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As the global community prepares for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), Türkiye has positioned itself at the forefront of environmental innovation by aggressively boosting its support for clean technology start-ups.

Scheduled to be held in the picturesque Mediterranean resort city of Antalya from the 9th to the 20th of November, the COP31 summit will bring together governments, industry leaders, and environmental advocates to advance international cooperation on climate action, emissions reduction, the transition to clean energy, and climate finance. In anticipation of this monumental event, Türkiye’s Scientific and Technological Research Council (TUBITAK) has formally launched a series of new funding and accelerator initiatives designed to help pioneering start-ups commercialise their products and secure vital green investment.

Empowering innovators

TUBITAK’s strategic drive expands upon existing support structures for clean energy, green technologies, and sustainable transformation. According to official details, the core of these fresh initiatives focuses heavily on the second phase of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP). This ambitious project is implemented by TUBITAK in close cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and several government ministries. The primary objective of the GCIP’s second phase is to seamlessly transform nascent clean technology solutions into market-ready businesses through intensive acceleration schemes, rigorous technology validation, and comprehensive investment readiness activities.

Applications for the highly anticipated GCIP Türkiye Accelerator 2026, alongside the Inclusive Green Transition Accelerator 2026, have been opened to the public and will remain active until the 3rd of August. The scope of eligible ventures is intentionally broad to capture maximum innovation. Start-ups actively developing solutions in sectors such as energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, waste valorisation, water efficiency, green buildings, sustainable transportation, and advanced materials and chemicals are strongly encouraged to apply. By participating in these meticulously structured programmes, burgeoning entrepreneurs will receive invaluable assistance to strengthen their core technologies and refine their overarching business models. Furthermore, the initiatives are designed to validate new products rigorously, preparing participants for impending investment rounds and facilitating seamless entry into both domestic and international markets.

Financial incentives

To further incentivise participation and reward ground-breaking innovation, TUBITAK has committed to providing substantial cash awards to the highest-performing teams within each accelerator track. The financial backing is structured to provide significant runway for developing businesses. First-place teams in the programme will be awarded 700,000 Turkish liras (approximately $17,300). Those securing second place will receive 500,000 Turkish liras, while third-place finishers will take home 400,000 Turkish liras. This direct injection of capital is expected to alleviate immediate financial pressures that typically hinder early-stage ventures, allowing them to focus entirely on scaling operational capacities before debuting their innovations globally.

Championing women in clean technology

In addition to the main prize tiers, TUBITAK has instituted dedicated support for women-led clean technology start-ups. Recognising the vital importance of gender diversity in the technology sectors, the council has announced that winning women-led ventures across four distinct categories will be awarded 300,000 Turkish liras each. This financial prize will be coupled with bespoke investment readiness assistance, ensuring these female founders are perfectly positioned to attract subsequent venture capital funding and navigate corporate growth.

The inclusive green transition

Separately, but running in parallel with the GCIP efforts, TUBITAK and UNIDO are launching the Inclusive Green Transition Accelerator 2026. This specific programme has been tailored to support technology-based solutions that actively promote an inclusive green economy, echoing broader discussions seen at recent domestic environmental summits held under the pivotal theme of “Climate, Water, Food and Security”. Teams selected for this specialised accelerator will be invited to attend the prestigious GCIP Türkiye 2026 National Academy in September. Throughout the academy, and extending into December, participants will receive tailored training, expert mentoring, and supplementary online support to help them develop, refine, and eventually commercialise their visionary clean technology solutions.

These concerted efforts reflect Türkiye's strategic intent to not merely host COP31, but to actively demonstrate practical, actionable leadership in the fight against climate change. By aggressively funding and mentoring the next generation of eco-innovators, the nation is laying the solid groundwork for a robust, sustainable economic future that closely aligns with the most urgent environmental priorities of our time.

Oman’s ongoing journey toward comprehensive economic diversification has received a fresh and substantial boost, highlighting the vital role of private-sector participation in modern nation-building.

In a landmark transaction that firmly underscores the Sultanate’s strategic priorities, Rakiza Fund I and specialist water investor IV3 Aqua have officially agreed to acquire Majis Industrial Services SAOC from the global energy investment group OQ. This high-profile acquisition marks a pivotal milestone in expanding private investment within critical infrastructure, directly supporting the manufacturing and industrial growth objectives outlined in Oman’s ambitious Vision 2040 framework.

Powering the SOHAR Port and Freezone
Majis operates as the premier integrated industrial water utilities provider within the SOHAR Port and Freezone, functioning as a vital cornerstone for one of the nation's most active and strategic economic hubs. The organisation delivers a comprehensive, mission-critical portfolio of essential services, ranging from cooling seawater and industrial process water to dependable potable water distribution and advanced wastewater treatment. By securing this foundational asset, the acquiring consortium aims to inject fresh operational expertise, enhanced financial resilience, and long-term sustainability into Oman’s thriving industrial backbone, ensuring that regional businesses have uninterrupted access to indispensable utility services.

The partnership brings together the robust local market experience and extensive regional network of Rakiza Fund I—which is co-managed by Oman Infrastructure Investment Management and Equitix—alongside the proven technical capabilities of global water infrastructure investor IV3 Aqua. Industry leaders have expressed immense confidence in the transaction's capacity to unlock new value for all stakeholders involved. Khalid al Khatib, Chief Executive Officer of Rakiza, emphasised the compelling nature of the asset during the announcement: "As the leading integrated water utilities platform in SOHAR, Majis combines strategic importance, a high-quality customer base and long-term contracted revenues, making it a highly attractive investment that aligns with our long-term strategy,"

Expanding Proven Technical Expertise
For IV3 Aqua, this strategic acquisition builds firmly upon an already established operational footprint across the Sultanate. The firm previously delivered the Qurayyat Independent Water Project, successfully operating a major seawater reverse osmosis desalination facility capable of producing 200,000 cubic metres per day. Expanding their operational portfolio to include Majis significantly broadens their capability to deliver large-scale, reliable utility solutions tailored specifically to heavy industrial demands, strict environmental regulations, and complex logistical requirements across the region.

Key stakeholders have underlined that as manufacturing hubs expand rapidly across the region, safeguarding environmental standards and resource security remains paramount. Representatives from IV3 Aqua noted: "As Oman advances its Vision 2040 ambitions, reliable and resilient water infrastructure will play an increasingly important role in enabling sustainable industrial expansion," Furthermore, maintaining high environmental standards is viewed as integral to attracting foreign direct investment.

Optimisation and Future Growth
Meanwhile, OQ views the divestment as part of a disciplined capital allocation and active portfolio optimisation programme. Following previous successful partial divestments across various energy and industrial sectors, OQ continues to streamline its corporate operations, allowing the group to redeploy capital toward new growth opportunities that align closely with national economic priorities, shareholder value, and long-term financial goals.

This major transaction signals robust and enduring international investor confidence in Oman’s rapidly evolving infrastructure market. By championing dynamic public-private partnerships and drawing long-term institutional capital into essential utilities, the Sultanate is effectively future-proofing its industrial landscape against forthcoming challenges. As Majis enters this next exciting chapter of corporate growth, the enhanced focus on operational excellence, sustainable development, and reliable service delivery promises to deliver enduring benefits for businesses, local communities, and the broader regional economy for years to come.

The Egyptian real estate landscape has witnessed a significant milestone as Jora Developments officially commenced construction on its flagship iXORA Residence project located in Hadayek October City.

This major development marks the company's formal entry into the integrated residential communities segment, drawing upon more than 15 years of proven experience in the local property market. By breaking ground less than a year after the initial project launch, the organisation has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to streamlining regulatory compliance and protecting prospective buyers' interests.

Atef Morsi, Chairman of JORA Developments, said that the launch of construction represents a key milestone in the company's growth strategy. He further noted that the meticulously planned residential community is being developed on a sprawling 43,000 square metre site. Crucially, more than 75% of the total area has been explicitly allocated to landscaped green spaces, open zones, and modern recreational amenities. This design philosophy is intended to provide residents with expansive open views, enhanced privacy, and a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle environment.

Strategically positioned in the heart of Hadayek October on Ahmed Zewail Road, the compound enjoys close proximity to Al Wahat Road, the Mall of Egypt, and Dreamland. The site benefits from seamless connectivity via three main access roads, placing it within easy reach of top-tier educational, commercial, and recreational destinations. To ensure timely delivery, the developer has already fulfilled nearly 80% of the land value and successfully secured a significant portion of the required construction materials. Consequently, the executive team is targeting a complete handover within an ambitious 30-month timeframe, keeping fully aligned with their projected construction schedule.

Architecturally, the master plan was crafted by renowned engineering consultant Mohamed Hafez, incorporating modern design concepts that prioritise resident wellbeing and functional elegance. The residential apartments range in size from 111 square metres to 173 square metres, offering carefully optimised layouts that maximise natural light and interior ventilation. Additionally, the development features a dedicated 1,500 square metre commercial, administrative, medical, and service area designed to provide comprehensive day-to-day conveniences right at the doorstep of every homeowner.

Complementing the residential structures, the project boasts an array of lifestyle amenities, including swimming pools, a mosque, dedicated cycling lanes, well-paved internal roads, and secure underground parking facilities equipped with separate access points. Ahmed Adel, Chief Commercial Director at JORA Developments, said that iXORA Residence was planned to balance product quality with investment value by offering efficient unit layouts and relatively low loading ratios compared with competing developments. These thoughtful inclusions ensure a superior living standard for families seeking long-term value.

Capitalising on the robust market momentum generated by the ground-breaking ceremony, the firm has officially launched the third phase of iXORA Residence. To accommodate diverse financial requirements across different client segments, the newly introduced phase features flexible payment structures designed to ease purchasing pressures. Prospective buyers can secure their units with an initial 5% down payment followed by convenient instalments spread across six years. Alternatively, clients can opt for a 10% down payment with a seven-year repayment tenure, or a 15% down payment extending up to eight years.

Industry experts note that obtaining essential regulatory approvals—such as the land allocation notice, land handover record, ministerial decree, and building permit—prior to commencing construction highlights the firm's rigorous corporate governance. By pairing transparent legal procedures with robust construction schedules and highly attractive payment terms, Jora Developments is setting a remarkable benchmark for residential projects across West Cairo. The initiative successfully caters to modern families and savvy property investors looking for secure, high-yield assets in a thriving urban corridor.

The Sultanate of Oman is taking a decisive step towards bolstering its domestic construction industry and diversifying its economy.

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has launched a public investment opportunity encompassing two highly anticipated limestone mining sites in Salalah. This strategic move invites qualified Omani companies to bid for the extraction projects, representing a core component of efforts to support the robust development of the nation's mining sector whilst strengthening local production of essential construction materials.

According to a recent ministry announcement, the application window for these locations remains open for three months, commencing on the 19th of July and concluding on the 18th of October 2026. Interested enterprises must submit proposals through the government’s Taqa digital platform. The opportunity explicitly covers two designated limestone mining sites situated within the Public Mining Area in Salalah, a region renowned for rich geological reserves.

Empowering Local Enterprises

A notable characteristic of this public tender is its strict exclusivity. The ministry has stated categorically that the bidding process is open solely to Omani companies and institutions. Furthermore, these entities must possess demonstrable, proven experience in managing mining projects and related operational activities.

This crucial requirement underscores the government's strategic focus on increasing local participation within the lucrative mining sector. By mandating a baseline of technical capability among successful bidders, the ministry ensures the nation’s natural resources are managed by competent domestic operators committed to long-term sustainable extraction.

Securing Domestic Supply Chains

Perhaps the most defining parameter of this new investment opportunity is the strict regulation regarding the destination of extracted minerals. Under the published terms, all limestone production from these two Salalah sites will be entirely restricted to domestic use, with exports strictly not permitted.

This condition is deliberately aimed at supporting the local building materials industry by guaranteeing a stable supply of raw materials for the domestic market. Limestone stands as one of Oman's most abundant mineral resources, serving as an indispensable raw material for cement, construction aggregates, and other building products. Driven by ongoing infrastructure projects, industrial developments, and rapid urban expansion across the Sultanate of Oman, domestic demand for high-quality construction materials is expected to remain exceptionally strong.

Fostering Fair Competition

To ensure equitable resource distribution, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals has implemented stringent regulatory measures regarding site allocation. While companies are encouraged to submit competitive bids for both mining locations, the ministry has firmly mandated that no single company will be awarded more than one site.

Crucially, this restriction also extends to companies owned by the same shareholders. If cross-ownership exceeds the threshold of 30 per cent in relation to the same site, the entities will be subject to the one-site limitation. This measure is intended to promote significantly wider participation, foster healthy competition within the local industry, and prevent the consolidation of essential resource rights into the hands of a few operators.

Advancing Oman Vision 2040

This mineral offering forms an integral part of Oman's broader macroeconomic strategy to develop its mining sector. Mining is identified as a priority industry under the Oman Vision 2040 framework, which seeks to rapidly diversify the national economy beyond hydrocarbons. To actualise this vision, Oman has steadily expanded investment opportunities across various mineral resources. This expansion is heavily supported by geological surveys, regulatory reforms, and efficient digital licensing services designed to attract private-sector investment.

The ministry has increasingly utilised competitive public tenders and digital platforms to allocate mining concessions. This approach achieves greater transparency and operational efficiency whilst encouraging responsible resource development. These proactive measures guarantee that Oman's natural wealth is harvested efficiently and managed in a way that provides maximum benefit to the national economy over the long term.

Interested organisations must act promptly, as applications are required to be submitted electronically via the Taqa e-mining platform before the application period expires. Successful bidders will be legally expected to develop the Salalah sites in strict accordance with technical and regulatory requirements, fulfilling their mandate of supplying limestone exclusively to the domestic market.

Saudi-based Al Yamamah Steel Industries Company has officially named leading Italian engineering firm Danieli as the contractor tasked with establishing a state-of-the-art steel billet production plant in the kingdom.

The monumental project, scheduled for full completion by 2029, represents a significant milestone in the region's expanding industrial and manufacturing landscape.

Initially referred to in earlier regulatory disclosures as an unnamed specialised European corporate entity to protect commercial secrets and maintain competitive advantages, the true identity of the partner has now been publicly confirmed following formal updates filed with the Saudi bourse, Tadawul. The multi-million-dollar undertaking underscores the growing collaboration between Saudi industrial enterprises and world-class European engineering specialists.

Under the terms of the substantial SAR270 million agreement—equivalent to approximately $71 million—the scope of work assigned to the Italian corporation encompasses the complete manufacture, supply, and installation of advanced steel billet production equipment at the subsidiary's dedicated premises in the kingdom. Al Yamamah for Reinforcing Steel Bars Company, a key subsidiary of Al Yamamah Steel Industries, oversees this ambitious venture as part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen upstream steelmaking operations and expand domestic processing capabilities.

Corporate leadership has confirmed that the entire engineering, supply, and installation process will be executed swiftly, with Danieli targeted to finish all contracted works within a strict timeframe of two and a half years. Regarding the broader economic outlook, the Saudi group has noted that the financial impact of this landmark deal is expected to be formally reflected in financial statements during the second half of 2028. Furthermore, industry observers note that adopting such cutting-edge manufacturing methodologies aligns seamlessly with broader national objectives aimed at diversifying the industrial base and bolstering domestic production capabilities.

Headquartered in Buttrio, Italy, Danieli boasts a storied history and an unyielding reputation within the global metallurgical sector. Founded back in 1914 by Mario Danieli, the enterprise has evolved remarkably from its modest steelmaking origins in Milan into a massive, globally respected engineering and manufacturing corporation. Today, Danieli stands proudly recognized as one of the world's top three manufacturers of plants and machinery tailored specifically for the metals industry. The firm commands widespread expertise in designing and building specialised equipment for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ranging from heavy-duty electric arc furnaces to complex rolling mills.

A defining operational strength of the Italian group is its comprehensive project oversight model. Danieli expertly manages every developmental phase in-house, stretching seamlessly from initial conceptual design right through to rigorous on-site commissioning. Furthermore, the corporation maintains strategically distributed manufacturing workshops worldwide to guarantee consistently standardised production standards across all international jurisdictions.

The announcement of this major industrial contract follows closely on the heels of important financial restructuring for the subsidiary involved. Last month, Al Yamamah for Reinforcing Steel Bars Company secured official authorization from regulatory authorities to implement a capital increase. This was achieved through the issuance of 25 million brand-new shares priced directly at the company's established book value of SAR12, which equates to roughly $3.20 per share.

As part of this capital strengthening initiative, parent firm Al Yamamah Steel announced it would actively subscribe to 6.3 million shares within the rights issue, committing a total investment of SAR75.6 million. Crucially, this capital injection is being funded entirely through internal corporate resources. The fresh proceeds generated from the share issuance are earmarked to robustly bolster the subsidiary's overarching financial position while concurrently financing the construction phases of its expansive manufacturing plant.

By integrating Danieli's cutting-edge metallurgical technology with robust local funding and strategic vision, Al Yamamah Steel Industries is positioning itself for sustained growth within the competitive regional infrastructure sector. As construction gathers momentum over the coming months, the partnership serves as a testament to the robust economic ties driving modern industrial advancement across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Global utilities and leading power equipment manufacturers have united to address escalating bottlenecks within grid supply chains.

In a joint statement released during London Climate Action Week, industry leaders outlined steps to harmonise fragmented equipment standards and provide enhanced demand visibility, aiming to de-risk international procurement.

By 2030, Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA) members will require nearly 90,000 kilometres of transmission cable; enough to wrap around the Earth over twice, alongside 273 high-voltage transformers, 12,000 medium- and low-voltage transformers, and 77 substations.

These requirements severely eclipse current manufacturing capacities, with transformer wait times now exceeding three years. Addressing these material constraints is critical to maintaining the pace of global grid expansion.

Co-led by UK utility SSE and Abu Dhabi-based TAQA, UNEZA operates under the guidance of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, working alongside the UK Government-led Global Clean Power Alliance (GCPA).

UK Climate Minister Katie White stated: “This call from the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance shows that, by working with industry, governments can stop tying themselves in knots and start delivering the infrastructure needed to meet global demand – enough cable to wrap around the Earth more than twice. Through partnerships like the Global Clean Power Alliance, Britain is tackling long-standing barriers to clean energy. That will help us deliver the clean power mission, lower bills for good, and support other countries to reduce emissions and accelerate their own transition.”

Khalifa Al Mheiri, Chief Strategy & Investment Officer at TAQA Transmission, said: "As a utility investing in the next generation of electricity networks, TAQA recognises that delivering the energy transition at the pace the world requires depends not only on investment, but on our ability to strengthen and modernise global supply chains. Through UNEZA, utilities are taking practical action to improve coordination, harmonise technical approaches and explore pooled procurement models that provide greater certainty for suppliers while helping utilities deliver critical infrastructure faster, more efficiently and at lower cost. Collaboration across the value chain will be fundamental to building resilient electricity systems that support long-term energy security and net-zero ambitions.”

Glenn Barber, Director of Corporate Affairs at SSE, said: “We know from our experience in the UK that long-term visibility of demand is vital. It gives supply chain partners the certainty they need to invest in the manufacturing capacity and technical innovation needed to meet the demands of a monumental global energy transition. By bringing global utilities and supply chain partners together, UNEZA is not only helping to provide that visibility but tackling the practical barriers to supply chain development. The focus at London Climate Week on electrification of demand is welcome and necessary; at the same time, electrification will only be possible if grids can keep pace and the steps outlined today can plan an important role in that.”

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, said: “We have spent the past decade proving that renewables can be deployed at scale. That case is made. The challenge now is ensuring grids and supply chains keep pace to deliver clean power reliably to homes, industries and communities. As electrification takes center stage in the next phase of the transition, with IRENA calling for a global electrification target of 35% by 2035, resilient supply chains will be essential. Initiatives such as the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance and the Global Clean Power Alliance show the value of governments, utilities and industry working together to accelerate progress while enhancing energy security and system resilience.”

Following a roundtable co-hosted with the GCPA, the alliance underscored massive financial commitments. At COP30, UNEZA members raised their collective annual investment target for renewables, grids, and storage from USD 117 billion to USD 148 billion. Overall clean energy investments between COP28 and 2030 are on course to exceed USD 1 trillion.

To secure supply chain resilience, UNEZA launched a Delivery Mechanism focused on pooled procurement. Members committed to three priority actions: providing annual demand signals to spur capacity growth, advancing harmonised equipment standards to improve interoperability, and scaling coordinated procurement. Now comprising 85 member organisations, UNEZA will continue developing this supply chain roadmap ahead of COP31, driving practical action to build robust electricity systems globally.