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Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest industrial organisation in the United Arab Emirates outside the oil and gas sector, has officially inaugurated the nation’s largest aluminium recycling plant.

Located in Al Taweelah, this facility represents a vital milestone in EGA’s strategic expansion into low-carbon aluminium production and serves as a boost for the development of the UAE’s circular economy.

The inauguration ceremony welcomed dignitaries including Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, alongside Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD). Also in attendance were EGA’s Chairman Homaid Al Shimmari, Vice Chairman His Excellency Saeed Al Tayer, and various members of EGA’s Board and senior management.

During the event, Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak emphasised the broader implications:

“Recycling is the cornerstone of the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy which aims to transform the nation into a global hub for green development by shifting from linear to circular production and consumption, enhancing resource efficiency, and minimising waste. Aluminium represents one of our greatest opportunities to drive this transition from linear to circular model of production. It is infinitely recyclable, protecting our ecosystems while fuelling a sustainable, low-carbon economy. Recycling aluminium waste requires up to 95 per cent less energy compared to producing new primary aluminium from raw ore, saving significant energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

She further added:

“Emirates Global Aluminium has been a pioneer of our nation’s industry for decades, and today, they are leading the charge as our national champion in aluminium recycling. I congratulate EGA on the strategic growth of its recycling business both here in the UAE and globally, proving that industrial leadership and climate action go hand in hand.”

Capacity and Production Details

The Al Taweelah plant has a production capacity of 185,000 tonnes per year. It processes post-consumer and some pre-consumer aluminium scrap, transforming it into low-carbon premium aluminium billets and T-bars, marketed as RevivAL. EGA also blends recycled metal with primary aluminium produced using solar power, marketed as CelestiAL-R, and with nuclear power, sold as MinimAL-R.

Historically, the majority of aluminium scrap generated within the UAE has been exported for processing outside the country. The Al Taweelah facility rectifies this by offering local capacity, positioning EGA as the largest consumer of aluminium scrap in the UAE.

Construction and Operational Timeline

Constructing the plant required four million hours of work, completed with zero injuries requiring time off. The project utilised more than 26,300 cubic metres of concrete—exceeding the volume of ten Olympic-size swimming pools—and over 4,600 metric tonnes of structural steel, equivalent to two-thirds of the iron weight of the Eiffel Tower.

Initial production commenced in February. However, final commissioning was paused following an Iranian attack on Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi on 28 March. Commissioning resumed during April, and recycled cast metal production recommenced in early May. The ramp-up to full production will take up to six months, dependent on scrap availability.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, stated:

“The inauguration of Al Taweelah recycling plant is a major milestone in EGA’s development of a global aluminium recycling business. This new plant turns aluminium waste generated in the UAE and elsewhere into new aluminium that makes modern life possible around the world. With this project, we have added a new industrial activity to EGA’s operations in the UAE, in line with Make it in the Emirates and the UAE’s Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy.”

Global Expansion

The plant is part of EGA’s global ambitions. Including a planned acquisition of an 80 per cent stake in Italian company Eco Green, EGA’s total recycling capacity exceeds 400,000 tonnes per year across the UAE, Europe, and the United States, with an additional 200,000 tonnes under development.

This follows acquisitions in Germany and the United States in 2024. EGA Leichtmetall in Germany is expanding more than six-fold, adding a second plant near Hannover with 150,000 tonnes of capacity, expected during 2028. In Minnesota, EGA Spectro Alloys completed a 65,000 tonnes expansion in 2025 and is developing a second phase to add a further 35,000 tonnes by 2027.

The Middle East is rapidly advancing its utility infrastructure to meet growing demands for clean, safe water.

During the recent MENA Desalination exhibition, held from the 3rd to the 4th of June, EEIC (Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation Company) and Emerald Ecotechnologies LLC presented a major operational breakthrough. The showcase demonstrated massive disinfection cost savings for regional operators, fundamentally changing how facilities manage potable water and wastewater.

As the region focuses on sustainability, these companies are introducing advanced methods to minimise reliance on traditional, hazardous chemicals.

AQUACHLOR Mixed Oxidants Technology Explained

The core of this new operational efficiency lies in the AQUACHLOR® Mixed Oxidants technology. EEIC, a Ghobash Group Enterprise, partnered with UAE-based Emerald Ecotechnologies to bring this system to the forefront of the utility sector.

The joint presentation at the MENA Desalination exhibition highlighted several key operational improvements for desalination and wastewater applications. The AQUACHLOR® system is specifically designed to:

• Deliver safer and more sustainable water treatment processes across the region.
• Dramatically cut operating costs for utility providers.
• Minimise the industry's reliance on hazardous chlorine-based chemicals.
• Improve biofilm control within extensive water distribution networks.
• Enhance overall operational safety by reducing the handling, transportation, and storage of dangerous substances.

This technology presents a lower-cost alternative to conventional chlorine or chlorine dioxide-based disinfection systems.

The NAQAA SWRO Desalination Plant Project

A primary reference project highlighted during the exhibition was the NAQAA SWRO Desalination Plant, located in Umm Al Quwain. This massive facility promises a potable water treatment capacity of approximately 684,000 cubic metres per day.

Achieving Massive OPEX Reductions

The NAQAA facility has officially selected AQUACHLOR® as a chlorine dioxide replacement solution, with full deployment planned for later this year. Once implemented, the project is expected to deliver a reported 91% reduction in operating expenditure (OPEX).

Crucially, this cost reduction does not compromise water quality. The system maintains stable residual disinfection performance while ensuring WHO-compliant potable water. It achieves this without generating harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as bromate, chlorate, and chlorite.

The successful showcase allowed both companies to engage directly with industry stakeholders who are actively looking to optimise their current utility infrastructure. These efforts perfectly align with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036. This national programme prioritises:

• Long-term water sustainability.
• Robust infrastructure resilience.
• Improved operational efficiency.

The strategy is particularly relevant as the nation continues expanding its investment in large-scale desalination projects to secure future water supplies. Industry leaders from both organisations expressed strong confidence in the technology's potential to reshape regional water networks.

Petr Gnatyuk, the CEO of Emerald Ecotechnologies, added:

"Utilities today are looking for technologies that can deliver stronger disinfection performance while also simplifying operations and reducing lifecycle costs. Throughout the exhibition, we saw growing regional interest in solutions that are effective, cheap and reduce the demand in transportation and storage of hazardous chemicals."

Following this successful exhibition, EEIC and Emerald Ecotechnologies are well-positioned to accelerate the deployment of these sustainable solutions, driving the next generation of resilient utility infrastructure across the region.

The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) is using its 20-year legacy to spearhead the next chapter of sustainable development within the nation's built environment as the United Arab Emirates accelerates its ambitious journey towards achieving Net Zero by 2050

Recently, the Council hosted an anniversary gala, ‘Celebrating 20 Years of Sustainable Impact’. This milestone event brought together industry pioneers, partners, and government leaders to commemorate two decades of landmark achievements. The gathering launched a renewed mission that focuses entirely on future-proofing buildings across the UAE for a resilient, decarbonised world.

Driving environmental transformation

As a cornerstone of the UAE's sustainable building movement, the Council is doubling down on its commitment to drive environmental transformation. With the building sector currently causing a significant portion of the country's carbon emissions, EmiratesGBC's future focus plays a critical role in meeting national climate goals. The organisation's work will drive the deep retrofitting, new construction standards, and circular economy principles that the UAE needs to successfully achieve its Net Zero by 2050 ambition.

Khalid Bushnaq, chairman of EmiratesGBC, emphasised the urgency of this new chapter: “The immediacy of our climate goals means sustainability no longer serves as a luxury or an afterthought, but as a core responsibility we owe to the world and future generations. We feel immensely proud of the foundational role EmiratesGBC has played, but the challenge ahead requires us to act bolder. Our focus remains squarely on the future, as we ensure the built environment enables an equitable and sustainable life for all.”

Expanding the conversation

EmiratesGBC used the event to announce the upcoming launch of ‘The Sustainability Lounge’ to actively accelerate public engagement in this vital mission. EmiratesGBC designed this new podcast series to extend the critical conversation surrounding sustainability beyond industry professionals. This initiative will bring important discussions about green buildings and sustainable living directly to the people who live and work in these spaces, making the wider public active participants in the sustainability journey.

Two decades of impact

Two decades of foundational achievements solidly support EmiratesGBC’s forward-looking mission. Since its inception in 2006, when the World Green Building Council recognised it as the eighth green building council, EmiratesGBC has acted as a pivotal force.

Key historical milestones include:

• Regional Leadership: The Council’s instrumental role in establishing the WorldGBC MENA Network, alongside launching the respected MENA Green Building Awards, has firmly solidified its leadership position.
• Regulatory Influence: Furthermore, EmiratesGBC has played an instrumental role in shaping the UAE’s broader regulatory landscape over the years.
• Policy Development: Its collaborative work alongside major governmental bodies—including the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Dubai's Supreme Council of Energy—has produced tangible policies. These successes include national retrofitting guidelines and vital energy benchmarking frameworks.

During her keynote address, Dr Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder, Vice Chair, and Treasurer of EmiratesGBC, noted the Council's pivotal role in decisively shifting sustainability from a niche concept to a core industry principle. She stated that EmiratesGBC fundamentally changed the conversation around green buildings in the UAE, marking its greatest achievement. Looking ahead, she called for continued collaboration to build resilient, regenerative communities for future generations.

A collaborative future

Outlining the Council's strategy, EmiratesGBC chief executive officer, Abdullatif Albitawi, commented: “Our role as a convener remains more critical than ever. We are creating the platforms where we forge the solutions for our Net Zero ambitions. The MENA Green Building Awards will continue to spotlight the tangible innovations our region can produce, while our Annual Congress will provide the space where the industry collaborates, challenges, and learns, ensuring we all leave better equipped to build the future.”

Arabian Gulf Steel Industries provided Platinum Sponsorship for the 20th-anniversary celebration, which served as the official launchpad for an intensified focus on the future, reaffirming shared commitments to meeting the UAE's ambitious climate targets.

Dhofar Islamic has signed an agreement to support the development of Oman’s first underground copper mining project, reinforcing the Sultanate’s ambitions to expand its mining industry and strengthen economic diversification efforts under Oman Vision 2040.

The agreement will support the Al Ghuzayn copper project being developed by Mawarid Mining, the mining investment arm of Mohammed Al Barwani LLC. The initiative is regarded as an important milestone for Oman’s minerals sector as the country seeks to increase local value creation and establish a stronger presence within global copper supply chains.

Representatives from Dhofar Islamic, Mawarid Mining and Ahli Islamic attended the signing ceremony, alongside senior executives from the MB Group.

Copper demand has risen significantly in recent years due to its importance in renewable energy technologies, power infrastructure, electric vehicles and industrial manufacturing. The Al Ghuzayn development is expected to contribute to Oman’s long-term industrial growth while supporting the transition towards more sustainable industries globally.

Amor Al Amri said the project represented a major addition to Oman’s mining landscape.

“As Oman’s only underground copper mining development, Al Ghuzayn reflects both the forward-looking vision of MB Group and the structuring capabilities of Dhofar Islamic,” he said. “This project represents a significant addition to the Sultanate’s mining sector and aligns closely with Oman Vision 2040, supporting economic diversification and sustainable growth.”

Beyond increasing copper production, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities for Omani nationals across technical and operational fields, while also supporting local suppliers, skills development and community initiatives.

Mawarid Mining views the project as a strategic investment that will strengthen Oman’s role in supplying minerals required for global industrial and energy transition projects. The company said the development would contribute to expanding downstream mining activities and enhancing the country’s industrial capabilities.

The Al Ghuzayn project also reflects wider regional efforts to diversify Gulf economies beyond hydrocarbons by investing in critical minerals and industrial infrastructure. As countries accelerate renewable energy adoption and electrification programmes, copper has become one of the most sought-after resources worldwide due to its use in power transmission, battery systems and advanced manufacturing.

With construction and development progressing, the project is expected to play a key role in supporting Oman’s mining ambitions while contributing to broader economic growth and industrial resilience.

The Middle East is entering a new era of infrastructure development that is autonomous, resilient, and sustainable.

According to a new study released by Siemens, the region is rapidly outpacing global counterparts in its commitment to this transformative journey.  Regional leaders are demonstrating stronger investment intentions, alongside a heightened sense of urgency concerning the transition to clean energy.

The comprehensive findings are detailed in the 2026 Middle East Infrastructure Transition Monitor, a report titled 'Powering Transformation: How a new generation of infrastructure assets is reshaping the Middle East'.  Based on a survey of 400 senior executives and in-depth interviews with industry experts, the research reveals a region aligned for impact.  An impressive 66% of executives state the global energy transition needs to accelerate significantly, compared with 57% globally.  This optimism and urgency reflects a region at an inflection point, where governments have set ambitious strategic priorities, prompting organisations to follow suit.

Sustainability and the Decarbonisation Drive

 The Middle East's infrastructure transition is grounded in sustainability by design.  Decarbonisation is a regional priority, with AI-enabled hardware and software embedded directly in the core of infrastructure rather than added as afterthoughts.  Decarbonising core operations has emerged as the leading priority for organisations throughout the region.  A remarkable 70% of these organisations have already set targets for direct and indirect emissions, outperforming the global average of 58%.  Digitalisation is recognised as the critical driver for this massive transformation, with 68% of respondents considering it an essential enabler.

Industrial AI and the Autonomous Future

 Industrial AI is accelerating operational transformation, unlocking unprecedented efficiency, productivity, and sustainability across national systems.  Remarkably, 62% of executives expect AI to reshape infrastructure operations within three years.  Readiness to embrace automation is equally notable.  Currently, 56% of organisations are prepared to implement autonomous systems in buildings, while 57% are actively planning significant investments in this specific area over the coming year.  Demand for smarter technologies is prevalent, with 69% of respondents indicating their organisations require sophisticated solutions to enable rapid data integration, a necessity for overcoming institutional barriers and legacy system challenges.  Consequently, the same percentage is planning to increase spending on data integration technologies.

 "The 2026 Middle East Infrastructure Transition Monitor highlights a significant shift across the Middle East, as infrastructure evolves into a strategic driver of competitiveness, resilience, and sustainable growth," said Hakan Ozdemir, CEO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure in the Middle East and Siemens Qatar.

 "As energy systems grow more complex and demand continues to rise, success will depend on the ability to connect data, intelligence, and physical infrastructure at scale. At Siemens, we see this transformation unfolding every day. By bridging the real and digital worlds, we are helping customers move beyond traditional infrastructure toward industrial AI-enabled systems that not only power autonomous buildings and future grids efficiently but also make them resilient. The next phase of infrastructure transformation will be defined by how intelligently systems can anticipate, adapt, and respond to change."

Resilience as the New Efficiency

 Resilience has become the new efficiency.  The evolving regional landscape requires advanced infrastructure systems that can anticipate failures, isolate issues, and learn from disruptions.  Already, 61% of organisations confirm industrial AI is making critical infrastructure more resilient.  Grid modernisation is central to the clean energy transition and overall resilience, with 64% identifying smart grids and grid software as crucial enablers.  Furthermore, 66% support integrating various energy system components into a single platform.  The region is proactively investing in cross-border interconnections and power-trading arrangements, essential for ensuring reliable electricity supply and strengthening response capabilities during extreme weather.

 Collaboration is a cornerstone of the region's transition, with 65% confirming that businesses and governments are working closely on energy-system policy, surpassing the 59% global average.  As modern infrastructure systems become increasingly interconnected, robust resilience, digital intelligence, and adaptability will be critical components for sustaining long-term regional growth and global competitiveness.

The leading logistics, materials, and operations management specialist, ASCO, has officially opened its first corporate office in the Middle East.

Located in the capital city of Doha, this new presence strengthens the company's regional footprint and forms a key part of its broader international growth strategy. The office will support ASCO's expanding client base across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the wider Middle East, and Asia Pacific regions, bringing its proven international capability directly to customers in vital energy, port, and marine markets.

Through this targeted geographical expansion, ASCO aims to focus on expanding its international footprint, strengthening regional delivery capability, and positioning its business closer to clients in high-growth markets. The company will support operators, contractors, and ports across the Middle East, transforming major infrastructure projects and critical infrastructure into safe, efficient, and scalable day-to-day operations.

Strategic Leadership Appointments

ASCO's Middle East business will be managed by Craig Revie, who possesses more than 30 years of experience across offshore oil and gas, new energy, and defence markets. During his tenure with ASCO, Revie has successfully grown a number of the company's service lines, bringing strong operational and commercial leadership to the region.

Regional growth will be led from Qatar by Lee Vettese, who has transitioned from his role as business development manager in the UK to regional manager, Middle East. Vettese brings over 15 years of international energy experience, with a proven track record in client management, business growth, and driving strategic partnerships. He is supported by Walaa Mroueh, the newly appointed business services manager, who brings over 14 years of experience driving growth for businesses across the KSA, UAE, Egypt, and Iraq.

Meeting Regional Demand

With a strong pipeline of work already in place, ASCO is experiencing growing demand across energy expansion, port activity, marine logistics, materials management, decommissioning readiness, and environmental compliance.

Mike Pettigrew, group chief executive officer at ASCO, said: “The GCC and wider Middle East region is a significant growth area for ASCO, and opening our new office in Qatar is a natural next step for the business. With increasing demand for environmental handling and decommissioning services, our decades of experience across critical industries, combined with deep expertise in supply base management, materials management, lifting assurance and NORM waste management, means we are ideally positioned to partner closely with customers to deliver safe, efficient and sustainable operations across the region."

Lee Vettese added: “The Middle East has invested heavily in world-class infrastructure across energy, ports and marine sectors and our presence in Qatar will ensure we can support this activity and respond quickly to customers in-region. ASCO’s breadth of services means we are equipped to bring a high level of control and traceability into complex operations and help clients maximise the value of those assets, ensuring they operate efficiently and in full environmental compliance.”

Corporate Background and Global Footprint

This latest expansion follows recent contract wins around the globe and the successful rollout of ASCO's refreshed brand identity. Headquartered in Aberdeen, UK, ASCO operates from 70 locations worldwide, employs approximately 1,500 people, and is owned by Endless LLP.

As a full-service specialist, ASCO optimises the movements and operations of the world’s most critical industries. The company goes beyond logistics to make sure materials, resources, and processes are exactly where they need to be, fully managed end to end, so complex, high-value capital projects keep moving without delay. By managing and orchestrating everything from warehousing and global freight to specialist waste handling and safe lifting, ASCO successfully minimises risk and maximises efficiency for its global clients.