cb.web.local

twitteryou tubefacebookfacebookacp

Top Stories

Grid List

Beam Global participated alongside Platinum Group UAE at this annual business gathering. The expansive event attracted over 122,500 visitors and was hosted by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.

Renewables

The transition towards sustainable urban development is accelerating across the Middle East.

San Diego-based Beam Global recently exhibited at the highly anticipated Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) 2026 event on 7 May to showcase its innovative, 'off-grid' EV charging solutions and connect with key regional decision-makers.

Showcasing Innovation at the Make it in the Emirates 2026 Exhibition

Beam Global participated alongside Platinum Group UAE at this annual business gathering. The expansive event attracted over 122,500 visitors and was hosted by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. The ADNEC Group, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and the ADNOC Group, organised this massive exhibition.

At the event, Beam Middle East presented a comprehensive portfolio of 'off-grid' EV charging solutions in Abu Dhabi. These advanced products are designed for rapid deployment, completely removing the need for traditional construction or complex grid connections.

Rapid Deployment of Resilient Energy Infrastructure

The company's innovative solutions deliver reliable, independent energy where traditional power grid access is limited or highly vulnerable. Key advantages of these systems include:

  • Delivering clean power without the need for construction or grid connection.
  • Providing rapid deployment capabilities that save significant time.
  • Ensuring reliable power delivery when grids are constrained or vulnerable.
  • Supporting sustainable city development through innovative energy infrastructure.

Exhibited products included a dedicated BeamBike installation located conveniently at the Marina Parking at ADNEC. This installation provided a firsthand look at these clean technologies.

Empowering Autonomous Vehicle Charging Technology

The MIITE event provided Beam Global with direct access to crucial investors across various sectors, including government, defence, and transportation. This strategic engagement directly supported the company's regional growth strategy and ongoing expansion across the Middle East.

Desmond Wheatley, chief executive officer of Beam Global, emphasised the immense importance of this exhibition. “MIITE is a gathering of all the most influential decision makers in the UAE,” he stated. “We are demonstrating Beam Middle East's portfolio of products to members of the royal family, senior government officials, autonomous vehicle operators, and other prospective customers."

He noted that the impressive scale of the event clearly demonstrated that the UAE is open for business. Wheatley added: "We are getting the attention that we deserve – the sort of attention that I believe will lead to material orders as we continue to grow our presence in this very vibrant market."

Regional Growth and Strategic Leadership

This strategic push aligns with broader ongoing regional ambitions. Abu Dhabi intends to lead the world in autonomous transportation, matching Beam Global's recently announced patented wireless and autonomous vehicle charging technology. Furthermore, the Gulf region plans to spend US$1 trillion on sustainable infrastructure over the coming decade. Management strongly believes its products are ideally suited to capture a lucrative portion of this investment.

During the event, Wheatley was joined by Ivan Tlacinac, managing director for Beam Europe, and Uros Toskovic, sales lead for Beam Middle East. Notable highlights included a meeting with Her Excellency Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship. Wheatley also addressed audiences during a panel discussion and described the BeamPatrol product to senior officers from the Dubai police.

Beam Global continues to develop, patent, design, and manufacture unique technology solutions that power modern transportation and enable robust 'smart city' services. The company’s wider product range encompasses the Beam EV ARC, BeamBike, BeamSpot, BeamWell, BeamPatrol, Beam AllCell custom batteries, and the ARC Mobility trailer. Listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM, the innovator operates globally with headquarters in California and additional facilities spanning Illinois, Serbia, and the UAE. Professionals looking to understand these innovations can learn more about Beam Global's sustainable infrastructure.

The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) hosted the 16th edition of its Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar Series, bringing together leading international scientists to discuss the future of weather modification technologies and operational cloud seeding strategies.

Held under the theme “From Scientific Evidence to Operational Readiness: Key Lessons from the WMA Annual Meeting for the Future of Rain Enhancement,” the webinar examined how recent scientific findings can be translated into practical rain enhancement operations.

The session featured several UAEREP-supported researchers, including Michael Dixon, Roelof Burger, Will Cantrell and Daniel Rosenfeld.

Moderated by Mohamed Mahmoud, the webinar reviewed insights from the 2026 Weather Modification Association annual meeting held in Reno, Nevada.

Speakers highlighted the growing use of advanced technologies in cloud seeding evaluation, including dual-polarisation radar systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning and causal analysis tools. Discussions also explored developments in cloud microphysics, aerosol-cloud interactions and methods for determining cloud seedability using laboratory research, modelling and satellite observations.

The webinar additionally focused on the operational application of seeding materials and how UAEREP-funded studies are helping improve cloud seeding strategies under UAE weather conditions. Experts noted that upgraded software platforms and integrated data systems are becoming increasingly important in strengthening operational decision-making and programme evaluation.

Abdulla Al Mandous, who also serves as Director General of the National Center of Meteorology, said international collaboration remains essential to advancing weather modification science.

“At NCM, we remain committed to strengthening international scientific cooperation and active engagement across global platforms that advance weather modification research,” he said. “As water security continues to be a strategic priority for the UAE, we are focused on supporting the development and application of innovative, evidence-based technologies that enhance resilience and contribute to sustainable water resources.”

Alya Al Mazroui said the webinar demonstrated the programme’s role in connecting research outcomes with practical implementation.

“By bridging the gap between research outcomes and operational implementation, and fostering knowledge exchange among leading experts, the programme continues to promote multidisciplinary approaches and reinforce partnerships that support sustainable water resource management,” she said.

UAEREP also participated in the Weather Modification Association Annual Meeting 2026 as a sponsor, with its awardees presenting scientific research across multiple technical sessions. The webinar series continues to provide a global platform for researchers and policymakers to explore emerging solutions addressing water scarcity and climate-related challenges.

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.

Buildings

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.

Pilot Crushtec has been named Metso’s Best Dealer in the EMEA region, a prestigious international accolade recognising the company’s strong commercial performance, customer support strength and long-standing commitment to delivering high-value crushing and screening solutions across the Middle East and Africa

The award positions Pilot Crushtec among Metso’s top distributors globally, while specifically recognising its leading performance across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It also reflects the company’s sustained sales success, technical capability and customer-focused service approach across its Southern and sub-Saharan African territory.

According to Francois Marais, sales and marketing director at Pilot Crushtec, the recognition marks an important milestone for the business and highlights the collective effort of its people.

“This recognition is a significant achievement and a powerful testament to the commitment, expertise and passion of our entire team,” commented Marais.

“Being recognised on an international stage among leading distributors including others across Europe, the Middle East and Africa reinforces our position as a trusted partner and industry leader.”

Marais says several factors contributed to the company securing the award, including continued market growth across Southern and sub-Saharan Africa, robust aftermarket support capabilities and deep product and application knowledge.

“Our consistent sales performance and market growth across Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa has been a key contributor,” explained Marais.

“Despite challenging market conditions in many sectors, we have continued to grow the presence of Metso’s crushing and screening solutions in the region.”

He adds that Pilot Crushtec’s established service teams, technical expertise and parts availability ensure customers receive dependable support throughout the full equipment lifecycle.

“Our team works closely with customers to understand their operational requirements and provide solutions that optimise productivity, efficiency and long-term value,” said Marais.

The recognition follows the recent five-year renewal of Pilot Crushtec’s distributorship agreement with Metso, further underlining the strength of the partnership and ensuring customers across Southern and sub-Saharan Africa continue to access globally recognised crushing and screening technology.

“The five-year renewal of our distributorship agreement with Metso is extremely significant for Pilot Crushtec’s long-term strategy and reinforces the strength and stability of our partnership,” Marais says.

Through the renewed agreement, Pilot Crushtec will continue supplying Metso’s static and mobile crushing and screening equipment to customers operating in some of the region’s toughest mining and quarrying environments. It also supports ongoing investment in technical training, spare parts availability and support infrastructure.

Customers benefit from the combination of world-class technology and strong local backing, with Pilot Crushtec maintaining strategic stock of equipment, wear parts and critical components to minimise lead times and maximise uptime.

“Our highly trained service teams work closely with Metso to ensure that customers receive expert installation, commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting support,” Marais explained. “This ensures machines operate at optimal performance levels throughout their lifecycle.”

The company’s aftermarket portfolio includes genuine spare parts, wear parts, service agreements, technical upgrades and operator training, helping customers maximise productivity and long-term returns.

Looking ahead, Pilot Crushtec plans to build on the latest recognition by expanding its footprint across Africa and further strengthening its support and service capabilities.

“Our priority is to continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and strengthening our position as a leading provider of crushing and screening solutions in Africa, while continuing to build our broader presence and reputation in the global market.,” Marais commented.

This will include broader reach across Sub-Saharan Africa, increased equipment availability and continued enhancement of its aftermarket support network to deliver fast and reliable service wherever customers operate.

“We will also continue investing in skills development and technical training to ensure our teams remain at the forefront of industry expertise and are fully equipped to support the latest technologies from Metso,” he concludedPilot Crushtec Secures Metso EMEA Dealer Honour.

By combining deep regional understanding with global technology partnerships, Pilot Crushtec continues to support the growth and performance of Africa’s mining, quarrying and construction sectors.

EGA has launched and participated in several targeted initiatives over recent years to ensure long-term systemic inclusion.

Metals

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the UAE’s largest non-oil industrial company, announced on International Women in Engineering Day that women now hold 25% of all supervisory roles, successfully meeting a target set in 2021.

When EGA initially set this ambitious target in 2021, women occupied just eighteen per cent of supervisory roles. Over the intervening years, the organisation has dedicated substantial resources towards recruitment, training, and retention to bridge this gap by the end of 2025. The results of these focused efforts became particularly evident throughout 2025, a year that saw robust recruitment figures. During this period, more than two hundred women officially joined the company. Notably, this intake included one hundred and thirteen UAE Nationals, further demonstrating EGA’s commitment to domestic talent development. Consequently, the company now employs a total of over eight hundred and thirty women. Highlighting the technical nature of these placements, more than sixty per cent of these female employees are currently working in highly specialised operational roles focused predominantly on engineering.

Leadership and Long-Term Vision
The strategic importance of this demographic shift within the workforce is championed at the highest levels of the organisation. Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, clearly articulated the corporate philosophy underpinning these initiatives. Regarding the milestone, he stated: “Advancing women’s role in industry is essential to building a future-ready workforce that drives excellence. The progress we have achieved reflects our belief that diverse organisations perform better. That’s why we are focused on creating an inclusive environment, and why we will continue to create opportunities for women to contribute, grow, and lead EGA’s and the UAE’s long-term success.”

National Training and Future Targets
Looking beyond the supervisory level, EGA continues to implement robust programmes designed to secure a pipeline of female talent. Last year, the organisation successfully recruited one hundred and ninety-nine young UAE nationals into its comprehensive National Training and Graduate Training programmes. Impressively, ninety-five of these new recruits were women. These specialised training programmes are meticulously structured to prepare high school graduates for demanding technical and administrative positions within the company’s extensive industrial facilities and corporate administration. These ongoing efforts are strictly aligned with EGA's future objectives. The organisation aims to steadily increase overall female representation to fifteen per cent of all roles by the end of 2026. Currently, women account for twelve per cent of the total workforce, a figure that includes frontline operators working directly within the industrial environment.

Cultivating Talent Through Mentorship
EGA has launched and participated in several targeted initiatives over recent years to ensure long-term systemic inclusion. In early 2025, the company introduced Ershaad, a dedicated mentorship programme created specifically for female UAE students. This initiative is carefully designed to encourage young women to pursue fulfilling careers in industry, particularly within STEM fields. Through direct mentoring provided by experienced EGA experts, the Ershaad programme delivers invaluable industry exposure, essential career guidance, and crucial access to professional networks, all of which help young women effectively shape their future careers.

Industry Collaboration and Support Networks
EGA has demonstrated a commitment to advancing gender diversity across the broader industrial landscape, not just internally. In 2023, the organisation launched the Challenger Programme. This collaborative initiative brings together leading industrial companies to collectively address shared, practical challenges related to gender diversity. Complementing this collaborative effort, EGA has actively worked with the American University of Sharjah to rigorously research the specific barriers to women’s participation in the heavy industrial workforce, actively seeking viable solutions to achieve true systemic inclusion. Finally, the foundation for much of this internal support was laid in 2020 with the establishment of the EGA Women’s Network, which continues to provide women at all levels of the company with a vital platform for connection, leadership development, and mutual professional support.

 

The new automotive logistics hub in Dubai is specifically designed to strengthen core industry verticals and effectively expand Hellman's global network capabilities.

Logistics

The global supply chain landscape is constantly evolving to meet the demands of fast-growing industries. 

On June 8th, 2026, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics officially broke ground on a brand-new, dedicated facility. This new automotive logistics hub in Dubai is strategically located within the highly sought-after Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza).

This significant project marks a major milestone in the company's long-term growth agenda. It is specifically designed to strengthen core industry verticals and effectively expand the company's global network capabilities. By establishing this site, Hellmann aims to support the expanding operational needs of its existing automotive customers in the region while creating scalable capacity for future growth.

Strengthening the Middle East automotive logistics market

The decision to invest in dedicated, industry-focused infrastructure allows Hellmann to enhance its ability to deliver highly resilient logistics solutions. These solutions are specifically tailored to the growing Middle East automotive logistics market. Market projections indicate that this sector is expected to expand at an annual rate of around 4% to 6% through the year 2030. The United Arab Emirates plays a strategically vital role in this context. The country serves as a key gateway connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. Furthermore, the UAE offers strong multimodal connectivity and robust infrastructure for comprehensive global supply chain offerings.

The built-to-suit facility is currently being developed by INDU Logistics to meet these regional demands which is part of the INDU Group. Once completed, it will serve as a dedicated automotive hub seamlessly integrated within Hellmann's Middle East network.

The massive facility, spanning approximately 28,000 square meters is meticulously designed to manage the full spectrum of automotive spare parts logistics. The operational layout includes several specialized zones to maximize efficiency:

  • It utilises high-density bin storage to organize smaller components efficiently and securely.
  • The facility incorporates extensive pallet racking systems for standard freight and inventory management.
  • It features specialised handling areas dedicated entirely to oversized and bulky automotive components.

This site will provide the scalable infrastructure necessary to support efficient, high-volume distribution across the GCC, Africa, and selected international markets.

Delivering high-performance logistics solutions

Industry leaders recognise the immense importance of this strategic development. Lee I'Ons, the regional CEO for IMEA at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, highlighted the strategic value of the project by stating:

“The UAE is a strategically important market within our global network. By establishing this dedicated automotive hub in Jafza, we are systematically expanding our regional capabilities and creating further scalable, industry-focused infrastructure. This enables us to deliver competitive, high-performance logistics solutions for our customers and to support their long-term growth,”

Similarly, Abdulla Al Hashmi, global chief operating officer for Parks and Economic Zones at DP World, emphasized the broader regional impact:

“Hellman's investment in Jebel Ali Free Zone reflects the rapid pace at which the automotive industry is growing in the Middle East, with customers looking for faster, more reliable access to critical spare parts across multiple markets. By continuing to build specialized infrastructure in Dubai, we are supporting our partners in managing uncertainty and keeping their operations moving,”

The groundbreaking of this new facility represents a forward-thinking approach to modern supply chain management. Hellmann, by combining a prime geographic location with highly specialized storage capabilities, is well-positioned to serve a rapidly expanding market. Businesses looking to optimise their supply chains should continuously monitor these infrastructure developments to stay ahead of industry trends.