Read the Digital Magazine

Modern infrastructure development is undergoing a profound transformation.

It is no longer sufficient merely to transition away from fossil fuels; the new mandate requires that renewable energy projects themselves harmonise seamlessly with the natural world. In the United Arab Emirates, this holistic philosophy is rapidly becoming the cornerstone of urban planning and utility generation. By intertwining large-scale power production with stringent ecological preservation, the region is pioneering a blueprint for sustainable mega-cities that respect their surrounding ecosystems.

At the forefront of this green revolution is the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), which has recently reaffirmed its commitment to aligning its extensive portfolio of clean energy projects with comprehensive environmental stewardship. This strategy ensures that resource conservation, emissions reduction, and biodiversity enhancement remain central to the Emirate’s infrastructure masterplan. In doing so, it firmly supports Dubai's standing as a global model for smart, sustainable urban environments.

The driving force behind this dual-focus strategy is deeply rooted in national policy and leadership. Speaking on the authority's strategic direction, a spokesperson stated: “At DEWA, we draw our inspiration for environmental protection and sustainability enhancement from the directives of our wise leadership, whose vision has established the UAE as a global model in climate action, sustainable development and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.”

To execute this vision, the organisation is aggressively pursuing rigorous long-term targets, refusing to compromise on environmental integrity. As noted in their recent public statement: “We are advancing the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 by delivering transformative energy projects that support Dubai's goal of providing 100% of its total power production capacity from clean sources by 2050.”

Scaling Solar and Hydroelectric Infrastructure

Embedding sustainability across all project phases—from initial design and careful planning to active construction and daily operation—is a foundational requirement for these mega-projects. To maintain these standards, the authority relies heavily on environmental monitoring programmes that regularly assess air, water, and soil quality, alongside ambient noise levels. This continuous feedback loop ensures rapid corrective actions and drives continuous improvement.

A prime example of this methodology is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park globally, operating under an independent power producer model. Key figures regarding this landmark project include:

• Current Capacity: The facility currently operates with a massive energy capacity of 3,860 megawatts (MW).
• Future Expansion: The park is expected to exceed 8,000 MW by 2030, significantly surpassing its initial target of 5,000 MW.
• Energy Mix Impact: This expansive growth is projected to increase the share of clean energy within Dubai’s overall energy mix to 36%, up from the original goal of 25%.

Beyond solar technology, the organisation is breaking new ground in energy storage and grid resilience. The pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant situated in Hatta highlights how clean energy generation can be carefully balanced with the preservation of a region's natural topography. Key specifications of the Hatta project encompass:

• Regional First: It stands proudly as the GCC’s first pumped-storage hydroelectric initiative.
• Production and Storage: The facility features a production capacity of 250 MW alongside an impressive storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours.
• Longevity: The plant is engineered with a projected operational lifespan of up to 80 years.

Summarising the ethos behind these physical assets, the official release affirmed: “Our projects reaffirm that developing future infrastructure is driven by a comprehensive vision that accounts for environmental protection, resource preservation and biodiversity enhancement, aligning with the UAE's sustainability legacy and Dubai's ambition to build a greener, more resilient and prosperous future,”

Fostering Biodiversity and Community Action

Crucially, this environmental commitment extends far beyond the construction of concrete and steel infrastructure. The organisation places a heavy emphasis on community-driven initiatives designed to protect terrestrial and marine habitats. Guided by strict circular economy principles, they prioritise rationalising resource use, promoting material recovery, and minimising waste generation.

Mangrove forests have become a central focus of these conservation efforts. Revered for their unique ability to absorb carbon emissions, provide vital wildlife habitats, and protect fragile coastlines, mangroves are indispensable to the local ecosystem. Working in tandem with environmental partners, extensive conservation drives have been launched. Recent biodiversity achievements include:

• Targeted Plantings: Between 2023 and 2026, a remarkable 14,650 mangrove trees were planted at the Jebel Ali Marine Sanctuary.
• Recent Campaigns: In 2026 alone, dedicated planting and beach-cleaning events engaged 254 volunteers who planted 700 mangroves, contributing 508 volunteer hours.
• Waste Removal: Over the same three-year period, robust beach clean-ups removed 3,546 kilograms of waste—predominantly plastics—with the assistance of 2,154 community volunteers.

By formally embedding priorities such as climate change mitigation, circular economy practices, and biodiversity protection into its core corporate governance framework, the authority ensures long-term accountability. This holistic strategy proves that the ambitious expansion of clean energy networks need not come at the expense of the natural world, paving a genuinely sustainable path forward for future generations.

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.

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.

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. 

This strategic collaboration, which was first disclosed in January 2025, represents a landmark effort to integrate Aramco’s advanced technical capabilities with Ma’aden’s extensive mining expertise to bolster the global energy transition value chain.

The newly formed entity is expected to be owned 51% by Ma’aden and 49% by Aramco. Its primary mandate is to focus on exploration activities within ‘Zone-4’, an area frequently referred to as the Transition Zone. Situated along the Arabian Platform, this exploration region covers approximately 182,000 square kilometres—an area equivalent to nearly 10% of the total land mass of Saudi Arabia.

Pioneering Exploration through Advanced Technology

The joint venture intends to leverage a combination of historical geological data and cutting-edge computational tools. By utilising high-performance computing and proprietary artificial intelligence algorithms, the partnership aims to identify areas with high potential for copper and other critical transition minerals. This approach is designed to streamline the transition from initial regional screening to definitive target discovery.

Saleh M. Al Saleh, Aramco Vice President of Transition Minerals, highlighted the extensive data foundation underpinning the project: “Over 90 years, Aramco has accumulated and analysed the largest amount of geological and geophysical data ever acquired in a single basin for the Kingdom. This partnership intends to leverage this legacy information to find minerals in the JV area within the basin. Maaden's expertise, our people, high-performance computing, and AI are expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating the discovery of key transition minerals at low cost.”

Strengthening the Global Energy Transition

The global demand for copper is experiencing rapid growth, largely driven by the increasing shift toward electric vehicles, advanced power networks, energy storage solutions, and renewable energy infrastructure. Currently, copper represents over 20% of the $1.2 trillion mined metals market. With the market valuation projected to climb from approximately $250 billion today to over $400 billion by 2035, the strategic importance of this joint venture cannot be understated.

In addition to copper, the exploration efforts will target other essential minerals, including zinc, lead, and various rare earth elements that are anticipated to be fundamental to the industries of the future.

Darryl Clark, Ma’aden Executive Vice President for Exploration, emphasised the scale of the ambition: “Maaden has been advancing one of the world's largest single jurisdiction exploration programs across the Arabian Shield to help unlock the Kingdom's mineral potential. This joint venture would take that ambition into a new area. By combining Maaden's exploration and development expertise with Aramco's extraordinary knowledge of the Arabian Platform, we would have an opportunity to move faster, explore smarter, and create new opportunities to discover the minerals that will power the energy transition.”

Regulatory Path Ahead

While the agreement marks a significant milestone, the incorporation of the joint venture remains subject to several conditions. The effectiveness of the shareholders’ agreement is contingent upon the successful fulfillment of various conditions precedent, including obtaining all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, as well as securing standard antitrust clearances.

By combining the operational strengths of two of the Kingdom’s most prominent organisations, the JV aims to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s role as a key player in the global minerals sector, ensuring a more resilient supply chain for the energy systems of tomorrow.

As countries strive to meet carbon reduction targets, the dependency on traditional, grid-connected electrical systems has become an increasing point of vulnerability. 

Fluctuations in energy supplies, whether linked to oil and gas disruptions or the prohibitive costs of laying extensive cable infrastructure in difficult terrain, have created a pressing demand for autonomous, clean-energy alternatives.

For developing regions and major industrial power stations, the solution lies in the sophisticated application of solar-powered lighting. However, the move away from traditional grid reliance is not merely a matter of installing solar panels. To be effective, street lighting systems must withstand extreme environmental stressors—such as intense heat, humidity, and abrasive sandstorms—while maintaining consistent performance levels. As the industry evolves, the shift toward "system-level R&D" has become the primary benchmark for success, forcing manufacturers to move beyond simple lighting units toward high-reliability, intelligent hardware.

This transition to smarter, more resilient infrastructure is exemplified by the recent activities of SOKOYO, a prominent manufacturer that has been at the forefront of the solar street lighting sector since its inception in 2008. With over one million lighting units currently operational across Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, the organisation has shifted the paradigm by integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technology into their product lines. This innovation allows for remote management and monitoring, significantly improving safety and operational efficiency for municipalities and large-scale industrial projects alike.

The organisation’s latest contribution to this global shift is the successful completion of a landmark project for QatarEnergy. In July, the company finalised the installation of 252 sets of split-type solar street lighting units at QatarEnergy’s power projects located in Ras Laffan and Masaieed. The deployment, which was managed by Samsung C&T Corp., required a tailored approach to ensure that the lighting arrangement was not only effective but also easy to maintain over the long term. By manufacturing its own LED modules, solar panels, batteries, light housings, and poles, the manufacturer ensures a level of quality control that meets stringent international standards, including those set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

The success of the QatarEnergy project highlights the efficacy of this bespoke engineering approach. Providing insight into the collaboration, Kathy, a senior procurement manager for Samsung, stated: "SOKOYO provided us with a specially customised solution for our power station." She further noted the operational success of the installation, adding: "The entire solar street lighting system consistently met our expectations for brightness, battery life and overall reliability."

Such successes are indicative of a broader trend. Whether it is facilitating road safety on high-traffic expressways in Uganda or contributing to the infrastructure of high-tech cities like Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, the ability to engineer products that resist heat, vibration, and low-light conditions is proving vital. By embracing modular production and intelligent manufacturing, the industry is effectively lowering costs while increasing the resilience of essential infrastructure. As more organisations look toward solar power to circumvent the instabilities of traditional energy supplies, the integration of advanced IoT and climate-hardened materials is no longer just a luxury; it is the foundation of a modern, sustainable global landscape.

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.