MDS, a global leader in manufacturing heavy-duty rock trommels and conveyors, has announced the appointment of Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery as its inaugural distributor in the Middle East.

With immediate effect, Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery will oversee the sales, service, and support of the MDS range of materials processing equipment throughout Saudi Arabia.

Headquartered in Jeddah, Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery is a well-established supplier of heavy machinery, commercial vehicles, material handling solutions, and crushing and screening equipment.

Their broad portfolio includes the sale and maintenance of internationally recognised brands, such as Komatsu construction and mining machinery. Already representing Powerscreen and Terex MPS, this new partnership with MDS marks the third Terex brand to join their extensive product lineup.

Ducab Metals Business (DMB), part of the Ducab Group, has announced a major expansion, doubling its annual aluminium production capacity from 55,000tpa to 110,000tpa, and increasing its bare copper output to meet growing global demand.

This move strengthens DMB’s competitive edge in the international metals sector while contributing to the UAE’s Operation 300bn strategy, which aims to boost industrial growth and enhance the nation’s role as a leader in advanced manufacturing.

Sustainability options

The expansion was unveiled at the ‘Ducab Metals Business Expansion Forum: Advancing Capacity, Driving Innovation,’ held in collaboration with Middle East Economic Digest (MEED).

The forum brought together leading industry, government, and academic figures to discuss the future of the UAE’s industrial development and explore key strategies for achieving the objectives of Operation 300bn. The event also highlighted DMB’s progress in innovation and sustainability, including its groundbreaking work in green aluminium production.

Among the prominent attendees were Ducab Group CEO Mohammed Almutawa, DMB CEO Mohamed Al Ahmedi, and key representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi - KEZAD Group, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.

Mohammad Almutawa, CEO of Ducab Group, said, "At Ducab, we are committed to boosting our industrial and production capacities through strategic, forward-looking investments that are perfectly aligned with Operation 300bn. This expansion enhances our ability to meet international demand, elevates the 'Made in the Emirates' brand, and boosts our global competitiveness, all while supporting sustainable business growth and strengthening industrial resilience. These efforts further establish the UAE as a leading hub for future industries and attract greater global investments." 

Mohamed Al Ahmedi, CEO of DMB, said, "Doubling our aluminium production and expanding our copper capabilities reflects our dedication to strengthening the UAE's industrial sector. This move secures our leadership in metal manufacturing, drives innovation, and reinforces our status as a major global producer. By adopting advanced, sustainable technologies and pioneering new industrial solutions, we continue to lead in industrial and technological advancement."

This recent enlargement of DMB's facilities at KEZAD Group, which increased the total space by 51,015 sqm, along with the strategic acquisition of GIC Magnet—a leading global supplier of paper-insulated aluminum strips—underscores DMB’s role as a key manufacturing hub. This development enables DMB to better serve industries such as healthcare, automotive, and packaging, thereby broadening its product range and expanding its global footprint.

The sixth edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia, scheduled to take place from 1-3 October at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), will underscore the importance of fire safety in the built environment.

This event, recognised as the country’s premier trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, will feature a significant discussion led by Neil Odin, chief fire officer of the UK National Fire Chiefs Council, who is a prominent figure in fire safety.

Odin, with over three decades of experience in the UK fire service, will share his unique perspectives on the challenges faced by the Middle East during the panel discussion titled "Crisis to Recovery: Strategies for Effective Fire Post-Incident Management," set to take place on the opening day of the Fire Protection & Technology Summit.

A surge in construction activity

According to Mordor Intelligence, Saudi Arabia currently hosts over 5,200 ongoing construction projects, collectively valued at more than US$819bn. These projects, spanning residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure sectors, highlight the pressing need for effective fire-safe design strategies.

"A response strategy cannot stand alone; it must be intricately linked with fire-safe building designs and comprehensive prevention strategies. Understanding the root causes of fire disasters and sharing this knowledge is key to innovating effective solutions," said Odin.

“The Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, holds the potential to lead in global fire management through its focus on designing out risks in new developments,” he added.

The session will delve into the critical phases following a fire, showcasing best practices and innovative approaches to post-incident recovery, with a focus on restoring normality for affected communities, buildings, and emergency responders. Odin will be joined by Jamal Al Ghamdi, corporate process safety director at Sadara Chemical Company, on the panel.

Additional sessions on the first day of the Summit will cover topics such as promoting fire safety awareness and preparedness, fire safety hazards associated with electric vehicles, and lessons learned from past disasters.

The second day of the Summit will feature a full agenda addressing various topics, including the integration of IoT and AI in fire safety systems, the maturity of robotics in firefighting, safeguarding fire safety infrastructure against emerging threats, and fire challenges exacerbated by climate change. These sessions will be led by experts from diverse fields critical to fire safety.

Riham Sedik, show manager—Intersec Saudi Arabia, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “Intersec Saudi Arabia has an integral role to play in providing a platform for some of the greatest minds and most experienced individuals to come together from around the world to discuss critical challenges, opportunities, standards & policies, and technology relating to fire safety.

“Our packed agenda ensures Intersec Saudi Arabia remains a key date for all concerned in this field.”

Alongside the Fire Protection and Technology Summit, the event will also host the Future Security and Safety Summit, focusing on the convergence of security thought leadership, innovation, and global expertise. Both summits are part of Intersec Saudi Arabia’s high-level content and conference programme, all of which are CPD-certified.

This year's exhibition will span five product categories: Commercial & Perimeter Security, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire and Rescue, and Safety and Health. With unprecedented demand from exhibitors, the show has sold out two months before its opening day, leading to a 34% increase in exhibition space from the previous year, now covering a total of 23,000 sqm across five halls and a dedicated outdoor area.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said, “I’m delighted to see such a high calibre of experts who will be able to share insights from their many years of experience. This secures our position as a must-attend exhibition.”

Materials science company Partanna Global recently partnered with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to enhance the carbon dioxide removal properties of Partanna’s patented concrete production process.

This initiative, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), integrates Partanna’s exclusive formula with KAUST’s Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology to maximise the ecological and structural benefits of Partanna’s concrete.

Partanna Concrete pulls CO₂ directly from the atmosphere over its lifecycle while avoiding emissions during production.

The process requires zero Portland Cement, a material responsible for 9% of the world’s CO₂ emissions.

Instead, the company uses a binder made from natural and recycled materials available throughout the Kingdom, including brine. This binder is cured at room temperature, avoiding the need for industrial heating.

“Concrete produced using this process can be considered carbon negative and capable of generating carbon credits,” said Mohamed Eddaoudi, a professor of Chemistry at KAUST. “We are excited to accelerate the development of more efficient sustainable construction materials that capture CO₂, showcasing a proactive approach to climate change mitigation.”

This partnership follows Partanna’s successful test-run at SRM, proving the effectiveness of their carbon-negative binder in existing concrete manufacturing processes.

Partanna continues to gain traction in the Gulf region, recently collaborating with ROSHN Group and Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

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Masdar City, a beacon of sustainability and innovation in urban development in Abu Dhabi, has seen contributions from numerous global construction equipment manufacturers.

Some of these companies showcased their latest advancements at the recent Hillhead event in the UK.

Hillhead is a prominent international exhibition dedicated to the quarrying, construction, and recycling industries. Held biennially at Hillhead Quarry near Buxton, Derbyshire, UK, the event showcases the latest products, services, and technologies from leading global manufacturers and suppliers in the sector.

The exhibition spans a wide range of equipment including large excavators, crushers, screens, and trucks, alongside demonstrations of machinery in action, making it a dynamic experience for attendees.

Hillhead's unique setting in an actual quarry allows for live demonstrations, providing a real-world environment where visitors can see equipment perform under actual working conditions. This aspect sets Hillhead apart from other trade shows and is a key attraction for visitors and exhibitors alike.

The event not only offers insights into the latest innovations and practices but also serves as a valuable networking opportunity for professionals in the industry.

Building sustainable cities

Rubble Master is a company specialising in the development and manufacture of mobile crushing and screening solutions for recycling, demolition, quarrying, mining, and contracting applications.

Founded in Austria in 1991, Rubble Master has established itself as a leader in compact crushing. Their machines are known for their performance, durability, and efficiency, designed to reduce noise and dust emissions while maximising mobility.

This makes them particularly suitable for urban operations and environmentally sensitive projects. Rubble Master's product line includes a variety of crushers and screens that are used to process a range of materials directly on-site.

Read the entire article in Technical Review Middle East's latest issue

DUBAL Extrusion Investment has completed the rooftop solar power generation project (phase I) at OSE Industries, a local aluminium extrusion company owned by DEI.

The rooftop solar power project, implemented by Emirates Electrical Engineering LLC, became operational at the beginning of July and is situated on the rooftops of buildings 1 and 2 of the OSE plant.

With a rated capacity of 633 kilowatts peak (kWp), the system is anticipated to generate 1.1 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually, potentially covering up to 12% of OSE Industries’ annual electricity needs. Environmentally, the annual generation of 1.1 GWh of clean energy could power a small town for several days to a week, reducing carbon emissions by 440,000 kg CO2e and promoting sustainable practices.

The project was carried out under a Solar Lease Agreement, removing upfront costs and providing a hassle-free approach to operation, maintenance, and affordable energy rates.

The supplier is responsible for monitoring the system’s performance, maintaining its cleanliness, and ensuring the availability of spare components. Preliminary data for July 2024 shows that the solar system generated 109.5 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity, meeting 12% of the monthly demand and contributing to a reduction of 43,800 kg CO2e in carbon emissions.

Phase II of the project, which will extend to the remaining buildings and service areas, is planned for commissioning in 2025. This project reflects DEI’s dedication to advancing the UAE’s sustainability goals, including the DEWA SHAMS Dubai Initiative, Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and UAE Net Zero 2050.

Mecc Alte’s V-Type range is the result of a series of discussions where OEMs and end-users highlighted application requirements with Mecc Alte experts.

A key outcome was the need for alternators that could continuously work in harsh environments.

“We call the V-Type our most resilient alternator yet,” says the company’s group marketing director, Jonathan Stokes. “It has been created specifically to deliver reliable power generation when working in harsh environments, for example those with extreme heat or cold, or high levels of rain or dust, often in remote locations.”

Naturally, given the tough environments in which the alternator range is used, the V-Type underwent rigorous testing.

Superior durability is built into the design as standard to guarantee power in locations where it may be challenging to carry out maintenance procedures associated with less resilient models.

V-Type TOTAL+, for example, is an exclusive winding treatment with a specification that’s designed to be more resilient. Reinforced tape is also used around the lower radius of the stator, providing an external covering for the reinforced NDE winding head base.

Other enhancements that add to V-Type range’s exceptional durability and longevity include 30,000 premium bearing hours for increased reliability, taping and VTP treatment for the excitor stator, TOTAL+ reinforcement of the lower lamination slats for insulation protection, and premium paint that includes an anti-rust treatment.

The range also comes with the MAUX Power Boost Auxiliary Winding System as standard across the range. The MAUX system provides high performance over standard shunt systems, thanks to over 300% forced short circuit current for up to 20 seconds.

An extended warranty is also standard as part of the range.

With these enhancements the V-Type is built to last as part of a robust power generator set that is ideally suited to its operating conditions, environment, and specified application.

Mecc Alte is a high-volume manufacturer that produces a diverse range of alternators, including 2-pole and 4-pole alternators, as well as medium and high voltage alternators, spanning 1 – 5000kVA.

Cat Lift Trucks quality is now within reach of more users and applications, thanks to the new entry-level EQ line.

Specified for lighter duties and smaller jobs, these warehouse trucks have everything you need for dependable materials handling. That includes sturdy construction, simple maintenance, energy-efficient features, robust performance, user-friendly design, and safety.

The EQ line covers eight key warehouse product ranges. Each benefits from the productivity, efficiency and long-term cost-saving advantages of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology. Power levels are higher and more consistent; runtimes are longer; no battery maintenance is needed; and lifespan is extended. In addition, opportunity charging can keep the trucks going without battery changes.

^{The EQ Line full range}

Power pallet trucks

First up in the EQ line are the mini power pallet trucks, NPP15-20QBL. These are great all-rounders, combining small size with impressive strength and resilience. They can transport loads up to 2.0 tonnes, but they’re compact enough to work anywhere. You can manoeuvre them easily in narrow aisles, containers, goods vehicles and small buildings.

More conventionally shaped pedestrian power pallet trucks are offered with capacities of 1.8 tonnes (NPP18QL) and 2.0 tonnes (NPP20QL). They’re compact and easy to handle, with an ergonomic tiller arm, high-quality forks and a smoothly controlled AC drive motor. Robustly built, they will give many years of trouble-free service.

A 2.0 tonne platform power pallet truck, NPV20QL, builds on the same features and capabilities. Its platform can be easily folded up for pedestrian use in the narrowest spaces. Ride-on mode enables faster travel over longer distances, with less operator fatigue. This versatile model is ideal for vehicle loading and unloading as well as transport.

^{The new range has been developed specifically for lighter duties and smaller jobs}

Compact stackers

For exceptional versatility in a small package, the EQ line offers a choice of compact pedestrian stackers. These are even small enough to take into vans and elevators. The 1.2 tonne mono mast version, NSP12QLMI, will stack and retrieve at heights up to 1.95 metres. The 1.2 tonne duplex mast model, NSP12QLDI, extends this to 3.3 metres. You can also use them for short shuttle runs and order picking. They’re a great do-it-all solution for smaller warehouses and supermarkets.

Sit-on tow trucks

The EQ line’s sit-on tow trucks, NTS30-60Q, offer capacities of 3.0 or 6.0 tonnes. They’re great for transporting heavy loads over both rough and smooth surfaces, indoors and outdoors. Their high ground clearance smooths out bumps and gradients. And they’re tough enough to withstand the knocks of a busy workplace. Comfortably seated, the operator stays productive mile after mile.

Mini order picker

One of the most unusual EQ line products is the mini order picker, MNO1.5Q1. It’s not just for order picking: it does the job of a ladder too – but much more safely and efficiently. Automatic aids prevent operation unless the user’s hands and feet are properly in place and the safety gates are closed.
With its stable mast and chassis, you can lift its platform safely to 3 metres. From there, the operator can pick items as high as 5 metres.

As well as picking at racking levels 1, 2 and 3, you can use it for inspection and maintenance tasks at height. Changing a light bulb or repairing a ceiling fixture, for example. It will even optionally transport additional loads by towing trailers.

For applications needing only occasional use of a lift truck each day, EQ line products are your perfect choice. They bring you all the right qualities to do the job quickly and simply – and make your life easier. And as well as raising your productivity, they lower your overall costs. In particular, they save money through their durability, minimal maintenance needs and low energy consumption.

To find out more, visit EQ Line. Further information on the complete range of Cat forklifts, warehouse equipment and related services can be found at www.catlifttruck.com. See them in action via https://www.catlifttruck.com/videos and follow the news on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Eve Pope, Technology Analyst at IDTechEx, explains how carbon capture technologies can be made more efficient. Read on: 

Carbon capture technologies capable of removing CO₂ from industrial emissions have been around for over 50 years, but widescale deployment of CCUS (carbon capture, utilisation, and storage) has been too slow for global net-zero ambitions. While governments are beginning to implement carbon pricing mechanisms or tax credits to motivate permanent storage of CO2 deep underground, a profitable business model exists beyond CO₂ sequestration via emerging CO₂ utilisation applications. According to the new IDTechEx research report, “Carbon Dioxide Utilisation 2025-2045: Technologies, Market Forecasts, and Players”, sales from CO₂ utilisation will directly generate US$240bn in revenue in 2045.

Carbon dioxide utilisation technologies recycle captured CO₂. The new carbon-containing products can be sold to generate financial benefits while offering a reduction in carbon footprint. The leading fate of captured carbon dioxide today is enhanced oil recovery - a method of reversing productivity decline in depleted oil fields. However, there are many emerging areas of CO₂ recycling, including CO₂-derived concrete, CO₂-derived fuels (methane, methanol, kerosene, diesel, and gasoline), CO₂-derived chemicals, and CO₂ yield boosting applications (crop greenhouses, algae, and proteins).

Profitable chemicals

Profitable production of CO₂-derived polymers has been around for decades. Asahi Kasei pioneered production of polycarbonate from waste CO₂ in 2002. The total annual production capacity of polycarbonate resin using CO2 utilisation technology has now reached about 1 million tonnes. Other essential plastics, such as polyethylene and PET, are starting to be made from CO2 via thermochemical and biological conversion routes, with LanzaTech leading microbial innovation in this space. Drop-in chemicals such as CO₂-derived ethanol and aromatics are also being commercialised.

While potentially all carbon-containing chemicals could utilise carbon dioxide in production, those requiring non-reductive pathways are the most promising due to a smaller energy demand and lack of dependency on low-carbon hydrogen production. The new IDTechEx report “Carbon Dioxide Utilisation 2025-2045: Technologies, Market Forecasts, and Players” explores synthesis routes for chemical companies to use waste CO2 as a green feedstock, displacing petrochemical products.

Decarbonising the aviation and shipping sectors

To date, alternative fuels have not achieved price parity with fossil fuels, inhibiting market uptake. However, increased market penetration of CO₂-derived fuels is expected to come from regulations already being put in place, such as fuel-blend mandates for long-haul transportation. As green hydrogen electrolyzer capacity scales up worldwide, production of e-fuels from carbon dioxide using power-to-x technology will also increase. These fuels are expected to play a role in decarbonising shipping and aviation as full electrification of the aviation and maritime sectors is currently unfeasible.

Several CO₂-derived fuels are already being commercially produced with many more commercial facilities expected over the next decade. The start of 2024 saw Mitsui and Celanese’s joint venture Fairway Methanol become operational, joining plants from Carbon Recycling International in producing over 100,000 tonnes per year of methanol made from captured CO₂. Other hydrocarbon fuels such as kerosene, diesel, and gasoline, which can be made via methanol or syngas intermediates, are also being ramped up. For example, Infinium’s Corpus Facility opened its doors this year, expected to produce thousands of tonnes per annum of CO2-derived e-fuels.

A net-negative future

The new IDTechEx report “Carbon Dioxide Utilisation 2025-2045: Technologies, Market Forecasts, and Players”, covers how CO₂ utilisation can lower the carbon footprint of ready-mixed concrete, precast concrete, and carbonate aggregates/supplementary cementitious materials through CO2 mineralisation reactions. Players already utilising over 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year in carbonates include O.C.O Technology and Greenore.

When CO₂ is permanently stored in concrete, performance is improved, and less cement is needed. Growth of CO₂-derived building materials will be driven by new certifications, superior materials performance, and the ability to achieve price parity through waste disposal fees and the sale of carbon credits.