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OQ Alternative Energy has reported major progress across three renewable energy projects that are expected to deliver a combined 330 MW of wind and solar power in Oman by the end of 2026.

The developments – the Riyah 1 and Riyah 2 wind farms and the North Oman Solar plant – are being implemented in partnership with TotalEnergies with a total investment exceeding US$230mn. Once operational, the facilities will supply renewable electricity to the grid operated by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).

The projects include Oman’s largest wind farm and have already set several logistical and construction milestones, including the transport of the country’s longest inland convoy to move turbine components to site.

The Riyah wind projects are located at PDO’s Amin and West Nimr fields in southern Oman, while the North Oman Solar facility is being developed at Saih Nahaydah in the north of the country.

According to OQAE, the solar project has reached around 95% completion of tracker and photovoltaic module installation. The remaining panels are expected to be installed by mid-March 2026 as the project moves towards mechanical completion.

Meanwhile, construction of the wind farms has also progressed significantly. Seven wind turbines, each reaching a tip height of around 200 metres, have been installed so far, with work continuing to erect the remaining units.

All 36 wind turbine generators required for the projects have already arrived in Oman, with 19 transported from the port to the project sites. In addition, turbine foundations have been fully completed, enabling construction teams to accelerate installation activities in preparation for commissioning.

The developments have also exceeded their in-country value targets, with approximately 30% of total project expenditure retained within Oman’s economy. A number of local companies have been involved in supplying equipment and services, including Voltamp, Oman Cables, Al Kiyumi Switchgear and Al Hassan Switchgear.

Engineering work for substations was carried out by Worley Oman, while specialised logistics for transporting turbine components were managed by Khimji Ramdas.

Workforce localisation has also exceeded expectations, with Omani nationals accounting for around 40% of the workforce during development and construction. The projects have created roughly 150 direct and indirect jobs and include structured training programmes designed to develop local expertise in renewable energy.

Kumail Said, acting chief executive of OQ Alternative Energy, said the developments were designed not only to expand clean energy generation but also to strengthen the country’s industrial capabilities.

He noted that the projects are intended to support long-term economic diversification and build a domestic renewable energy ecosystem aligned with Oman’s national energy transition goals.

Once completed, the wind and solar facilities will contribute significantly to the country’s clean power capacity while helping reduce reliance on natural gas for electricity generation.

Dubai Municipality has awarded five major contracts under the second phase of its Tasreef Programme, committing AED2.5bn to expand and reinforce the emirate’s stormwater drainage network.

The move follows directives from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to strengthen critical infrastructure and ensure drainage systems are fit to serve Dubai for the next century. The newly announced package will cover 30 key districts across approximately 430mn sq m, supporting a projected population of three million residents by 2040.

Contracts have been signed with international contractors including DeTech Contracting and China State Construction Engineering Corporation, alongside specialist consultants. The scope comprises three construction agreements and two design and study contracts focused on selected locations across the city.

The latest awards build on Phase One allocations announced in April 2025 and form part of a phased delivery strategy aimed at improving flood resilience amid rapid urbanisation and intensifying climate pressures. Dubai Municipality said the projects are aligned with the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and broader national climate neutrality ambitions.

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, described Tasreef as one of the emirate’s flagship infrastructure initiatives, designed to embed long-term sustainability into urban planning. He said the programme seeks to establish an integrated stormwater management system that enhances preparedness, safeguards resources and improves quality of life.

Adel Al Marzouqi, CEO of the Waste and Sewerage Agency, added that Phase Two will raise network capacity in priority areas, improve service continuity and elevate safety standards.

Among the headline schemes is the construction of a main tunnel up to four metres in diameter, linking communities along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al Yalayis Road to the primary drainage backbone. A separate 27 km integrated network will extend between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jamayel Road, incorporating advanced tunnels to protect a strategic industrial and logistics corridor.

Additional works include a new drainage tunnel and pumping station along Dubai–Al Ain Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, as well as a stormwater collection lake. Design contracts have also been issued for an integrated stormwater and groundwater system in Al Marmoom and Saih Al Salam, connected to the main line along Al Qudra Road.

Roller manufacturer Hamm has introduced the Smart Compact Pro under the motto “Measure it right. Measure it now.”

For the first time, real-time density is being used as a decisive parameter for qualitative assessment and integrated into automated compaction. Smart Compact Pro makes a significant contribution to extending the service life of road surfaces and, in the long term, reduces construction and repair costs, as well as potential additional expenses for the contractor.

Automated compaction with Smart Compact

Despite advances in digitalisation, asphalt compaction has so far been heavily dependent on empirical data and the experience of the roller driver. Consistent double passes and the correct use of dynamic compaction were often dependent on the driver’s knowledge. Since 2022, the Smart Compact digital compaction assistant from Hamm has been simplifying the compaction process in asphalt construction by controlling the compaction modes and forces based on the selected layer type – base, binder or surface course – automatically and separately for both drums.

The system continuously monitors the asphalt’s physical properties, such as temperature and rigidity, as well as its complex cooling behaviour, to ensure homogeneous compaction by applying the optimum compaction energy and modes in each case. There is even the option of incorporating local weather data.

Smart Compact Pro with real-time density measurement: Higher quality, lower costs

Hamm is now expanding Smart Compact to incorporate an essential measured value – real-time asphalt density. Industry experts agree that it is the decisive parameter for qualitative assessment during the compaction process and will become the key indicator for rigorously meeting regulatory requirements and minimising financial deductions.

Smart Compact Pro closes this gap by integrating the new “Realtime Density Scan” sensor into the automated compaction process. It determines the asphalt density in real time by measuring the dielectric conductivity of the asphalt mix to be compacted, therefore forming the basis for the correlation with the asphalt density or the porosity. Both parameters are crucial for self-monitoring or control testing. With the help of real-time density, Smart Compact Pro is able to provide construction companies with a decisive advantage by accurately implementing regulatory requirements.

This can significantly reduce potential financial deductions due to inadequate quality in the construction work and also save costs for premature repairs. Using Smart Compact Pro also significantly reduces the costs for extracting drill cores.

In summary, the world-first integration of real-time density into automated compaction represents a significant step forward for asphalt compaction. Even inexperienced operators can achieve optimal compaction results with Smart Compact Pro, with no need for extensive prior knowledge. This offers a significant boost for construction companies in times of an increasing shortage of skilled workers.

In modern mining operations, safety challenges are intensifying as infrastructure becomes larger and more complex

Expanding conveyor networks, extensive underground systems and widely distributed electrical installations require reliable ways to transmit and verify shutdown commands across long distances.

According to Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing at Omniflex, fibre optic technology is playing an increasingly important role in ensuring these critical safety communications remain dependable.

Conveyor systems remain central to the extraction, movement and processing of coal, yet they also present significant operational and safety risks. Over time, mining operations have expanded dramatically. Conveyor belts that once ran only a few hundred metres can now stretch for several kilometres, often traversing difficult terrain or operating deep underground. Maintaining safe operations across these extended distances requires robust emergency signalling, rapid shutdown capability and confirmation that commands have been successfully executed.

In many mines, conveyor belts can run between 20 and 30 km, incorporating multiple drive motors, synchronised programmable logic controllers and various loading or discharge stations along the route. If a fault develops at any point in this system, the potential for operational disruption or safety incidents increases significantly.

Historically, copper cabling was used to transmit safety signals, but this technology was not designed for the extended distances now typical in large mining operations. Over spans of 10 to 30 kilometres, copper wiring can suffer from signal degradation, voltage drops and electromagnetic interference generated by nearby electrical equipment such as motors, drives and switching systems. When repeaters are introduced to maintain signal strength, the overall system becomes more complex and vulnerable to additional points of failure.

These limitations mean copper-based signalling is increasingly unsuitable for modern mining environments, particularly those with long-distance infrastructure or heavy electrical activity. Extended copper runs are highly susceptible to electromagnetic interference and voltage loss, while attempts to extend signal transmission beyond roughly 10 kilometres generally require additional converters or amplification equipment. Underground conditions can further weaken signals, as dense rock formations and heavy electrical installations disrupt communication paths.

Another major drawback of traditional systems is their reliance on one-way signalling. When a shutdown command is issued, operators often only know that the instruction has been sent, not whether it has been received or executed. In situations involving critical equipment such as conveyors, crushers or ventilation systems, this uncertainty can create serious safety risks.

Fibre optic technology strengthens safety systems

To overcome the reliability challenges associated with copper cabling and conventional shutdown circuits, many mining operators are now adopting fibre optic communication for safety-critical applications. Fibre technology offers several important advantages in demanding mining environments. It is immune to electromagnetic interference, does not generate sparks and can reliably transmit contact signals across distances of 20 to 30 kilometres.

These characteristics make fibre particularly suitable for long conveyor systems, deep underground transport routes and electrically intense environments such as substations. By eliminating many of the vulnerabilities associated with traditional wiring systems, fibre optic networks provide a more resilient foundation for safety communications.

A key shift in modern safety strategies is the move from simply issuing a shutdown command to confirming that the action has actually taken place. In mining operations, the difference between a command being sent and a shutdown being verified can be critical. Without confirmation, equipment could continue operating despite problems such as a damaged conveyor belt, a stalled crusher or unsafe gas levels.

Specialised fibre optic devices designed for safety-critical applications support this approach. These include Safety Integrity Level rated bidirectional contact repeaters that replicate contact signals over long distances while simultaneously providing monitoring and feedback. Such systems transmit both the shutdown command and confirmation of the resulting action through the same optical link, allowing operators to verify the response in real time.

This architecture reduces uncertainty, simplifies wiring requirements and helps ensure compliance with mine safety protocols covering emergency shutdowns, isolation procedures and interlock systems.

As mining operations continue to expand and electrical systems become increasingly distributed, fibre optic signalling provides a reliable method of maintaining control across large and complex environments. Instead of relying on assumptions that commands have been executed, operators gain direct confirmation that machinery has stopped and systems have entered a safe state.

This level of verification supports stronger safety practices across the industry, reflecting a broader transition toward systems that confirm safety outcomes rather than simply issuing commands.

With extensive experience in long-distance and safety-critical environments, Omniflex has developed fibre optic modules designed to support bidirectional contact replication, auxiliary confirmation and fail-safe operation. These systems have been implemented in industries such as mining, nuclear power and electrical infrastructure where operational reliability and verified safety are essential.

Manufacturing companies are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence to modernise IT operations, but many remain unprepared to deploy the technology at scale, according to a global survey by Riverbed.

The study, titled The Future of IT Operations in the AI Era, found that 87% of manufacturing leaders and technical specialists say their investments in AIOps – artificial intelligence for IT operations – have delivered returns that meet or exceed expectations. However, only 37% believe their organisations are fully ready to operationalise AI across the enterprise.

The findings highlight strong industry interest in using AI to streamline operations, reduce costs and manage complex global supply chains. Yet significant barriers remain. According to the survey, 62% of AI initiatives in manufacturing are still in pilot or development stages, suggesting many companies are still experimenting rather than deploying large-scale AI systems.

Data quality emerged as one of the most significant challenges. Around 90% of respondents agreed that improving the quality of organisational data is essential for AI success. However, nearly half of those surveyed reported concerns about the accuracy and completeness of their data.

In fact, 47% said they lack confidence in whether their current data can support effective AI outcomes, while only 34% rated their data as excellent in terms of relevance and usability.

Richard Tworek, chief technology officer at Riverbed, said the results illustrate both strong progress and lingering challenges within the sector.

He noted that while manufacturers are achieving positive returns from AIOps investments, many organisations are still grappling with gaps in preparedness and data quality that could slow the wider adoption of AI technologies.

Another key trend identified in the research is the growing focus on consolidating IT tools. On average, manufacturing companies currently use around 13 observability platforms sourced from nine different vendors. As a result, 95% of organisations surveyed are now working to reduce the number of tools they use in order to lower costs, improve integration and streamline IT operations.

At the same time, companies continue to evaluate new solutions. The survey found that 91% of manufacturers are considering adopting new tools to support consolidation efforts and improve interoperability across systems.

The report also highlighted the rising importance of unified communications platforms in modern manufacturing workplaces. Around 42% of employees use these tools regularly, while 66% of respondents said they are essential to day-to-day operations.

Despite this growing reliance, satisfaction remains mixed. Only 45% of respondents said they were satisfied with the performance of their communication tools, while 42% reported experiencing issues such as dropped calls, limited visibility and integration challenges.

Looking ahead, many manufacturers are prioritising stronger data infrastructure to support AI strategies. Nearly three quarters of respondents plan to establish dedicated AI data repository strategies by 2028, while network performance, data movement costs and interoperability were identified as critical factors in scaling AI applications.

The research also found widespread adoption of OpenTelemetry, with 44% of manufacturers already fully implementing the technology and a further 42% in the process of adopting it.

As manufacturers continue their digital transformation efforts, the study suggests that improving data quality, infrastructure and integration will be key to unlocking the full potential of AI-driven IT operations.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Ports Authority “Mawani”, Saleh bin Nasser Al‑Jasser, inaugurated a new logistics corridors initiative aimed at strengthening cargo flows between ports in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.

The initiative, unveiled during a visit to Jeddah Islamic Port, is designed to create dedicated operational routes for containers and freight redirected from ports in the Kingdom’s eastern region and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The project will support the movement of cargo towards Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports, improving supply chain efficiency and strengthening connectivity between regional trade routes and international shipping networks.

The launch event was attended by Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi and Suliman bin Khalid Al‑Mazroua, alongside officials from government entities and the logistics sector.

According to Al-Jasser, the initiative forms part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to reinforce its position as a global logistics hub and ensure the stability of supply chains during periods of disruption.

He noted that Saudi Arabia’s transport and logistics ecosystem continues to benefit from strong support from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Mohammed bin Salman.

Strengthening Saudi and GCC logistics

Al-Jasser said ports on the Red Sea coast play an increasingly important role in accommodating cargo redirected from eastern ports and neighbouring Gulf countries. By expanding the operational capacity of western ports, Saudi Arabia aims to maintain the smooth movement of goods and support both regional and international trade.

He also highlighted the resilience of the Kingdom’s transport infrastructure, noting that alternative logistics corridors can be activated quickly when required to maintain trade flows.

During the event, Abanmi explained that the initiative will also strengthen integration between customs and logistics procedures across GCC ports. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority is working with other agencies to accelerate cargo clearance processes and facilitate cross-border trade.

Saudi Arabia’s customs network already supports transit services that allow goods to move through the Kingdom via land, sea and air routes to other GCC countries. The system is complemented by bonded warehouse zones where goods can be stored with suspended duties and taxes before being cleared or re-exported.

Al-Mazroua said the corridors initiative reflects close cooperation between government bodies and private sector partners to maintain supply chain continuity and improve cargo flows.

During the visit, Al-Jasser also chaired a meeting at the port’s command and control centre to review vessel traffic and cargo handling operations. He later toured container terminals, logistics parks and re-export facilities at the port.

Jeddah Islamic Port is the largest hub port on the Red Sea and one of the region’s key logistics centres. Ports along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast collectively handle more than 18.6 million TEUs annually, reinforcing the country’s role in global trade networks.

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