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In The Spotlight

Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in cooperation with Kalba City Municipality, the four-day event is designed to bridge the gap between historical heritage and contemporary commerce.

Event News

The coastal regions of the United Arab Emirates share a profound and enduring connection with the sea.

For generations, the maritime environment has not merely been a backdrop for daily life; it has served as a primary source of sustenance and commerce. Traditional fishing methods and preservation techniques have long sustained communities along the eastern coastline. As the nation embraces rapid modernisation, there is a growing emphasis on preserving this maritime heritage. By integrating indigenous culinary practices into modern economic frameworks, authorities aim to support cultural tourism and empower home-based enterprises.

At the forefront of this cultural preservation is the newly announced Jashe and Sahnah Festival. Scheduled for 24 to 27 September in Kalba, the inaugural event places the spotlight firmly on the coastal food industries defining the region. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in cooperation with Kalba City Municipality, the four-day event is designed to bridge the gap between historical heritage and contemporary commerce.

The Culinary Staples of the East Coast

The festival takes its name from two highly revered traditional Emirati seafood products. Jashe refers to a traditional sun-dried fish product, which has historically allowed coastal families to preserve their catch long before the advent of modern refrigeration. Sahnah, on the other hand, is a distinctive fermented fish condiment—often ground into a flavourful powder—prepared using dried fish mixed with a unique blend of traditional spices.

Visitors attending the festival will be immersed in the historical processes behind these staples. Demonstrations will showcase the intricate techniques involved in catching and drying Al Ouma fish, alongside the careful preparation required to create authentic Sahnah. This hands-on approach offers both residents and international tourists an opportunity to sample Jashe varieties and Sahnah powders crafted from long-standing family recipes.

Driving Local Commerce and Tourism

While the festival is a vibrant celebration of culture, its underlying purpose is deeply rooted in local economic development. By providing a dedicated platform for small businesses, the event seeks to commercialise ancestral knowledge and elevate regional trades.

Mohammad Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, emphasised the strategic vision behind the event, stating that "the Jashe and Sahnah Festival is SCCI's latest economic and heritage initiative, supporting its efforts to promote the coastal food industries deeply rooted in the heritage and collective memory of Eastern Region communities." He further highlighted that the gathering showcases the potential to transform age-old customs into value-added economic products, reinforcing the value of sea resources.

Local leadership is equally committed to the event’s success. Dr Ahmed Al Mazrouei, Director of Kalba City Municipality, noted that "preparations for the Jashe and Sahnah Festival are progressing in line with the highest quality standards, in collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber and participating partners, to deliver an inaugural edition befitting Kalba's standing and stature."

He underscored the tourism appeal, explaining that "the festival will serve as a family and tourism destination, drawing visitors from across the UAE and international tourists while supporting greater community engagement and local economic activity."

Festival Programme and Key Participants

To ensure a comprehensive experience, the event will feature broad participation from fish-processing factories, specialised fishing-supplies companies, and productive families. Held with Sharqiya Kalba TV, the festival is supported by six government and community entities:

  • Sharjah Fish Resources Authority

  • Sharjah Museums Authority

  • Sharjah International Marine Sports Club

  • Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA)

  • Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH)

  • Kalba Cooperative Society for Fishermen

What Visitors Can Expect

The dynamic programme offers something for everyone. Beyond the marketplace, the festival will host competitions, educational workshops, and awareness sessions focused heavily on marine sustainability and responsible fishing practices. For those interested in industry evolution, dedicated displays will exhibit cutting-edge fishing technologies, vessels, and marine accessories, demonstrating how the sector has advanced whilst retaining traditional roots.

By establishing a vibrant marketplace, organisers are empowering local artisans and fishermen to reach a wider demographic. This direct-to-consumer approach boosts household incomes for productive families whilst fostering deeper appreciation amongst the younger generation for their ancestral trades. Ultimately, the inaugural festival stands as a testament to marine sustainability, ensuring the UAE's maritime heritage continues to thrive, educate, and inspire within the modern economy.

SAS, working alongside research analysts from IDC, recently published the second annual Data and AI Impact Report: The New Economics of Trust to explore this phenomenon.

Information Technology

SAS, working alongside research analysts from IDC, recently published the second annual Data and AI Impact Report: The New Economics of Trust to explore this phenomenon.

The research team surveyed 2,699 decision-makers across 28 distinct countries, focusing specifically on highly regulated sectors like banking, insurance, life sciences, and the public sector. These comprehensive findings confirm that ethical and transparent technological practices function as primary economic drivers rather than mere regulatory compliance exercises.

The Widening Profitability Gap

Financial metrics reveal a stark contrast between enterprises prioritising governance and those neglecting these crucial frameworks. The comprehensive report highlights a rapidly expanding return on investment (ROI) divide across the current global market.

Several key statistics illustrate this disparity vividly:

  • Enterprises actively investing in trustworthy AI measures are 15 times more likely to report strong or high ROI on their specific projects.

  • Exactly 62% of these mature organisations achieve strong returns, compared to just 4% among less prepared industry peers.

  • Market leaders realise 1.85 times greater gains across 13 distinct business outcomes, spanning vital areas like revenue growth, cost savings, and customer experience enhancements.

  • Recognising this distinct advantage, 85% of leaders are increasing their investment in trustworthy practices by more than 10% this calendar year.

Organisations capturing the most immense value are not necessarily acquiring vastly different software tools. They are instead managing their technological assets through a fundamentally different, trust-centric lens.

The Explainability Crisis

Sophisticated technical capabilities mean very little if human operators refuse to trust the final output. The extensive study uncovered a significant operational friction point regarding workforce adoption. A staggering 97.2% of users routinely override AI-generated recommendations in at least some specific instances.

The primary catalyst for human intervention relates directly to systemic explainability. Employees are consistently hesitant to rely on automated systems that cannot articulate the rationale behind a specific decision or recommendation. Artificial intelligence that lacks the capacity to explain its own internal logic becomes a major business liability, especially within high-stakes environments like healthcare diagnostics or financial risk assessment.

Bridging the widening gap between human expertise and machine intelligence is therefore absolutely critical. Bryan Harris, CTO at SAS, addressed this operational necessity very clearly.

"When AI works, it's incredibly impactful," Harris stated. He added that "in order to achieve accuracy and repeatability, organizations must embed domain expertise into agentic workflows, while keeping people at the center of governance and oversight." Harris concluded that "organizations that do this successfully will close the trust gap and gain a competitive advantage in the market with AI."

Core Pillars of Reliable Systems

Researchers evaluated each surveyed enterprise across five strict criteria to benchmark maturity levels accurately. Systems must excel across multiple distinct dimensions to be considered truly reliable and secure by the workforce.

The five core pillars include:

  • Data quality and governance: Guaranteeing the foundational information feeding the complex models remains accurate, unbiased, and secure.

  • Model governance and oversight: Implementing continuous human-in-the-loop supervision over all active algorithms.

  • Explainability and fairness: Demystifying complex automated decision-making processes so end users understand the underlying logic completely.

  • Responsible AI policy: Creating and enforcing comprehensive ethical guidelines that dictate enterprise usage.

  • Audit and accountability: Establishing clear, predetermined chains of responsibility to ensure strict regulatory compliance at all times.

The Data Foundation Imperative

Trustworthy machine learning cannot function without a highly optimised data infrastructure. Most organisations currently lack the robust data foundation required to make their initiatives trustworthy and ultimately profitable. The research indicates that only a comparatively small market segment currently possesses the necessary maturity to scale these technologies successfully.

Enterprises operating with an optimised data foundation hold a massive competitive advantage. They are four times more likely to expect strong financial returns from their automated projects. These same progressive companies are six times more likely to mandate the strict data quality controls necessary to build lasting trust across the workforce.

Robust oversight and explainability are no longer optional additions to a corporate technology stack. Strong data foundations and accountability measures function as absolute prerequisites for scaling modern automated solutions. Companies that recognise and successfully implement these vital safeguards will undoubtedly secure the greatest long-term commercial success in the coming decade.

The project was inaugurated by H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros.

Renewables

Island nations across the globe face unique vulnerabilities when powering their economies, often relying heavily on imported fossil fuels that expose them to severe price volatility and supply chain disruptions.

Transitioning toward sustainable energy infrastructure has become an urgent priority for island archipelagos seeking true energy independence and climate resilience. In a landmark development for regional sustainability, the Union of the Comoros has officially inaugurated three major UAE-financed solar power plants, marking a transformative milestone for the nation's electricity grid and long-term socioeconomic progress.

The high-profile inauguration was led by H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros, alongside high-ranking officials from both nations. The comprehensive initiative reflects the UAE's longstanding commitment to supporting a more sustainable future and expanding the deployment of renewable energy solutions globally, showcasing how clean energy expertise can strengthen international energy security.

The ambitious project was financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), implemented by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar), and managed by Global South Utilities (GSU). By uniting these key entities, the project successfully bridges international development finance with cutting-edge technical execution to deliver tangible benefits to local communities.

Project Specifications and Technical Figures

The infrastructure initiative represents an investment of approximately AED 84.4 million, deploying advanced solar photovoltaic technology across the archipelago's main islands. Key project details include:

  • Total Installed Capacity: Approximately 20 MW distributed across three primary solar photovoltaic facilities.

  • Island Breakdown: 12.86 MW located on Grande Comore, 4.05 MW on Anjouan, and 3.1 MW on Mohéli.

  • Energy Storage Systems: 16 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage capacity with an 8 MW power output across Grande Comore and Anjouan.

  • Grid Integration: Approximately 30 kilometres of 20-kilovolt (kV) medium-voltage overhead transmission lines.

  • Annual Clean Energy Generation: Estimated at approximately 33.75 GWh annually.

  • Household Reach: Clean electricity sufficient to meet the energy needs of around 17,500 households.

  • Environmental Impact: Avoidance of approximately 20,900 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

Overcoming Severe Energy Deficits

This new solar capacity arrives at a critical juncture for the Comorian electricity sector, which has historically struggled with acute structural challenges and a heavy reliance on imported diesel. During 2024, imported diesel accounted for an overwhelming 91% of the country's total energy mix. At the same time, national electricity demand reached 254 GWh against an actual generation output of only 150 GWh, resulting in roughly 3,000 power outages throughout the year.

The newly commissioned solar generation is expected to account for approximately 13.3% of total electricity demand and 22.5% of actual generation recorded in 2024. By diversifying the national energy mix, the initiative directly reduces exposure to imported fuel fluctuations and enhances system reliability.

Commenting on the milestone, H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros, stated: "I extend my sincere appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his continued support in advancing our development priorities and strengthening the partnership between our two countries, guided by a oving the reliability of electricity that businesses, public services and communities depend o

With robust battery storage and enhanced grid infrastructure, the Comoros is laying a firm foundation for a cleaner, more resilient economic future.

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Grid List

Energy

The world’s largest integrated off-grid utilities system has entered commercial operation at The Red Sea destination in Saudi Arabia.

Power Generation

The evolution of sustainable infrastructure has reached a defining milestone, proving that mega-scale developments can operate entirely independently of conventional national grids.

The world’s largest integrated off-grid utilities system has entered commercial operation at The Red Sea destination in Saudi Arabia. The milestone follows the signing of the Project Commercial Operation Date (PCOD) between Marafiq Red Sea for Energy Company – an Acwa-led consortium with SPIC Huanghe Hydropower and Saudi Tabreed – and The Red Sea Utilities Company, a subsidiary of Red Sea Global.

Marking the official commencement of a 25-year concession, the agreement confirms that all primary utility networks across the luxury destination are in active commercial service. This represents the first time a giga-project in the Kingdom has brought its entire utilities infrastructure online powered exclusively by renewable energy, without reliance on or support from the national grid. The system now supplies operational hotels, community facilities, the staff village, logistics networks, an electric fleet, and the Red Sea International Airport.

World-Record Solar and Storage Capacity

Continuous energy delivery across the coastal destination is underpinned by a massive standalone generation and storage network. The setup pairs a 340 MWac solar photovoltaic plant with a 1,227 MWh battery energy storage system – the largest off-grid battery installation constructed anywhere in the world. Delivering up to 760,000 MWh of clean electricity annually, the system prevents roughly 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year at full capacity. Furthermore, the infrastructure is designed to scale dynamically alongside the destination as future hospitality phases open.

Highlighting the importance of this milestone, Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of Acwa, stated: “The Red Sea project embodies the ambition of Saudi Vision 2030 and the vision of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to deliver pioneering projects that redefine modern infrastructure and reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a global leader. As the world’s largest integrated off-grid utilities system, and the first of its kind at this scale, the project sets a new global benchmark for sustainable development.”

Comprehensive Multi-Utility Network

The concession spans five interconnected utility sectors delivered as a single cohesive platform:

  • Potable water production across three seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plants.
  • A municipal sewage treatment plant treating 16,000 cubic metres of wastewater daily to create wetland habitats and irrigate the RSG nursery and Shura Links golf course.
  • A centralised waste management centre dedicated to resource recovery and responsible material processing.
  • An energy-efficient district cooling infrastructure delivering 32,500 refrigeration tons (RT) to hospitality venues and airport facilities.
  • Full charging and support networks for land- and sea-based electric vehicle logistics fleets.

Funded through approximately USD 1.33 billion in senior debt within a total investment of c. USD 1.84 billion, the development demonstrates landmark bankability for pioneer off-grid infrastructure. Engineering, procurement, and construction were completed by EPC contractor SEPCO III (the Shandong Tiejun consortium), achieving 30 million lost-time-injury-free hours in a complex coastal setting. Acwa Operations will manage operations and maintenance over the 25-year concession.

Ecological Protection and Local Industry

Developing utility infrastructure within pristine coastal and marine ecosystems required strict environmental safeguards. All utility packages underwent comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) processes, securing permits from the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC), with Marafiq executing ongoing monitoring to protect terrestrial and reef habitats.

Emphasising the environmental philosophy of the project, John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global, said: “This milestone brings our vision for a new model of regenerative tourism to life at full scale. By operating without a connection to the national grid and powering the destination entirely through renewable energy, we are demonstrating how sustainable infrastructure can support tourism that gives back to the natural environment and communities on which it depends.”

Local content was prioritised throughout construction and continues in operations. Materials were sourced from domestic suppliers wherever viable, with Saudi engineers working across all technical packages. Over the 25-year concession, the partnership will expand domestic expertise and build a resilient local supply chain aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

Volvo Penta has stepped forward with a flexible approach. At IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, Germany, the organisation is demonstrating how mobile battery energy storage can bridge this widening gap.

The project was inaugurated by H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros.

Water

The Jordanian Cabinet, during a high-level session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Monday, officially approved a crucial financing agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD).

Water

The Jordanian Cabinet, during a high-level session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Monday, officially approved a crucial financing agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD).

This strategic partnership is designed to help finance the ambitious National Water Carrier Project, featuring an initial financial contribution of US$97mn. This monetary injection comes as the government actively moves to complete the mega-project’s financial closure and begin implementation. According to a formal Prime Ministry statement, this approval marks another monumental step towards advancing the Kingdom’s largest water infrastructure project, which is expected to cost approximately US$5.8bn in total.

The foundational groundwork for this colossal undertaking was solidified earlier in the year. The government signed the project’s final technical and legal agreement in April, successfully paving the way for the completion of financing arrangements and the start of construction works. The National Water Carrier Project is considered the very first project of its immense scale in Jordan’s history. It operates as a structured Public-Private Partnership, driven by a special purpose vehicle known as the National Carrier Project Company. This consortium is spearheaded by major international stakeholders, with Meridiam holding a 90 per cent stake and Suez holding the remaining 10 per cent.

Engineering the Future of Water Supply

From an engineering perspective, the sheer scale of the operation is absolutely unprecedented for the nation. The core infrastructure will involve the large-scale desalination of 300 million cubic metres of seawater annually, drawn directly from the Red Sea near Aqaba. Transporting this vital volume of water requires a remarkable feat of engineering. The comprehensive plans detail the construction of robust pumping systems capable of transporting water to staggering elevations of up to 1,100 metres above sea level. This is supported by a pipeline network extending approximately 450 kilometres to deliver potable water directly to Amman and surrounding areas.

Crucially, the project will rely heavily on renewable energy and advanced environmentally friendly technologies to actively offset the immense power demands typically associated with desalination. Upon its completion, the network is expected to reliably meet around 40 per cent of Jordan’s total drinking water needs. This represents a major, transformational boost to the country’s long-term water security efforts, helping to alleviate extreme stress on over-extracted groundwater resources in one of the world’s most highly water-scarce regions.

Modernising the Natural Resources Sector

Beyond the focus on national water security, the Cabinet session also yielded significant legislative developments. The Cabinet approved the validating reasons for the 2026 amendments to the Natural Resources Law, which will now be referred to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau for rigorous review and the completion of legal procedures. The proposed amendments are part of intensive efforts to modernise domestic investment legislation and create a significantly more attractive environment for investors within the natural resources sector, the Prime Ministry statement detailed.

These strategic legal updates are perfectly aligned with Jordan’s overarching Economic Modernisation Vision, an ambitious national blueprint which explicitly identifies mining as a key driver of “high-value industries.” The statement confirmed that the newly drafted legislation was developed following extensive consultations with public and private sector partners, aiming to bring Jordan’s regulatory framework perfectly in line with the best international practices. Under the draft law, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources would continue to seamlessly oversee policy development for the sector.

To further stimulate economic growth, the amendments are carefully designed to encourage robust investment in petroleum, natural gas, oil shale, and critical minerals. This will be achieved by allowing investors the flexibility to enter into production-sharing agreements or mining agreements immediately once the economic feasibility of their projects has been established, according to the statement. The proposed changes would also expand investment incentives, including specific exemptions aimed at encouraging exploration activities, while drastically simplifying procedures for allocating land for natural resource projects. Finally, the legislation proposes the establishment of an exploration and community development support fund. This initiative would powerfully support mineral exploration projects across Jordan, help update essential geological and petroleum data maintained by the ministry, and directly contribute to local communities graciously hosting mining, petroleum, and oil shale operations.

EMFIS® is expanding its methodology across EYWA Way of Water.

SEWA is constructing two state-of-the-art water reservoirs in the coastal city of Khorfakkan.

Construction

Object 1 has officially launched SkyLife 1 (also known as SkyLevel 1), a versatile 35-storey residential tower situated in District 11 of the Jumeirah Village Circle area.

Construction

Dubai’s mid-market residential sector continues to experience remarkable momentum, driven by high rental yields, sustained urban expansion, and an increasing appetite for technology-enabled living spaces.

Capitalising on this sustained growth, property developer Object1 has officially launched SkyLife 1 (also known as SkyLevel 1), a versatile 35-storey residential tower situated in District 11 of the Jumeirah Village Circle area. Scheduled for handover in the second quarter of 2029, the development brings a sophisticated blend of contemporary architecture, forward-looking amenities, and intelligent living solutions to one of the emirate's most active residential districts.

Architectural Profile and Key Project Features

SkyLevel 1 draws direct architectural inspiration from the concepts of modern urban living and elevated sky-centric designs. The high-rise project introduces a distinct visual identity to Object 1’s expanding development portfolio within Jumeirah Village Circle. Across its 35 levels, the scheme is engineered to balance functional residential spaces with commercial and recreational infrastructure.

Key details of the development include:

  • Residential Inventory: 420 contemporary single-bedroom apartments engineered for modern urban living.

  • Structural Scale: A 35-storey tower featuring residential units, commercial office space, retail units, and dedicated parking facilities.

  • Rooftop Facilities: An expansive upper rooftop platform housing leisure amenities and panoramic observation spaces.

  • Target Delivery: Full project completion scheduled for the second quarter of 2029.

Connectivity and Jumeirah Village Circle Growth

Positioned in District 11, SkyLevel 1 benefits from rapid connectivity to Dubai’s premier commercial, educational, and leisure hubs. The project sits just two minutes from Circle Mall, with straightforward access to major destinations such as Dubai Hills Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Palm Jumeirah.

The surrounding area has witnessed significant accessibility enhancements following the completion of the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) major road development corridor between Sheikh Zayed Road and surrounding arterial highways. This infrastructure upgrade has effectively doubled bidirectional road capacity and slashed transit times to approximately four minutes.

According to the Dubai Rental Market Report 2025 by Homes, Jumeirah Village Circle remains among the most stable and sought-after locations for medium-cost apartments, having recorded an annual average rental price increase of 8.59% compared to 2024. This consistent performance continues to draw robust interest from both institutional investors and end-users seeking family-friendly community infrastructure and reliable capital growth.

Strong Market Dynamics and Leadership Insights

The official introduction of SkyLevel 1 aligns with an unprecedented surge across Dubai’s wider property sector. During the first quarter of 2026, the emirate recorded AED 252 billion in real estate transactions, marking an impressive 31% expansion compared to the same period in 2025.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the launch, Tatiana Tono, CEO of Object 1, stated:

“The SkyLevel 1 project marks our first new launch in 2026, and we continue to work on it with the same disciplined approach we have taken to deliveries and completion this year. In the first half of the year, two of our projects received certificates of completion of construction, while several others are preparing for delivery. These achievements reinforce our confidence in further expanding into the circular village of Jumeirah, an area where accessibility, strong rental demand and long-term value support end users continues."

Next-Generation Digital Amenities and Wellness

Setting a modern benchmark for residential technology, SkyLevel 1 incorporates artificial intelligence and smart living solutions throughout its communal and private spaces. The rooftop platform features the Sky Infinity Pool, sun-lounging areas, and a dedicated Sky observation platform equipped with digital telescopes for real-time observation of stars, planets, and satellites.

Residents will also have access to an AI-supported smart wellness zone featuring interactive smart mirrors that provide real-time movement analysis, posture correction, and tailored workout guidance. For families, the development includes interactive spaces such as a digital colouring wall that transforms children's drawings into dynamic digital experiences, alongside comprehensive smart access systems designed for modern security and convenience.

With handover slated for 2029, SkyLevel 1 underpins Object 1’s strategy of addressing future urban living demands through technologically sophisticated, investor-friendly residential developments in high-performing Dubai submarkets.

Chinese engineering and construction firm SEPCOIII has officially announced the full commercial operation of the Saudi Red Sea Utility Infrastructure Project.

ICC is set to participate as an exhibitor at the highly anticipated Big 5 Construct Saudi 2026.

Mining

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has launched a public investment opportunity encompassing two highly anticipated limestone mining sites in Salalah.

Mining

The Sultanate of Oman is taking a decisive step towards bolstering its domestic construction industry and diversifying its economy.

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has launched a public investment opportunity encompassing two highly anticipated limestone mining sites in Salalah. This strategic move invites qualified Omani companies to bid for the extraction projects, representing a core component of efforts to support the robust development of the nation's mining sector whilst strengthening local production of essential construction materials.

According to a recent ministry announcement, the application window for these locations remains open for three months, commencing on the 19th of July and concluding on the 18th of October 2026. Interested enterprises must submit proposals through the government’s Taqa digital platform. The opportunity explicitly covers two designated limestone mining sites situated within the Public Mining Area in Salalah, a region renowned for rich geological reserves.

Empowering Local Enterprises

A notable characteristic of this public tender is its strict exclusivity. The ministry has stated categorically that the bidding process is open solely to Omani companies and institutions. Furthermore, these entities must possess demonstrable, proven experience in managing mining projects and related operational activities.

This crucial requirement underscores the government's strategic focus on increasing local participation within the lucrative mining sector. By mandating a baseline of technical capability among successful bidders, the ministry ensures the nation’s natural resources are managed by competent domestic operators committed to long-term sustainable extraction.

Securing Domestic Supply Chains

Perhaps the most defining parameter of this new investment opportunity is the strict regulation regarding the destination of extracted minerals. Under the published terms, all limestone production from these two Salalah sites will be entirely restricted to domestic use, with exports strictly not permitted.

This condition is deliberately aimed at supporting the local building materials industry by guaranteeing a stable supply of raw materials for the domestic market. Limestone stands as one of Oman's most abundant mineral resources, serving as an indispensable raw material for cement, construction aggregates, and other building products. Driven by ongoing infrastructure projects, industrial developments, and rapid urban expansion across the Sultanate of Oman, domestic demand for high-quality construction materials is expected to remain exceptionally strong.

Fostering Fair Competition

To ensure equitable resource distribution, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals has implemented stringent regulatory measures regarding site allocation. While companies are encouraged to submit competitive bids for both mining locations, the ministry has firmly mandated that no single company will be awarded more than one site.

Crucially, this restriction also extends to companies owned by the same shareholders. If cross-ownership exceeds the threshold of 30 per cent in relation to the same site, the entities will be subject to the one-site limitation. This measure is intended to promote significantly wider participation, foster healthy competition within the local industry, and prevent the consolidation of essential resource rights into the hands of a few operators.

Advancing Oman Vision 2040

This mineral offering forms an integral part of Oman's broader macroeconomic strategy to develop its mining sector. Mining is identified as a priority industry under the Oman Vision 2040 framework, which seeks to rapidly diversify the national economy beyond hydrocarbons. To actualise this vision, Oman has steadily expanded investment opportunities across various mineral resources. This expansion is heavily supported by geological surveys, regulatory reforms, and efficient digital licensing services designed to attract private-sector investment.

The ministry has increasingly utilised competitive public tenders and digital platforms to allocate mining concessions. This approach achieves greater transparency and operational efficiency whilst encouraging responsible resource development. These proactive measures guarantee that Oman's natural wealth is harvested efficiently and managed in a way that provides maximum benefit to the national economy over the long term.

Interested organisations must act promptly, as applications are required to be submitted electronically via the Taqa e-mining platform before the application period expires. Successful bidders will be legally expected to develop the Salalah sites in strict accordance with technical and regulatory requirements, fulfilling their mandate of supplying limestone exclusively to the domestic market.

Aramco and Ma’aden have officially signed a shareholders’ agreement to establish a joint venture aimed at unlocking significant new frontiers for mineral exploration and hard-rock mining across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Egypt and Jordan have formally agreed to significantly deepen their strategic partnership across the energy and mining sectors.

Manufacturing

One of the greatest strengths of ProjectVIEW AI is that it does not require external data to be perfectly sanitised before becoming valuable.

Innovations

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the engineering, construction, infrastructure, mining, marine, offshore, and industrial sectors.

Organisations are investing heavily in AI assistants, large language models, analytics platforms, and intelligent search technologies to unlock insights hidden within their data. Yet despite these investments, one question remains largely unanswered: how does AI know what is true?

Every project-driven organisation generates enormous amounts of information every day. ERP systems, Primavera P6 schedules, building information modelling applications, procurement platforms, spreadsheets, IoT devices, and countless third-party applications all contribute valuable information. The challenge is not a lack of data. The challenge is that every source tells only part of the story.

Without an authoritative business reference, AI simply becomes exceptionally good at recognising statistical patterns across disconnected information. It may summarise documents, identify similarities, and answer questions, but it cannot reliably determine which information reflects the operational reality of the business. That distinction separates informative AI from enterprise-grade decision intelligence.

The Enterprise Knowledge Problem

Digital transformation has produced an unexpected side effect. Organisations have accumulated decades of valuable business knowledge that now resides across hundreds of disconnected systems. Consider a typical contractor or EPC organisation. Critical information exists simultaneously across ProjectVIEW ERP, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Excel workbooks, procurement portals, finance systems, legacy applications, document management systems, engineering calculations, equipment telemetry, and supplier correspondence.

While every repository contains useful information, none independently describes the complete business reality. The traditional response has been to spend months—or even years—trying to sanitise, standardise, migrate, and consolidate every dataset into a single repository before AI initiatives can begin. Unfortunately, by the time that effort is complete, the business has already changed.

The Missing Piece in Enterprise AI

Most AI platforms treat every data source equally. ProjectVIEW AI does not. At the heart of the platform lies ProjectVIEW ERP, which serves as the deterministic operational model of the enterprise. It defines the verified relationships between bills of quantities, work breakdown structures, cost codes, resources, procurement, contracts, variations, progress, payroll, cash flow, and project controls.

These relationships are not inferred by AI; they are established through the organisation’s operational processes and business rules. ProjectVIEW ERP therefore becomes far more than a standard software system. It becomes the organisation’s Enterprise Knowledge Foundation.

Deterministic AI: From Prediction to Understanding

Most AI solutions begin by asking: “What does the data probably mean?”

ProjectVIEW AI asks a fundamentally different question: “How does this information relate to the verified operational model of the organization?”

That difference changes everything. Instead of relying solely on probabilities, ProjectVIEW AI evaluates every new piece of information against an established framework of enterprise knowledge. It understands business context before generating conclusions. The deterministic layer does not replace AI; it gives AI something reliable to reason with.

Nothing Is Wasted

One of the greatest strengths of ProjectVIEW AI is that it does not require external data to be perfectly sanitised before becoming valuable. ProjectVIEW AI follows a different philosophy: nothing is wasted. Because the ERP provides a deterministic knowledge reference, the AI can interpret imperfect, incomplete, or externally generated information within the proper operational context.

A spreadsheet containing quantities immediately becomes associated with relevant items. A supplier email becomes evidence supporting procurement status, delivery risks, or potential claims. Publicly available information is evaluated against active projects to identify opportunities and risks. Instead of discarding unsanitised information, ProjectVIEW AI contextualises it, building a continuously expanding organisational memory.

From System Integration to Cognitive Integration

For years, enterprise software focused on system integration, moving information between applications. ProjectVIEW AI focuses on cognitive integration, explaining what that information means to the business. Imagine asking:

  • “Which delayed purchase orders will impact next month’s critical path?”

  • “Which subcontractors present the highest contractual risk?”

  • “Which projects are likely to experience margin erosion?”

  • “Which variations have sufficient technical, contractual, and financial evidence to support a claim?”

  • “How will current procurement delays affect forecast cash flow?”

These are not document searches. They are business reasoning exercises. Large language models understand language but not the operational logic of an EPC organisation. ProjectVIEW AI builds upon the organisation's established knowledge anchor. The best AI doesn’t just generate answers; it understands your business before it answers.

SOKOYO, a prominent manufacturer that has been at the forefront of the solar street lighting sector since its inception in 2008.

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.

Logistics

The event will take place from 8–10 September 2026 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center.

Logistics

Saudi Arabia continues to cement its reputation as a resilient and pivotal node in international supply chains. Driven by the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030, the nation actively safeguards critical trade routes and ensures the smooth flow of goods. This strategic integration with regional markets sets the stage for a significant industry gathering.

Reflecting this evolution, the third Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Expo returns to the capital. The event will take place from 8–10 September 2026 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center. Held under the patronage of His Excellency Minister of Transport & Logistic Services, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, the three-day exhibition will unite government entities, leading suppliers, and key decision-makers to explore partnerships and technologies that support the expanding supply chain ecosystem.

Navigating Unprecedented E-commerce Expansion

The rapid surge in digital commerce is fundamentally transforming supply chain requirements across the Kingdom. As consumer behaviour shifts, there is a mounting demand for faster, more efficient order fulfilment and sophisticated last-mile delivery solutions. Market projections suggest that Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce logistics sector is on track to double in size by 2027, underscoring the industry's phenomenal momentum.

To accommodate this growth, the nation is building a robust infrastructure. Currently, 25 logistics hubs are operational, forming a significant portion of a planned nationwide network of 42 hubs developed in partnership with the private sector.

Reflecting on this transformation, Muhammed Kazi, Senior Vice President at dmg events, the event organiser, stated: “Saudi Arabia's logistics sector is continuously evolving as investment, digitalization and changing customer expectations refine supply chain demands across the Kingdom. Businesses are looking for practical solutions that improve efficiency, strengthen resilience and support long-term growth.”

He elaborated on the exhibition's role, noting: “Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Expo has become an established meeting place for the industry, bringing together the organizations, technologies and expertise supporting the next phase of the Kingdom's logistics development.”

Showcasing Innovations Across the Supply Chain

To equip businesses for future challenges, the exhibition floor will serve as a comprehensive showcase of modern logistics capabilities. Visitors will have the distinct opportunity to connect with industry peers, source new products, and observe cutting-edge solutions designed to optimise operational performance.

Key areas of focus at the event will include:

  • Advanced cargo handling and sophisticated cold chain management systems

  • Streamlined cross-docking and transloading operations

  • Comprehensive freight forwarding and multimodal transport options

  • Optimised ports, terminal services, and third-party logistics

  • Innovative order fulfilment and expedited last-mile delivery mechanisms

An impressive line-up of leading industry players will be exhibiting their latest offerings. Attendees can expect to see major brands such as SAL Logistics, MS Logistics, Al Dress, Swisslog, SSI Schafer, JAL, Ajlan, Kardex, and Sadr Logistics demonstrating their expertise on the showroom floor.

Strategic Summit and Commercial Fleet Solutions

Running alongside the main exhibition, the Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Summit will offer an accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme. Designed for policymakers, supply chain professionals, and industry leaders, the summit aims to address critical priorities influencing the sector and bolster the Kingdom’s performance in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI). Key agenda topics encompass artificial intelligence, advanced automation, supply chain resilience, cross-sector collaboration, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

Furthermore, a dedicated Commercial Vehicles Zone will highlight transport and fleet solutions tailored to the Kingdom’s lucrative $6.7 billion commercial vehicle market. This specialised area will gather prominent automotive and heavy machinery brands such as GCC Olyan, F4S Shacman, Almajdouie, Hala Auto, and Alkhorayef Sany.

Looking ahead to the upcoming event, Kazi commented: “As the sector continues to expand, Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Expo offers an opportunity for businesses to build new partnerships, exchange knowledge and connect with the decision-makers driving the logistics industry in Saudi Arabia forward. We look forward to welcoming the industry back to Riyadh this September.”

The exhibition is open exclusively to trade professionals over the age of 18, with complimentary visitor registration currently available through the official event website.

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