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The ambitious mega-projects currently rising across Saudi Arabia are uniquely positioned to transform the nation's energy landscape.

According to a newly released report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), these next-generation urban developments possess the capacity to generate up to 35% of their own electricity demand directly on-site. This revelation places the Kingdom at the vanguard of sustainable urban development, showcasing how decentralised renewable energy can bridge the divide between skyrocketing energy consumption and stringent climate targets.

The report, titled Mega-Projects Powered by Renewables: A Practical Playbook for Saudi Arabia, outlines a robust strategy for integrating solar photovoltaics across roofs, carports, and shading structures. This infrastructure can fulfil this 35% electricity demand without requiring a single square metre of additional land or sacrificing architectural aesthetics. Looking at individual assets, a standard single-family villa could satisfy roughly 50% of its annual electricity requirement, generating approximately 35 MWh/year from rooftop solar alone. For denser mid-rise buildings, on-site solar can cover about 15% of annual needs, yielding a substantial 190 MWh/year. These figures represent significant leaps towards the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives to source 50% of electricity from renewables and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

"Saudi Arabia's new cities represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build sustainable urban environments from the ground up," said Edoardo Geraci, Managing Director & Partner, BCG. "The economics are clear: developers can meet almost a third of their electricity demand, while simultaneously advancing the Kingdom’s low-carbon urban development. Developers can choose between asset-light models such as Power Purchase Agreements, which can eliminate upfront capital investment, and own-and-operate models, which may deliver stronger lifetime returns for those with the right investment horizon."

From a financial perspective, developers face strategic choices. The own-and-operate model boasts the potential for 35% to 50% higher long-term financial returns, albeit requiring initial capital and ongoing operational oversight. Conversely, on-site generation acts as a powerful buffer against fluctuating energy prices and positions these developments advantageously against future carbon regulations. Crucially, weaving this infrastructure in during early stages completely bypasses the exorbitant costs associated with retrofitting later on.

Momentum is already gathering pace across the nation. Decentralised renewable projects are surfacing in various sectors, with solar developers installing multi-megawatt systems in retail centres, industrial factories, and residential blocks. King Abdullah Economic City currently boasts an estimated 12.5 megawatt-peak in renewable capacity. This progress has been bolstered by the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority's (SERA) self-consumption framework, introduced in 2022, which dissolved previous regulatory anxieties by establishing transparent guidelines for behind-the-meter generation.

While hesitancy has occasionally slowed developer adoption, the report systematically dismantles common misconceptions. Concerns regarding space limitations and visual disruption are mitigated by modern, seamlessly integrated solar designs. Fears of massive initial costs are neutralised by third-party funding avenues, whilst SERA's framework simplifies once-complex permitting procedures.

"Beyond the compelling economics, renewable energy infrastructure offers something equally valuable: the opportunity to shape a distinctive identity for Saudi Arabia's new cities," said Peter Jameson, Managing Director & Partner, BCG. "Solar canopies, building-integrated photovoltaics, and interactive energy features transform sustainability from a compliance requirement into a signature urban asset. These elements enhance appeal for residents, visitors, and investors who increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility in their decisions."

For those ready to capitalise on this transition, BCG provides a definitive roadmap. Developers must execute preliminary energy assessments to gauge savings, actively collaborate with authorities during the master planning phase, and permanently embed renewable infrastructure from inception. Driven by the country's abundant solar irradiance and the plummeting costs of technology, embracing on-site renewables is no longer just an environmental obligation, but a highly lucrative strategy powering the cities of tomorrow.

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 construction industry has historically been associated with immense resource consumption and substantial waste generation.

However, a significant environmental paradigm shift is currently underway in the Middle East. At the forefront of this ecological transformation is Qatar's Public Works Authority, widely recognised as Ashghal. By deploying an advanced, integrated system for waste management, Ashghal has recently unveiled a series of remarkable sustainability milestones achieved across its various building projects since 2022. By prioritising the reusing and recycling of construction and demolition materials, the organisation is systematically reducing the environmental footprint of the nation's rapidly expanding infrastructure.

This ambitious environmental strategy is deeply intertwined with the country's long-term developmental blueprints, specifically the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. For Ashghal, the transition towards a circular economy is no longer merely a theoretical aspiration but a highly operational reality. The authority's integrated approach dictates that materials previously condemned to landfills are now rigorously managed, recovered, and treated as highly valuable commodities. This systematic methodology not only enhances overall resource utilisation efficiency but also plays a crucial role in mitigating the sheer volume of waste typically generated by large-scale urban development and building initiatives.

The scale of material recovery achieved by Ashghal over the past few years is unprecedented for the region. According to the latest project data, the authority has successfully reused or transferred a staggering 2.5 million cubic metres of excavation materials. Rather than discarding this massive volume of earth and rock, Ashghal strategically redirected it to the specialised recycling yards operated by the Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC). At these dedicated facilities, the excavated matter is processed and readied for integration into future construction endeavours, thereby drastically lowering the sector's dependence on the extraction of virgin raw materials. In addition to the earthworks recovery, Ashghal has completely recycled more than 300,000 tonnes of general construction and demolition waste, further cementing its commitment to sustainable building practices.

Beyond earth and rubble, the organisation has implemented highly granular resource recovery protocols directly at the project sites. Timber, a material frequently discarded after limited use in scaffolding and concrete formwork, has seen an exceptional rate of recovery. Ashghal has managed to repurpose approximately 80,000 tonnes of timber waste within the very perimeters of its active project sites. This localised reuse not only prevents landfill overflow but also cuts down on the logistical emissions associated with transporting waste. The authority has also established strict sorting mechanisms for other common project by-products. Consequently, an impressive 7,000 tonnes of plastic waste, 3,000 tonnes of paper waste, and 1,000 tonnes of scrap metal have been successfully diverted to officially approved recycling facilities.

Perhaps most remarkably, Ashghal’s comprehensive waste diversion efforts extend well beyond conventional construction debris. The authority has also taken responsibility for the everyday biological waste generated across its extensive network of project sites and workforce accommodations. Nearly 8,000 tonnes of food waste have been successfully recovered through this holistic environmental programme. Rather than allowing this organic refuse to decompose in municipal dumps and generate harmful greenhouse gases, Ashghal has ensured it is systematically converted into organic compost or expertly processed at designated treatment facilities. This organic conversion process represents a vital component of the circular economy, transforming discarded meals into agricultural inputs that can support local landscaping and greening projects. Such detailed attention to every waste stream highlights the meticulous nature of the authority's operations.

Through these multifaceted initiatives, Qatar's Public Works Authority is proving that massive infrastructure development does not have to come at the expense of the environment. By carefully managing, reusing, and recycling millions of tonnes of varied waste materials, Ashghal is establishing a robust blueprint for the future of sustainable construction. These achievements highlight how proactive governmental leadership can drive industry-wide change, encouraging private contractors and developers to adopt similar green methodologies. Ultimately, the organisation's unwavering dedication to circular economy principles ensures that Qatar continues to build its physical landscape while simultaneously protecting its natural ecosystem for generations to come.

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.