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Cleanova, a global provider of advanced industrial filtration solutions, has secured a contract to supply critical filtration systems for the Liverpool Bay Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Transportation and Storage project, part of the UK government’s HyNet North West low-carbon and hydrogen initiative.

The contract was awarded by Saipem, the international engineering, procurement and construction company responsible for converting an existing gas compression and treatment facility at Point of Ayr, North Wales, into a CO₂ Electrical Compression Station. The facility will enable the permanent storage of captured CO₂ emissions from heavy industry across North West England and North Wales, with compressed CO₂ injected into depleted hydrocarbon fields beneath Liverpool Bay.

Under the agreement, Cleanova will supply purpose-engineered filtration units designed to ensure operational efficiency, safety and long-term reliability across the CO₂ transportation and storage process. Each unit, weighing around 50 tonnes, will remove residual amines, water, hydrocarbons and other condensed liquids or particulates from the captured CO₂ stream. Removing these impurities is critical to protecting compression equipment, maintaining process integrity and enabling safe, long-term storage.

The Liverpool Bay project is a cornerstone of the HyNet North West industrial decarbonisation cluster and is expected to support the capture and permanent storage of up to 4.5 million tonnes of CO₂ per year. Once fully operational, the project will make a significant contribution to the UK’s net-zero targets and wider energy-transition objectives.

Macer Braidwood, Cleanova’s global market manager ‐ energy transition, said, “Our custom filtration systems already play a vital role in the energy transition by capturing emissions and purifying process streams across a wide-range of clean-energy applications. Being selected to support the UK's first large-scale carbon capture and storage project is an important milestone for Cleanova. We are proud to partner with Saipem on the Liverpool Bay CCS project and to contribute our filtration expertise to an initiative that will deliver meaningful, long-term environmental impact. It is another step to our mission to provide filtration solutions today for a better tomorrow.” 

The inaugural IFAT Saudi Arabia aims to accelerate investment in sustainable waste and water infrastructure across the Kingdom. The event will focus on knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and sector collaboration through a strategic summit and a CPD-certified conference programme.

Taking place from 26-28 January at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, IFAT Saudi Arabia is designed to support national development goals and market readiness. The Summit and conference stages will examine how policy, capital, and technology can enhance waste and water systems, promote circular economy models, and strengthen long-term environmental resilience.

“Strengthening waste management systems is a key priority for supporting environmental protection, operational efficiency and resource recovery,” said Dr. Abdullah Al Sebaei, CEO of the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN). “IFAT Saudi Arabia creates a focused environment for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, review international experience and align on strategic approaches that support the Kingdom’s regulatory direction and circular economy ambitions.”

The invite-only IFAT Saudi Arabia Summit on 26 January will bring together senior government officials, regulators, investors, and industry leaders to discuss the strategic direction of the Kingdom’s waste and water sectors. Sessions will focus on impact investment, public-private partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and future readiness, featuring regional and international case studies and policy insights.

Key discussions include the Leaders Panel, which will assess the evolving waste and water economy in Saudi Arabia, and the Water Security Panel, led by the Saudi Water Authority, focusing on governance and integrated strategies for national water security. “A secure and resilient water sector requires long-term planning, strong governance and close coordination across public and private stakeholders,” said Eng. Mamdooh Alshuaibi, Vice President of Sustainability and Water Sector Services at the Saudi Water Authority. “IFAT Saudi Arabia provides a timely setting to discuss policy priorities, investment frameworks and technical approaches that support efficient water use, system resilience and sustainable service delivery across the Kingdom.”

Complementing the Summit, the CPD-certified conference programme will run across two thematic stages. Orange Stage will focus on waste management, recycling, and circular economy practices, featuring sessions on smart municipal solid waste systems, operational efficiency, and the role of digitalization and cybersecurity. Highlights include a panel marking the launch of the World Bank’s latest report on Solid Waste Management in MENA, in collaboration with the International Solid Waste Association.

Blue Stage, running 27–28 January, will explore water resilience, desalination, reuse, and digital transformation for utilities and industrial users. Sessions include a panel on Middle East water resilience organized by German Water Partnership, a brine mining case study led by NEOM, and discussions on financing and PPP models led by the International Water Association.

By connecting policy, investment, and applied solutions, IFAT Saudi Arabia aims to drive informed decision-making, cross-sector collaboration, and practical delivery across the Kingdom’s environmental ecosystem.

Cedarapids, a Terex brand specialising in modular, portable and static crushing and screening equipment, will preview two new developments at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas: the CRH5064 Portable Horizontal Shaft Impactor (HSI) Plant and the TRAC Vibration Analyser. Both products will be showcased at the Terex booth in the Silver Lot during the event, which runs from 3–7 March at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The CRH5064 Portable HSI Plant has been developed to deliver high-capacity crushing performance while reducing maintenance demands across quarrying, recycling and demolition applications. The plant is built around the TI5064 horizontal shaft impactor, powered by a 400 hp motor and incorporating a high-inertia four-bar rotor. Design features include a monoblock primary curtain with replaceable tips, hydraulic tramp iron relief, hydraulic-assisted apron adjustments and a hydraulically opening hood to support faster inspection and servicing.

Prototype testing of the CRH5064 recorded throughput rates of between 600 and 700 tonnes per hour when processing 30-inch minus shot rock limestone, positioning the plant for operations requiring consistent output and the ability to handle large feed sizes of up to 30 inches.

A further enhancement is the inclusion of the latest 60 in x 20 ft Cedarapids Advantage Series Feeder. Compared with previous models, the feeder widens the intake opening by eight inches, improving material flow, crusher loading and fines removal. The plant can also be specified with multiple axle configurations and a removable feed-hopper module to improve transport flexibility between sites.

Optional features available for the CRH5064 include feeder lift functionality, a jib crane for blowbar changes, a self-cleaning magnet, an under-crusher pan feeder and expanded electrical and conveyor configurations, allowing operators to tailor the plant to specific operational requirements.

Alongside the new impactor plant, Cedarapids will introduce TRAC, a vibration analysis system engineered specifically for crushing and screening environments. Developed by Terex engineers, the system was designed in response to distributor demand for clearer and more accurate screening diagnostics than those offered by general-purpose vibration tools.

TRAC uses four WiFi-enabled sensors mounted on the screen structure to capture data on acceleration, velocity, movement, inclination, orbit and bearing behaviour. This information enables operators to identify issues such as loose components, damaged screen media, broken springs, imbalance, timing problems and hazardous frequencies, while also confirming correct screen installation and operating performance.

At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, visitors will be able to view the TRAC hardware on display, alongside simulated diagnostic outputs demonstrating the system’s reporting capabilities.

Critical Metals Corp., a critical minerals company headquartered in New York, has signed a non-binding term sheet to form a 50/50 joint venture with Tariq Abdel Hadi Abdullah Al-Qahtani & Brothers Company (TQB), a 75-year-old industrial conglomerate based in Saudi Arabia.

The partnership aims to establish a state-of-the-art rare earth processing facility in the Kingdom, creating a fully integrated mine-to-processing supply chain and securing long-term offtake rights for 25% of the Tanbreez Project’s rare earth concentrate production.

The facility will produce separated rare earth oxides, metals, and downstream products, including magnet-grade materials for aerospace, defense, and advanced industrial applications. All finished materials are planned for shipment to the United States to support the country’s defense industrial complex, strengthening supply chain security for Western-aligned markets.

Tony Sage, Chairman of Critical Metals Corp., said, “This agreement represents a transformational milestone for Critical Metals Corp. By partnering with a leading Saudi Arabian industrial group and securing long-term offtake that brings Tanbreez to 100% committed production, we have effectively de-risked the project’s commercial pathway from mine to market. The establishment of an integrated processing platform in Saudi Arabia not only diversifies global rare earth processing capacity beyond China but also strengthens supply chain security for allied nations across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. This transaction positions CRML as a cornerstone supplier of critical minerals essential to advanced manufacturing, energy transition technologies, and national security applications for decades to come.”

Under the JV framework, CRML will retain its 50% ownership interest on a carried-interest basis, without issuing equity or incurring debt for the construction of the processing facility. The partnership ensures 100% of Tanbreez production is now under long-term offtake agreements, providing full revenue visibility and supporting allied markets. A jointly governed development committee will oversee engineering, construction, commissioning, and market entry for the processed products.

Abdulmalik Tariq Al-Qahtani, CEO of TQB, commented, “Following the successful official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the United States, we are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding focused on cooperation in the development of critical materials. Critical materials—sourced from strategically important regions including Greenland and other resource-rich jurisdictions—form the foundation of modern technologies across energy, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, defense, and data infrastructure. Securing diversified and resilient supply chains for these materials is essential to long-term technological progress.”

CRML and TQB will now work together to finalise the technical, commercial, and regulatory foundations of the JV, including plant design, development timelines, product specifications, and commercialisation strategy. The initiative is a major step toward diversifying rare earth processing capacity, reducing reliance on China, and strengthening global supply chain resilience.

Once overshadowed by hydrocarbons, the UAE’s manufacturing sector has now become a driving force for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth across the country. Without a doubt, manufacturing is poised to take centre stage in the country’s long-term aspirations for economic growth and resilience.

Various initiatives from the UAE’s visionary leaders all point towards continuously building, enhancing and reinforcing conditions that will further encourage investments and enable industrialisation to thrive and prosper.

Among them is Operation 300bn, the UAE’s national industrial strategy launched in 2021 which aims to more than double the industrial sector’s GDP contribution from AED133 billion in 2021 to AED 300 billion by 2031.

In addition, programmes, projects and initiatives by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) such as the National In-Country Value Program (ICV), ‘Make it in the Emirates’, the Technology Transformation Program (TTP), and the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) have all been designed and geared towards pro-actively pushing forward the UAE’s manufacturing and industrial ambitions.

Clearly, the UAE is well on track on achieving its industrialisation objectives and its relentless pursuit of economic diversification have already produced remarkable results.

In the first quarter of 2025, non-oil GDP grew 5.3% , reaching AED 352 billion, according to the UAE's Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MOET). The ministry also identified manufacturing as the fastest growing economic activity, registering 7.7% growth in Q1 2025.

According to the latest report by Abu Dhabi Customs, Abu Dhabi's non-oil foreign trade grew by 34.7% in H1 2025, reflecting a thriving manufacturing industry and a key source of UAE exports.

Driven by visionary leadership

It is quite evident that the vision of the UAE’s leadership for the future of this great nation is fuelled by a determination to thrive, succeed and lead.

Not only are they aiming and enabling the manufacturing sector to grow, but they also implement a deliberate governmental policy and strategy that focuses on strengthening the adoption of advanced manufacturing, sustainability, and Industry 4.0 technologies including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 3D printing.

Over the years, the UAE's manufacturing sector has continuously demonstrated its resilience. In 2022, manufacturing GDP growth surpassed pre-pandemic levels by tallying 8.75% growth.

With Abu Dhabi leading the way with a growth of 9.7% , the emirate even further sharpened its focus on manufacturing with the launch of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) in the same year. As a result, in the first half of 2025, Abu Dhabi's non-oil GDP grew 6.37% year-on-year, according to the Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi

The attractiveness and pull for foreign investment into the UAE’s manufacturing sector have also remained strong. At the fourth edition of 'Make it in the Emirates', a 122,000-strong participation of delegates from across the world was a clear indication of the global attention to the sector’s growing appeal.

With US$11bn committed to advanced manufacturing over five years, the UAE is sending a clear message: it is open for industrial business, and it is serious about reducing its reliance on oil.

Innovation and sustainability at the core

Recognising the need to catch up with countries with larger and more advanced manufacturing sectors in a globalised market, the UAE is not just building factories – it's building smart factories.

Industry 4.0 technologies are being integrated into production lines, making UAE manufacturing globally competitive. Sustainability is also a priority, with circular economy models becoming standard practice.

Solar-powered facilities take advantage of the abundant sunshine, while water recycling systems ensure efficient use of water in a desert climate.

These are supported by the MoIAT's ITTI, which measures the digital maturity and sustainability practices of factories, provides a roadmap for their digital transformation and encourages the adoption of Industry 4.0 solutions and sustainability best practices.

Turning challenges into opportunities

While there are indeed challenges in the UAE’s journey towards economic diversification and industrialisation, the country’s leaders have cleverly manoeuvred around them and have instead focused on capitalising on the opportunities presented by these challenges. An uneven manufacturing growth among the emirates is being addressed by the federal government through Operation 300bn, with a focus on equitable development.

Among its goals is to create 13,500 new industrial facilities and 25,000 specialised jobs, many of which are being directed toward less industrialised regions.

For instance, MoIAT is working to ensure that Northern Emirates like Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain benefit from industrial expansion through tailored support and infrastructure upgrades.

Additionally, the ICV program provides incentives for companies sourcing locally, further benefiting the economy. These initiatives create numerous opportunities for businesses and individuals to widen their reach in the burgeoning manufacturing sector.

In line with the rapid adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, the UAE is also strengthening partnerships among industry, academia and various vocational training programmes, in collaboration with global tech companies, to help bridge any skills gap and ensure a seamless transfer of the latest technological knowledge to the UAE workforce.

Today, the UAE’s manufacturing sector stands at a pivotal juncture. With the UAE's emphasis on attracting investments and prioritising inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, the country is laying the foundation for long-term industrial leadership.

Alongside policy support, the UAE's strategic location and rapidly improving infrastructure position it as a rising global manufacturing hub.

Manufacturing is no longer just a supporting act in the UAE’s economic story. It’s now a lead character that plays a vital role in shaping a resilient, innovative, and sustainable future for the country.

By Noritsugu Mifune, CEO, Al Gharbia Pipe Company

UAE-based fuel technology company Fuelre4m has announced new results showing its fuel treatment can deliver consistent fuel efficiency and emissions reductions across buses, trucks, and heavy equipment operating in real-world conditions.

Independent testing led by the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), one of Europe’s leading engineering and applied sciences universities, evaluated Fuelre4m’s technology under tightly controlled laboratory conditions using a commercial diesel engine running on standard B10 biodiesel. The tests recorded 3.5–6.7% lower fuel consumption at identical engine speed and mechanical torque, alongside consistent efficiency improvements of 15–21% in the dominant mid-load operating range of approximately 1,400–1,550 RPM.

“The laboratory result establishes a conservative baseline under fixed torque, while real-world operation allows the same efficiency improvement to reduce torque demand, improve gear behaviour, and compound over time, resulting in larger total fuel savings across a complete duty cycle. Crucially, the only variable introduced during testing was the treatment of the fuel itself, with no changes to engine hardware, electronic calibration, operating limits, or fuel specification,” Fuelre4m said.

The NTUA laboratory findings are now being reinforced by repeatable real-world trials across UAE transport and industrial fleets. These include city and intercity buses operating on Dubai service corridors, mixed fleets incorporating VDL and King Long buses, and heavy trucks and off-highway equipment operating under high-load conditions. Once sufficient fuel contact time is achieved, measured fuel efficiency improvements frequently match or exceed laboratory results. Fixed-route trials on UAE buses show directional fuel consumption reductions of approximately 14–17%, with the strongest improvements consistently appearing in the mid-RPM “working bands” that dominate urban and intercity duty cycles.

Trials were conducted across mixed fleets spanning multiple manufacturers, engine sizes, and emission standards, confirming that the benefits are not limited to a single platform or technology generation. No adverse impacts were observed on drivability, engine temperatures, or aftertreatment systems. Quarry and heavy-equipment trials, including large off-highway haul trucks, demonstrated reduced fuel consumed per unit of work, with several recording double-digit efficiency improvements while maintaining or increasing productivity.

Commenting on the findings, George Papalambrou, Associate Professor of Control Systems at NTUA, who oversaw the independent testing, said, “We were genuinely surprised by the consistency and magnitude of the mid-range efficiency improvements. The results were not isolated to a single operating point and were observed under multiple control regimes. This is a positive development not just for one sector, but potentially for all industries relying on internal combustion engines, including shipping and maritime transport.”

Rob Mortimer, CEO of Fuelre4m, said, “For decades, the industry has optimised engines around the assumption that fuel behaviour is fixed. These results show that when you improve how fuel behaves, efficiency and emissions improve immediately, using the engines already operating across the UAE today.”

Fuelre4m is expanding controlled in-service validation programmes across the UAE in collaboration with fleet operators, government entities, and industrial partners. These programmes will focus on high-utilisation routes, long-duration performance validation, and quantified emissions reduction under representative operating conditions. Further independent testing using fully instrumented dynamometer facilities is also planned to extend validation into transient operation and regulatory-grade certification environments.