformative private 5G deployment with EMSTEEL exemplifies our vision of enabling the industries of tomorrow through cutting-edge connectivity. By delivering enterprise-grade network infrastructure tailored for demanding manufacturing environments, we are unlocking possibilities for smart factories, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven operations. At e&, we are committed to partnering with industry leaders like EMSTEEL to co-create solutions that don’t just connect devices, but fundamentally reimagine how industries operate and contribute to a more sustainable future,” added Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE. 

The successful pilot underscores EMSTEEL’s commitment to investing in advanced technologies that enhance operational performance while strengthening its position as a global leader in low-carbon steel production and sustainable building materials. This technology strategy extends beyond manufacturing, with potential applications in commercial operations, customer experience, health and safety, sustainability, data utility, research and development, and more.

OEG secures three multi-year Qatar contracts, investing in new equipment and expanding operations across the Middle East. (Image source: OEG)

Energy

OEG has strengthened its presence in the Middle East with three multi-year contract awards and renewals in Qatar, reinforcing the company’s long-standing partnerships and commitment to sustainable regional growth

The agreements cover the rental of nearly 700 units, including technical and lifting assets, cementing long-term collaboration with a leading oilfield services company, another major service provider, and a prominent E&P organisation.

To support these operations, OEG has invested around US$6mn in approximately 650 new pieces of advanced equipment, specifically designed for the challenging conditions of the Middle East. This investment enhances OEG’s market position and customer retention across Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, and is projected to generate up to US$2.8mn in year-on-year growth while strengthening its regional operational footprint.

The company has also expanded its team, adding 10 employees across industrial gases, HSEQ, finance, and operations. In the UAE, this includes Peter Steyn as Regional Sales Manager, Abdulhalim Khamis as Senior HSEQ Manager, and Suresh Shanmugam as Industrial Gas Specialist.

With 35,000 m² of yard and office space across the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, OEG’s 40-strong regional team now operates one of the most advanced hubs for high-volume unit handling in the region.

The largest of the new contracts covers more than 550 assets, including enhanced oil recovery, and introduces OEG’s technical innovation: IMDG-certified nitrogen quads mated with a DNV-certified lifting frame. This solution allows higher-pressure gas delivery without additional boosting equipment, improving safety, efficiency, and operational flexibility.

The second agreement, executed through OEG’s local partner Venture Gulf Engineering, a subsidiary of Al Nasar Holdings, involves around 120 cargo container units (CCUs) and continues the companies’ long-standing partnership.

The third is a contract extension until next June, building on a collaboration established in 2019, which now utilises over 2,000 OEG assets.

Chris Kleinhans, OEG regional director for the Middle East, said, “We’re very proud to continue the momentum for our business in Qatar through this trio of contracts. They reflect the strength of the relationships we’ve built across the region and the confidence our clients have in our integrated, full-service capability to deliver a rapid and reliable response.

“Our One Energy Group model is creating real value and positioning us for sustainable growth, both regionally and globally, as we diversify into new industrial markets. For example, one of the Qatar contract extensions expands our existing scope with the client by around 40%. It also opens opportunities in adjacent sectors for our new nitrogen quad transportation solution — including healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture — where demand for industrial gases continues to rise. Together, these achievements further anchor OEG for its next phase of growth across traditional and emerging energy sectors in the region.”

mtu generators strengthen Kuwait’s energy resilience. (Image source: Rolls Royce)

Energy

Rolls-Royce is set to supply seven mtu emergency power generators to support the expansion of energy infrastructure at Kuwait International Airport

The 20V 4000 DS 3600 diesel generators will be installed in the new Terminal 2, providing power for key facilities such as the catering building and the airport’s central energy systems.

Kuwait International Airport is currently undergoing a significant expansion to establish one of the Gulf region’s most advanced aviation hubs. Once complete, Terminal 2 will accommodate an initial 25 million passengers annually, with potential future capacity rising to 50 million. The development aligns with the national growth initiative, Kuwait Vision 2035.

The project has been commissioned by the Kuwaiti directorate general of civil aviation in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works, with international construction company LIMAK serving as the general contractor.

Engineered to perform under extreme conditions, the mtu units are designed for ambient temperatures reaching up to +55°C. Delivery is scheduled for early 2026, followed by a phase of testing, commissioning, and handover.

“We are proud that our products ensure the safe operation of critical infrastructure at the airport – even in this region with extreme environmental conditions,” said Salim El Banna, country sales manager UAE, Bahrain, Iraq & Kuwait, Power Systems Division, Rolls-Royce.

Rolls-Royce supports critical infrastructure worldwide with more than 85,000 mtu emergency power systems in operation. These systems — based on diesel and gas generators as well as dynamic UPS solutions — provide reliable, uninterrupted power for airports, data centres, hospitals, industrial facilities, and energy providers. mtu technology has long been deployed at leading international airports such as Frankfurt, Dubai, Madrid, Prague, Palma, and Hurghada.

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Energy

Leaders from the energy and technology sectors gathered to discuss the critical intersection of AI and energy efficiency

Energy

At this year’s ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi, leaders from the energy and technology sectors gathered to discuss the critical intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and energy efficiency, focusing on how digital innovation can drive sustainability in the global energy landscape.

Kicking off the conversation, Walid Sheta, president, Middle East and Africa for Schneider Electric, spoke candidly about the fundamental role of decarbonisation, stating, “Sustainable development is based on decarbonisation. Decarbonisation requires electrification, and electrification requires digitalisation.”

He emphasised the evolving efficiency of electric transmission but warned that “electrification, just for electrification, doesn’t fly. You need to use the efficiency of it... to do that, you need digitalisation.”

Sheta highlighted AI’s transformative potential with real-world examples. “You can predict the leakages of water pipes in a city by using AI without having sensors and pipes everywhere, and even predicting the failures and preventing them, hence reducing what you are using of power as desalination,” he said.

Growing demand

However, Sheta also sounded a note of caution regarding energy demand, adding “AI is consuming a lot of energy because of the nature of the data centres… today 1% of the energy that is consumed on the planet [is by data centres]. It's planned to reach 3% and 4%...”

Chinmoy Baruah, Founder and CEO of CHIPX Group, underscored the industry’s advancements in efficiency. “We at Chip X are delivering the most energy efficient semiconductor chips for the global industry... We can reduce energy consumption by more than 50% and deliver the same amount of work done running the whole GPUs that NVIDIA and AMD are using currently.”

On the issue of energy access, Esam Al Murawwi, chief projects officer for TAQA Transmission, commented, “We could utilise the AI learning mechanism to support us close that gap. But currently, it’s widening that gap.”

Jens Madrian, acting CEO of ENOWA, shared insights on system-wide AI integration, “You have the kind of standard, no-brainer cases, like detecting water leakage... ROI of these projects are fantastic.” Beyond maintenance, he envisioned a broader future, saying, “We apply AI on a total system basis... our control center doesn’t look like one of these screens you’re looking at here with all those lines... for us, it's almost like a container on site, managed and dispatched instantly.”

As showcased at ADIPEC, the dialogue confirmed the immense challenges and opportunities in aligning AI and energy. Panelists agreed that proactive innovation and cross-sector collaboration will be vital in creating sustainable, efficient, and resilient energy systems for the future.

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The Cat G3520 Fast Response natural-gas generator set. (Image source: Caterpillar)

The panel emphasised the need for small modular reactors

Water

The Dammam Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) was officially inaugurated earlier this week. (Image source: Metito)

Water

The Dammam Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) was officially inaugurated earlier this week. 

Delivered by a consortium led by Metito Utilities alongside Mowah and Orascom Construction, the project marks a major step forward in supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s National Water Strategy through an innovative Public–Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

Awarded by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), the Dammam ISTP was developed with a total investment of SAR690mn (US$185.26mn) under a 25-year Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model. The plant has an initial capacity of 200,000 m³/day, expandable to 350,000 m³/day, serving nearly one million residents in western Dammam.

The performance-based PPP model mobilizes private sector capital, technology, and expertise to deliver critical infrastructure that meets the Kingdom’s growing water demands.

The plant utilises Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) technology, achieving high treatment efficiency while reducing civil works and tank volumes. Its sustainable design incorporates anaerobic digestion to convert sludge into biogas for on-site use, alongside solar drying greenhouses that harness Dammam’s abundant sunlight. These features minimise emissions and reduce operational costs.

Construction, which began in 2020 after financial close, recorded over 6.9 million safe man-hours with zero lost-time incidents (LTIs), created hundreds of local jobs, and enhanced sustainability through resource recovery and reduced landfill dependency. The project contributes directly to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

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Construction

Construction

Two 102 sq m homes in Buena Vista, Colorado, were built using A1-rated 3D printed concrete walls that provided the highest level of fire resistance and did not fuel combustion at any stage. This marked a significant step forward in fire-safe construction, particularly in a state where nearly half the population lived in wildfire-prone regions.

The project showcased the advantages of COBOD’s open-source 3D printing technology, which allowed real concrete to be used and material mixes to be customised for local conditions. This adaptability made the structures more resilient to wildfires, seismic activity and extreme temperature fluctuations.

The superstructure of one home was completed in just 16 days, highlighting the remarkable speed and efficiency of automated 3D construction.

The printer followed a precise, predefined path, reducing manual labour and ensuring consistent quality. This rapid process saved weeks of traditional construction time and improved overall project cost efficiency. Known as the VeroVistas, the two homes demonstrated 3D printing’s flexibility in design, one retained the distinctive layered concrete aesthetic, while the other adopted a traditional stucco finish.

“In an era of fast housing, VeroTouch is creating legacy homes that can be passed down, rather than torn down,” said Grant Hamel, VeroTouch’s Chief Executive Officer. “Beyond merely great design, we’re proud that VeroVistas homes offer a level of resilience to natural disasters like wildfires unmatched by any other product in this region. Because of that, we expect these homes to be standing strong 100 years from now.”

Priced at about $625,000 (which is comparable to average homes in Colorado’s mountain communities) the 3D printed houses offered modern design, superior fire resilience and market competitiveness. VeroTouch collaborated with local contractors, supporting regional employment and introducing cutting-edge building methods. The company received support from Colorado’s Innovative Housing Incentive Program (IHIP), which aimed to facilitate construction of 7,500 homes within three years.

Governor Jared Polis stated, “We are proud to accelerate innovation in housing to better address Colorado’s housing needs. The unveiling of these 3D printed homes is a great example of how we can support new building methods to create more housing now.”

Following the project’s success, VeroTouch began work on a 32-home community in Salida, expanding its workforce to meet rising demand. “3D construction printing provides a safer, more efficient, and sustainable way to build,” said Philip Lund-Nielsen, Co-founder and Head of Americas at COBOD International. “Colorado investing in broader application of 3D construction printing shows that this scalable method can help address the housing crisis, not only in Colorado, but across the U.S.”

Sujay Nair, executive director of Penta Global. (Image source: Penta Global)

LANDCROS ushers in smart construction era

Mining

The agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy. (Image source: Maaden)

Mining

Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden), has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Emerge, the joint venture between Masdar and EDF.

The deal will see the development of a solar power facility to supply clean energy to the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine for the next 30 years.

The project will integrate an 8 MWp ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array with a 30 MWh battery energy storage system, ensuring stable, round-the-clock power supply.

Expected to generate around 17,300 MWh of electricity annually, the facility will cut approximately 13,800 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, comparable to removing over 3,000 cars from the road.

With the new system, the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine will be able to operate almost entirely on renewable energy, making it one of the region’s first large-scale mining operations powered predominantly by clean sources.

The agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy by advancing the Kingdom’s energy transition, lowering industrial carbon emissions, and supporting sustainable economic growth.

Emerge will deliver the project on a full turnkey basis, overseeing financing, design, procurement, construction, operations, and maintenance.

The initiative underscores Maaden’s growing role as one of the world’s fastest-expanding mining companies while positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable mining practices.

Ali Al-Qahtani, executive vice-president, of Maaden’s aluminum business, said, “This partnership supports our ambitions to drive renewable energy across our operations, as well as reinforcing our committment to advancing sustainable solutions that benefit both our businesses and the communities we serve. We look forward to working with Emerge to deliver this integral pillar of our operations.”

Abdulaziz Alobaidli, chairman of Emerge and chief operating officer at Masdar, commented, “Emerge offers businesses a seamless, cost-effective pathway to transform to renewable energy. This partnership demonstrates the value Emerge brings to industries looking to decarbonise and optimise their energy usage.”

Omar Aldaweesh, CEO KSA of EDF Group and EDF power solutions, and Emerge board member, said, “Emerge’s partnership with Maaden marks a bold step in decarbonising the Kingdom’s mining sector. By delivering a tailored solar power plant and battery storage solution, we are paving the way for a more resilient, low-carbon future while proving that industrial ambition and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

 

The successful bidders include four consortia

Manufacturing

Manufacturing

At the eighth annual Sharjah Investment Forum – World Investment Conference (SIF–WIC 2025), held in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), H.E. Mohamed Alabbar highlighted the central role of manufacturing in shaping the UAE’s next phase of economic growth.

Speaking during a fireside chat titled “Vision, Venture, Value: Shaping the Region Through Leadership,” Alabbar, the founder of Emaar Properties and Noon.com and Chairman of Eagle Hills, noted that manufacturing already accounted for a greater share of the UAE’s GDP than real estate. “If you look at our economy, real estate is only 12% of GDP, but manufacturing is 15%,” he said. He urged investors and entrepreneurs to “look into manufacturing seriously,” adding that starting small and focusing on product quality and integrity could yield significant long-term rewards.

Alabbar described manufacturing as the foundation of real economic development, explaining that his business ventures were designed to stimulate growth through production, job creation, and local industry support. “Every project we do adds 5% to a city’s GDP. We create jobs, we pay taxes, we help small businesses grow, from the window maker to the cake shop owner,” he said.

He called on the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs to invest in manufacturing innovation and technology, pointing to opportunities in areas such as advanced materials, digital fabrication, and industrial automation. His message reinforced the view that the UAE’s economic diversification strategy depended on building a strong, sustainable manufacturing base that could compete globally.

Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) in partnership with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), SIF–WIC 2025 positioned manufacturing as a key pillar of regional economic resilience and sustainable growth, in line with the UAE’s broader development vision. 

If you need to print labels, Brady enables you to do that fast, right on the first try. (Image source: Brady)

EMSTEEL launches private 5G network. (Image source: EMSTEEL)

Logistics

The inauguration was attended by Siemens Mobility leadership and Saudi government representatives. (Image source: Siemens Mobility)

Logistics

Siemens Mobility has opened a new office in Riyadh, strengthening its long-term commitment to advancing smart and sustainable mobility in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

The expansion supports the Kingdom’s goals of developing a resilient and climate-friendly transportation network in line with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI).

The inauguration was attended by Siemens Mobility leadership, senior Saudi government officials, and key executives from customers and partners. Notable guests included a delegation from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Riyadh, ambassador H.E. Michael Kindsgrab, Ms. Julia Nordmann, Head of Economic Affairs, and Ali Dulaim, CEO of E.A. Juffali & Brothers Co.

The new office is part of Siemens Mobility’s broader strategic expansion in the region, following the 2024 appointment of Frank Hagemeier as CEO of Siemens Mobility for Saudi Arabia. Strengthening its local presence is expected to generate in-country value, create jobs, and develop homegrown expertise.

“At Siemens Mobility, we are building on years of transformative contributions globally and since our first contract in Saudi Arabia in 2005 till today in Saudi Arabia’s transportation infrastructure to make mobility in Saudi Arabia faster, safer, and more efficient,” said Frank Hagemeier.

GCC projects

He added, “The opening of our new office in Riyadh will bring us closer to our customers and strategic partners in Saudi Arabia while making us ideally positioned to expand our operations in Saudi Arabia and support key mega projects. It will also enable us to fast-track our growth and reaffirm our position as a crucial player on the region’s mobility landscape.”

Siemens Mobility has developed a significant footprint in the Kingdom. The company implemented the first European Train Control System (ETCS) in the GCC on the East-West Rail Line, connecting Riyadh and Dammam for passenger and freight transport. Its work on the Haramain High-Speed Railway, linking Mecca and Medina, highlights its expertise in high-speed rail solutions, while the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line project demonstrates its contribution to electrification and transportation for pilgrims.

The company also recently delivered the Riyadh Metro, the region’s largest greenfield metro project and the longest driverless metro system in the world. As part of the BACS consortium, Siemens Mobility provided 67 Inspiro trains, integrated the latest Communications-based Train Control System (CBTC), and delivered the Red and Blue Lines as a turnkey solution. Since December 2024, the metro has transported 100 million passengers, and Siemens Mobility continues to maintain its systems and track infrastructure under a service contract.

Siemens Mobility has further supported knowledge transfer and localisation in the Kingdom through partnerships with institutions such as the Saudi Railway Polytechnic (SRP). This dual education programme combines classroom learning with practical training in rail signalling, electrification, and communication systems, equipping students to maintain advanced digital rail infrastructure.

Hitachi Rail will deliver an advanced suite of systems. (Image source: Hitachi Rail)

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