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The automotive industry faces critical hurdles surrounding energy efficiency, vehicle weight, and charging infrastructure, as the global transition toward electric mobility accelerates.

Historically, manufacturers addressed range anxiety by integrating increasingly larger battery packs. However, this approach inherently adds substantial weight, compromising overall driving efficiency. Today, the focus is shifting toward an alternative solution: advanced thermal management. By regulating heat generation more effectively, engineers can extract greater performance and faster charging capabilities from smaller, more compact battery systems.

Demonstrating the viability of this approach, Shell Lubricants showcased a highly specialised proof-of-concept vehicle at ADIPEC 2026 in Abu Dhabi. The showcase highlighted how next-generation fluid technologies can fundamentally alter the physics of electric vehicle (EV) charging, negating the need for oversized battery architectures.

Overcoming the charging bottleneck

Presented as the Triple 10 Challenge car, the concept vehicle serves as a working exploration into the future of electric mobility. Rather than equipping the vehicle with a cumbersome battery pack, engineering teams combined a compact energy storage system with pioneering thermal fluid technology. This architecture is designed specifically to manage heat distribution across the vehicle during high-stress operations.

The project was anchored around three defining ambitions:

• Achieving a charging cycle from 10% to 80% in under 10 minutes.

• Reaching a driving efficiency metric of 10 kilometres per kilowatt-hour (km/kWh).

• Targeting a total lifecycle carbon footprint of approximately 10 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e).

During testing, the vehicle charged from 10% to 80% in just 9 minutes and 54 seconds. Notably, this was achieved using a standard 175 kW public charger, adding 24 kilometres of driving range for every minute plugged in. The design targets 10 km/kWh driving efficiency, representing an improvement of more than 30% compared with many current-generation electric vehicles.

Next-generation thermal fluid technology

At the core of this engineering breakthrough is the Shell Recharge Thermal Fluid. This specialised dielectric fluid facilitates a dual-cooling approach that manages thermal loads dynamically. It enables direct immersion cooling for battery cells, ensuring uniform temperature regulation, while providing indirect cooling for powertrain components, including the electric motor and power electronics. This supports a simplified cooling architecture, reducing the thermal stress typically caused by fast charging.

Addressing this development, Haytham Yehia, General Manager, Shell Lubricants Middle East, Egypt and Central Asia, stated: "The Shell Triple 10 Challenge concept car is a powerful example of how we're taking our expertise in advanced fluids beyond traditional lubrication. We're increasingly looking at how our technology can help customers address challenges around efficiency, performance and thermal management. For the Middle East, where we see growing opportunities across mobility, digital infrastructure and industrial applications, innovations like these demonstrate the value of combining Shell's global technology capabilities with strong regional partnerships."

Expanding cooling solutions across industries

The implications of sophisticated thermal management extend beyond the automotive sector. Alongside the concept car, the showcase featured comprehensive portfolios of coolants and immersion cooling solutions tailored for broader industrial demands. As global reliance on artificial intelligence and cloud computing intensifies, data centres and battery energy storage systems face unprecedented cooling requirements. Specialised fluids are becoming essential to maintain operational reliability.

Aysun Akik, Shell Lubricants’ Vice President of New Business Development and Global Key Accounts, highlighted this potential: "It's exciting to bring the Triple 10 Challenge concept car to ADIPEC and give visitors the opportunity to see the technology up close. What makes this concept so interesting is how much difference effective thermal management can make to EV performance. We've also had some great conversations with customers and partners about how advanced cooling technologies can support their own operations, and we're looking forward to building on those discussions beyond ADIPEC."

The exhibition coincided with the company marking 20 consecutive years as the world's number one finished lubricants supplier, according to Kline & Company's 2026, 24th Edition Global Lubricants Market Analysis and Assessment. Through ongoing technical innovation, advanced fluid capabilities continue to address changing requirements across mobility, energy, and digital infrastructure.

Water security has become one of the most pressing challenges of the twenty-first century, particularly in growing urban environments.

As cities expand, the sustainable management of water resources is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity for economic stability and societal wellbeing. Balancing demand with environmental preservation requires proactive planning, innovative technology, and institutional collaboration.

Leading this charge towards integrated water-resource management is Abu Dhabi, which is actively advancing comprehensive strategies to safeguard its future. Recently, the Water Sector Steering Committee held a strategic workshop to review the implementation of vital projects, establish priorities for 2027, and assess long-term sustainability targets through to 2035. This effort brought together representatives from government entities and water-sector companies across the emirate, setting a firm foundation ahead of Abu Dhabi Water & Power Week 2026.

Building a resilient framework for water security

The workshop served as a platform to strengthen institutional coordination among strategic partners, ensuring that infrastructure investments align seamlessly with long-term environmental objectives. Discussions reinforced an integrated approach to planning, focusing heavily on operational preparedness, supply security, and system efficiency.

Highlighting the critical nature of these initiatives, His Excellency Dr Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, opened the proceedings. He noted that proactive planning serves as a fundamental pillar of national security, quality of life, and sustainable development.

He stated: “Water security is fundamental to national security and sustainable economic and social development. In Abu Dhabi, we continue to strengthen an integrated and resilient water system through proactive planning, efficient resource management and infrastructure readiness, ensuring reliable and continuous water supplies while supporting future growth. Our Integrated Water Strategy brings institutions and stakeholders together around three strategic objectives: securing water supplies, safeguarding the sustainability of our resources and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness.”

Key priorities and infrastructure targets for 2035

To reinforce system resilience, authorities have established ambitious priorities designed to deliver measurable environmental outcomes by 2035. Notable goals include achieving groundwater net zero and reaching zero discharge of treated wastewater into the environment, vastly supporting the greater utilisation of available resources.

Expanding on these goals, His Excellency Dr Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan added: “As we move into the next phase, our focus is on accelerating priority projects, improving water efficiency, protecting groundwater resources and strengthening governance and performance monitoring. We are committed to ensuring that our plans and investments deliver measurable outcomes that support Abu Dhabi’s targets through 2035 and reinforce the long-term resilience and sustainability of our water system for future generations.”

Specific strategic measures discussed include:

• Groundwater conservation: Reducing groundwater abstraction by 500 million cubic metres by 2030, with projects covering half of this reduction already identified.

• Supply security: Developing emergency water supply capacity and enhancing response arrangements to maintain reliable services under exceptional circumstances.

• Policy development: Proposing the Abu Dhabi Water Balance Sheet Policy to provide an overview of water sources, consumption patterns, and opportunities to improve efficiency.

Driving efficiency in the agricultural sector

Agriculture remains a focal point for water conservation efforts. The workshop reviewed substantial progress regarding water-efficiency initiatives tailored for this sector. These advancements aim to foster sustainable irrigation practices, improve consumption monitoring, and encourage innovative technologies that support sustainable agricultural production.

Key agricultural milestones include:

• The launch of four major irrigation infrastructure projects.

• The successful completion of a pilot phase that installed 80 agricultural water meters.

• The implementation and monitoring of 18 model farm pilots.

Setting the stage for global collaboration

These planning sessions directly support preparations for Abu Dhabi Water & Power Week 2026, taking place from 8 to 10 December at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The event will serve as a premier platform to showcase strategic projects, present energy priorities, and introduce innovative technological solutions.

The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi actively invites stakeholders, technology providers, and investors to participate and visit the Abu Dhabi Pavilion. By fostering collaborative partnerships and advancing investment in sustainable infrastructure, Abu Dhabi reinforces its position as a leading global centre for innovation in the energy and water sectors.

Dubai's skyline has long been a canvas for unprecedented architectural ambition, continually pushing the boundaries of engineering.

A prominent trend emerging within this landscape is the fusion of high-end lifestyle brands with large-scale property development. One such groundbreaking concept taking shape in Business Bay is the advent of architectural horology, a design philosophy that translates the precision of luxury watchmaking into monumental structural forms.

A new benchmark in super-tall living

Spearheading this new benchmark for high-end living is the Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences. Conceived through a high-profile collaboration between Binghatti Holdings, a leading Emirati real estate developer, and the renowned luxury watch and jewellery brand Jacob & Co, this soaring development is envisioned to become a world-first in architectural horology. Upon completion, it is set to claim the title of the world’s tallest residential building, overshadowing existing records and introducing distinctive diamond-shaped spires to the Dubai skyline.

Constructing a super-tall skyscraper of this sheer scale and complex geometric ambition requires more than standard building practices; it demands a specialist approach to formwork. To ensure speed, safety, and precision throughout the vertical construction phase, Binghatti Holdings formed a strategic alliance in 2024 with Doka, a global leader in formwork technology.

Taher Rihawi, Managing Director Doka Gulf, comments: “We value our partnership with Binghatti and are pleased to contribute our expertise to a project of this significance. The Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences brings together exceptional engineering ambition and a strong local vision. We are proud to support its delivery with reliable formwork engineering and climbing solutions, and we look forward to continuing our close collaboration throughout the construction process.”

Advanced climbing solutions for rapid progress

To meet the intense structural demands of a high-rise project aiming for a rapid cycle of one floor per week, the construction methodology heavily relies on advanced vertical and horizontal solutions. A comprehensive suite of engineering equipment is being deployed to maintain this pace independent of crane availability.

The project's key technical and construction specifications include:

• Automatic climbing systems: The SKE50 plus system allows the building’s core and shear walls to rise sequentially, optimising the weekly floor cycle without relying on tower cranes.

• Enhanced site operations: A self-climbing platform provides essential additional working levels, empowering construction teams to coordinate multiple complex activities safely in parallel.

• Slab construction efficiency: The lightweight Dokadek 30 system is utilised to guarantee rapid assembly times and a consistent structural quality across the floor plates.

• Comprehensive edge safety: Doka’s Protection screen Xclimb 60 entirely encloses the active work areas, creating a highly secure environment at the slab edges.

• Integrated materials handling: A flexible table lifting system (TLS) climbs hydraulically alongside the platform system, greatly easing the physical handling of materials across all active zones.

• Façade installation protection: For the final stages, additional tailored protection screens will safeguard crews working at extreme heights right to the very top.

Integrating global engineering with local delivery

Delivering a project of this magnitude requires seamless integration between global engineering knowledge and on-the-ground execution. Behind the scenes, structural progress is the result of highly coordinated efforts between engineering teams based at Doka’s Austrian headquarters and their local counterparts in Dubai. This dual approach was critical in ensuring timely design deliverables and facilitating the local fabrication of specifically selected system components, thereby significantly reducing lead times.

On the construction site, these engineers work hand in hand with the main contractor, Granada Europe Engineering Contractions LLC, guaranteeing that assembly, logistics, and safety protocols adhere to the highest international standards. The main construction period is scheduled to run continuously between 2024 and 2026, with the final completion targeted for the end of 2027.

By contributing to the Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences, the engineering teams are reinforcing a long-standing legacy in the region's most iconic super-tall structures. From historic involvement in the Burj Khalifa to upcoming plans for the Burj Azizi—planned to be the second-tallest tower worldwide—the focus remains firmly on shaping the next generation of monumental high-rise developments.

Volvo Group has announced the creation of a dedicated business entity named Volvo Mining, designed to capture the growing global demand in the mining sector by unifying its extensive capabilities under a single integrated structure.

Scheduled to launch on January 1, 2027, and hosted within Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), the new organisation aims to streamline how the group serves mining customers and contractors worldwide.

The establishment of this specialised entity comes as the mining industry enters a new phase of growth and transformation, requiring heightened focus on productivity, safety, and resilience. Volvo Mining is planned to sell Volvo trucks, construction equipment, and autonomous solutions directly to mining clients and their contractors, backed by dedicated financial resources and global portfolio management.

Strategic integration and leadership

The initiative seeks to bring together decades of industry experience and combine capabilities from across the entire group in collaboration with retail partners. Per-Erik Lindström, currently Senior Vice President Volvo Trucks International, has been appointed as the Head of Volvo Mining, effective January 1, 2027.

“As the mining industry evolves, customers are looking for partners who can help them improve productivity, strengthen safety and meet growing sustainability expectations. Our goal is to be a long-term partner in that transformation, helping customers create greater value through the combined strengths of Volvo Group. I look forward to working closely with customers and partners as we build this next chapter together,” stated Per-Erik Lindström.

Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE, emphasised the strategic significance of the move: “Mining has been an important part of the Volvo Group for decades, but the industry's growing significance calls for an even greater level of focus. With Volvo Mining as our center of expertise, we are combining capabilities from across the Group to further enhance customer value in collaboration with our retail partners. This will create new opportunities to strengthen our position in a strategically important and growing segment.”

Initial rollout and regional focus

Initially, Volvo Mining will concentrate its operations on mining customers and contractors located in Sweden, Norway, and Finland, with a clear ambition for phased expansion into additional international markets over time.

Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, highlighted the long-term nature of client investments in the sector: “Success in the mining industry is built over time. Customers make long-term investments and value trusted partners that combine high performance, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of their business. By creating one organization focused solely on creating a world-class product and services portfolio for the mining industry, with an end-to-end perspective, we can better leverage the Volvo Group offer in a more seamless approach.”

Core advantages for modern operations

Modern mining operations require multiple machine categories and specialised vehicles to function in harmony across rigorous conditions. Key operational areas include:

• Excavation and rigorous ground-breaking tasks

• Hauling and heavy material transport

• Loading operations in remote sites

• Safe movement across challenging environments

Nils Jaeger, President of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, noted how advanced technology plays a role in this structure: “By combining our proven autonomous technology and operational experience with Volvo Group's broader expertise, portfolio and customer relationships, we can provide integrated solutions that also deliver measurable value for mining customers – improving safety, productivity and efficiency across their operations.”

Establishing a clear baseline for environmental impact is no longer optional; it is a critical necessity.

In a significant milestone for regional climate initiatives, Dubai Municipality has successfully achieved certification of conformity with ISO 14064-1, the international standard for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

This landmark announcement, confirmed on the 5th of November 2026, places the municipality at the forefront of sustainable urban governance. By adopting one of the world’s most rigorous carbon accounting frameworks, the organisation is demonstrating a tangible commitment to accurate environmental reporting, setting a powerful precedent for both the public and private sectors across the United Arab Emirates.

The importance of rigorous emissions tracking

Historically, estimating an organisation's carbon footprint often involved disparate methodologies and estimations, making it difficult to compare environmental performance accurately. The ISO 14064-1 standard fundamentally changes this paradigm. It provides a highly structured, universally recognised method for calculating greenhouse gas emissions across all areas of operation.

Rather than relying on approximations, the standard requires comprehensive data collection, meticulous inventory preparation, and stringent verification processes. For an entity as large and multifaceted as Dubai Municipality—which oversees a vast array of civic services, urban planning projects, and public facilities—implementing this framework is a monumental operational achievement. It ensures that every tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent is accounted for, providing a clear and trusted picture of the municipality's environmental footprint.

Core benefits of the ISO 14064-1 framework

The adoption of the ISO 14064-1 standard offers numerous operational and strategic advantages that extend far beyond regulatory compliance. By achieving this certification, Dubai Municipality can leverage several key benefits:

• Accurate data collection: The standard mandates precise measurement of all greenhouse gas sources, ensuring that the organisation's environmental reports are based on empirical evidence rather than estimates.

• Targeted reduction strategies: With a detailed inventory of emissions, decision-makers can identify specific operational areas that contribute most heavily to the carbon footprint, allowing for highly targeted and effective reduction initiatives.

• Enhanced risk management: Understanding emission patterns helps the organisation anticipate and mitigate climate-related risks, ensuring long-term operational resilience.

• Elevated public trust: Third-party verification of environmental data builds credibility with residents, investors, and international partners, proving that the municipality is genuinely committed to its climate responsibilities.

• Benchmarking and continual improvement: The certification provides a solid baseline from which to measure future progress, encouraging a culture of continual environmental improvement across all municipal departments.

Aligning with the UAE’s sustainability vision

Dubai Municipality’s recent certification does not exist in a vacuum; it is deeply intertwined with the broader sustainability ambitions of the United Arab Emirates. As the nation continues to transition towards a greener economy, initiatives that promote carbon accountability are vital. The UAE has launched numerous programmes aimed at reducing national carbon emissions, increasing the share of clean energy, and fostering sustainable urban development.

By securing the ISO 14064-1 accreditation, the municipality directly supports these national objectives. It ensures that Dubai's urban management and civic operations are fully aligned with federal climate goals. Furthermore, this achievement acts as a catalyst for the local business community. When a leading government body adopts such stringent environmental standards, it encourages private enterprises across Dubai and the wider region to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that amplifies the nation's overall sustainability efforts.

A framework for future climate action

Measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions is the foundational step in any meaningful climate strategy. You cannot manage what you do not measure. With the ISO 14064-1 certification securely in place, Dubai Municipality is now uniquely positioned to implement advanced, data-backed carbon reduction programmes.

As urban populations grow and the challenges of climate change become more pronounced, the need for sustainable city management has never been more urgent. This certification is not merely an administrative accolade; it represents a comprehensive commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations. By embracing international best practices for emissions tracking, Dubai Municipality is not just planning for a sustainable future—it is actively building the framework to achieve it.

Modern ports and land borders must operate as seamless logistical hubs, accommodating exponential growth while maintaining rigorous security protocols.

At the forefront of this operational evolution is the Emirate of Sharjah, which is actively advancing its cross-agency integration to fortify its vital infrastructure. In a significant move to streamline operations, the Organisational Committee of Ports and Border Points in Sharjah recently convened to implement comprehensive efficiency upgrades across the emirate.

The 9th Strategic Leadership Meeting

Held at the Khatmat Malaha Border, the 9th meeting of 2026 brought together key government and security entities. The session was chaired by H.E. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Raisi, Director of Ports and Border Points Affairs at the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, and Chairman of the Committee. A central focus of the assembly was to review the latest developments across Sharjah’s expansive network of maritime and land borders.

Opening the session, Al Raisi welcomed newly appointed members, whose selection followed the issuance of Sharjah Executive Council Decision No. (39) of 2026. This recent mandate amended the earlier Executive Council Decision No. (30) of 2020, which regulates the Committee. He also conveyed greetings from Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, wishing the team continued success in their duties.

Balancing Rapid Transit with Rigorous Security

A primary theme of the discussions was the absolute necessity of working as a unified team. Al Raisi stressed the importance of intensifying collective efforts to continuously develop the border points system. Operational and security readiness must align perfectly with the emirate’s overarching trajectory of growth.

Addressing the complex dynamics of modern border management, Al Raisi stated: "Ports and border points serve as vital gateways for both Sharjah and the UAE. Continued growth in passenger and commercial traffic places a responsibility on the entities operating at these facilities to continue developing their operational systems, improve procedural efficiency and strengthen coordination and integration. These efforts are essential to balancing smooth movement with faster processing while maintaining the highest standards of security, oversight and safety."

Key Operational Enhancements

To achieve these ambitious targets, the committee reviewed its updated mandate under the new regulatory decision. The agenda highlighted multiple pathways to strengthen integration among the diverse entities operating at these checkpoints.

The committee was briefed extensively on recent developments, discussing critical operational matters raised by stakeholders. Key focus areas identified to enhance services for travellers and commercial entities include:

• Refining Inspection Procedures: Developing more sophisticated methods for processing cargo and travellers safely.
• Boosting Checkpoint Efficiency: Upgrading the operational capacity of individual inspection points to reduce wait times.
• Strengthening Oversight: Enhancing overall security measures without compromising the speed of transit.
• Information Exchange: Fostering closer field coordination and the rapid sharing of vital expertise between operational teams.
• Actioning Recommendations: Ensuring that strategic measures proposed in previous meetings are swiftly translated into tangible field operations.

Cross-Agency Alignment and Future Readiness

In a move to further solidify the leadership structure governing these efforts, Brigadier Abdulaziz Sarhan Al Zaabi, Director of Land Ports at the General Directorate of Ports, was officially selected as Vice-Chairman of the Committee.

The immense scale of this cross-agency integration was reflected in the diverse array of senior attendees at the meeting. Alongside the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, the session included Colonel Sultan bin Taliah, Director of the Land and Sea Ports Department at Sharjah Police General Headquarters; Lieutenant Colonel Staff Mohammed Al Shamsi, Commander of the Northern Sector at the Border Guard Group of the National Guard Command; and Abdullah Al Badwawi, Director of the Customs Risk and Ports Security Department at the General Directorate of Customs and Ports Security. Representatives from the State Security Department (SSD) and Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Kindi of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority were also present.

By translating strategic recommendations into practical, on-the-ground measures, Sharjah is building an agile infrastructure capable of anticipating the future demands of global transit.