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As the Middle East ramps up solar installations, ensuring the safety of installers has become a top priority.

In response, the organisers of Solar & Storage Live Middle East 2026 have unveiled a dedicated Installer Safety Zone on the exhibition floor, highlighting the latest solutions designed to protect the workforce driving the region’s energy transition.

The Installer Safety Zone will feature a broad range of protective equipment and tools. Electrical safety gear on display includes arc-rated clothing, insulated gloves, dielectric boots, arc flash protection and insulated tools, aimed at reducing risks during high-voltage operations.

General personal protective equipment (PPE) such as Class E hard hats, high-visibility apparel, cut-resistant gloves, hearing protection and safety eyewear will also be showcased to mitigate everyday hazards.

Fall protection systems will be another focal point, with exhibitors presenting harnesses, lifeline solutions, self-retracting lifelines (SRLs), anchor points and rooftop safety equipment to help installers work securely at height.

Environmental protection products, including UV-protective clothing, hydration systems, respiratory equipment and gear for harsh climate conditions, will also be available, ensuring workers are safeguarded in challenging outdoor environments.

Specialised tools and equipment, such as voltage testers, lockout/tagout (LOTO) kits, thermal imaging cameras, insulated matting and Class C fire extinguishers, will be highlighted to further improve onsite safety.

Compliance and training resources will cover OSHA standards, NFPA 70E electrical safety, working-at-heights certification, first aid and CPR, and local electrical code requirements, supporting installers and contractors in maintaining regulatory adherence.

The new zone aims to provide a platform for industry professionals to explore the latest innovations, meet leading suppliers and share best practices to raise safety standards across the renewable energy sector.

Dubai World Trade Centre will host Solar & Storage Live Middle East on 9–10 June 2026, offering attendees an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge safety solutions and learn how technology and training can minimise risks for frontline solar professionals.

By prioritising safety and compliance, the Installer Safety Zone seeks to reduce incidents on-site, increase installer confidence, and ensure the rapid growth of solar projects continues without compromising workforce wellbeing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Work is progressing steadily on Dubai Peninsula, a high-end coastal project being developed by H&H, with key contractors now appointed and early-stage construction activities underway.

Located along the shoreline at the edge of Dubai Canal, the scheme is positioned as an exclusive waterfront destination combining residential, hospitality and leisure offerings. Developers say the project is on track, with foundational works marking the transition from planning to execution.

A major component of the masterplan is a central park spanning approximately one million square feet, designed to serve as the focal point of the development. Beneath this green space, an integrated infrastructure corridor is being constructed to house parking, service roads and logistics areas, supporting the wider functionality of the site.

Construction firm DBB Contracting LLC has been appointed to deliver the core infrastructure package, with civil works currently in progress. Overall progress on the infrastructure phase has reached around 20%, according to project updates.

The development will feature a network of interconnected spaces, including a loop stretching nearly two kilometres, designed to link residential areas, retail outlets, hospitality venues and public amenities. The layout prioritises accessibility and walkability, aligning with broader urban planning trends across Dubai.

Once completed, Dubai Peninsula is expected to offer a mix of high-end residences, boutique retail, dining venues and leisure facilities. Plans include a waterfront promenade, marina and beach areas, alongside landscaped public spaces and cultural features such as pavilions and a dedicated prayer area.

The project will also incorporate lifestyle-focused elements, including hospitality offerings from international brands, a beach club and curated dining experiences. Marine infrastructure is set to include berths for superyachts and a floating marina venue, aimed at enhancing the destination’s appeal to both residents and visitors.

H&H chief executive Miltos Bosinis said construction is progressing in line with expectations, with preparatory and groundwork phases well advanced. He added that the developer remains focused on delivering the project to a high standard as it moves further into the build phase.

Chairman Shahab Lutfi described the scheme as a carefully planned destination intended to redefine waterfront living in Dubai, combining design, connectivity and lifestyle experiences.

With construction momentum building, Dubai Peninsula is emerging as one of the city’s notable upcoming coastal developments, reflecting continued demand for premium waterfront real estate in the emirate.

Global bulk material handling specialist Martin Engineering has announced it will unveil a series of new conveyor accessories and flow technologies at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, taking place from 3–7 March at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Exhibiting at booth C30148 in the Central Hall, the company will present heavy-duty systems developed at its Center for Innovation, targeting safer and more efficient bulk handling operations across the aggregates and mining sectors.

Chris Schmelzer, Director of National Sales for the US and Canada, said the new portfolio has been tested in demanding real-world environments. He added that visitors will be able to explore solutions designed to support cleaner, safer and more productive material handling processes, from extraction through to final product.

Products on show

A key focus at the show will be dust and spillage control at conveyor transfer points, where emissions remain a persistent industry challenge.

Among the products on display is the Martin Skirtboard Liner, engineered to protect sealing systems by absorbing impact and abrasion inside transfer point skirtboards. The liner features a steel-reinforced urethane construction and a T-slot mounting interface that allows adjustment from outside the chute wall, reducing the need for confined space entry.

The company will also preview the Martin ApronSeal Urethane Skirting system, a dual-seal assembly combining a primary urethane seal with a self-adjusting secondary flap to contain fine material. Designed for belt speeds of up to 4.5 m/s, the system requires minimal maintenance and limited free belt space.

In addition, Martin’s modular A.I.R. Control Dust Curtains are designed to create controlled air recirculation zones within transfer enclosures, helping to reduce dust emissions compared with conventional rubber curtain systems. The curtains can be adjusted or replaced externally, cutting service times.

Flow improvement technologies will also feature prominently. The N2 Air Cannon Intelligence System monitors connected air cannons multiple times daily, detecting misfires, measuring blast efficiency and tracking pressure and temperature. A cloud-based dashboard enables predictive maintenance and reduces manual inspections.

An expanded line of electric vibrators will be introduced, aimed at improving material separation and preventing build-up in hoppers, silos and chutes. The new models offer increased power and efficiency while maintaining durability, backed by a three-year warranty.

The company will also present upgraded belt cleaning systems, including the Martin H1 Primary Belt Cleaner and P2 and R2 secondary cleaners, built with stainless steel components and tungsten carbide tips for use on abrasive materials and high-speed or reversing belts.

Emirates Global Aluminium has confirmed that its Al Taweelah facility sustained significant damage during the recent missile and drone attacks on Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi, carried out by Iranian forces.

Damage assessments at the site are ongoing as the company works to evaluate the full impact on operations.

A number of EGA employees were injured in the incident, although none of the reported injuries are life threatening, the company said. Safety and security remain the company’s foremost priority.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, emphasised the firm’s commitment to protecting its workforce, “The safety and security of our people is our top priority at EGA at all times. We are deeply saddened and are assessing the damage to our facilities.”

EGA’s Al Taweelah smelter, one of the largest aluminium production sites in the UAE, produced 1.6 million tonnes of cast metal in 2025.

The facility also maintained substantial metal stock, both in transit and at certain overseas locations, which has helped mitigate immediate supply impacts amid the conflict.

The attacks come at a time of heightened regional tensions, with the UAE’s industrial and energy sectors increasingly exposed to geopolitical risks.

EGA has assured stakeholders that it is taking all necessary measures to safeguard employees and secure its assets while evaluating the operational consequences.

Industry observers note that Al Taweelah plays a central role in the regional aluminium market, and any disruption could affect global supply chains.

EGA has historically supplied large volumes of cast aluminium to international markets, making the safe resumption of production a priority for both domestic and export operations.

The company is coordinating with local authorities and emergency response teams to manage the situation and restore operational stability.

Detailed reports on structural damage and potential production losses are expected as assessments continue.

EGA reiterated that its focus remains on workforce welfare, facility security and business continuity, while closely monitoring developments related to the ongoing regional conflict.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Ports Authority “Mawani”, Saleh bin Nasser Al‑Jasser, inaugurated a new logistics corridors initiative aimed at strengthening cargo flows between ports in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.

The initiative, unveiled during a visit to Jeddah Islamic Port, is designed to create dedicated operational routes for containers and freight redirected from ports in the Kingdom’s eastern region and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The project will support the movement of cargo towards Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports, improving supply chain efficiency and strengthening connectivity between regional trade routes and international shipping networks.

The launch event was attended by Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi and Suliman bin Khalid Al‑Mazroua, alongside officials from government entities and the logistics sector.

According to Al-Jasser, the initiative forms part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to reinforce its position as a global logistics hub and ensure the stability of supply chains during periods of disruption.

He noted that Saudi Arabia’s transport and logistics ecosystem continues to benefit from strong support from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Mohammed bin Salman.

Strengthening Saudi and GCC logistics

Al-Jasser said ports on the Red Sea coast play an increasingly important role in accommodating cargo redirected from eastern ports and neighbouring Gulf countries. By expanding the operational capacity of western ports, Saudi Arabia aims to maintain the smooth movement of goods and support both regional and international trade.

He also highlighted the resilience of the Kingdom’s transport infrastructure, noting that alternative logistics corridors can be activated quickly when required to maintain trade flows.

During the event, Abanmi explained that the initiative will also strengthen integration between customs and logistics procedures across GCC ports. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority is working with other agencies to accelerate cargo clearance processes and facilitate cross-border trade.

Saudi Arabia’s customs network already supports transit services that allow goods to move through the Kingdom via land, sea and air routes to other GCC countries. The system is complemented by bonded warehouse zones where goods can be stored with suspended duties and taxes before being cleared or re-exported.

Al-Mazroua said the corridors initiative reflects close cooperation between government bodies and private sector partners to maintain supply chain continuity and improve cargo flows.

During the visit, Al-Jasser also chaired a meeting at the port’s command and control centre to review vessel traffic and cargo handling operations. He later toured container terminals, logistics parks and re-export facilities at the port.

Jeddah Islamic Port is the largest hub port on the Red Sea and one of the region’s key logistics centres. Ports along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast collectively handle more than 18.6 million TEUs annually, reinforcing the country’s role in global trade networks.

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