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This MoU highlights Hassana and EIG’s shared vision to expand investments in regional infrastructure. (Image source: Canva)

Energy

Hassana Investment Company has signed an MoU with EIG, a prominent global investor in the energy and infrastructure sectors, to advance infrastructure and energy transition projects across the Middle East.

The collaboration will leverage EIG’s dedicated US$1bn regional fund, with Hassana considering an anchor investment of up to US$250mn.

This MoU highlights Hassana and EIG’s shared vision to expand investments in regional infrastructure and sustainable energy. By encouraging international investor participation and driving foreign direct investment, the partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, as well as the wider regional push towards sustainable energy solutions.

The agreement was formalised by Saad bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadly, CEO of Hassana, and R. Blair Thomas, chairman and CEO of EIG.

Mr. Al-Fadly said, “Hassana is pleased to expand our partnership with EIG, a leader in the global energy and infrastructure sectors. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to support the growth of infrastructure investments and the facilitation of the energy transition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the rest of the region.”

Mr. Thomas commented, “We had the pleasure of partnering with Hassana on the Pearl Pipelines project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and now we look forward to taking our relationship to the next level.”

He added, “We believe energy transition is one of the defining investment themes of the next several decades and leading investors need to work together in an effort to deliver the reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy system that society requires. We are committed to doing exactly that.”

Abdulaziz Al-Gudaimi, chairman of EIG’s MENA Operations, said “Hassana and EIG continue to make a difference in the energy scene of the Middle East. By deploying capital into innovative energy transition projects, we are endeavoring to build a sustainable future, boost the economy, and reinforce the region's commitment to clean energy solutions for many years to come.”

TAQA’s M4 Inflow Control System offers seamless ‘plug and play’ integration. (Image source: TAQA)

Water

TAQA has launched its next-generation M4 Inflow Control System. This system allows operators to optimise reservoir performance while sustainably managing fluid production.

The M4 Inflow Control System regulates the flow of unwanted fluids like water and gas, preventing the binary (open/close) effect that can lead to instability or halting production. The system excels in controlling water in ultra-light and light applications and enhances gas production control, offering stability and flexibility across various reservoir conditions.

One of the system’s standout features is its advanced pilot control system, which is highly sensitive to density, making it suitable for a wide range of oil types, including ultra-light, light, medium, and heavy oils. Additionally, its multi-phase control capabilities allow the device to perform efficiently, regardless of its orientation in the wellbore.

Flexibility at sites

TAQA’s M4 Inflow Control System offers seamless ‘plug and play’ integration with its entire portfolio of inflow systems, optimising performance across all well and reservoir types. The design incorporates features such as last-minute capacity adjustments and the ability to circulate to the bottom, ensuring ease of installation and flexibility, even at the rig site.

The system is engineered to maintain an open operating point for oil while being highly restricted for water, based on precise force field analysis confirmed through single and multi-phase flow testing. It has undergone rigorous testing in state-of-the-art multi-phase loops, evaluating the flow behaviour of water, oil, and gas mixtures under various conditions.

Although the system is not limited by oil viscosity, it has performed exceptionally well with oil viscosities as low as 0.5cP, tested alongside water to establish the optimal operating and control points at different water cuts. A comprehensive qualification matrix, including debris, erosion, and cycle testing, has also been completed.

Current market technologies often struggle to control water effectively when oil viscosities drop below 1cP, and there is a risk of turning into a “binary” open-close system, shutting off zones prematurely. TAQA’s new device overcomes both of these issues, ensuring reliable and efficient operation across a range of challenging conditions.

Dr Mojtaba Moradi, subsurface engineering manager of TAQA, said, “With the largest portfolio of inflow control systems more than 20 years of inflow control devices expertise, the M4 Inflow Control System represents the pinnacle of our innovation so far. This new generation offers water control by gradually reducing inflow as water production increases, avoiding premature well shut in.

Its main benefit is precision control based on reservoir production. The device allows operators to maximise output without risking shutting wells in, so they can manage production continuously and efficiently, which translates into obvious financial benefits.”

The HR15 H2E and HR17 H2E can run for up to five days on batteries alone. (Image source: Niftylift).

Construction

Niftylift is at the forefront in the mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) sector, offering some of the most fuel-efficient diesel-powered equipment, as well as hybrid and fully electric models.

Recently, it introduced the world’s first hydrogen-electric-powered access platforms – the HR15 H2E and HR17 H2E – marking a breakthrough in zero-emission construction in the Middle East.

"When powered by renewable energy, Niftylift’s fully electric platforms provide a dependable zero-emission solution for a wide range of urban jobsites. However, we recognise that not all projects, especially those in remote locations, have access to grid power for charging. This is where the hydrogen fuel cell comes into play. By adding it on top of the electric system, we offer a versatile and practical solution that’s viable for virtually any jobsite," explains Thomas Hadden, global technical sales manager at Niftylift.

The HR15 H2E and HR17 H2E can run for up to five days on batteries alone, with the hydrogen system doubling this range. Even with daily use, the hydrogen cylinder only needs replacing every two to three weeks. These boom lifts integrate hydrogen technology seamlessly, maintaining Niftylift's renowned low weight and compact design while emitting only water vapour and heat as by-products. This makes them ideal for both urban and remote sites, aligning with the region’s sustainability goals.

Johnson Arabia became the first rental company in the region to acquire a Niftylift HR15 H2E, impressed by its performance during a demonstration. The company also added 19 fully electric units to its fleet. The HR15 H2E is now operational on a high-profile UAE construction site, delivering zero emissions without downtime for refuelling or recharging.

Growth in the Middle East

Niftylift sees strong potential in the Middle East, driven by the focus on sustainability and safety in construction. “We’ve seen an ever-increasing growth for Niftylift products in the region even given the fierce market competition,” says Thomas. “This surge in demand is largely due to the heightened awareness of safety standards in the region and we are internationally renowned at Niftylift for our advanced safety features, such as SiOPS (sustained involuntary operation prevention system), load-sensing, and tilt-sensing technologies.”

To support growing demand, Niftylift is establishing a regional office in Dubai, serving as a hub for direct sales and support for key account rental companies. This will strengthen its partnerships in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, and expand its customer base in Saudi Arabia, a key growth market.

Niftylift also maintains close relationships with customers through regular face-to-face meetings and participation in industry events, including sponsorship of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) Middle East Conference 2024 in Riyadh.

“The Middle East’s transition to a sustainable future hinges on innovative technologies, such as hydrogen-electric equipment,” Thomas concludes. “As a leader in this field, we at Niftylift are committed to empowering the region’s construction industry to achieve ambitious decarbonisation goals.

Minerals Development Oman’s (MDO) total concession area now covers 24,119 sq km. (Image source: MDO)

Mining

Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has signed a key mining concession agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM).

The agreement grants MDO the rights to explore and develop strategic minerals within concession area 51F, located in the Al Wusta Governorate, covering 2,156 sq km in the Wilayat of Mahout. This area contains valuable deposits of silica, limestone, and dolomite, all of which are critical for industrial growth and economic diversification in Oman.

Silica, which is in high demand due to its essential role in industries such as glass manufacturing, renewable energy technologies (including solar panels), and energy storage, is a key focus of this agreement. In 2021, the glass industry became the largest consumer of silica sand in the region, and this demand is expected to grow. According to a report by Syndicated Analytics, the GCC silica sand market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 6.7% from 2022 to 2027, potentially reaching US$513.5mn by 2027.

The new concession positions MDO to become Oman’s first silica sand miner. Silica sand, valued for its high purity (above 97% naturally in this site), strength, and non-reactive properties, is critical for industries such as glass, solar technology, and chemicals. The agreement underscores MDO's and MEM’s confidence in the long-term commercial potential of the concession area.

With the addition of this new concession, Minerals Development Oman’s (MDO) total concession area now covers 24,119 sq km.

Strategic projects

MDO is not just an asset owner but also a driving force for regional mining sector growth. Each project is designed to create value for investors while delivering tangible benefits to local communities through job creation and economic empowerment.

In 2024, MDO launched several strategic exploration projects targeting key minerals, including copper, chromite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite, salt, and hard silica. Earlier this year, the company broke ground on the Lasil and Al Baydha Copper Mines Redevelopment Project in Sohar, Liwa, which aims to produce 800,000 tonnes of copper ore annually, supported by a confirmed 2.78 million tonnes of commercial-grade copper reserves.

In the coming months, MDO is set to begin construction on the Yanqul Copper Project, managed by its subsidiary Mazoon Mining LLC. Located in the Yanqul region, Mazoon Mining received exclusive rights from the Ministry of Energy and Minerals in 2022 to explore, develop, and produce copper concentrates, with gold as a secondary by-product. Following detailed feasibility studies, the Canadian firm Lycopodium has been appointed as the EPCM contractor, with construction expected to commence by the end of 2024. This project represents a significant milestone for MDO, positioning Oman as an emerging player in copper production and advancing the nation’s economic diversification strategy.

Nasser Al Maqbali, CEO of MDO, remarked, "This agreement underscores MDO’s commitment to harnessing the nation’s mineral wealth to create investment opportunities, generate employment, and drive sustainable industrial development. Our exploration of silica resources reflects Oman’s untapped potential to support critical industries, especially those related to the energy transition.

With these projects, MDO is becoming a key player in the region’s mining industry and helping Oman achieve its goals of economic diversification and sustainable growth. By focusing on strategic minerals and building impactful partnerships, we are committed to boosting the mining sector’s role in the national economy."

The facility aligns with the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” initiative. (Image source: Schneider Electric)

Manufacturing

Arab Development Establishment (ADE) and Schneider Electric have officially launched their joint venture manufacturing facility, TAQANA Energy Solutions, in Abu Dhabi.

Situated in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), the new facility was inaugurated by His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, alongside key officials, including ADE’s Yousef Mohamad Al Nowais, and senior representatives from Schneider Electric. Notable attendees included Walid Sheta, President of Schneider Electric’s MEA Zone, and Mahmoud Nader, CEO of TAQANA Energy Solutions.

The facility aligns with the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” initiative and supports the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) to position Abu Dhabi as the region’s leading industrial hub. With objectives like doubling the sector's value to US$48bn by 2031, creating over 13,000 skilled jobs, and boosting international trade, this launch reinforces the UAE's drive to strengthen local industries and global partnerships.

Notable statements 

HE Al Suwaidi said, “Public-private-partnerships, especially those that focus on knowledge transfers and technology adoption, are in line with the National Industry and Advanced Technology Strategy, through its contribution to investment across the country. Also, such partnerships solidifies the UAE’s position as a global and regional industrial hub. The collaboration reinforces the country’s status as a competitive and reliable regional and international industrial hub. This project also comes as part of the ongoing cooperation between UAE-based and French companies under the umbrella of the UAE-France Business Council, established to promote business partnerships and launch projects in priority sectors, contributing to sustainable economic development.”

Yousef Mohamed Al Nowais, chairman and managing director, Arab Development Establishment, said, “With the launch of the TAQANA Energy Solutions factory, we are not only supporting the UAE’s industrial sector but also advancing sustainable solutions that are crucial to the future of energy management. Together with Schneider Electric, we are proud to be part of the UAE’s vision for local production, positioning the nation as a leader in the global energy transition.”

Amel Chadli, president of Gulf countries, Schneider Electric, commented, “We are not just manufacturing energy solutions; we are engineering the future of sustainable energy in the UAE and beyond...This milestone highlights Schneider Electric’s unwavering commitment to the UAE, as we support the rapid transformation of the nation’s manufacturing sector and remain dedicated to driving sustainable solutions.”

Mohammed Ali Al Kamali, chief trade and industry officer, ADIO, said, “ By integrating advanced manufacturing technologies and creating high-skilled, knowledge-based jobs, TAQANA is contributing to a robust industrial ecosystem and accelerating our vision of a resilient, diversified economy that sets a new standard for industrial excellence across the region.”

Scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, this facility will span a 2,400 sq m. (Image source: MBRAH)

Logistics

Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) has signed an agreement with Liebherr-Aerospace to establish a new MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility at Dubai South.

Scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, this facility will span a 2,400 sq m area within the Aerospace Supply Chain cluster at MBRAH.

Based in Toulouse, France, Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS—a division of the Liebherr Group—delivers high-quality onboard solutions for aerospace and transportation, promoting sustainability through innovative products and services.

MBRAH, strategically located at Dubai South, serves as a premier free-zone hub offering global connectivity to leading airlines, private jet operators, MROs, and related sectors. This aerospace hub includes maintenance centres and training campuses, aligning with Dubai's goal to be a prominent aviation industry leader.

Tahnoon Saif, CEO of MBRAH, said, “We are pleased to sign this agreement with Liebherr- Aerospace. This partnership underlines our position in attracting the top players in the aviation sector to establish their presence at Dubai South and operate in an integrated economic environment where they can connect with international markets. We will spare no effort in supporting their expansion endeavours, in line with our mandate to solidify and cement Dubai’s position on the world aviation map.”

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