In The Spotlight
Schneider Electric has announced the launch of a new manufacturing facility in the UAE, aimed at producing AI-ready data centre solutions to meet the region’s expanding data centre needs.
The facility will focus on manufacturing and assembling prefabricated modular data centres equipped with AI capabilities.
This initiative aligns with the UAE's 'Make it in the Emirates' strategy and supports the In-Country Value (ICV) programme, which aims to stimulate local economic growth and enhance the private sector’s contribution to the national GDP.
The opening of this facility underscores Schneider Electric’s commitment to driving local production, sustainability, and industrial growth through innovative manufacturing solutions.
The newly introduced data centres are crafted to fulfil customer expectations for improved predictability, reduced overall ownership costs, and quicker implementation. Alongside addressing the rising infrastructure requirements in the region, the facility will also play a pivotal role in creating jobs locally, with up to 70% of local involvement in areas such as supply chain management, logistics, project oversight, and maintenance.
This move underlines Schneider Electric’s dedication to advancing the UAE’s industrial growth and economic progress, while aligning with the nation’s goals for sustainability and locally-driven industrial expansion.
Amel Chadli, president of Gulf countries, Schneider Electric, said, “Our expansion in local manufacturing reflects Schneider Electric’s commitment to the UAE's vision for industrial growth and sustainability. By advancing our AI-powered data center solutions, we are addressing the country’s increasing demand for scalable, energy-efficient, digital infrastructure. This facility will allow us to deliver data center solutions that align with both national economic objectives and the evolving needs of industries.”
TAQA has launched its next-generation M4 Inflow Control System. This system allows operators to optimise reservoir performance while sustainably managing fluid production.
The M4 Inflow Control System regulates the flow of unwanted fluids like water and gas, preventing the binary (open/close) effect that can lead to instability or halting production. The system excels in controlling water in ultra-light and light applications and enhances gas production control, offering stability and flexibility across various reservoir conditions.
One of the system’s standout features is its advanced pilot control system, which is highly sensitive to density, making it suitable for a wide range of oil types, including ultra-light, light, medium, and heavy oils. Additionally, its multi-phase control capabilities allow the device to perform efficiently, regardless of its orientation in the wellbore.
Flexibility at sites
TAQA’s M4 Inflow Control System offers seamless ‘plug and play’ integration with its entire portfolio of inflow systems, optimising performance across all well and reservoir types. The design incorporates features such as last-minute capacity adjustments and the ability to circulate to the bottom, ensuring ease of installation and flexibility, even at the rig site.
The system is engineered to maintain an open operating point for oil while being highly restricted for water, based on precise force field analysis confirmed through single and multi-phase flow testing. It has undergone rigorous testing in state-of-the-art multi-phase loops, evaluating the flow behaviour of water, oil, and gas mixtures under various conditions.
Although the system is not limited by oil viscosity, it has performed exceptionally well with oil viscosities as low as 0.5cP, tested alongside water to establish the optimal operating and control points at different water cuts. A comprehensive qualification matrix, including debris, erosion, and cycle testing, has also been completed.
Current market technologies often struggle to control water effectively when oil viscosities drop below 1cP, and there is a risk of turning into a “binary” open-close system, shutting off zones prematurely. TAQA’s new device overcomes both of these issues, ensuring reliable and efficient operation across a range of challenging conditions.
Dr Mojtaba Moradi, subsurface engineering manager of TAQA, said, “With the largest portfolio of inflow control systems more than 20 years of inflow control devices expertise, the M4 Inflow Control System represents the pinnacle of our innovation so far. This new generation offers water control by gradually reducing inflow as water production increases, avoiding premature well shut in.
Its main benefit is precision control based on reservoir production. The device allows operators to maximise output without risking shutting wells in, so they can manage production continuously and efficiently, which translates into obvious financial benefits.”
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the UAE's largest industrial company outside the oil and gas sector, has announced achieving zero heat-related illnesses for the third consecutive summer.
Heat-related illnesses pose a significant risk for anyone working outdoors during the UAE's intense summer heat, with the potential to be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. EGA’s industrial operations, which generate additional heat, run continuously throughout the summer, requiring round-the-clock outdoor work.
EGA's 'Beat the Heat' programme, in place for over a decade, is a comprehensive, summer-long initiative designed to combat occupational heat stress. It focuses on raising awareness among employees about the early signs of heat-related illness and empowering them to take proactive measures to prevent its onset.
Stress prevention
EGA’s ‘Beat the Heat’ campaign incorporates several measures to prevent heat-related illnesses, including hydration tests conducted before and during shifts, regular breaks, and cooling showers. The programme also features cooling booths, drinking stations, icemakers, and portable air conditioning units installed throughout the production areas to ensure that both employees and contractors remain cool and comfortable during their work shifts.
Medical personnel from EGA’s on-site centres play an active role in heat stress prevention, working closely with employees and providing immediate treatment to anyone reporting early symptoms of heat stress.
Since 2022, EGA has partnered with US technology firm Kenzen to trial wearable technology that monitors key physiological indicators such as core body temperature and heart rate. This summer, 300 EGA employees used these devices, which provide real-time feedback to both the wearer and EGA’s safety team, allowing for the detection of early heat stress signs before they are physically felt.
The last recorded cases of heat-related illness at EGA were in 2020 when two employees required treatment. Both individuals received intravenous hydration and fully recovered within hours.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of EGA, said, “Our success in completely preventing heat-related illness on our sites for the third year in a row proves that this key hazard for outdoor workers in region can be overcome. Occupational heat stress remains a serious challenge in our region and beyond, and we believe our experience has important lessons for everyone employing people to work outside.”
On 4 November, Abu Dhabi welcomed the global energy sector to the UAE as ADIPEC 2024, the world’s largest energy event, opened at the ADNEC Centre
Hosted by ADNOC and themed 'Connecting Minds. Transforming Energy', ADIPEC 2024 is spotlighting the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy transition, while introducing new insights from finance, technology, and the Global South, as well as youth perspectives, to promote a sustainable, secure, and equitable energy future.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, said at the opening ceremony, “Energy markets must shift and grow, and energy systems must be transformed.” He said that by 2050, “Wind and solar will expand seven times. LNG will grow by at least 65% and oil will continue to be used for fuel and as a building block for many essential products.”
These growing demands can only be met via artificial intelligence, he said. “AI is one of those areas defining breakthroughs that are changing the pace of change itself. It is redefining the boundaries of productivity and emissions, and it has the potential to accelerate the transformation of energy systems and to supercharge low carbon growth.”
“As AI expands, it will rely on a massive scale up of data centres for its huge and fast growing computational needs. Over the next six years, data centres will more than double, requiring at least 150 GW of installed capacity by 2030 and doubling again by 2040. No single source of energy is going to be enough to meet this demand. We need to integrate renewable energy, nuclear energy and gas in the most cost and carbon efficient way.”
The keynote speech by Al Jaber was followed by a ministerial panel, where leaders from the UAE, India, Egypt and Uganda presented their positions.
“ّIn the UAE, we are privileged with a leadership that believes in investments in energy, and all forms of energy. Our president His Highness Mohammed bin Zayed is a visionary leader, for the role of different forms of energy. And as you can see, we are investing in renewable, nuclear, and conventional as well.”
“In India, I can tell you that today we are using artificial intelligence for refinery automation,” said Hardeep Singh Puri, India's Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. “We are using artificial energy intelligence for 2D and 3D seismic surveys, for finding oil and gas. We are using low cost solar energy in a way to boost our power in our data centres.”
Karim Badawi, Egypt’s recently-appointed Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, said, “Egypt's position as a regional hub, provides an ability to contribute to the petrochemical sector, in the refining sector, as well as export sector. We have the capacity to export refining capabilities of 40 million tons. So when we look at the situation in Egypt, we would like to leverage our position to be able to unlock the potential of the gas reserves, not only of Egypt, but of the region and of the Mediterranean.”
“Uganda's participation [in ADIPEC] will be to exploit the potential that you have in power generation, because advanced technology requires power and clean power,” said Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, who is Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development. She said that the country is equipped to diversify its energy mix, consisting of solar and hydro power. “We also have potential for nuclear power,” she said.
Uniting global tech leaders
This year’s event debuts the Energyai by ADNOC zone, where global tech leaders such as enercap, Accenture, AIQ, Microsoft, and Baker Hughes will present innovative AI solutions to address energy needs and drive emissions reduction. This dedicated AI area will feature the Energyai Conference, Creative AI Lab, Reskilling Lab, networking spaces, demo stations, and an interactive AI showcase, offering attendees a firsthand look at cutting-edge technologies and collaborative opportunities within the industry.
With an anticipated 184,000 attendees from 164 countries, ADIPEC 2024 will be the largest event in its history. The conference lineup will include over 1,800 speakers, featuring 40 ministers and 200 top executives from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, all engaging 16,500 delegates across more than 370 sessions. ADIPEC’s ten-conference series, including the flagship Strategic Conference, will bring together global business, political, and industry leaders to set a clear path for an inclusive and balanced energy transition.
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, ADIPEC 2024 is poised to deliver insights and innovations to shape the future of the energy industry. A convenient Park-and-Ride service will run every five minutes between Zayed Sports City and ADNEC from 6:00 to 19:00, ensuring easy access for all participants from 4–7 November 2024.
TAQA has launched its next-generation M4 Inflow Control System. This system allows operators to optimise reservoir performance while sustainably managing fluid production.
The M4 Inflow Control System regulates the flow of unwanted fluids like water and gas, preventing the binary (open/close) effect that can lead to instability or halting production. The system excels in controlling water in ultra-light and light applications and enhances gas production control, offering stability and flexibility across various reservoir conditions.
One of the system’s standout features is its advanced pilot control system, which is highly sensitive to density, making it suitable for a wide range of oil types, including ultra-light, light, medium, and heavy oils. Additionally, its multi-phase control capabilities allow the device to perform efficiently, regardless of its orientation in the wellbore.
Flexibility at sites
TAQA’s M4 Inflow Control System offers seamless ‘plug and play’ integration with its entire portfolio of inflow systems, optimising performance across all well and reservoir types. The design incorporates features such as last-minute capacity adjustments and the ability to circulate to the bottom, ensuring ease of installation and flexibility, even at the rig site.
The system is engineered to maintain an open operating point for oil while being highly restricted for water, based on precise force field analysis confirmed through single and multi-phase flow testing. It has undergone rigorous testing in state-of-the-art multi-phase loops, evaluating the flow behaviour of water, oil, and gas mixtures under various conditions.
Although the system is not limited by oil viscosity, it has performed exceptionally well with oil viscosities as low as 0.5cP, tested alongside water to establish the optimal operating and control points at different water cuts. A comprehensive qualification matrix, including debris, erosion, and cycle testing, has also been completed.
Current market technologies often struggle to control water effectively when oil viscosities drop below 1cP, and there is a risk of turning into a “binary” open-close system, shutting off zones prematurely. TAQA’s new device overcomes both of these issues, ensuring reliable and efficient operation across a range of challenging conditions.
Dr Mojtaba Moradi, subsurface engineering manager of TAQA, said, “With the largest portfolio of inflow control systems more than 20 years of inflow control devices expertise, the M4 Inflow Control System represents the pinnacle of our innovation so far. This new generation offers water control by gradually reducing inflow as water production increases, avoiding premature well shut in.
Its main benefit is precision control based on reservoir production. The device allows operators to maximise output without risking shutting wells in, so they can manage production continuously and efficiently, which translates into obvious financial benefits.”
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.
Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has signed a key mining concession agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM).
The agreement grants MDO the rights to explore and develop strategic minerals within concession area 51F, located in the Al Wusta Governorate, covering 2,156 sq km in the Wilayat of Mahout. This area contains valuable deposits of silica, limestone, and dolomite, all of which are critical for industrial growth and economic diversification in Oman.
Silica, which is in high demand due to its essential role in industries such as glass manufacturing, renewable energy technologies (including solar panels), and energy storage, is a key focus of this agreement. In 2021, the glass industry became the largest consumer of silica sand in the region, and this demand is expected to grow. According to a report by Syndicated Analytics, the GCC silica sand market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 6.7% from 2022 to 2027, potentially reaching US$513.5mn by 2027.
The new concession positions MDO to become Oman’s first silica sand miner. Silica sand, valued for its high purity (above 97% naturally in this site), strength, and non-reactive properties, is critical for industries such as glass, solar technology, and chemicals. The agreement underscores MDO's and MEM’s confidence in the long-term commercial potential of the concession area.
With the addition of this new concession, Minerals Development Oman’s (MDO) total concession area now covers 24,119 sq km.
Strategic projects
MDO is not just an asset owner but also a driving force for regional mining sector growth. Each project is designed to create value for investors while delivering tangible benefits to local communities through job creation and economic empowerment.
In 2024, MDO launched several strategic exploration projects targeting key minerals, including copper, chromite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite, salt, and hard silica. Earlier this year, the company broke ground on the Lasil and Al Baydha Copper Mines Redevelopment Project in Sohar, Liwa, which aims to produce 800,000 tonnes of copper ore annually, supported by a confirmed 2.78 million tonnes of commercial-grade copper reserves.
In the coming months, MDO is set to begin construction on the Yanqul Copper Project, managed by its subsidiary Mazoon Mining LLC. Located in the Yanqul region, Mazoon Mining received exclusive rights from the Ministry of Energy and Minerals in 2022 to explore, develop, and produce copper concentrates, with gold as a secondary by-product. Following detailed feasibility studies, the Canadian firm Lycopodium has been appointed as the EPCM contractor, with construction expected to commence by the end of 2024. This project represents a significant milestone for MDO, positioning Oman as an emerging player in copper production and advancing the nation’s economic diversification strategy.
Nasser Al Maqbali, CEO of MDO, remarked, "This agreement underscores MDO’s commitment to harnessing the nation’s mineral wealth to create investment opportunities, generate employment, and drive sustainable industrial development. Our exploration of silica resources reflects Oman’s untapped potential to support critical industries, especially those related to the energy transition.
With these projects, MDO is becoming a key player in the region’s mining industry and helping Oman achieve its goals of economic diversification and sustainable growth. By focusing on strategic minerals and building impactful partnerships, we are committed to boosting the mining sector’s role in the national economy."
Arab Development Establishment (ADE) and Schneider Electric have officially launched their joint venture manufacturing facility, TAQANA Energy Solutions, in Abu Dhabi.
Situated in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), the new facility was inaugurated by His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, alongside key officials, including ADE’s Yousef Mohamad Al Nowais, and senior representatives from Schneider Electric. Notable attendees included Walid Sheta, President of Schneider Electric’s MEA Zone, and Mahmoud Nader, CEO of TAQANA Energy Solutions.
The facility aligns with the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” initiative and supports the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) to position Abu Dhabi as the region’s leading industrial hub. With objectives like doubling the sector's value to US$48bn by 2031, creating over 13,000 skilled jobs, and boosting international trade, this launch reinforces the UAE's drive to strengthen local industries and global partnerships.
Notable statements
HE Al Suwaidi said, “Public-private-partnerships, especially those that focus on knowledge transfers and technology adoption, are in line with the National Industry and Advanced Technology Strategy, through its contribution to investment across the country. Also, such partnerships solidifies the UAE’s position as a global and regional industrial hub. The collaboration reinforces the country’s status as a competitive and reliable regional and international industrial hub. This project also comes as part of the ongoing cooperation between UAE-based and French companies under the umbrella of the UAE-France Business Council, established to promote business partnerships and launch projects in priority sectors, contributing to sustainable economic development.”
Yousef Mohamed Al Nowais, chairman and managing director, Arab Development Establishment, said, “With the launch of the TAQANA Energy Solutions factory, we are not only supporting the UAE’s industrial sector but also advancing sustainable solutions that are crucial to the future of energy management. Together with Schneider Electric, we are proud to be part of the UAE’s vision for local production, positioning the nation as a leader in the global energy transition.”
Amel Chadli, president of Gulf countries, Schneider Electric, commented, “We are not just manufacturing energy solutions; we are engineering the future of sustainable energy in the UAE and beyond...This milestone highlights Schneider Electric’s unwavering commitment to the UAE, as we support the rapid transformation of the nation’s manufacturing sector and remain dedicated to driving sustainable solutions.”
Mohammed Ali Al Kamali, chief trade and industry officer, ADIO, said, “ By integrating advanced manufacturing technologies and creating high-skilled, knowledge-based jobs, TAQANA is contributing to a robust industrial ecosystem and accelerating our vision of a resilient, diversified economy that sets a new standard for industrial excellence across the region.”
Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) has signed an agreement with Liebherr-Aerospace to establish a new MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility at Dubai South.
Scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, this facility will span a 2,400 sq m area within the Aerospace Supply Chain cluster at MBRAH.
Based in Toulouse, France, Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS—a division of the Liebherr Group—delivers high-quality onboard solutions for aerospace and transportation, promoting sustainability through innovative products and services.
MBRAH, strategically located at Dubai South, serves as a premier free-zone hub offering global connectivity to leading airlines, private jet operators, MROs, and related sectors. This aerospace hub includes maintenance centres and training campuses, aligning with Dubai's goal to be a prominent aviation industry leader.
Tahnoon Saif, CEO of MBRAH, said, “We are pleased to sign this agreement with Liebherr- Aerospace. This partnership underlines our position in attracting the top players in the aviation sector to establish their presence at Dubai South and operate in an integrated economic environment where they can connect with international markets. We will spare no effort in supporting their expansion endeavours, in line with our mandate to solidify and cement Dubai’s position on the world aviation map.”