In The Spotlight
During his keynote address at the inaugural Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), urged global cooperation to usher in a new era of aviation. He called on nations to unite in supporting the accelerated and safe deployment of AAM, aligning with the symposium’s Call to Action.
Saudi Arabia was chosen to deliver the opening keynote to aviation leaders from over 75 countries at the event in Montreal, ICAO's headquarters. As Chair of the Arab Civil Aviation Organisation (ACAO), Al-Duailej emphasised the need for regulators to work together to seamlessly integrate AAM into the global aviation system.
“This gathering is not just another milestone; it is a beacon lighting the path toward a new era in aviation. Saudi Arabia is dedicated to building a future where Advanced Air Mobility is a cornerstone of global connectivity and economic growth. Let us rise to the challenge, let us redefine the future of aviation, and let us do it together. Only through such cooperation can we fully unlock the potential of this sector.”
He also highlighted the immense global opportunity that AAM presents and its crucial role in promoting a sustainable future.
Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a leader in AAM development, having released an AAM roadmap earlier this year and conducted air taxi trials in NEOM and Makkah during the Hajj pilgrimage.
At the symposium, ICAO recognised Saudi Arabia’s potential in AAM by awarding KAUST students the top prize in the ICAO Global AAM Academic Paper Competition. This recognition reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to cutting-edge research and complements its investments in eVTOL aircraft, aligning with its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
Additionally, GACA held bilateral meetings with various aviation authorities and organisations, including the ICAO President, KAUST, and Embry-Riddle’s President P. Barry Butler, to strengthen international partnerships.
On the sidelines of the event, which ran from 8-12 September, a high-level Saudi delegation visited BETA Technologies’ facility in Vermont, USA, where they explored the latest advancements in AAM manufacturing and exchanged expertise in sustainable aviation.
At the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) event in Montreal, Volar Air Mobility and Etihad Aviation Training LLC (EAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in advanced electric aircraft operations.
The agreement seeks to leverage the strengths and expertise of both parties by sharing information and launching joint initiatives in areas of mutual interest, further advancing the UAE's aviation sector.
The MoU prioritises research and development (R&D) in electric aircraft operations, sustainable innovation projects, and regulatory coordination with UAE authorities. This partnership supports the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy, promoting advanced air mobility solutions that align with the nation’s sustainability objectives.
Paolo La Cava, CEO of Etihad Aviation Training, said, “This MOU underscores our commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the aviation industry. Our partnership with Volar Air Mobility will enable us to explore new avenues for advanced electric aircraft operations, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future.”
Henry Hooi, Chairman of Volar Air Mobility Holding Company, commented, “We are excited to join forces with Etihad Aviation Training on this groundbreaking initiative. Together, we will not only explore new frontiers in advanced air mobility but also contribute to the UAE’s leadership in environmental sustainability and innovation.”
Emirates Steel Arkan, the UAE’s largest listed company in the steel and building materials sector, has unveiled a new identity as EMSTEEL, reflecting its ambitions for accelerated transformation and enhanced global reach.
The rebranding was officially presented at a high-profile event in Abu Dhabi, attended by prominent officials, over 400 clients, partners, and employees.
This new identity marks the successful integration of Emirates Steel and Arkan Building Materials, a merger finalised in late 2021. The union has created the UAE’s foremost steel and construction materials company, with an estimated value of US$3.5bn (AED 13 billion). The merger positions EMSTEEL for significant expansion both locally and internationally.
Green steel production
Operating under the EMSTEEL banner, the company is divided into two key sectors: Emirates Steel and Emirates Cement. Emirates Cement oversees brands such as Al Ain Cement Factory, Emirates Blocks Factories, ANABEEB, and Arkan Bags. These divisions form the backbone of EMSTEEL's operations, ensuring the delivery of top-tier products to meet the growing demands of both domestic and global markets in the construction and manufacturing sectors. The group’s structure is flexible, designed to accommodate new business lines and expansions into fresh markets.
At the core of EMSTEEL’s strategy are innovation and sustainability. The group is investing in advanced technologies and clean energy initiatives, driving the development of cutting-edge solutions that focus on safety, quality, and efficiency. Producing low-carbon products remains a central objective as the company works towards offering environmentally sustainable solutions.
EMSTEEL controls 11% of Abu Dhabi’s manufacturing output and holds a 60% share of the UAE’s steel market. As a key player in supporting the UAE’s "Operation 300bn" industrial strategy, the company is also championing digital transformation across the sector. This is exemplified by its receipt of five prestigious "UAE Industry 4.0 Digital Leader" awards from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).
Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer of EMSTEEL, said, “Today’s unveiling of our new brand identity marks a milestone in our evolution, as the group forges ahead to support its customers and add value to its shareholders with a unified vision. Our EMSTEEL brand carries us forward into a future full of opportunities for expansion, business growth and digital transformation. It represents our commitment to creating products, services and solutions to build a better world, in addition to driving global sustainability efforts in our sector through promoting a low-carbon supply chain in collaboration with our partners.
He added, “The company is committed to reducing carbon emissions in alignment with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, where the use of clean energy in our operations is at 80%. EMSTEEL is a global leader in low-carbon steel production and the first steelmaker in the world to capture its CO2 emissions, enabling us to operate with 45% less carbon than our peers.”
Aggreko has introduced two new mid-size Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to support regional businesses in their shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
These new plug-and-play systems, available in 500 KW and 250 KW capacities, are designed to meet a broad spectrum of energy storage needs for industrial and commercial applications. They optimise overall system performance, cut operational costs, and significantly lower carbon emissions.
The mid-size BESS units are engineered to deliver reliable power in demanding conditions, providing versatility, efficiency, and dependability. These batteries can operate independently, as part of a hybrid setup with a generator, or in combination with additional BESS units. They are particularly well-suited for renewable energy projects across various sectors, including events, construction, petrochemicals, utilities, data centres, and mining.
These systems are eco-friendly, helping companies comply with emission standards while their rapid installation and commissioning reduce generator usage and fuel consumption, leading to cost savings and greater operational independence. Aggreko's renowned customer support, including remote monitoring, ensures that the units deliver consistent and uninterrupted service.
Adam Read, head of sales - Middle East, Aggreko, stated, “We are excited to introduce our new mid-sized Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to the regional market. They can be used as a standalone power source or in combination with mobile solar panels, wind or generators. To meet the constantly evolving energy demands of businesses, our BESS units are made scalable to match changing needs. A single unit can be easily combined into an integrated energy storage system to deliver the power and energy capacity required for any business. Incorporating batteries can be a significant step toward sustainability for any company. Additionally, battery-based solutions can provide reliable emission-free energy for specific processes while reducing fuel costs.”
The mid-size BESS units also help manage fluctuating loads by storing surplus energy for future use, improving reliability, and eliminating low-load periods. Ready for immediate deployment, these systems include all essential components like batteries, inverters, HVAC, and fire protection. Both units feature an ECO controller, which simplifies the monitoring and control of all integrated systems. With zero emissions, no noise, and minimal maintenance requirements, these systems enable businesses to reduce their environmental impact.
Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation Company (EEIC) signed an MoU with MediSun Energy, a company specialising in osmotic (blue) energy technology.
This MoU represents a major step towards enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of water desalination and securing water resources across the UAE, the companies said in a statement.
The MoU was officially signed by Hagop Dermosessian, general manager of EEIC & GCG Engineering Services, and Dusun Kim, co-founder & CEO of MediSun Energy, during the World Utilities Congress 2024.
Through this partnership, EEIC will utilise MediSun Energy’s innovative WEGen technology to improve energy efficiency in desalination processes and brine management. This collaboration aligns with EEIC’s strategic goal of expanding its footprint in the renewable energy sector.
The partnership addresses critical water and energy challenges while supporting the UAE’s sustainability and innovation goals.
Traditional Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems are highly energy-intensive and produce brine as a by-product, creating significant environmental and economic concerns.
In contrast, MediSun Energy’s pioneering WEGen technology offers a game-changing solution by increasing energy efficiency through osmotic power.
This advanced technology not only generates electricity but also dramatically reduces energy consumption in desalination.
Dusun Kim stated, “Our collaboration with EEIC represents a significant advancement in sustainable water management. By integrating our WEGen technology, which utilises osmotic power, we can improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption by up to 30% compared to traditional RO systems. This collaboration is pivotal for achieving our vision of Blue Energy and delivering sustainable solutions in the UAE.”
Hagop Dermosessian said, “Our collaborative efforts will importantly help to stimulate the future of sustainable water brine management in the UAE. Leveraging our core competencies to deliver innovative and efficient solutions is an exciting step to protect the wider environment and mitigate the effects of costly RO systems. Our collaboration with MediSun Energy as the exclusive distributor for the UAE and our expertise spanning over two decades reflect our dedication to delivering comprehensive solutions in the renewable energy field.”
The construction industry is experiencing an important transition, as a growing number of project owners are now rapidly migrating to construction project management software to meet their document management needs. This change represents a shift from the tedious, conventional approaches to managing construction documents, and points towards improved productivity and streamlined workflows.
Managing construction documents was a difficult task prior to the development of construction project management software. In the past, stakeholders depended on a variety of offline storage devices, including filing cabinets, desktop computers, Excel spreadsheets, and external hard drives, to store and share information. This disorganised method of document control increased risks, prevented collaboration, pushed back project timelines, and ultimately led to huge losses for owners. More importantly, such confusion can also lead to critical construction errors that are dangerous and can cause significant delays.
According to Trimble, a leading provider of construction technology solutions, a dedicated project management software for construction can eliminate version confusion, access issues, and time wastage. The company outlines three main challenges that capital project owners and construction project managers encounter when keeping, organising, and disseminating project-related documents to consultants, subcontractors, and contractors.
These include the high cost of printing and mailing, where the expenses of printing and mailing hard-copy documents for distribution can quickly add up, especially when plans change, or additional details must be shared. Disorganised electronic files present another challenge since they are frequently cluttered, making document location difficult. It can be difficult for inexperienced users to use Microsoft-like folder structures and distribute documents via an FTP site. Comparably, outdated information is another issue that arises when team members are unable to find the most recent information. This can lead to needless change orders and delays in projects, which can also have a detrimental effect on the budget.
Offline solutions
To address these challenges, Trimble offers innovative solutions such as Viewpoint Field View and Viewpoint for Projects, designed to enhance construction document management by centralising information and streamlining processes.
Viewpoint Field View is a cloud-based and offline mobile solution designed to replace pen and paper in the field for snagging, forms and permits, project delivery, and handover. Field View enhances team productivity by allowing them to spend more time on-site and less time on administrative tasks back in the office—ultimately saving time, reducing costs, and mitigating risks. This solution enables field teams to efficiently manage tasks, track progress, and communicate updates without the delays associated with traditional methods. By integrating field data with project management systems, Viewpoint Field View helps reduce errors, improve decision-making, and enhance overall project efficiency.
Viewpoint for Projects, on the other hand, targets site management by offering a comprehensive platform for managing all project documents and communications. It is a construction document management system that streamlines project documentation, enables seamless sharing, control, and collaboration on project documents and drawings, all while maintaining strict revision control. This solution centralises information, making it easily accessible to all stakeholders involved in the project. With features that support document control, version management, and collaboration, Viewpoint for Projects helps ensure access to the most current information, thus reducing the risk of delays and costly changes.
Construction document management software have been utilised previously on several projects in the UAE. For instance, the Dubai Metro project is a notable example of a particularly effective document management system implementation during a period of rapid growth in the UAE. The project encountered numerous challenges throughout its lifecycle, from conception to completion. In order to better guide future projects, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) documented these difficulties, emphasising increased stakeholder collaboration, streamlined workflows, and improved document accessibility as crucial factors.
Today, the industry has evolved with innovative software systems offering advanced features for field and project management. Companies like Trimble are leading the way with solutions such as Viewpoint Field View and Viewpoint for Projects, designed to efficiently manage construction documents. By centralising document and information management, Trimble's construction project management software and construction document management software establishes a single, reliable source of information.
In comparison to previous projects, contemporary systems like the comprehensive Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) used for the new Abu Dhabi International Airport Midfield Terminal Building that opened in 2023, also offer significant improvements. This system oversees contracts, construction documents, and communication between contractors and stakeholders, demonstrating how modern solutions contribute to better project management and outcomes.
Solutions like Trimble's Viewpoint Field View and Viewpoint for Projects, set to make a significant impact in the Middle East, are designed to enhance construction document management and streamline processes within the ever-evolving construction ecosystem. These advanced systems highlight the ongoing commitment to simplifying project management and boosting operational efficiency, showcasing the industry's dedication to innovation and continuous improvement.
This article is penned by Trimble.
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.
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During his keynote address at the inaugural Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), urged global cooperation to usher in a new era of aviation. He called on nations to unite in supporting the accelerated and safe deployment of AAM, aligning with the symposium’s Call to Action.
Saudi Arabia was chosen to deliver the opening keynote to aviation leaders from over 75 countries at the event in Montreal, ICAO's headquarters. As Chair of the Arab Civil Aviation Organisation (ACAO), Al-Duailej emphasised the need for regulators to work together to seamlessly integrate AAM into the global aviation system.
“This gathering is not just another milestone; it is a beacon lighting the path toward a new era in aviation. Saudi Arabia is dedicated to building a future where Advanced Air Mobility is a cornerstone of global connectivity and economic growth. Let us rise to the challenge, let us redefine the future of aviation, and let us do it together. Only through such cooperation can we fully unlock the potential of this sector.”
He also highlighted the immense global opportunity that AAM presents and its crucial role in promoting a sustainable future.
Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a leader in AAM development, having released an AAM roadmap earlier this year and conducted air taxi trials in NEOM and Makkah during the Hajj pilgrimage.
At the symposium, ICAO recognised Saudi Arabia’s potential in AAM by awarding KAUST students the top prize in the ICAO Global AAM Academic Paper Competition. This recognition reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to cutting-edge research and complements its investments in eVTOL aircraft, aligning with its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
Additionally, GACA held bilateral meetings with various aviation authorities and organisations, including the ICAO President, KAUST, and Embry-Riddle’s President P. Barry Butler, to strengthen international partnerships.
On the sidelines of the event, which ran from 8-12 September, a high-level Saudi delegation visited BETA Technologies’ facility in Vermont, USA, where they explored the latest advancements in AAM manufacturing and exchanged expertise in sustainable aviation.