vb

twitteryou tubefacebookfacebookacp

Top Stories

Grid List

ENOC Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Allied Biofuels Holding to evaluate opportunities for the supply and distribution of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and electro-synthetic SAF (e-SAF) across regional and international aviation markets.

The proposed collaboration will focus on fuels expected to be produced at Allied Biofuels’ upcoming integrated production complex in Uzbekistan. Under the agreement, both companies will establish a joint working group to study the commercial and operational viability of creating a long-term supply and distribution framework for the alternative aviation fuels.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts within the aviation sector to reduce carbon emissions through lower-carbon fuel alternatives. SAF is increasingly viewed as one of the most practical short-term options for cutting emissions from air travel, although global supply remains limited compared with rising demand from airlines and regulators.

As part of the assessment process, ENOC and Allied Biofuels will review logistics, certification requirements and distribution channels before determining the potential for a formal long-term supply arrangement once the Uzbekistan facility becomes operational.

Hussain Sultan Lootah, Group CEO of ENOC, said the development of a sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem requires coordination across the entire value chain, including production, transportation, certification and fuel distribution.

He noted that the agreement supports the UAE’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap 2030 and the country’s broader Net Zero 2050 ambitions, while also reinforcing efforts to position the UAE as a leading hub for cleaner aviation solutions.

Allied Biofuels’ facility is being designed to manufacture both SAF and e-SAF, reflecting growing industry interest in multiple pathways for aviation decarbonisation. Electro-synthetic fuels are produced using renewable electricity and captured carbon dioxide, and are considered a potential long-term solution for reducing lifecycle emissions from aviation.

Alfred Benedict, Managing Director of Allied Biofuels Holding, said the agreement with ENOC represents an important step towards creating a scalable and commercially viable supply platform for sustainable aviation fuels.

He added that ENOC’s regional fuel distribution capabilities and aviation sector expertise could help accelerate market access for SAF and e-SAF produced at the Uzbekistan project.

The partnership highlights increasing momentum across the Middle East and wider aviation industry to expand sustainable fuel infrastructure as airlines and governments seek practical pathways towards lower-emission air transport.

Qatar is intensifying efforts to diversify its water sources as concerns over long-term supply security grow, despite its advanced desalination capacity. A new report by Oxford Business Group highlights the increasing need for alternative solutions across the country and the wider MENA region.

Frequently identified by the United Nations as one of the most water-stressed nations globally, Qatar faces a complex challenge: while desalination has enabled reliable supply, it also creates dependency on centralised systems that can be vulnerable to disruption.

The analysis, produced in collaboration with Skydrops Sustainable Water Technologies, explores how decentralised water solutions are gaining traction as a complementary approach. As demand rises alongside population growth and urban expansion, policymakers are increasingly evaluating how distributed systems can strengthen resilience.

The report points to several factors shaping this shift, including fluctuations in energy costs, supply chain pressures and climate-related risks. In addition, heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the region has reinforced concerns around over-reliance on large-scale, centralised infrastructure.

Within this context, technologies such as atmospheric water generation are emerging as viable supplementary sources, particularly in densely populated urban areas where demand is concentrated. These systems can operate independently of traditional networks, offering flexibility and reducing pressure on existing desalination facilities.

The video also highlights the role of digital innovation in transforming water management. Advanced tools, including artificial intelligence-driven optimisation and smart distribution networks, are being deployed to improve efficiency while lowering the carbon footprint associated with water production.

Industry leaders note that while desalination will remain a cornerstone of Qatar’s water strategy, diversification is becoming increasingly important. Decentralised solutions are seen as a way to address distribution challenges and support expanding urban centres without requiring extensive infrastructure buildout.

From a broader regional perspective, water security is now closely linked to economic resilience and sustainable development. Qatar’s evolving approach illustrates how established systems can be enhanced through emerging technologies, creating a more adaptive and balanced model for the future.

As water demand continues to climb across the Gulf, integrating alternative solutions alongside traditional infrastructure is expected to play a critical role in ensuring long-term sustainability.

UAE-based interior fit-out and joinery specialist Abanos has revealed that its use of PSB (Palm Strand Board) across three major projects has resulted in the sequestration of more than one million kg of biogenic carbon and over four million kg of CO2 equivalent (CO2e).

The company said the achievement highlights how material selection within the construction and fit-out sector can play a significant role in reducing embodied carbon emissions and supporting long-term sustainability goals.

Abanos integrated PSB into several large-scale developments delivered for Transemirates Contracting at District One-FZ, using the material across a range of interior applications. The company explained that the carbon remains stored within the built environment rather than being released into the atmosphere through conventional construction processes.

PSB is currently being used in products including fire-rated doors, partitions, flooring systems, vanities, railings and door frames, demonstrating its suitability for commercial-scale applications.

Ravish Kishore, general manager at Abanos, said the industry is increasingly being driven by measurable environmental performance rather than sustainability pledges alone.

“The sector has reached a stage where environmental responsibility can no longer come at the expense of quality or performance,” he said. “By incorporating PSB into these projects, we have demonstrated that it is possible to embed sustainability directly into the material itself while delivering at scale.”

Kishore added that the company’s recent projects alone had enabled the storage of more than four million kg of CO2e within the structures.

“This is not a carbon offset initiative,” he said. “The carbon remains locked within the built environment, contributing to Scope 3 decarbonisation efforts and supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions.”

The projects highlighted by the company include The Edge and The Peninsula developments for Select Group, as well as Kempinski La Reserve for Swiss Properties.

Collectively, the developments accounted for more than 1.1 million kg of biogenic carbon stored within PSB products and over four million kg of CO2e captured through interior fit-out works.

Abanos noted that sustainable materials are becoming increasingly important as the UAE construction industry responds to evolving environmental regulations and green building targets.

Kishore said, “As the UAE accelerates its sustainability agenda, manufacturers and fit-out specialists have a responsibility to rethink how materials are sourced, produced and integrated into projects. Carbon-sequestering materials are quickly becoming an operational necessity rather than a future aspiration.”

Established in 1985, Abanos has expanded from a Sharjah-based manufacturer into a regional fit-out specialist with more than 1,100 employees and over 1,000 completed projects across the Middle East and North Africa.

The company currently operates a 23,775 sq m manufacturing and joinery facility and continues to deliver projects across the residential, hospitality, retail, healthcare and commercial sectors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EMSTEEL Group has introduced ES600, a new high-strength reinforcing steel product designed for demanding construction applications, marking the highest-grade rebar currently manufactured in the UAE.

The launch was unveiled at the company’s “Building the UAE’s Future Together” event held in Dubai on 21 May, where industry stakeholders from engineering, construction and manufacturing sectors gathered to explore how advanced materials are shaping the next phase of urban development across the country.

Developed for use in high-rise structures and large-scale infrastructure works, ES600 has been engineered to deliver enhanced structural performance while reducing overall material usage. The product is aligned with national industrial goals, including the UAE’s broader push towards advanced manufacturing and economic diversification under Operation 300bn.

Certified to meet both local and international standards, the rebar is designed to improve construction efficiency by reducing steel consumption by an estimated 18% to 24%, depending on project design and requirements. This reduction also helps ease logistical pressures by lowering transport volumes and minimising congestion on construction sites.

According to EMSTEEL, the efficiency gains also translate into environmental benefits. The company estimates that for every 10,000 tonnes of ES600 used, around 12,107 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions can be avoided through reduced material production and transportation requirements. In multi-storey buildings, this can equate to approximately one tonne of CO2 savings per floor.

The material is already being deployed across a range of residential towers, mixed-use developments and major infrastructure projects throughout the UAE. Current and secured orders have exceeded 200,000 tonnes, reflecting strong demand from developers involved in large-scale urban expansion projects.

Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer of EMSTEEL, said the introduction of ES600 reflects the UAE’s shift towards higher-value industrial production and more advanced engineering capability within the construction sector.

He noted that the company’s continued investment in innovation is aimed at strengthening local manufacturing capacity while supporting more efficient and resilient building practices. He also highlighted EMSTEEL’s role as a long-term industrial partner contributing to national economic diversification and infrastructure development goals.

Following the completion of its AED 625 million Asset Enhancement Programme, EMSTEEL is set to expand production capacity for ES600 and introduce upgraded processing systems to support higher-strength reinforcement products. The expansion is expected to further enhance operational efficiency and meet growing demand for sustainable construction materials across the region.

UAE's DP World has introduced a new integrated logistics corridor linking Brazil with Africa, aimed at improving trade connectivity between Latin America’s largest economy and rapidly expanding African markets

Named the Brazil-Africa Link, the new service was launched during Intermodal South America 2026 in São Paulo. It offers a fully integrated end-to-end logistics solution connecting export cargo from the Port of Santos to DP World’s operations in Angola and Mozambique, with additional support from its wider logistics network in South Africa.

Developed under a “one-stop shop” model, the corridor combines ocean freight services with inland logistics capabilities, allowing customers to manage their complete supply chain through one provider. The platform provides access to three port terminals, 52 warehouses and a fleet of more than 4,250 vehicles, helping improve efficiency, visibility and reliability across cargo movements.

The service is intended to support major Brazilian export industries such as animal proteins, agricultural commodities and consumer goods. It is designed to help exporters improve transit certainty, lower operational complexity and widen access to African markets.

Fabio Siccherino said, “This Brazil-Africa Link simplifies the journey for Brazilian exporters to a market with enormous growth potential. By integrating the entire logistics chain – from port of origin to final delivery – we reduce complexity, increase predictability, and enable our customers to unlock new business opportunities between Brazil and Africa.”

Mohammed Akoojee said: "The Brazil-Africa Link marks a transformative step in connecting Latin America's largest economy with high-growth markets across Africa. This integrated logistics corridor leverages our investments in port infrastructure, economic free zones, and digital technology across Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa to enable growth, create jobs, and deepen economic partnership between our continents."

Expanding integrated logistics in Brazil

DP World said it is continuing to strengthen its end-to-end logistics presence in Brazil through three strategic areas:

Ports and Terminals: The company operates one of Brazil’s leading multipurpose terminals at the Port of Santos, which serves as the foundation of its local operations and supports increasing container and bulk cargo volumes.

Freight Forwarding: DP World manages six freight forwarding offices across Brazil, providing multimodal transport services covering ocean, air and road freight, alongside warehousing, container freight station (CFS), insurance and customs clearance solutions.

Contract Logistics: The business is also expanding warehousing capacity through multi-client facilities in São Paulo and Espírito Santo, delivering integrated B2B services covering storage, distribution, reverse logistics and value-added solutions.

Strengthening Santos capacity

DP World is also investing further in capacity growth and operational capability at its Santos terminal, reinforcing its status as a strategic South American trade gateway. Following a record 2025, during which the terminal handled 1.3 million TEUs and 5 million tonnes of pulp, the company is advancing investments worth more than R$2 billion (approx. US$400 million).

These upgrades include quay expansion, new equipment, a new berthing pier and the development of a grains and fertilisers terminal in partnership with Rumo, with annual handling capacity of up to 12.5 million tonnes.

A further R$1.6 billion (approx. US$320 million) investment is expected to lift container handling capacity to 1.7 million TEUs by 2026 and 2.1 million TEUs by 2028.

DP World said these investments reinforce the infrastructure supporting the Brazil-Africa Link, connecting expanded Santos port operations with its African logistics network to create more resilient and dependable trade corridors between Brazil and fast-growing African markets.