In The Spotlight
The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) is set to participate in the inaugural Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference (GRTIEC), which will be held from 8-10 October at ADNEC.
The event, themed "Setting Transport Infrastructure and Global Connectivity in Motion," will feature over 150 international speakers and 100 exhibitors from around the world.
Organised by Etihad Rail in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, ADNEC, and DMG Events, SAIF Zone will use the platform to showcase Sharjah’s expanding growth opportunities, emphasising the emirate’s access to global markets, competitive services, and cutting-edge infrastructure that make it an attractive hub for business and investment.
Its strategic proximity to Sharjah International Airport and seaports strengthens its appeal as a top destination for global enterprises.
Serving the region
During the exhibition, SAIF Zone will highlight its logistics solutions, supporting the sector with advanced infrastructure, digital services, and streamlined communication systems, all designed to facilitate the smooth movement of goods. These services, coupled with the zone’s closeness to Sharjah International Airport, position it as a key player in reaching competitive markets in the Middle East and North Africa.
HE Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, director of SAIF Zone, stated that their participation in GRTIEC aligns with the UAE's vision of becoming a global hub for trade and business. "We will showcase our capabilities and services, which play a vital role in attracting investments and fostering economic growth in both Sharjah and the UAE," said Al Mazrouei. He further explained that the event provides an opportunity to engage with decision-makers in transportation and infrastructure sectors and introduce them to the promising prospects offered by the free zone.
Al Mazrouei added, “We are proud to be part of this global event, where we aim to reinforce SAIF Zone’s position as a preferred investment destination by presenting the unique advantages it offers to businesses seeking an integrated environment for growth.” He emphasised that the exhibition offers an ideal platform to connect with international investors and explore partnerships in key sectors such as assembly, logistics, trade, and light industry.
Trascent, a global provider of facilities management advisory services, has partnered with Gulaid Holding, a key investor in Saudi Arabia's facilities management sector, to launch Trascent Arabia.
This joint venture aims to enhance the Kingdom’s FM industry with innovative services aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, transforming FM service delivery across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.
Trascent, known for its expertise in structuring best-in-class FM services, brings its global experience, while Gulaid Holding adds 15 years of local market knowledge. Together, Trascent Arabia will improve FM service quality and efficiency by introducing best practices in contract management and service delivery.
Rakesh Kishan, CEO of Trascent Arabia and managing principal of Trascent, said, “Trascent Arabia will bring market-leading expertise in advanced contracting models for facilities management at a time where clients are seeking better and more innovative solutions in FM. By combining Gulaid’s deep local knowledge with Trascent’s market leading capabilities, we are positioned to deliver world-class services that support the increasing demands of facilities management in Saudi Arabia. As the Kingdom invests heavily in new cities, infrastructure, entertainment, and other investments, our services will enable clients to achieve FM excellence for residents, tourists, and businesses alike.”
Aiding major projects
A report by Fortune Business Insights forecasts Saudi Arabia’s FM sector to reach US$56bn by 2032, with a growth rate of 10.3% from 2023. As the Kingdom undergoes its Vision 2030 transformation, the FM industry will need to evolve towards more advanced, customer-focused solutions. Trascent Arabia aims to help clients transition by supporting key national projects such as NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project.
Naser Gulaid, executive chairman of Gulaid Holding, stated, "For the past 15 years, Gulaid Holding has been a leading investor in Saudi Arabia’s FM industry. With Vision 2030 raising the bar for excellence, Trascent Arabia will help to bridge the gap between current market capabilities and future demands. Our services will not only enhance operational efficiencies but also introduce technology-driven FM strategies that focus on customer experience, sustainability, and efficiency, perfectly aligning with the Kingdom’s vision for growth. Our clients want innovative, experience-led services, and that’s exactly what Trascent Arabia is bringing to the table.”
Trascent Arabia will focus on three core service areas: management consulting, advising clients on structuring FM contracts and best practices; contract execution and management, ensuring compliance across FM contracts; and program management, overseeing key client initiatives such as energy efficiency and sustainability projects.
Emerson has inaugurated a new manufacturing and innovation hub at King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) as part of its expansion in the Middle East
The 140,000-square-foot facility consolidates automation technologies such as control systems, valves, and industrial lighting under one roof.
"This new facility reinforces Emerson’s position as a key player in the industrial sector in the Kingdom and contributes to Saudi Arabia’s long-term Vision 2030 of strengthening local talent, boosting supply chain localisation and advancing sustainable growth," said Mathias Schinzel, president of Emerson Middle East and Africa.
As part of its net-zero emission goals, the facility incorporates energy-efficient technologies, including rooftop solar power, compressed air optimisation, and lighting system optimisation.
Mishal I. AlZughaibi, SPARK president and CEO, added, “We are proud to collaborate with Emerson to support their new cutting-edge manufacturing hub at SPARK. With the establishment of these facilities, we are closer than ever to achieving our localisation goals. Having Emerson on board strengthens our vision, and we are confident that together, we will continue to advance Saudi Arabia’s industrial journey.”
Emerson has been expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia, having first opened a valves manufacturing facility in Jubail in 2011, followed by additional sites in Dammam and Dhahran Techno Valley.
The new hub at SPARK was officially inaugurated by Emerson’s leadership team, including president and CEO Lal Karsanbhai, alongside key figures from the Ministry of Energy, MISA, SABIC, SWCC, and Ma'aden.
"As part of Emerson's contribution to the 'Made in KSA' initiative, Emerson’s facility will serve domestic and regional markets with advanced technologies designed to meet the evolving needs of various industries, further solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in localised manufacturing and innovation," said Hussein Zein, vice-president of Emerson in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
The facility aims to reduce reliance on imported goods and strengthen local supply chains, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of building self-sufficient industries to support the country’s economic growth.
DNV has released its 'Energy Transition Outlook', which notes that 2024 will go down as the year of peak energy emissions
Energy-related emissions are at the cusp of a prolonged period of decline for the first time since the industrial revolution. Emissions are set to almost halve by 2050, but this is a long way short of requirements of the Paris Agreement. The Outlook forecasts the planet will warm by 2.2 °C by end of the century.
The peaking of emissions is largely due to plunging costs of solar and batteries which are accelerating the exit of coal from the energy mix and stunting the growth of oil. Annual solar installations increased 80% last year as it beat coal on cost in many regions. Cheaper batteries, which dropped 14% in cost last year, are also making the 24-hour delivery of solar power and electric vehicles more affordable. The uptake of oil was limited as electrical vehicles sales grew by 50%. In China, where both of these trends were especially pronounced, peak gasoline is now in the past.
China is dominating much of the global action on decarbonisation at present, particularly in the production and export of clean technology. It accounted for 58% of global solar installations and 63% of new electrical vehicle purchases last year. And whilst it remains the world’s largest consumer of coal and emitter of CO2, its dependence on fossil fuels is set to fall rapidly as it continues to install solar and wind. China is the dominating exporter of green technologies although international tariffs are making their goods more expensive in some territories.
“Solar PV and batteries are driving the energy transition, growing even faster than we previously forecasted,” said Remi Eriksen, group president and CEO of DNV. “Emissions peaking is a milestone for humanity. But we must now focus on how quickly emissions decline and use the available tools to accelerate the energy transition. Worryingly, our forecasted decline is very far from the trajectory required to meet the Paris Agreement targets. In particular, the hard-to-electrify sectors need a renewed policy push.”
Striking shifts in energy mix
The success of solar and batteries is not replicated in the hard-to-abate sectors, where essential technologies are scaling slowly. DNV has revised the long-term forecast for hydrogen and its derivatives down by 20% (from 5% to 4% of final energy demand in 2050) since last year. And although DNV has revised up its carbon capture and storage forecast, only 2% of global emissions will be captured by CCS in 2040 and 6% in 2050. A global carbon price would accelerate the uptake of these technologies.
Wind remains an important driver of the energy transition, contributing to 28% of electricity generation by 2050. In the same timeframe, offshore wind will experience 12% annual growth rate although the current headwinds impacting the industry are weighing on growth.
Despite these challenges, the peaking of emissions is a sign that the energy transition is progressing. The energy mix is moving from a roughly 80/20 mix in favour of fossil fuels today, to one which is split equally between fossil and non-fossil fuels by 2050. In the same timeframe, electricity use will double, which is also at the driver of energy demand only increasing 10%.
“There is a growing mismatch between short term geopolitical and economic priorities versus the need to accelerate the energy transition. There is a compelling green dividend on offer which should give policymakers the courage to not only double down on renewable technologies, but to tackle the expensive and difficult hard-to-electrify sectors with firm resolve,” added Eriksen
The Outlook also examines the impact of artificial intelligence on the energy transition. AI will have a profound impact on many aspects of the energy system, particularly for the transmission and distribution of power. And although data points are currently sparse, DNV does not forecast that the energy footprint of AI will alter the overall direction of the transition. It will account for 2% of electricity demand by 2050.
*CO2 emissions from the combustion of coal, oil and gas
Leading motor, drive, and gearbox manufacturer WEG is set to play a key role in one of the largest water transmission projects in the Middle East.
WEG will provide a complete package of motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and transformers to support the new water infrastructure, which will deliver water between two of the region’s biggest cities.
The large-scale water transmission system presents significant challenges, with extreme temperatures and environmental conditions. The customer required a holistic solution that includes transformers, water-cooled VFDs, and motors with power ratings up to 9.1 MW to power the pumps within the system.
The MVW01 VFDs with water cooling, a specific requirement for this project, are equipped with an electric panel featuring a new thermal dissipation design that allows for greater power output. The VFDs also include a user-friendly 10-inch touchscreen HMI, simplifying programming and monitoring of key operational parameters. By controlling the process speed efficiently, the VFDs reduce energy consumption, operation and maintenance costs, and the overall total cost of ownership (TCO).
The phase-shifting transformers in the package offer complete isolation, reducing common-mode voltage stress on the motor and lowering harmonics on the power supply. Oil-type transformers were selected to meet the project’s outdoor installation needs. Designed with a step-lap-type magnetic core, the transformers optimise noise levels and keep exciting current low, while their rugged construction can handle short circuit stresses. In addition, the external coatings protect the transformers against harsh environmental conditions.
WEG also provided water-cooled W60 MV motors, which are built to deliver excellent performance under aggressive operating conditions, including extreme ambient temperatures. These motors are designed for industrial applications such as compressors, pumps, and fans. They are both efficient and modular, allowing for different cooling configurations.
“Water transmission systems are a crucial part of critical infrastructure and require specialised equipment that is both robust and reliable to ensure that they run effectively and safely. This can be a particular challenge in harsh outdoor environments,” said Alla Aldrras, HVS development sales manager for HVS Motors & Drives. “We’ve drawn on our experience of developing solutions for the water industry globally to offer a holistic package to meet the customer’s needs, and thanks to our facilities in Brazil, we are able to deliver this well within the project schedule.”
Niftylift is at the forefront in the mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) sector, offering some of the most fuel-efficient diesel-powered equipment, as well as hybrid and fully electric models.
Recently, it introduced the world’s first hydrogen-electric-powered access platforms – the HR15 H2E and HR17 H2E – marking a breakthrough in zero-emission construction in the Middle East.
"When powered by renewable energy, Niftylift’s fully electric platforms provide a dependable zero-emission solution for a wide range of urban jobsites. However, we recognise that not all projects, especially those in remote locations, have access to grid power for charging. This is where the hydrogen fuel cell comes into play. By adding it on top of the electric system, we offer a versatile and practical solution that’s viable for virtually any jobsite," explains Thomas Hadden, global technical sales manager at Niftylift.
The HR15 H2E and HR17 H2E can run for up to five days on batteries alone, with the hydrogen system doubling this range. Even with daily use, the hydrogen cylinder only needs replacing every two to three weeks. These boom lifts integrate hydrogen technology seamlessly, maintaining Niftylift's renowned low weight and compact design while emitting only water vapour and heat as by-products. This makes them ideal for both urban and remote sites, aligning with the region’s sustainability goals.
Johnson Arabia became the first rental company in the region to acquire a Niftylift HR15 H2E, impressed by its performance during a demonstration. The company also added 19 fully electric units to its fleet. The HR15 H2E is now operational on a high-profile UAE construction site, delivering zero emissions without downtime for refuelling or recharging.
Growth in the Middle East
Niftylift sees strong potential in the Middle East, driven by the focus on sustainability and safety in construction. “We’ve seen an ever-increasing growth for Niftylift products in the region even given the fierce market competition,” says Thomas. “This surge in demand is largely due to the heightened awareness of safety standards in the region and we are internationally renowned at Niftylift for our advanced safety features, such as SiOPS (sustained involuntary operation prevention system), load-sensing, and tilt-sensing technologies.”
To support growing demand, Niftylift is establishing a regional office in Dubai, serving as a hub for direct sales and support for key account rental companies. This will strengthen its partnerships in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, and expand its customer base in Saudi Arabia, a key growth market.
Niftylift also maintains close relationships with customers through regular face-to-face meetings and participation in industry events, including sponsorship of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) Middle East Conference 2024 in Riyadh.
“The Middle East’s transition to a sustainable future hinges on innovative technologies, such as hydrogen-electric equipment,” Thomas concludes. “As a leader in this field, we at Niftylift are committed to empowering the region’s construction industry to achieve ambitious decarbonisation goals.
Circulor, a leading supply chain traceability solution provider, has agreed to collaborate with Rockwell Automation, a company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, in order to help customers trace the origin of raw materials from source to final product
Circulor’s platform empowers customers to not only adhere to increasingly strict regulatory standards, but also achieve their sustainability goals by providing a holistic view of the materials journey. As per the new partnership, Rockwell will offer advanced traceability solutions to enable manufacturers to meet emerging regulatory requirements while verifying the source materials, demonstrating digital chain-of-custody and tracking emissions.
Rockwell plans to deploy this solution globally across auto, tyre, battery, metals, mining, and cement industries through Kalypso, a Rockwell Automation business. Kalypso will work closely with customers to assess their unique needs, provide consulting services and support the rollout of this innovative solution across their supply chain.
Manufacturing traceability
Douglas Johnson-Poensgen, chief executive officer of Circulor, remarked, “In an increasingly competitive and complex market where being sustainable and responsible is a strategic imperative, the combination of Rockwell’s state-of-the-art manufacturing expertise and Circulor’s leading traceability and digital product passports provide organisations with the answer to gaining a competitive advantage.”
“Our focus on sustainability aligns with our customers’ strategic objectives,” added James Glasson, vice president of global industry for auto, tire, and advanced mobility at Rockwell Automation. “This collaboration with Circulor allows us to offer a comprehensive traceability solution that not only addresses growing global regulations but also provides unprecedented visibility into supply chain carbon footprints.”
According to a recent State of Technology in Manufacturing survey by global technology intelligence firm ABI Research, Extended Reality (XR) technologies, such as smart glasses and VR headsets, are at a similar stage of development as digital twins, machine vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced devices among industrial and manufacturing operators.
Of the over 460 respondents from various roles in discrete and process manufacturing, 68% indicated some level of XR consideration, while 32% were at different stages of actual implementation.
“The value of XR to organizations has been known for years, especially in areas like training, remote workforce enablement, and collaboration. However, the barriers to that value have also been well-known and remain. Device cost, integration concerns, and confusion around offerings are most common,” says Eric Abbruzzese, research director with ABI Research.
The survey revealed that many companies are currently evaluating XR suppliers, with 30% already at some stage of deployment, ranging from creating implementation programs (10%) to having completed XR integration across all relevant areas (2%). This pattern mirrors other digital transformation technologies, particularly during the evaluation stages. However, XR is more frequently considered for adoption over the next 12-24 months rather than being actively implemented in Proofs of Concept (PoC) or undergoing supplier evaluation compared to other technologies.
Challenges
Improving equipment performance and quality levels was another key priority for respondents. While XR is still in the early stages of adoption, it has demonstrated benefits in areas such as remote maintenance, interactive training, and knowledge capture and sharing. Nevertheless, significant barriers around people and processes remain. The survey identified a lack of time for planning and a general lack of expertise in XR as key obstacles, alongside difficulties in articulating needs from solutions and a lack of clear Return on Investment (ROI). These issues are further complicated by fragmented platform offerings and a rapidly changing XR landscape.
“The XR market has seen plenty of ups and downs over the past decade, which has hindered trust and understanding in the market despite proven value. A lack of clarity among available platforms and paths to market hold back potential adoption. However, the growth of related digital transformation technologies, especially digital twins and machine vision, is a boon for XR and vice versa. Over time, a more holistic view of visual workforce enablement will take hold, rather than a focus on individual technologies, and XR will be an increasing portion of that offering,” concludes Abbruzzese.
These insights come from ABI Research’s Industrial and Manufacturing Survey 1H 2024: Extended Reality (XR) report, which is part of the company’s Extended Reality (XR) Technologies research service, including research, data, and ABI Insights.
Daimler Truck Middle East Africa (DT MEA), a subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has announced expanded responsibilities for 59 markets across the Middle East and Africa
“This strategic move positions us to strengthen our regional presence and ensure unparalleled service for our customers alongside our strong partners,” said Michael Dietz, CEO and president of Daimler Truck Middle East Africa. “We look forward to the opportunities this new chapter brings as we continue to grow across these diverse and important markets.”
The new broader regional role will see DT MEA move even closer to its partners and customers to ensure continued delivery of products and services across all markets. The new regional remit has also been described as a further commitment to delivering quality Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Buses and FUSO Trucks and Buses for its customers.