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In The Spotlight

Construction

As part of its ongoing commitment to the digitalisation of construction processes, ACCIONA has developed a new digital platform designed to enhance the monitoring of concrete quality and maturity across its projects.

Known as DIGICONCRETE, the platform is intended to improve efficiency, accuracy and transparency in the quality control and traceability of structural concrete elements on site.

DIGICONCRETE enables real-time monitoring of concrete placement and performance by providing remote access to key data on strength development and curing progress.

This allows project teams to oversee critical stages of construction without relying solely on manual inspections or paper-based records. By consolidating information within a single digital environment, the platform supports more informed decision-making and improves coordination between site teams and technical offices.

Through the use of interactive dashboards, DIGICONCRETE streamlines quality control and traceability processes by digitising data acquisition and facilitating verification of compliance with applicable regulations, including updated structural codes.

Key features

The system keeps construction teams continuously informed about the maturity level of each concrete pour, helping to optimise formwork removal and stripping times. As a result, construction sequences can be better coordinated, reducing delays and improving overall site productivity.

The platform incorporates advanced data capture technologies, including optical character recognition (OCR) to digitise documentation, alongside wireless devices equipped with high-precision temperature sensors.

These sensors play a critical role in accurately tracking concrete curing conditions, particularly during the early stages of strength development. DIGICONCRETE is accessible via mobile devices, tablets and computers, ensuring seamless collaboration and information sharing across multiple stakeholders regardless of location.

DIGICONCRETE is particularly well suited to projects in the Middle East, where extreme temperatures and challenging environmental conditions can significantly affect concrete behaviour. In hot climates, accelerated setting times increase the risk of quality issues if curing is not carefully controlled. The platform supports more precise monitoring under such conditions, helping teams mitigate risks, maintain quality standards and optimise construction schedules. Its remote monitoring capabilities are especially valuable for large-scale infrastructure and building projects common across the region.

ACCIONA has already deployed DIGICONCRETE on several projects in Spain, including the new Tax Agency headquarters in Valencia, the Palma de Mallorca Airport terminal remodelling project, and a road construction scheme in Zaragoza. Following these implementations, the company is positioning the platform for broader international rollout, including future projects in the Middle East, as part of its wider strategy to integrate digital solutions into construction delivery.

Water

Ecolab, a global leader in sustainability solutions for water, hygiene and infection prevention, has signed a non-binding MoU with the Saudi Water Authority (SWA) aimed at accelerating water innovation and supporting the Kingdom’s long-term sustainability ambitions.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing more efficient, resilient and circular water systems in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The MoU was formalised during the US-Saudi Water Summit 2025, held last month in Palo Alto, California. The summit brought together international water sector leaders to discuss emerging challenges, technological advances and collaborative models capable of transforming water management across the Kingdom. Against a backdrop of rising demand, climate pressures and industrial expansion, the agreement highlights the growing importance of public-private partnerships in securing Saudi Arabia’s water future.

Under the MoU, SWA and Ecolab will collaborate to position sustainable water management as a strategic enabler of national development. By improving water efficiency and reuse, the partnership aims to help safeguard scarce water resources while enhancing water quality across key sectors. These efforts are also expected to deliver wider environmental and economic benefits, including reduced energy consumption, lower CO2 emissions and improved operational efficiency for industrial and commercial operators.

The framework for cooperation includes the exchange of technical insights and best practices across sectors such as data centres, refineries, petrochemicals, heavy industry, desalination, manufacturing, food and beverage, and hospitality.

Key areas of partnership

The collaboration also covers support for water source selection, regulatory development and performance monitoring, alongside workshops focused on advanced digital solutions such as smart water systems and predictive maintenance. In addition, the partners will explore pilot projects within Saudi industrial cities, applying Ecolab’s global technologies under local operating conditions, and identify opportunities to support innovation initiatives, including Rabigh Oasis, the Global Water Innovation Prize (GWIP), collaborative research and development roundtables, and broader innovation promotion programmes.

Ecolab has maintained a strong presence in Saudi Arabia for more than four decades through its Nalco Water business, supporting major industrial players in optimising water use. Today, its solutions are deployed across energy, manufacturing, food and hospitality, helping organisations conserve water, reduce energy consumption and strengthen long-term business resilience while meeting sustainability goals.

His Excellency Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, President of the Saudi Water Authority, highlighted the partnership as a step toward building a world-class water sector that safeguards resources, supports national growth, and demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can secure water for future generations in line with Vision 2030.

Stefan Umiastowski, Ecolab’s Senior Vice President & CEO for India, Middle East, and Africa, said, “This collaboration represents an important step in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 commitment to long-term water sustainability in a region where water is one of the most critical resources. As digitalization and AI reshape economies and create new demand patterns, intelligent water management has become essential for sustainable growth. By combining Ecolab's global innovation capabilities with the SWA’s vision and local expertise, we're creating a powerful platform to scale water transformation across the Kingdom's most strategic industries.”

Overall, the MoU demonstrates how closer collaboration between government and industry can translate sustainability ambitions into measurable outcomes, supporting the transition towards Net Zero while enhancing industrial competitiveness and water security across Saudi Arabia.

Jenan Real Estate acquires Dana Bay Waterfront Project. (Image credit: Jenan)

Construction

Jenan Real Estate Company has announced the full acquisition of the Dana Bay project, signalling a major milestone in its expansion strategy and marking the beginning of an ambitious new development phase under its sole ownership.

The move reinforces Jenan Real Estate’s growing presence in Saudi Arabia’s tourism and real estate sectors, aligning closely with the Kingdom’s long-term economic diversification goals.

The acquisition represents a strategic turning point for Dana Bay, one of the largest privately owned mixed-use waterfront tourism developments in the Kingdom. Located along a prime coastal stretch, the project spans more than 2.8 million square metres and is positioned to become a landmark destination on Saudi Arabia’s eastern seaboard. Once completed, the development is expected to reach a projected value of between SAR 6 billion and SAR 8 billion, underlining its scale and economic significance.

Jenan Real Estate continues to strengthen its role in shaping coastal tourism destinations by delivering fully integrated, high-quality developments that combine striking sea views with premium lifestyle amenities. These initiatives contribute to enhancing quality of life, attracting domestic and international investment, and generating both direct and indirect employment opportunities. The Dana Bay acquisition also supports Saudi Vision 2030 objectives by boosting domestic tourism and establishing leisure and hospitality as key drivers of sustainable national growth.

Through the comprehensive redevelopment of Dana Bay, Jenan Real Estate aims to stimulate domestic tourism by offering a destination tailored to families and visitors seeking a distinctive waterfront experience. The project boasts one of the longest private beaches in the Kingdom and will feature a diverse mix of residential, leisure and hospitality components. These include luxury beachfront villas with uninterrupted sea views, family-friendly chalets located close to the shore, and a wide range of supporting service facilities.

A standout feature of the development is “Loopagoon,” a women-only water park – the first of its kind in the Eastern Province – alongside a dedicated women’s spa and private beach, providing privacy-focused, high-end hospitality experiences. Dana Bay will also host world-class hotels and resorts catering to both local and international guests, as well as a fully serviced marina designed to attract yacht owners, sailing enthusiasts and luxury travellers.

Dana Walk will serve as a vibrant commercial and entertainment hub, offering restaurants, cafés, retail outlets and event venues with panoramic sea views. Premium catering services for events, celebrations and corporate gatherings will further enhance the destination’s appeal.

With plans to unveil a detailed development roadmap featuring major upgrades and new facilities, Jenan Real Estate aims to position Dana Bay as one of Saudi Arabia’s premier waterfront destinations and a key contributor to domestic tourism growth.

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Energy

Energy

AMEA Power has reached a key milestone in the development of its 50MW Bondoukou solar photovoltaic project in Ivory Coast, having secured financial close while advancing major construction works on site.

The project is being developed by AMEA Goutougo, a locally registered project company wholly owned by AMEA Power. Situated in the north-eastern Gontougo region, the solar plant is expected to produce around 85 GWh of clean electricity each year.

Once operational, it will supply power to approximately 358,000 households and reduce carbon emissions by more than 52,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

To maintain project momentum, AMEA Power began early construction activities earlier this year, moving ahead with critical works before financing was finalised. With financial close now in place, the project enters its main execution phase, allowing construction activities to scale up and progress at pace.

The $71.8mn development is being financed by development finance institutions FMO and DEG, underlining continued international backing for Ivory Coast’s renewable energy strategy and confidence in AMEA Power’s delivery capabilities across Africa.

Progressing the region's power facilities 

The Bondoukou project aligns with the Government of Ivory Coast’s target to increase renewable energy’s share of the national power mix to 45% by 2030. By adding utility-scale solar capacity, the project will help enhance energy security and reduce dependence on thermal power generation.

Scheduled to begin operations in early 2027, the plant will become AMEA Power’s first operational asset in Ivory Coast. The company is also progressing a second 50MW solar PV project in the country, signalling its longer-term commitment to expanding clean energy capacity in West Africa.

Commenting on the milestone, Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power, said, “This milestone marks an important step in the delivery of our solar project in Ivory Coast. By progressing early works ahead of financial close and now moving into full-scale execution, we are demonstrating our long-term commitment to the country’s clean energy transition. This project reflects our ability to deliver with pace, discipline and partnership, bringing lasting economic and environmental benefits.”

Beyond power generation, the project is expected to deliver socio-economic benefits through job creation during construction, with an emphasis on local employment, skills development and knowledge transfer. AMEA Power will also roll out community investment and development programmes aimed at delivering lasting positive outcomes for surrounding communities.

Water

Water

With more than two billion people lacking safe drinking water and demand projected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030, Saudi Arabia will host one of the world’s leading events dedicated to water innovation and sustainability.

The Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2025) will be held from 8-10 December 2025 at The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah, under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and organised by the Saudi Water Authority (SWA).

The conference will bring together international leaders, policymakers, and innovators to address urgent water challenges and accelerate progress toward a secure water future.

A key feature of the event is the Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW), the region’s largest water innovation award, which supports breakthrough technologies by connecting innovators with investors and enabling pilot projects in the Kingdom and globally.

IDWS 2025 will also host the second edition of Miyahthon, a hackathon aimed at young innovators and startups developing solutions across the water cycle. The programme includes mentorship, bootcamps, and pathways for incubation and commercialisation.

To strengthen sector capabilities, the Water Academy will introduce advanced professional development programmes in partnership with London Business School and international training institutions.

The conference will also feature technical workshops, peer-reviewed research presentations, and a major exhibition showcasing cutting-edge desalination, treatment, and resource management technologies from companies such as Siemens, ABB, SSEM, ACWA Power, KSB, the Local Content & Government Procurement Authority, and Toray.

IDWS 2025 will gather leading global experts, reflecting its ambition to unite decision-makers across government, finance, academia, and industry.

Mehaideb Saleh Al Mehaideb, chairman of the supervisory committee of the IDWS, said, “Through the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference, the Kingdom reaffirms its global leadership in advancing sustainable water management. IDWS embodies our shared vision to harness innovation, technology, and collaboration to ensure long term water security. By convening the world’s brightest minds and honoring breakthrough solutions through the Global Prize for Innovation in Water, we are creating a legacy of impact that extends well beyond our borders”

To encourage public engagement, the Saudi Water Authority will also launch the “Water Content Creators Award”, a national initiative designed to inspire creative Arabic-language content on water sustainability. The award includes multiple thematic tracks and is open to both individuals and organisations.

Construction

Construction

Fakhruddin Properties and Holcim UAE have signed an MoU to jointly advance sustainable construction across the UAE and the wider region.

The agreement brings together Fakhruddin Properties, one of the UAE’s leading sustainability-oriented developers, and Holcim UAE, a key partner for sustainable construction solutions.

It also marks a regional milestone for Holcim, representing its first MoU with a developer headquartered in the Middle East. The partnership reflects Holcim’s ambition to expand its regional footprint while supporting the UAE’s net-zero goals through low-carbon and circular building practices.

The collaboration will draw on Holcim UAE’s expertise in low-carbon and circular construction under its NextGen Growth 2030 strategy, alongside Fakhruddin Properties’ long-standing commitment to sustainable development. Together, the partners aim to deliver future-ready communities that balance environmental responsibility with social value.

Sustainable operations

Fakhruddin Properties is recognised as a multi award-winning sustainability pioneer in the UAE’s real estate sector. The developer introduced the country’s first in-building waste management system, diverting 90% of waste from landfills, and continues to focus on wellness-driven developments through smart home solutions, air purification systems and energy-efficient technologies designed to address rising global energy consumption.

Commenting on the announcement, Yousuf Fakhruddin, CEO and managing director, Fakhruddin Properties, said, “This MoU supports the UAE’s national sustainability agenda and aligns with the 2015 Paris Agreement, reinforcing the UAE’s long-held commitment to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. We will work closely with Holcim UAE to reduce both embodied and operational carbon, promote circular economy principles, and scale practical sustainability solutions with full transparency.

“For example, low-carbon materials supplied by Holcim and other manufacturers will be a staple across our future projects. This partnership demonstrates that effective decarbonization requires joint efforts across developers, sustainable solution providers, as well as government and industry stakeholders, combining innovation with measurable climate action.”

Ali Said, CEO, Holcim UAE, added, “Sustainability is not just a goal, it is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration, transparency, and innovation. Through this partnership, we will embed low-carbon, circular, and resilient practices across the built environment. By ensuring traceability of materials along the entire value chain and integrating sustainable design and construction solutions, we will create communities that support wellbeing, respect the environment and nature, and set new benchmarks for sustainable development, starting with the UAE.”

Palfinger’s new PK 720 TEC crane in action. (Image source: Palfinger)

Mining

Ivanhoe, QIA deepen minerals alliance

Mining

Ivanhoe Mines has formalised a new partnership framework with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) following the sovereign fund’s recent US$500mn strategic investment in the company.

The MoU was concluded during the visit of His Highness The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). During his trip, the Amir held discussions with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi on strengthening ties between the two nations, creating the backdrop for the Ivanhoe–QIA agreement.

Under the terms of the MoU, Ivanhoe Mines and QIA have established a broad framework intended to support the discovery, responsible development and long-term supply of critical minerals required for global decarbonisation and next-generation technologies.

Commenting on the agreement, Robert Friedland said, “The signing of the MoU, together with the strategic investment by the Qatar Investment Authority, is a strong vote of confidence in Ivanhoe Mines and our mission to supply the strategic metals that power global electrification and the rise of AI and large-scale datacentres. We are excited to build this long-term, world-class alliance as we unlock new frontiers in our hunt for the next generation of great discoveries, which we will sustainably mine together.”

QIA CEO Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi added, “This MoU is a testament of QIA’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with leading suppliers of critical minerals, supporting global efforts to develop new energy infrastructure and power advanced technologies. We are delighted to be working with Ivanhoe Mines and look forward to further growing our partnership, aimed at generating long-term, sustainable prosperity.”

The cooperation framework specifically recognises QIA’s support for Ivanhoe’s ongoing exploration and development pipeline, including the company’s substantial activities at the Western Forelands project in the DRC, where work continues to advance the Makoko District and other promising targets.

Both parties also intend to explore additional joint opportunities across regions of shared interest, covering mining ventures at various stages of development. Potential areas of collaboration include investment or financing agreements, access to QIA’s network of financial institutions for favourable funding of critical minerals projects, and joint consideration of future strategic mergers and acquisitions.

The MoU further sets out avenues for cooperation on enabling infrastructure—such as logistics, energy and water systems—as well as possible downstream initiatives, including smelting and refining capacity for critical minerals in Africa and other global jurisdictions.

Metso expands its screening portfolio with the new Grande Series. (Image source: Metso)

PerformanceIQ® Hub – Optimising performance, minimising downtime. (Image source: FLS)

Manufacturing

Manufacturing

From 1 January 2026, the UAE will expand its restrictions on single-use plastics, banning plastic beverage cups, lids, cutlery, food containers and straws when manufactured from conventional plastic materials.

The move forms part of the country’s wider environmental policy framework aimed at reducing pollution and limiting the long-term environmental impact of disposable products. According to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), products made from plant-based Polylactic Acid (PLA) are recognised as viable alternatives and are excluded from the ban.

The measures stem from Ministerial Decision No. 380 of 2022, which regulates single-use products across the UAE and prohibits the import, production and distribution of specified plastic items. Earlier phases of the regulation already introduced bans on products such as plastic straws, stirrers and single-use shopping bags.

The scope of the regulation will broaden to include additional items such as beverage cups, lids, forks, spoons, chop sticks and food containers when made from plastic. The expanded ban reflects the UAE’s commitment to addressing plastic pollution while encouraging the adoption of more sustainable material alternatives.

PLA applications

PLA, a plant-based material that is compostable and biodegradable, remains exempt from the regulation. Derived from renewable resources, PLA is widely used in applications where hygiene, safety and convenience are essential. Its suitability for both cold and hot drink cups, food containers, straws and cutlery positions it as a practical alternative for sectors such as food service, hospitality and events, where single-use items are still sometimes necessary.

François de Bie, Emirates Biotech CCO, stated that “it’s best to stop using single use products as much as possible and consider reuseable alternatives. But in those cases where reuseable alternatives are not available it is important to recognise that PLA, being a plant-based material, falls outside the scope of the prohibited materials. PLA, like paper, wood and recycled plastics is exempted.” His comments underline the regulatory distinction being made between conventional plastics and materials derived from renewable sources.

Valentina Olabi, Public Affairs Manager of Emirates Biotech, added, “PLA will play a critical role in advancing landfill diversion and circular economy targets. The decision demonstrates constructive collaboration between government, industry and environmental stakeholders. We welcome this recognition of PLA as a practical enabler of the UAE’s sustainability agenda.”

As the UAE continues to strengthen its environmental regulations, the recognition of PLA provides clarity for manufacturers, importers and end users navigating the transition away from conventional plastics. Emirates Biotech has reiterated its commitment to supporting local businesses as they adapt to the new requirements, helping ensure a smooth shift towards compliant, plant-based alternatives that align with the country’s broader sustainability goals.

Logistics

Logistics

The EU’s Vision Zero initiative, aiming for zero fatalities and serious injuries on European roads by 2050, has brought road safety into sharp focus.

While infrastructure improvements and driver training remain important, the spotlight has shifted to standardising vehicle safety technology. This is the aim of the EU General Safety Regulation (GSR), a comprehensive framework mandating advanced safety features in new vehicles.

For Europe’s largest asset-based logistics company, Girteka, the results are already evident. The GSR was introduced to tackle the human error factor, which accounts for up to 90% of road accidents, and to make vehicles safer for both occupants and Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) such as pedestrians and cyclists. Its phased implementation began in July 2022 for new vehicle types with basic advanced systems, progressing to all new registrations in July 2024, requiring a full suite of eight mandatory Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on trucks and buses, including blind spot detection, advanced emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assistance, intelligent speed assistance, and driver fatigue monitoring.

Eurostat reports that in 2024 there were over 4 million goods vehicles registered in the EU, with vehicles over 30 tonnes completing 83.1% of total freight transport in tonne-kilometres. HGVs under two years old accounted for 20.2% of road freight, highlighting the sector’s rapid fleet renewal. Manufacturers including Volvo, Scania, Mercedes-Benz, DAF, and MAN have embraced the regulations, incorporating ADAS technologies that were previously optional.

Real-world impact

Scania noted that its trucks already had “most of the required safety assistance technology,” while DAF and Volvo confirmed compliance and projected further advancements in active safety technology. Anna Wrige Berling, Traffic and Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks, said, “Looking further ahead, trucks will become more intelligent and more active when it comes to safety, with more features that intervene rather than just inform,” emphasising that drivers remain “the most important safety system in the truck.”

Girteka’s experience demonstrates the real-world impact of these regulations. Since July 2024, the company has added over 2,400 GSR-compliant trucks to its fleet, with plans for up to 8,000 more by 2026. Internal data shows a 10% reduction in accidents within a year, particularly in low-speed manoeuvres, small collisions, and blind spot incidents, the very scenarios the new ADAS technologies were designed to address.

Dainius Augutis, Transport Function & Support Department Manager at Girteka, said, “The EU's GSR is a powerful market signal that pushes safety technology from a premium add-on to a universal standard. The collaboration between fleet owners like Girteka, who provide the data and demand, and manufacturers, who provide the engineering, is what makes Vision Zero achievable.”

Beyond metrics, the human impact is profound. Drivers benefit from safer conditions and lower stress, communities face reduced risks, and clients experience fewer disruptions. By combining regulation, advanced technology, and comprehensive driver training, Girteka shows that safety excellence is inseparable from operational excellence. The company’s results underline that well-designed regulations and proactive fleet investment can accelerate safety innovation, offering a blueprint for the future of safer, smarter logistics across Europe.

 

Fincantieri looking to expand in the Gulf (Image source: Fincantieri)

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