In The Spotlight
The Kingdom of Bahrain is steadily solidifying its position as a central hub for technological innovation and digital transformation in the Middle East.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is steadily solidifying its position as a central hub for technological innovation and digital transformation in the Middle East.
As nations globally modernise their economic foundations, the integration of advanced energy, artificial intelligence, and digital finance has become paramount. Leading this ambitious charge is Volarix Global W.L.L., a prominent Bahrain-based enterprise specialising in technology, innovation, and energy infrastructure. The organisation has officially announced the formation of a highly anticipated, integrated platform designed to develop and deploy next-generation systems. This strategic initiative promises to reshape the landscape of digital infrastructure, electric mobility, and regulated financial technology.
At the heart of this announcement is a comprehensive, phased development strategy aimed at revolutionising multiple vital sectors. The newly established platform will serve as a central command to coordinate and manage an expansive portfolio of strategic technology projects. By fostering partnerships with governments, sovereign institutions, regulatory bodies, technology innovators, and the private sector, Volarix Global intends to build an ecosystem that supports resilient, long-term economic development.
The leadership driving this ambitious vision brings a wealth of expertise. The initial corporate structure is spearheaded by His Excellency Shaikh Saud Bin Salman Alkhalifa, serving as Chairman. Joining him are Mr Dwayne Corbitt, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr Tawfeek Almoosa, Chief Operating Partner. According to His Excellency Shaikh Saud Bin Salman Alkhalifa, the organisation's long-term vision is anchored in advancing infrastructure-led economic growth. By prioritising long-term energy security, industrial development, and seamless digital transformation, the company aims to foster sustainable economic expansion that resonates well beyond the borders of Bahrain.
The organisation has adopted a strictly disciplined approach to project rollouts. Every initiative will be rigorously evaluated, ensuring that all commercial, technical, and regulatory requirements are fully satisfied before public announcements are made. Emphasising this methodical blueprint, Mr Dwayne Corbitt, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Volarix Global W.L.L., stated: “Volarix Global has been created to bring together infrastructure, energy, mobility, and digital finance into an integrated platform that supports long-term development. Our strategy is based on clear project phases and a disciplined implementation approach, with each project to be announced once the appropriate regulatory, commercial, and operational requirements have been completed.”
The scope of the integrated platform is vast, targeting critical verticals essential for a future-proof economy. One primary focal point is the creation of AI-ready data centres. As artificial intelligence continues to disrupt traditional business models, the demand for high-capacity data processing facilities has skyrocketed. By investing heavily in robust digital infrastructure, the company ensures the region remains globally competitive.
Furthermore, Volarix Global is deeply committed to the future of transportation and power generation. The platform will manage projects centred around advanced energy systems and comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The transition toward electric mobility requires an overhaul of existing energy grids, and the introduction of dedicated electric vehicle platforms will play a crucial role in enhancing energy security.
As the organisation progresses with its phased development strategy, continuous engagement with regulatory bodies and strategic partners remains a top priority. Highlighting the roadmap ahead, Mr Tawfeek Almoosa, Chief Operating Partner, commented: “As Volarix Global continues to advance its platform, we look forward to sharing further updates as key project milestones are achieved, including progress in regulatory engagement, strategic partnerships, site development, infrastructure deployment, and operations across our core verticals.”
The launch of this integrated platform by Volarix Global W.L.L. marks a significant milestone for Bahrain. By seamlessly bridging the gap between advanced energy grids, artificial intelligence, and regulated digital finance, the organisation is not merely participating in the global technological revolution—it is actively architecting the foundation for tomorrow’s digital economy.
Global energy technology firm SLB has been awarded a landmark seven-year contract by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) under the ambitious Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative.
Global energy technology firm SLB has been awarded a landmark seven-year contract by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) under the ambitious Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative.
For decades, the global energy sector has faced a persistent hurdle: whilst cutting edge digital tools are abundant, seamlessly integrating them into harsh, real-world extraction environments remains a formidable challenge. Now, global energy technology firm SLB is poised to bridge this critical gap. In a major development for the Middle East’s upstream oil and gas sector, SLB has been awarded a landmark seven-year contract by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). Operating under the highly ambitious Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative, this partnership officially designates SLB as KOC’s very first contracted technology partner for its flagship innovation programme.
The heart of this agreement lies in a shared commitment to accelerating digital transformation across Kuwait's energy landscape. By focusing intensely on applied research, large-scale technology deployment, and advanced digital innovation programmes, both organisations are aligning their efforts with Kuwait’s overarching energy objectives. SLB will collaborate intimately with KOC experts to evaluate, test, and deploy cutting-edge technologies.
The scale of the undertaking is vast, encompassing nearly 100 distinct technology projects designed to tackle the pressing obstacles of modern hydrocarbon extraction. These high-priority projects span artificial intelligence (AI), industrial internet of things (IIoT) applications, complex production optimisation, and advanced reservoir technologies. The initiative will also prioritise proactive water management systems and crucial energy transition protocols aimed at lowering the environmental footprint of heavy operations.
A pivotal element of this seven-year contract is the rapid operationalisation of AI-enabled workflows. By marrying KOC’s deep operational expertise with SLB’s state-of-the-art digital tools, the partnership seeks to dramatically improve exploration accuracy and streamline demanding drilling operations. These integrated digital ecosystems will enhance continuous reservoir surveillance and allow teams to automate complex production adjustments informed by real-time telemetry data. As the energy sector pivots towards these data landscapes, modern operators must collaborate effortlessly on data-driven solutions to lower operational costs, maximise efficiency, and measurably reduce carbon intensity during routine extraction phases.
The strategic necessity of this collaboration extends far beyond mere hardware and software upgrades. Ahmad Jaber Al-Eidan, chief executive officer of Kuwait Oil Company, emphasised the strategic importance of the programme for the nation. "Ahmadi Innovation Valley represents an important step in advancing technology leadership across Kuwait's energy sector," he stated. "Through collaboration with leading technology partners, we are accelerating technology deployment, strengthening local capabilities and expanding knowledge transfer to support Kuwait's energy industry."
This dedication to knowledge transfer will play a pivotal role in nurturing local technical capabilities, thereby securing the long-term future of Kuwait’s energy workforce and ensuring the nation maintains a fierce competitive edge in an increasingly digitised global market.
SLB has announced concrete plans to establish a physical, dedicated Ahmadi Innovation Valley facility within Kuwait to facilitate this massive technological leap. Construction on this specialised innovation centre is expected to commence in 2026, with the facility officially opening its doors to researchers and engineers in 2028. Once fully operational, this centre will serve as a dynamic collaborative hub where technology providers, academic researchers, and front-line operational teams converge. It will furnish the necessary physical and digital infrastructure to scale emerging solutions from early pilot phases directly into full production environments, driving quantifiable improvements in process stability and asset longevity.
Olivier Le Peuch, chief executive officer of SLB, highlighted the core hurdle that the new initiative aims to overcome. "The energy industry has no shortage of technology. The challenge is deploying it at scale and turning innovation into operational impact," he noted. "Ahmadi Innovation Valley brings together technology providers, researchers and operational teams to accelerate the evaluation, deployment and scaling of new solutions across KOC's operations. We are proud to contribute our technology, domain expertise and global experience while helping strengthen local capabilities and support the next generation of Kuwaiti talent."
This landmark award signifies a major expansion of a deep-rooted relationship, building upon more than 85 years of continuous collaboration between SLB and KOC, and promising a profound modernisation of Kuwait’s upstream capabilities.
Oman Shell recently concluded its highly anticipated participation in two major industry events: Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) and the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show (OPES) 2026.
Oman Shell recently concluded its highly anticipated participation in two major industry events: Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) and the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show (OPES) 2026.
Held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), the company's strong presence served as a comprehensive showcase of its ongoing dedication to innovation, environmental stewardship, and practical sustainability.
As the Strategic Partner for Oman Sustainability Week and Gold Sponsor for the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show, Oman Shell created an immersive booth experience that welcomed numerous visitors throughout the event. The custom-designed space provided a platform to explore crucial contemporary themes, spanning across liquefied natural gas (LNG), artificial intelligence-driven technologies, advanced energy solutions, and the critical area of future mobility. Over the three-day event, public interest remained consistently high, with attendees actively exploring interactive technology showcases and live demonstrations. These immersive experiences successfully highlighted the company's focus on delivering practical, scalable energy solutions designed to meet modern demands.
A particularly standout moment during Oman Shell's participation was the dedicated “Insights into LNG” session. This highly informative event was jointly hosted by Cedric Cremers, Integrated Gas President and Executive Committee Member at Shell, alongside Tom Summers, the Executive Vice President of LNG, Marketing & Trading. The session offered deep explorations into the latest developments currently shaping global LNG markets. The two executives discussed the evolving role of LNG in supporting energy security, navigating the energy transition, and examining key trends influencing the future of the sector.
In addition to the interactive booth and the “Insights into LNG” session, Oman Shell played an exceptionally active role in the wider conference programme. Company representatives participated in various keynote sessions and detailed panel discussions across both OPES and OSW. These Shell experts contributed valuable insights and deep industry knowledge on a wide array of vital topics. The discussions covered the future of energy, sustainability practices, effective carbon management, continuous innovation, and the ongoing transformation of the industry. By sharing this expertise, Oman Shell reinforced its pivotal role in supporting constructive, forward-looking dialogue regarding the energy transition and the future of the energy sector, both within Oman and on a global scale.
As part of its comprehensive participation during the busy week, Oman Shell also took the opportunity to host the official graduation ceremony for the fifth batch of the Shell Nawafidh programme at the OCEC. This ceremony formally recognised the achievements of the participating students, highlighting the programme's vital role in empowering young Omani talent through targeted education, applied innovation, and future-focused learning opportunities.
Furthermore, on the evening of 20 May, Oman Shell organised an exclusive site visit for a select number of key OPES and OSW participants. The destination was Oman's first hydrogen refuelling station, proudly designated as Shell's sixth “Gift to the Nation”. This unique visit offered attendees the rare opportunity to explore the pioneering station firsthand and gain practical insights into the vital role that hydrogen is expected to play in supporting future mobility solutions and aligning with Oman's broader energy transition ambitions.
Behind these showcases lies Shell's history as a dedicated partner in Oman's development over several decades. The company remains deeply active across the Omani oil and gas industry, participating in joint ventures and independent activities that range from research, development, exploration, and production, through to trading, retail, and new energies. Shell also implements an extensive social investment programme that contributes heavily to the sustainable development of the country, whilst holding significant interests in Petroleum Development Oman (34%), Oman LNG (30%), and Shell Oman Marketing Company (49%).
In January 2023, Oman Shell started producing gas from the Mabrouk North East field in Block 10. Shell holds a 53.45% working interest, with OQ and Marsa Liquefied Natural Gas LLC holding 13.36% and 33.19% respectively. Through these substantial investments and its recent participation in OSW and OPES 2026, Oman Shell reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Oman's sustainable development journey by combining global expertise, technology, collaboration, and innovation to help shape a balanced and practical energy future.
Siemens will provide comprehensive long-term service agreements for both the Misfah and Duqm Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects.
The Sultanate of Oman is poised to take a significant leap forward in its electricity generation capabilities.
In a major development announced on June 30, 2026, Siemens Energy secured a pivotal role in supplying vital power generation technology for two new facilities. The company will provide comprehensive long-term service agreements for both the Misfah and Duqm Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects.
With a planned capacity reaching nearly 2.6 gigawatts, these combined-cycle power plants are projected to increase Oman’s total electricity capacity by almost 20 percent. Once operational, this infrastructural expansion will deliver a reliable power supply to more than two million people. The core of Siemens Energy’s technological scope incorporates the delivery of six advanced F-class gas turbines alongside six accompanying generators. To ensure ongoing reliability, the agreement also includes corresponding long-term service contracts spanning twenty years.
The manufacturing of these critical components will take place within Siemens Energy’s dedicated production sites in Germany. The SGT5-4000F gas turbines will be manufactured at the facility in Berlin, whereas the SGen5-2000P generators will be produced in Muelheim.
These plants have been strategically sited to support rapidly escalating capacity needs in two important locations. The Misfah plant is situated within the Muscat Governorate, which represents one of the Sultanate’s largest centres for electricity demand. The Duqm facility is positioned inside the Special Economic Zone at Duqm in the Al Wusta Governorate. This zone serves as a key industrial and logistics hub situated directly on the Arabian Sea coast.
The development of these projects is spearheaded by a multinational consortium. The group comprises the Etihad Water and Electricity Company PJSC, Nebras Power Investment Management B.V., Bahwan Infrastructure Services LLC, and Korea Western Power Co.,Ltd. Doosan Enerbility, acting in a consortium with SEPCO-3, has been tasked with the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) responsibilities. Nama Power and Water Procurement Company will serve as the official offtaker for the electricity generated.
The strategic importance of this initiative was underscored during a visit to Siemens Energy’s Berlin factory by H.E. Salim Al Aufi, Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals. He stated: "The Misfah and Duqm projects reflect Oman's commitment to building a resilient and future-ready energy system. By working with leading technology providers such as Siemens Energy, and deploying advanced gas turbines with hydrogen co-firing capabilities, we are strengthening the reliability of electricity supply while supporting our long-term strategy to diversify the Sultanate's energy mix. This will help create the flexibility to increase the use of hydrogen over time as our energy transition progresses. This collaboration will further set the foundation for a lower-carbon power system, enhance energy security, and support the goals of Oman Vision 2040."
Karim Amin, Member of the Executive Board of Siemens Energy, stated: “As the Sultanate continues to expand its industrial base and electricity infrastructure, flexible and reliable power will be critical in this next chapter, supporting grid stability and enabling greater integration of renewables in the system. We are proud to support this journey, and build on a strong legacy in Oman, by providing our cutting-edge gas turbines, expertise, and service capabilities to the flagship Misfah and Duqm power plants to deliver highly efficient energy and add a significant 2.6 GW to Oman’s power system, helping meet evolving demand and ambitious energy targets.”
Siemens Energy, employing roughly 105,000 individuals across more than 90 countries, reported revenue of €39.1 billion during the 2025 fiscal year. An estimated one-sixth of all globally generated electricity relies upon technologies provided by Siemens Energy, whose extensive international expertise will now play a foundational role in driving Oman’s future energy transition.
The AQUACHLOR® system is specifically designed to deliver safer and more sustainable water treatment processes across the region.
The Middle East is rapidly advancing its utility infrastructure to meet growing demands for clean, safe water.
During the recent MENA Desalination exhibition, held from the 3rd to the 4th of June, EEIC (Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation Company) and Emerald Ecotechnologies LLC presented a major operational breakthrough. The showcase demonstrated massive disinfection cost savings for regional operators, fundamentally changing how facilities manage potable water and wastewater.
As the region focuses on sustainability, these companies are introducing advanced methods to minimise reliance on traditional, hazardous chemicals.
AQUACHLOR Mixed Oxidants Technology Explained
The core of this new operational efficiency lies in the AQUACHLOR® Mixed Oxidants technology. EEIC, a Ghobash Group Enterprise, partnered with UAE-based Emerald Ecotechnologies to bring this system to the forefront of the utility sector.
The joint presentation at the MENA Desalination exhibition highlighted several key operational improvements for desalination and wastewater applications. The AQUACHLOR® system is specifically designed to:
- Deliver safer and more sustainable water treatment processes across the region.
- Dramatically cut operating costs for utility providers.
- Minimise the industry's reliance on hazardous chlorine-based chemicals.
- Improve biofilm control within extensive water distribution networks.
- Enhance overall operational safety by reducing the handling, transportation, and storage of dangerous substances.
This technology presents a lower-cost alternative to conventional chlorine or chlorine dioxide-based disinfection systems.
The NAQAA SWRO Desalination Plant Project
A primary reference project highlighted during the exhibition was the NAQAA SWRO Desalination Plant, located in Umm Al Quwain. This massive facility promises a potable water treatment capacity of approximately 684,000 cubic metres per day.
Achieving Massive OPEX Reductions
The NAQAA facility has officially selected AQUACHLOR® as a chlorine dioxide replacement solution, with full deployment planned for later this year. Once implemented, the project is expected to deliver a reported 91% reduction in operating expenditure (OPEX).
Crucially, this cost reduction does not compromise water quality. The system maintains stable residual disinfection performance while ensuring WHO-compliant potable water. It achieves this without generating harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as bromate, chlorate, and chlorite.
The successful showcase allowed both companies to engage directly with industry stakeholders who are actively looking to optimise their current utility infrastructure. These efforts perfectly align with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036. This national programme prioritises:
- Long-term water sustainability.
- Robust infrastructure resilience.
- Improved operational efficiency.
The strategy is particularly relevant as the nation continues expanding its investment in large-scale desalination projects to secure future water supplies. Industry leaders from both organisations expressed strong confidence in the technology's potential to reshape regional water networks.
Petr Gnatyuk, the CEO of Emerald Ecotechnologies, added:
"Utilities today are looking for technologies that can deliver stronger disinfection performance while also simplifying operations and reducing lifecycle costs. Throughout the exhibition, we saw growing regional interest in solutions that are effective, cheap and reduce the demand in transportation and storage of hazardous chemicals."
Following this successful exhibition, EEIC and Emerald Ecotechnologies are well-positioned to accelerate the deployment of these sustainable solutions, driving the next generation of resilient utility infrastructure across the region.
DAMAC has just unveiled a landmark achievement for the year: the scheduled handover of 8,800 premium residential units across the emirate.
Dubai’s property market has long been a barometer for the region’s economic vitality, and the sector shows no signs of slowing down.
Leading this charge is DAMAC Properties, the largest private real estate developer across the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East. The organisation has just unveiled a landmark achievement for the year: the scheduled handover of 8,800 premium residential units across the emirate.
This monumental delivery is not occurring in a vacuum. It runs parallel to a massive financial injection into the local construction sector. During the first half of 2026 alone, DAMAC has awarded more than AED 10 billion in construction contracts. This immense capital deployment underscores the developer’s robust momentum and unwavering commitment to expanding its diverse portfolio of master-planned communities and high-profile standalone developments.
Expanding Dubai’s Master Communities
For prospective homeowners and investors, the 8,800 handovers represent a significant turning point. The scheduled deliveries span an array of DAMAC’s most prestigious and highly sought-after flagship destinations. Residents will soon be moving into sprawling, family-orientated communities such as DAMAC Hills and DAMAC Hills 2, which have become synonymous with suburban luxury in Dubai.
The highly anticipated DAMAC Lagoons project will also see handovers, bringing its unique, water-inspired lifestyle to fruition. Beyond these sprawling master communities, the 2026 handover programme includes ultra-luxury urban residences, specifically the striking Chic Tower and the sophisticated Elegance Tower.
This sustained progress highlights DAMAC’s ability to advance complex construction activities. The developer has continually strengthened its formidable pipeline by forging strategic partnerships with top-tier contractors, improving operational efficiencies, and implementing cutting-edge, technology-driven building processes.
Leadership and Resilience
Despite broader geopolitical challenges that often create uncertainty in global markets, the developer has remained steadfast in its operational goals. Ali Sajwani, Managing Director of DAMAC Properties, articulated this resilience perfectly, stating: “DAMAC remains fully committed to delivering every promised unit and project to our customers without disruption or delay. Despite the regional tensions earlier this year, our construction activity, operations and handover timelines continue to progress with confidence and consistency. Our priority remains clear, to deliver on our commitments while maintaining the highest standards of quality, efficiency and execution. Dubai continues to demonstrate exceptional resilience as a global real estate and investment destination, and DAMAC remains focused on supporting the emirate’s long-term vision through timely delivery, and continued investment across our developments.”
A Legacy of Global Ambition
To understand the sheer scale of the 2026 handovers, one must look at the historical trajectory of the firm. Founded in 2002 by Hussain Sajwani, DAMAC Properties has meticulously built a robust, industry-leading track record over the past two decades. Prior to this year's handovers, the developer had already successfully delivered 50,000 units to market. The future pipeline is even more substantial, with an astonishing 54,000 additional units currently under construction.
This domestic success has provided a springboard for international recognition. In 2025, DAMAC Properties aggressively expanded its brand presence both locally and on the global stage. This was driven by pioneering global partnerships. By aligning with internationally renowned sporting powerhouses such as Chelsea Football Club and the Oracle Red Bull Racing team, DAMAC successfully elevated its profile from a regional property leader to a globally recognised luxury lifestyle brand. These strategic moves were complemented by a series of iconic project launches that further solidified its market dominance.
The record-breaking AED 10 billion in H1 2026 contracts and the ambitious 8,800-unit handover schedule represent a fundamental dedication to constructing lifestyle-led communities. By maintaining this aggressive pace of development and delivery, DAMAC Properties is playing a pivotal role in supporting Dubai’s overarching real estate growth. The developer continues to meet the sustained demand from homeowners and investors drawn to the emirate, ensuring that Dubai remains a premier destination on the global property map.
Aramine and sensmore have announced a partnership to introduce an automated, battery-powered Aramac L140B loader into the underground production environment at Cemex in Germany.
The future of European resource extraction has taken a significant leap forward.
Aramine and Sensmore have announced a partnership to introduce an automated, battery-powered Aramac L140B loader into the underground production environment at Cemex in Germany. This collaboration transforms a proven underground machine into a fully autonomous production system designed for real operating conditions.
As Europe actively seeks secure access to critical raw materials, underground extraction must become safer, more efficient, and less dependent on scarce skilled labour. Autonomous machines represent a practical path to achieving these vital goals by greatly reducing operator exposure to demanding underground environments.
Marc Melkonian, co-president at Aramine in charge of the equipment division, highlighted the strategic importance of this development. "The next step is to take raw materials under our feet, under our ground, in Europe, and not on the other side of the world. For that, we are not going to send people underground, but we are going to send machines that are capable to do it by themselves," said Melkonian.
The hardware driving this initiative is the Aramac L140B loader, provided by Aramine. Launched in 2016 to introduce new technology into underground mining, this battery-powered machine was explicitly designed with the openness required for autonomous control. Featuring a 1.3-tonne payload, it is engineered specifically for the distinct challenges of narrow-vein mining. The L140B successfully combines productivity, manoeuvrability, and operational flexibility in confined underground spaces. Operating with zero local CO2 emissions, the loader supports safer mining environments whilst enabling the transition toward fully autonomous production.
While Aramine provides the physical platform, sensmore acts as the automation system provider. The software company turns the L140B into an intelligent, autonomous production machine. The integration encompasses the entire automation stack, safety architecture, machine control, and operational interfaces required for active production use. At Cemex in Rüdersdorf, sensmore connected the automated L140B to the entire production process, including the conveyor belt, functional safety networks, and site infrastructure. Consequently, the machine operates not as an isolated robot, but as an integral part of the continuous underground workflow.
"Autonomy in heavy industry only creates real value when it is vertically integrated into the production environment," said Maximilian Rolf, CEO and Co-founder of sensmore. "At Cemex, we are integrating the Aramine L140B into the entire underground process. That is how autonomous machines become part of industrial reality today".
The operational impact of this deployment is already highly visible. Christian Zinnecker, coordinator underground operations, extraction & blasting at Cemex, noted the project's significance. "Implementing this system is a major milestone for us. It helps improve productivity, reduces operator exposure to underground risks, and supports our journey toward safer and lower-emission mining operations" said Zinnecker.
The automated Aramac L140B boasts remarkable endurance, operating autonomously for up to eight hours, compared with around five hours in manual, manned mode. This substantial increase translates into greater machine availability, a reduction in repetitive tasks, and a significantly safer working environment underground.
Together, Aramine, sensmore, and Cemex are demonstrating that autonomous underground extraction is no longer a future concept. It is becoming an industrial reality: safer for people, easier to operate, and fully ready to support the next generation of underground resource production.
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has announced significant progress in restoring production at its Al Taweelah facility, achieving crucial early milestones ahead of schedule.
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has announced significant progress in restoring production at its Al Taweelah facility, achieving crucial early milestones ahead of schedule.
The industrial site suffered substantial damage on the 28th of March when Iranian attacks on the Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi forced an emergency shutdown.
Safety and Infrastructure Recovery
Following the incident, EGA emphasised that the safety of employees and contractors remains its highest priority. Two employees sustained injuries requiring hospitalisation; both have since been discharged to continue their recoveries. The company quickly established a dedicated team tasked with delivering a safe restoration of the Al Taweelah facilities.
Repairs to damaged infrastructure have progressed rapidly. Basic utilities are now restored across the complex, and the availability of natural gas and electricity is projected to ramp up to meet the demands of the restart programme.
Smelter and Reduction Cell Progress
EGA must progressively restore 1,262 reduction cells to resume hot metal production at the smelter. The company has completed anode removal across all reduction cells. Bath cleaning is approximately 90 per cent complete, and frozen metal has been removed from over 20 per cent of the cells. The first restored reduction cell was restarted on the 26th of May, and 89 reduction cells have been restarted so far. While hot metal production could take up to a year to return to pre-incident levels, EGA is working to accelerate this timeline.
Casthouse, Recycling, and Refining The Al Taweelah Casthouse produced its first cast metal on the 4th of May. The facility is currently remelting the frozen metal extracted from the reduction cells to manufacture finished aluminium products, alongside casting new hot metal from the restored reduction cells.
Before the March incident, the recycling plant had recently commenced final commissioning and cast metal production. Commissioning work resumed in April, followed by recycled cast metal production in early May. The ramp-up to full production is anticipated to take up to six months, maintaining the original timeline based on scrap availability.
At the alumina refinery, first alumina production is expected early in the third quarter. A rapid ramp-up to full production will depend on the optimisation of bauxite supply chains, though the broader ramp-up of hot metal production is not reliant on the refinery reaching full capacity.
Leadership Perspective
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: "We are rapidly and safely actioning a clear, disciplined plan to restore production at Al Taweelah, which is one of the most important aluminium production complexes in the world. All opportunities to accelerate the timeline further are being explored, and we will achieve our goal of emerging stronger than ever before. Our people have risen to this challenge, and I commend their continued heroism and dedication to EGA's bright future."
Jebel Ali Operations and Logistics
While Al Taweelah recovers, EGA’s Jebel Ali site continues to produce aluminium at full capacity. Inbound deliveries of major raw materials currently exceed requirements, leading to increasing raw material stockpiles in the UAE. EGA possessed significant volumes of metal in transit and overseas warehouses at the onset of the conflict, allowing continued supply to some customers. Although outbound logistics constraints in March caused a temporary suspension of new shipments, EGA has successfully established alternative logistics routes using ports outside the Strait of Hormuz. The company is selling more metal than it produces at Jebel Ali, gradually reducing UAE stockpiles, though a full return to pre-crisis shipment levels requires the re-opening of the Strait.
The new automotive logistics hub in Dubai is specifically designed to strengthen core industry verticals and effectively expand Hellman's global network capabilities.
The global supply chain landscape is constantly evolving to meet the demands of fast-growing industries.
On June 8th, 2026, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics officially broke ground on a brand-new, dedicated facility. This new automotive logistics hub in Dubai is strategically located within the highly sought-after Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza).
This significant project marks a major milestone in the company's long-term growth agenda. It is specifically designed to strengthen core industry verticals and effectively expand the company's global network capabilities. By establishing this site, Hellmann aims to support the expanding operational needs of its existing automotive customers in the region while creating scalable capacity for future growth.
Strengthening the Middle East automotive logistics market
The decision to invest in dedicated, industry-focused infrastructure allows Hellmann to enhance its ability to deliver highly resilient logistics solutions. These solutions are specifically tailored to the growing Middle East automotive logistics market. Market projections indicate that this sector is expected to expand at an annual rate of around 4% to 6% through the year 2030. The United Arab Emirates plays a strategically vital role in this context. The country serves as a key gateway connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. Furthermore, the UAE offers strong multimodal connectivity and robust infrastructure for comprehensive global supply chain offerings.
The built-to-suit facility is currently being developed by INDU Logistics to meet these regional demands which is part of the INDU Group. Once completed, it will serve as a dedicated automotive hub seamlessly integrated within Hellmann's Middle East network.
The massive facility, spanning approximately 28,000 square meters is meticulously designed to manage the full spectrum of automotive spare parts logistics. The operational layout includes several specialized zones to maximize efficiency:
- It utilises high-density bin storage to organize smaller components efficiently and securely.
- The facility incorporates extensive pallet racking systems for standard freight and inventory management.
- It features specialised handling areas dedicated entirely to oversized and bulky automotive components.
This site will provide the scalable infrastructure necessary to support efficient, high-volume distribution across the GCC, Africa, and selected international markets.
Delivering high-performance logistics solutions
Industry leaders recognise the immense importance of this strategic development. Lee I'Ons, the regional CEO for IMEA at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, highlighted the strategic value of the project by stating:
“The UAE is a strategically important market within our global network. By establishing this dedicated automotive hub in Jafza, we are systematically expanding our regional capabilities and creating further scalable, industry-focused infrastructure. This enables us to deliver competitive, high-performance logistics solutions for our customers and to support their long-term growth,”
Similarly, Abdulla Al Hashmi, global chief operating officer for Parks and Economic Zones at DP World, emphasized the broader regional impact:
“Hellman's investment in Jebel Ali Free Zone reflects the rapid pace at which the automotive industry is growing in the Middle East, with customers looking for faster, more reliable access to critical spare parts across multiple markets. By continuing to build specialized infrastructure in Dubai, we are supporting our partners in managing uncertainty and keeping their operations moving,”
The groundbreaking of this new facility represents a forward-thinking approach to modern supply chain management. Hellmann, by combining a prime geographic location with highly specialized storage capabilities, is well-positioned to serve a rapidly expanding market. Businesses looking to optimise their supply chains should continuously monitor these infrastructure developments to stay ahead of industry trends.
