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Globalpharma has successfully reduced its overall carbon footprint by approximately 11,400 tonnes of CO₂.

This substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions was achieved through the strategic installation of a 612 kWp (kilowatt-peak) rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Located at the company’s primary manufacturing facility within the Dubai Investments Park (DIP), the extensive solar array represents a definitive step towards fostering a highly sustainable industrial landscape in the region.

The newly integrated system is expected to generate approximately 25.3 GWh (Gigawatt-hour) of clean, renewable energy. This substantial electrical output actively supports improved energy efficiency across the entire manufacturing plant while drastically reducing the company's historical reliance on grid-supplied electricity. The advanced rooftop installation was meticulously developed in close collaboration with 386 Sky Solar Energy Systems LLC. This partnership effectively brings together Globalpharma's dedicated focus on operational optimisation with the specialised expertise required for industrial-scale renewable energy deployment.

Strategic export through the Shams Dubai Programme

The expansive solar installation has been officially implemented under the regulatory framework of Dubai's Shams Dubai programme. This progressive governmental initiative enables both direct on-site energy consumption and the continuous export of surplus power to the municipal grid through a highly efficient bi-directional metering system. Ultimately, the project represents a significant step in integrating clean energy within Globalpharma's daily manufacturing operations while simultaneously enhancing operational performance.

The leadership at Globalpharma views this milestone as a core component of their long-term corporate strategy. Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Basem Albarahmeh, Chief Executive Officer of Globalpharma, said: “This initiative builds on a broader set of measures we have been implementing to strengthen efficiency and sustainability across our manufacturing operations. The integration of solar energy is a natural extension of our efforts to optimise resource utilisation, enhance energy efficiency and progressively reduce the environmental footprint of pharmaceutical production. As we continue to scale our capabilities, our focus remains on embedding sustainable practices within core operations, supporting a more resilient and future-ready manufacturing platform that aligns with evolving industry and regulatory expectations.”

Aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Vision

The collaborative nature of the project also highlights the vital role of dedicated partnerships in achieving climate objectives. Commenting on the partnership, Ahmad Al Khayyat, Chairman of Three Eight Six, said: "Partnership is a statement of intent. Global Pharma has chosen to embed clean energy" into their manufacturing operations, and that is exactly the kind of leadership that moves an entire industry forward. UAE's Net Zero ambition will be built on decisions like this one."

This healthcare initiative aligns seamlessly with broader national priorities, including the UAE's ongoing clean energy transition and the comprehensive Net Zero 2050 strategy. It provides crucial support for the progressive decarbonisation of industrial operations within the healthcare manufacturing sector.

A legacy of growth and infrastructure

The successful implementation of this solar project reflects the enduring growth of Globalpharma. Established in 1998, the company is currently a market leader in key generic pharma segments with a strong regional footprint. The organisation officially started its operations in the UAE in 2003 and subsequently expanded its growth in 2008 with vital product line extensions and new product launches across fourteen countries in the GCC and select African markets.

Globalpharma actively operates two distinct manufacturing plants. The first is a state-of-the-art Beta-Lactam Penicillin manufacturing plant providing the Amoxicillin and AmoxiClav brands in the larger MENA region. Additionally, catering specifically to the lifestyle disease segments, the company runs a separate General Medicine manufacturing plant equipped with a variety of Liquid and Oral Solid Dose capabilities.

Facilitating this transition, 386 Sky Solar Energy Systems LLC is a prominent UAE-based Commercial and Industrial solar energy company. The firm delivers customised rooftop, ground-mount, and carport solar solutions across the GCC, directly helping businesses transition to clean energy in strict line with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 vision.

Oman’s ongoing journey toward comprehensive economic diversification has received a fresh and substantial boost, highlighting the vital role of private-sector participation in modern nation-building.

In a landmark transaction that firmly underscores the Sultanate’s strategic priorities, Rakiza Fund I and specialist water investor IV3 Aqua have officially agreed to acquire Majis Industrial Services SAOC from the global energy investment group OQ. This high-profile acquisition marks a pivotal milestone in expanding private investment within critical infrastructure, directly supporting the manufacturing and industrial growth objectives outlined in Oman’s ambitious Vision 2040 framework.

Powering the SOHAR Port and Freezone
Majis operates as the premier integrated industrial water utilities provider within the SOHAR Port and Freezone, functioning as a vital cornerstone for one of the nation's most active and strategic economic hubs. The organisation delivers a comprehensive, mission-critical portfolio of essential services, ranging from cooling seawater and industrial process water to dependable potable water distribution and advanced wastewater treatment. By securing this foundational asset, the acquiring consortium aims to inject fresh operational expertise, enhanced financial resilience, and long-term sustainability into Oman’s thriving industrial backbone, ensuring that regional businesses have uninterrupted access to indispensable utility services.

The partnership brings together the robust local market experience and extensive regional network of Rakiza Fund I—which is co-managed by Oman Infrastructure Investment Management and Equitix—alongside the proven technical capabilities of global water infrastructure investor IV3 Aqua. Industry leaders have expressed immense confidence in the transaction's capacity to unlock new value for all stakeholders involved. Khalid al Khatib, Chief Executive Officer of Rakiza, emphasised the compelling nature of the asset during the announcement: "As the leading integrated water utilities platform in SOHAR, Majis combines strategic importance, a high-quality customer base and long-term contracted revenues, making it a highly attractive investment that aligns with our long-term strategy,"

Expanding Proven Technical Expertise
For IV3 Aqua, this strategic acquisition builds firmly upon an already established operational footprint across the Sultanate. The firm previously delivered the Qurayyat Independent Water Project, successfully operating a major seawater reverse osmosis desalination facility capable of producing 200,000 cubic metres per day. Expanding their operational portfolio to include Majis significantly broadens their capability to deliver large-scale, reliable utility solutions tailored specifically to heavy industrial demands, strict environmental regulations, and complex logistical requirements across the region.

Key stakeholders have underlined that as manufacturing hubs expand rapidly across the region, safeguarding environmental standards and resource security remains paramount. Representatives from IV3 Aqua noted: "As Oman advances its Vision 2040 ambitions, reliable and resilient water infrastructure will play an increasingly important role in enabling sustainable industrial expansion," Furthermore, maintaining high environmental standards is viewed as integral to attracting foreign direct investment.

Optimisation and Future Growth
Meanwhile, OQ views the divestment as part of a disciplined capital allocation and active portfolio optimisation programme. Following previous successful partial divestments across various energy and industrial sectors, OQ continues to streamline its corporate operations, allowing the group to redeploy capital toward new growth opportunities that align closely with national economic priorities, shareholder value, and long-term financial goals.

This major transaction signals robust and enduring international investor confidence in Oman’s rapidly evolving infrastructure market. By championing dynamic public-private partnerships and drawing long-term institutional capital into essential utilities, the Sultanate is effectively future-proofing its industrial landscape against forthcoming challenges. As Majis enters this next exciting chapter of corporate growth, the enhanced focus on operational excellence, sustainable development, and reliable service delivery promises to deliver enduring benefits for businesses, local communities, and the broader regional economy for years to come.

The global petrochemical sector is witnessing a significant transformation as nations in the Middle East diversify their industrial capabilities and expand their downstream production networks.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is making robust strides to enhance its manufacturing infrastructure and economic footprint. In a major development for the region’s energy and petrochemical landscape, the United States-based engineering giant Fluor Corporation has officially announced its selection by the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) for a vital new contract. The Texas-headquartered firm will be responsible for executing the front-end engineering and design (FEED) for an advanced new aromatics facility situated within the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This strategic contract marks a pivotal moment for GPIC, a prominent industry player originally established as a joint venture among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states to spearhead the regional manufacture of fertilisers and petrochemicals. The upcoming aromatics project is designed to significantly expand GPIC’s existing industrial complex in Bahrain. At present, the facility is highly regarded for its steady production of core chemical commodities, specifically ammonia, urea, and methanol. By integrating the new aromatics plant into this established footprint, GPIC is poised to elevate its manufacturing capabilities, diversify its product portfolio, and capture a broader segment of the international petrochemical market.

The new aromatics facility will utilise commercially proven process technologies, ensuring maximum efficiency, safety, and output quality to achieve these ambitious targets. Once fully operational, the plant is projected to yield an impressive annual production capacity. Specifically, it will generate 1.2 million metric tonnes of paraxylene, alongside 0.5 million metric tonnes of benzene each year. The selection of these particular chemical compounds is highly strategic. Both paraxylene and benzene serve as critical foundational building blocks for a vast array of modern manufacturing applications. They are essential components in the creation of plastics, polyester fibres, and various vital packaging materials. By bolstering the supply chain of these core materials, the Bahrain-based facility will play a critical role in supporting the ever-growing global demand for high-performance consumer goods and heavy-duty industrial products.

For Fluor Corporation, this contract represents yet another prestigious addition to an already extensive portfolio of global engineering achievements. Recognised globally as a premier provider of comprehensive engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance services, Fluor boasts a diverse expertise that spans multiple critical sectors, including oil and gas, heavy industrial manufacturing, infrastructure development, government projects, and power generation. Securing this front-end engineering and design contract highlights the company’s proven track record in successfully managing large-scale industrial expansions and navigating the complexities inherent in modern petrochemical construction.

The leadership team at Fluor has expressed strong enthusiasm regarding the newly established collaboration with GPIC. Pierre Bechelany, Fluor’s Business Group President of Energy Solutions, articulated the significance of the partnership and the mutual trust established between the two industry heavyweights. Addressing the recent contract acquisition, Bechelany stated, “This award reflects GPIC's confidence in Fluor's ability to deliver complex petrochemical projects with technical excellence and predictable outcomes.”

Highlighting the long-term impact of the aromatics facility on the region’s economic landscape, he further added, “We look forward to supporting GPIC as it advances this important investment for the Kingdom of Bahrain's industrial future.”

The successful execution of this front-end engineering and design phase will lay the essential groundwork for the subsequent stages of construction and commissioning. The expansion of the GPIC complex not only reinforces the Kingdom of Bahrain’s status as a central hub for advanced petrochemical manufacturing but also demonstrates the immense value of strategic international partnerships. By combining Fluor Corporation’s world-class engineering acumen with GPIC’s established regional presence and operational excellence, the new aromatics facility is exceptionally well-positioned to drive robust industrial growth, stimulate economic diversification, and supply the global market with indispensable high-quality petrochemical products for decades to come.

Global energy technology firm SLB has been awarded a landmark seven-year contract by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) under the ambitious Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative.

For decades, the global energy sector has faced a persistent hurdle: whilst cutting edge digital tools are abundant, seamlessly integrating them into harsh, real-world extraction environments remains a formidable challenge. Now, global energy technology firm SLB is poised to bridge this critical gap. In a major development for the Middle East’s upstream oil and gas sector, SLB has been awarded a landmark seven-year contract by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). Operating under the highly ambitious Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative, this partnership officially designates SLB as KOC’s very first contracted technology partner for its flagship innovation programme.

The heart of this agreement lies in a shared commitment to accelerating digital transformation across Kuwait's energy landscape. By focusing intensely on applied research, large-scale technology deployment, and advanced digital innovation programmes, both organisations are aligning their efforts with Kuwait’s overarching energy objectives. SLB will collaborate intimately with KOC experts to evaluate, test, and deploy cutting-edge technologies.

The scale of the undertaking is vast, encompassing nearly 100 distinct technology projects designed to tackle the pressing obstacles of modern hydrocarbon extraction. These high-priority projects span artificial intelligence (AI), industrial internet of things (IIoT) applications, complex production optimisation, and advanced reservoir technologies. The initiative will also prioritise proactive water management systems and crucial energy transition protocols aimed at lowering the environmental footprint of heavy operations.

A pivotal element of this seven-year contract is the rapid operationalisation of AI-enabled workflows. By marrying KOC’s deep operational expertise with SLB’s state-of-the-art digital tools, the partnership seeks to dramatically improve exploration accuracy and streamline demanding drilling operations. These integrated digital ecosystems will enhance continuous reservoir surveillance and allow teams to automate complex production adjustments informed by real-time telemetry data. As the energy sector pivots towards these data landscapes, modern operators must collaborate effortlessly on data-driven solutions to lower operational costs, maximise efficiency, and measurably reduce carbon intensity during routine extraction phases.

The strategic necessity of this collaboration extends far beyond mere hardware and software upgrades. Ahmad Jaber Al-Eidan, chief executive officer of Kuwait Oil Company, emphasised the strategic importance of the programme for the nation. "Ahmadi Innovation Valley represents an important step in advancing technology leadership across Kuwait's energy sector," he stated. "Through collaboration with leading technology partners, we are accelerating technology deployment, strengthening local capabilities and expanding knowledge transfer to support Kuwait's energy industry."

This dedication to knowledge transfer will play a pivotal role in nurturing local technical capabilities, thereby securing the long-term future of Kuwait’s energy workforce and ensuring the nation maintains a fierce competitive edge in an increasingly digitised global market.

SLB has announced concrete plans to establish a physical, dedicated Ahmadi Innovation Valley facility within Kuwait to facilitate this massive technological leap. Construction on this specialised innovation centre is expected to commence in 2026, with the facility officially opening its doors to researchers and engineers in 2028. Once fully operational, this centre will serve as a dynamic collaborative hub where technology providers, academic researchers, and front-line operational teams converge. It will furnish the necessary physical and digital infrastructure to scale emerging solutions from early pilot phases directly into full production environments, driving quantifiable improvements in process stability and asset longevity.

Olivier Le Peuch, chief executive officer of SLB, highlighted the core hurdle that the new initiative aims to overcome. "The energy industry has no shortage of technology. The challenge is deploying it at scale and turning innovation into operational impact," he noted. "Ahmadi Innovation Valley brings together technology providers, researchers and operational teams to accelerate the evaluation, deployment and scaling of new solutions across KOC's operations. We are proud to contribute our technology, domain expertise and global experience while helping strengthen local capabilities and support the next generation of Kuwaiti talent."

This landmark award signifies a major expansion of a deep-rooted relationship, building upon more than 85 years of continuous collaboration between SLB and KOC, and promising a profound modernisation of Kuwait’s upstream capabilities.

Saudi-based Al Yamamah Steel Industries Company has officially named leading Italian engineering firm Danieli as the contractor tasked with establishing a state-of-the-art steel billet production plant in the kingdom.

The monumental project, scheduled for full completion by 2029, represents a significant milestone in the region's expanding industrial and manufacturing landscape.

Initially referred to in earlier regulatory disclosures as an unnamed specialised European corporate entity to protect commercial secrets and maintain competitive advantages, the true identity of the partner has now been publicly confirmed following formal updates filed with the Saudi bourse, Tadawul. The multi-million-dollar undertaking underscores the growing collaboration between Saudi industrial enterprises and world-class European engineering specialists.

Under the terms of the substantial SAR270 million agreement—equivalent to approximately $71 million—the scope of work assigned to the Italian corporation encompasses the complete manufacture, supply, and installation of advanced steel billet production equipment at the subsidiary's dedicated premises in the kingdom. Al Yamamah for Reinforcing Steel Bars Company, a key subsidiary of Al Yamamah Steel Industries, oversees this ambitious venture as part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen upstream steelmaking operations and expand domestic processing capabilities.

Corporate leadership has confirmed that the entire engineering, supply, and installation process will be executed swiftly, with Danieli targeted to finish all contracted works within a strict timeframe of two and a half years. Regarding the broader economic outlook, the Saudi group has noted that the financial impact of this landmark deal is expected to be formally reflected in financial statements during the second half of 2028. Furthermore, industry observers note that adopting such cutting-edge manufacturing methodologies aligns seamlessly with broader national objectives aimed at diversifying the industrial base and bolstering domestic production capabilities.

Headquartered in Buttrio, Italy, Danieli boasts a storied history and an unyielding reputation within the global metallurgical sector. Founded back in 1914 by Mario Danieli, the enterprise has evolved remarkably from its modest steelmaking origins in Milan into a massive, globally respected engineering and manufacturing corporation. Today, Danieli stands proudly recognized as one of the world's top three manufacturers of plants and machinery tailored specifically for the metals industry. The firm commands widespread expertise in designing and building specialised equipment for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ranging from heavy-duty electric arc furnaces to complex rolling mills.

A defining operational strength of the Italian group is its comprehensive project oversight model. Danieli expertly manages every developmental phase in-house, stretching seamlessly from initial conceptual design right through to rigorous on-site commissioning. Furthermore, the corporation maintains strategically distributed manufacturing workshops worldwide to guarantee consistently standardised production standards across all international jurisdictions.

The announcement of this major industrial contract follows closely on the heels of important financial restructuring for the subsidiary involved. Last month, Al Yamamah for Reinforcing Steel Bars Company secured official authorization from regulatory authorities to implement a capital increase. This was achieved through the issuance of 25 million brand-new shares priced directly at the company's established book value of SAR12, which equates to roughly $3.20 per share.

As part of this capital strengthening initiative, parent firm Al Yamamah Steel announced it would actively subscribe to 6.3 million shares within the rights issue, committing a total investment of SAR75.6 million. Crucially, this capital injection is being funded entirely through internal corporate resources. The fresh proceeds generated from the share issuance are earmarked to robustly bolster the subsidiary's overarching financial position while concurrently financing the construction phases of its expansive manufacturing plant.

By integrating Danieli's cutting-edge metallurgical technology with robust local funding and strategic vision, Al Yamamah Steel Industries is positioning itself for sustained growth within the competitive regional infrastructure sector. As construction gathers momentum over the coming months, the partnership serves as a testament to the robust economic ties driving modern industrial advancement across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Global utilities and leading power equipment manufacturers have united to address escalating bottlenecks within grid supply chains.

In a joint statement released during London Climate Action Week, industry leaders outlined steps to harmonise fragmented equipment standards and provide enhanced demand visibility, aiming to de-risk international procurement.

By 2030, Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA) members will require nearly 90,000 kilometres of transmission cable; enough to wrap around the Earth over twice, alongside 273 high-voltage transformers, 12,000 medium- and low-voltage transformers, and 77 substations.

These requirements severely eclipse current manufacturing capacities, with transformer wait times now exceeding three years. Addressing these material constraints is critical to maintaining the pace of global grid expansion.

Co-led by UK utility SSE and Abu Dhabi-based TAQA, UNEZA operates under the guidance of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, working alongside the UK Government-led Global Clean Power Alliance (GCPA).

UK Climate Minister Katie White stated: “This call from the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance shows that, by working with industry, governments can stop tying themselves in knots and start delivering the infrastructure needed to meet global demand – enough cable to wrap around the Earth more than twice. Through partnerships like the Global Clean Power Alliance, Britain is tackling long-standing barriers to clean energy. That will help us deliver the clean power mission, lower bills for good, and support other countries to reduce emissions and accelerate their own transition.”

Khalifa Al Mheiri, Chief Strategy & Investment Officer at TAQA Transmission, said: "As a utility investing in the next generation of electricity networks, TAQA recognises that delivering the energy transition at the pace the world requires depends not only on investment, but on our ability to strengthen and modernise global supply chains. Through UNEZA, utilities are taking practical action to improve coordination, harmonise technical approaches and explore pooled procurement models that provide greater certainty for suppliers while helping utilities deliver critical infrastructure faster, more efficiently and at lower cost. Collaboration across the value chain will be fundamental to building resilient electricity systems that support long-term energy security and net-zero ambitions.”

Glenn Barber, Director of Corporate Affairs at SSE, said: “We know from our experience in the UK that long-term visibility of demand is vital. It gives supply chain partners the certainty they need to invest in the manufacturing capacity and technical innovation needed to meet the demands of a monumental global energy transition. By bringing global utilities and supply chain partners together, UNEZA is not only helping to provide that visibility but tackling the practical barriers to supply chain development. The focus at London Climate Week on electrification of demand is welcome and necessary; at the same time, electrification will only be possible if grids can keep pace and the steps outlined today can plan an important role in that.”

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, said: “We have spent the past decade proving that renewables can be deployed at scale. That case is made. The challenge now is ensuring grids and supply chains keep pace to deliver clean power reliably to homes, industries and communities. As electrification takes center stage in the next phase of the transition, with IRENA calling for a global electrification target of 35% by 2035, resilient supply chains will be essential. Initiatives such as the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance and the Global Clean Power Alliance show the value of governments, utilities and industry working together to accelerate progress while enhancing energy security and system resilience.”

Following a roundtable co-hosted with the GCPA, the alliance underscored massive financial commitments. At COP30, UNEZA members raised their collective annual investment target for renewables, grids, and storage from USD 117 billion to USD 148 billion. Overall clean energy investments between COP28 and 2030 are on course to exceed USD 1 trillion.

To secure supply chain resilience, UNEZA launched a Delivery Mechanism focused on pooled procurement. Members committed to three priority actions: providing annual demand signals to spur capacity growth, advancing harmonised equipment standards to improve interoperability, and scaling coordinated procurement. Now comprising 85 member organisations, UNEZA will continue developing this supply chain roadmap ahead of COP31, driving practical action to build robust electricity systems globally.