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The event runs from 30 September to 2 October. (Image source: WETEX)

Energy

Guided by the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) will stage the 27th edition of the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) from 30 September to 2 October 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

WETEX has become a landmark event that underscores the UAE’s leadership in advancing renewable energy, clean technologies and sustainability. It contributes directly to Dubai’s long-term vision of fostering a diversified and future-ready economy. The exhibition will span multiple areas, from water and energy to green mobility, smart cities, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

“WETEX reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to sustainability and strengthens Dubai's position as a leading global green economy hub. The exhibition has established itself as one of the world's leading specialised events, providing a platform to showcase the latest innovations in clean energy, water and sustainability. It also supports building partnerships that contribute to achieving global climate goals and accelerating the transition to a green economy. WETEX annually brings together industry leaders, investors, innovators and government officials from around the world to share knowledge, explore opportunities and collaborate in building a more sustainable and resilient future,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Founder and Chairman of WETEX.

The event is recognised as a hub for collaboration between public and private sector organisations, providing opportunities to forge new partnerships, accelerate the energy transition and support global climate action. It also acts as a gateway for international businesses looking to expand into emerging green markets and attract investment.

Since its launch, WETEX has grown into one of the world’s most prominent sustainability-focused gatherings. The 2024 edition drew more than 50,000 visitors, 2,800 exhibitors from 65 nations, and 21 international pavilions.

Building on that success, WETEX 2025 aims to further strengthen cross-border collaboration, promote innovation, and encourage investment that drives a sustainable global future.

GS Inima reported revenue of €389mn in 2024

Water

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA) has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of GS Inima, a Madrid-headquartered water treatment and desalination specialist, from GS Engineering & Construction.

The deal, valued at about US$1.2bn, will accelerate TAQA’s international water growth strategy and bring GS Inima fully under its ownership.

Operating in ten countries, including Spain, Brazil, Mexico, the US and Oman, GS Inima runs around 50 active projects, including 30 long-term PPPs.

The acquisition will add 171 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) of desalination capacity to TAQA’s existing 1,250 MIGD portfolio. It will also contribute 264 MIGD of drinking water and 572 MIGD of wastewater and industrial water treatment capacity, alongside a water management business serving 1.3mn people.

In 2024, GS Inima reported revenue of €389mn (US$423mn) and EBITDA of €106mn (US$115mn), underpinned by concession agreements offering stable cash flows.

Jasim Husain Thabet, TAQA’s Group CEO and managing director, said, “This acquisition represents a transformational step in TAQA’s growth and water strategy. GS Inima brings proven operational and technical strength on a global scale, and we are proud to welcome them into the Group. Together, we will accelerate our ambition to become a leading international water player, expanding our reach and capabilities across strategic growth markets in the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, while delivering innovative, low-carbon water solutions to communities around the world.”

The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in 2026.

 

The C32B delivers up to 895 kW. (Image source: Caterpillar)

Construction

Caterpillar has launched the Cat C32B diesel engine, a redesigned power platform offering best-in-class power density and improved durability for large off-highway machinery.

Available globally through Cat dealers, the 32.1-litre, 12-cylinder engine introduces several design upgrades aimed at boosting performance, extending time between rebuilds, and ensuring reliability across demanding industrial applications.

The C32B delivers up to 895 kW (1,200 hp) and 5,861 Nm (4,323 lb-ft) for U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and 839 kW (1,125 hp) and 5,499 Nm (4,056 lb-ft) for EU Stage V. For less regulated regions, a peak rating of 1,007 kW (1,350 hp) and 6,166 Nm (4,548 lb-ft) is available. Its wide-ranging applications include loaders, cranes, dredgers, trenchers, forestry equipment, hydraulic power units, compressors, pumps, and drill rigs.

“For nearly 20 years, the Cat C32 engine platform has set the standard for premium power and endurance in construction, mining and other industrial applications,” said Steve Ferguson, senior vice president of Caterpillar Industrial Power Systems. “The new Cat C32B builds on this field-proven reputation with a series of upgrades and new technologies that will drive the superior performance of off-highway equipment for years to come.”

Key enhancements include a new cast-iron alloy block for added structural strength, an induction-hardened crankshaft with larger journals, and redesigned connecting rods for optimised bearing performance. An upgraded lubrication system with a higher-capacity oil pump, improved oil cooler, and piston cooling jets boosts wear resistance and reliability. The engine also features thicker shim gaskets, redesigned pistons, optimised cylinder head geometry for heat transfer, and valve updates to reduce wear and extend service life.

For protection, the C32B introduces dual-sensor coolant leak detection and incorporates a dual-can diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) aftertreatment system. This passive, maintenance-free solution removes the need for regeneration or thermal management, offering operational efficiency and flexible mounting options to reduce package size and installation costs.

Compatible with renewable fuels such as 100% hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), the engine also supports factory-built industrial power units (IPUs) with pre-mounted aftertreatment and cooling packs, helping OEMs lower validation and installation expenses.

With these advancements, Caterpillar positions the C32B as a next-generation solution that combines durability, flexibility, and sustainability to power large-scale industrial operations for years ahead.

Delivering results in lithium sorting. (Image source: TOMRA Mining)

Mining

One year after commissioning the world’s largest lithium ore sorting facility, Pilbara Minerals is reaping substantial rewards from TOMRA Mining’s advanced sensor-based sorting technology at its Pilgangoora Operation in Western Australia.

The technology has helped deliver the strongest quarterly production figures of FY25, significantly lowered operating costs, and improved overall resource utilisation.

The June Quarter FY25 results underline this transformation. Pilbara Minerals reported a 77% increase in production volumes and a 10% reduction in unit operating costs (FOB) compared with the previous quarter.

These impressive gains are attributed to the ramp-up of the P1000 expansion and the seamless integration of TOMRA Mining’s high-precision sorting systems. By unlocking value from ore that was previously uneconomical to process, the operation is improving both profitability and sustainability.

Commissioned in August 2024 as part of the P680 Expansion Project, the state-of-the-art crushing and sorting plant boasts a capacity exceeding 1,000 tonnes per hour, making it the largest lithium ore sorting facility in the world. At the heart of its success is TOMRA Mining’s sensor-based technology, which enables early waste rejection during processing.

This approach not only enhances lithium recovery rates and final product quality but also reduces energy usage and minimises environmental impact.

The facility addresses one of the core challenges in lithium mining—efficiently managing spodumene ore embedded within barren host rock. It operates with 10 high-precision TOMRA sorters, each tailored to specific particle sizes: four TOMRA COM Tertiary XRT units for fine material, three TOMRA COM XRT 2.0 units for mid-sized particles, and three TOMRA PRO Primary Color sorters for coarse material.

This targeted sorting removes waste material at an early stage, which streamlines downstream processing, cuts annual energy consumption by an estimated 8–15 GWh, and ensures a consistently high-quality lithium product.

The project’s delivery was the result of years of collaboration between TOMRA Mining, Pilbara Minerals, and engineering partner DRA Global. Extensive test work at TOMRA’s Sydney Test Center confirmed the technology’s ability to maintain high lithium recovery and effective waste separation across varying ore types. The facility was completed on time and on budget, demonstrating the strength of the partnership and the operational readiness of the technology.

From a strategic perspective, the sorting facility supports Pilbara Minerals’ long-term objectives of cost optimisation and sustainable growth. It expands the Pilgangoora Operation’s production capacity while establishing the foundation for further growth through the P2000 project, for which feasibility studies are already underway.

With the P1000 expansion fully operational and the next phase of growth in motion, the Pilgangoora Operation stands as a benchmark for innovation in the lithium mining sector.

SteelFab 2026 will focus on the latest cutting-edge technologies transforming the global iron and steel industries.

Manufacturing

Expo Centre Sharjah is set to host the 21st edition of SteelFab, the Middle East’s leading event for the metalworking, metal manufacturing, and steel fabrication industry, from 12-15 January, 2026

The exhibition is expected to see strong participation from regional and international companies and manufacturers, featuring more than 650 major global brands from 38 countries showcasing their latest technologies, machinery, and innovations in the metalworking sector.

Active international participation and strong local presence

SteelFab 2026 will bring together top local and international players in the iron and steel industry to present state-of-the-art machinery, equipment, and tools related to Sheet metal industries, welding and cutting, pipe manufacturing, robotics, and other advanced technologies.

Participants will include leading companies from the UK, Germany, India, Taiwan, China, Italy, Turkey, and the UAE, in addition to the most prominent local manufacturers and distributors.

Strengthening Sharjah’s role as a regional metal production hub

H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, emphasised that SteelFab remains the region’s premier platform for the metal-manufacturing and steel fabrication industry. He noted that the exhibition continues to play a pivotal role in enabling manufacturers and companies to showcase their latest products and services, while connecting with potential clients and strategic partners.

He added that SteelFab’s remarkable success over the past two decades is reflected in consistently high participation levels. The 2026 edition is expected to draw over 300+ international companies and 180 local firms, marking an increase compared to previous editions. A surge in visitor turnout is also anticipated, with attendees representing a wide range of industrial sectors.

Advanced Modern Technologies

SteelFab 2026 will focus on the latest cutting-edge technologies transforming the global iron and steel industries. This edition will once again feature metal cutting, metal forming, welding, power tools, innovation trends, market analysis, automation, 3D printing and the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on manufacturing processes.

To foster greater connectivity, SteelFab 2026 will host an expanded Buyers Program, providing exclusive networking opportunities between exhibitors and more than 250 key industry leaders.

The exhibition will also spotlight the newest technologies in laser cutting, welding, robotics, CNC machining, machine tools, plate and pipe bending and cutting, 3D printing and precision metal fabrication. In addition, it will feature the 5th edition of the Best Welder Competition, offering a platform to showcase talent, recognise excellence, and celebrate innovation in welding practices.

Zonegreen DPPS at work in one of the depots serving the Doha Metro. (Image source: Zonegreen)

Logistics

Zonegreen, a leading provider of rail safety solutions, is set to showcase its advanced technology at this year’s Global Rail exhibition in Abu Dhabi from 30 September to 2 October.

The event, organised by Etihad Rail and held at the ADNEC Center, will feature over 300 exhibitors from 40 countries.

At the exhibition, Zonegreen will present its full suite of depot protection solutions, including the flagship Zonegreen Depot Personnel Protection System (DPPS) and the Zonegreen Electronic Interlocking Solution.

The DPPS automates safety procedures to physically protect rail depot workers from unexpected vehicle movements.

Since its initial deployment in 2008 across three Dubai Metro depots, the system has been installed in three additional depots serving the Doha Metro in Qatar, safeguarding 22 maintenance roads across these state-of-the-art facilities.

 “The exhibition will be an excellent opportunity to expand Zonegreen solutions' footprint across the globe, by making new contacts and learning more about forthcoming projects in the Middle East and Asia,” said Sebastian Baucutt, Zonegreen head of sales.

“Dubai Metro is renowned for its use of technology to operate the fastest, most effective and safest rail system possible. The part DPPS plays in this project is a fantastic reflection of the trust staff place in the system. Global Rail is a great opportunity to show other depot operators how Zonegreen solutions could benefit them.”

Alongside Baucutt, business development manager Muadh Khan will engage with delegates and provide insights into Zonegreen’s latest innovations.

Visitors will be able to view the company’s solutions at the UK Pavilion, stand 3B33, gaining firsthand experience of technologies that combine safety, reliability, and operational control for modern rail systems.