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Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has signed an agreement with Khalifa University of Science and Technology to jointly develop advanced energy system tools aimed at strengthening the stability and resilience of the UAE’s rapidly decarbonising power sector.

The collaboration will focus on developing intelligent, software-based solutions to support grid stability as renewable energy penetration accelerates across Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE. The initiative comes as EWEC advances a major transformation of the water and power sector, targeting nearly emissions-free water production by 2030 and meeting 60 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s electricity demand from renewable and clean energy sources.

EWEC’s strategy includes the large-scale rollout of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity, forecast to exceed 30GW by 2035, alongside 8GW of battery energy storage systems. The transition is further supported by the decoupling of water and power production through low-carbon reverse osmosis desalination.

As variable renewable energy sources become increasingly integrated into the grid, managing system stability has become a critical priority. Under the agreement, EWEC and Khalifa University will develop intelligent software modules to support the integration of large-scale PV generation and energy storage into the power system. These tools will include predictive modules to forecast power ramping requirements, providing advisory support to operators to ensure secure operation within system limits.

The partnership will also deliver machine learning-based tools to estimate system inertia and forecast frequency deviations, alongside recommendations to mitigate potential grid stability risks.

Ahmed Ali Alshamsi, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, said the collaboration supports EWEC’s broader role in shaping the UAE’s energy future through strategic planning and the deployment of large-scale solar and battery assets, while accelerating the transition to near-zero-emission water production via reverse osmosis. He added that integrating advanced analytics and AI-driven forecasting into operations will help build a future-ready water and power sector and support progress towards the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, said the partnership demonstrates the role of academia in addressing real-world energy challenges and positions the university at the intersection of innovation and national strategy. He noted that the collaboration will harness advanced deep learning and intelligent modelling to support resilient, data-driven power systems, while transferring knowledge to the next generation of Emirati engineers and system operators.

Beyond technical development, the partnership includes a structured knowledge-transfer programme comprising technical documentation, training and a multi-day operational workshop. Emirati participation is embedded within the project team, with monthly reporting on skills transfer and national capacity-building outcomes.

The initiative aligns with EWEC’s long-term strategy to deliver a smarter, cleaner and more resilient energy system, combining advanced analytics with world-class infrastructure to ensure grid stability, accelerate decarbonisation and strengthen national capabilities.

The inaugural IFAT Saudi Arabia aims to accelerate investment in sustainable waste and water infrastructure across the Kingdom. The event will focus on knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and sector collaboration through a strategic summit and a CPD-certified conference programme.

Taking place from 26-28 January at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, IFAT Saudi Arabia is designed to support national development goals and market readiness. The Summit and conference stages will examine how policy, capital, and technology can enhance waste and water systems, promote circular economy models, and strengthen long-term environmental resilience.

“Strengthening waste management systems is a key priority for supporting environmental protection, operational efficiency and resource recovery,” said Dr. Abdullah Al Sebaei, CEO of the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN). “IFAT Saudi Arabia creates a focused environment for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, review international experience and align on strategic approaches that support the Kingdom’s regulatory direction and circular economy ambitions.”

The invite-only IFAT Saudi Arabia Summit on 26 January will bring together senior government officials, regulators, investors, and industry leaders to discuss the strategic direction of the Kingdom’s waste and water sectors. Sessions will focus on impact investment, public-private partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and future readiness, featuring regional and international case studies and policy insights.

Key discussions include the Leaders Panel, which will assess the evolving waste and water economy in Saudi Arabia, and the Water Security Panel, led by the Saudi Water Authority, focusing on governance and integrated strategies for national water security. “A secure and resilient water sector requires long-term planning, strong governance and close coordination across public and private stakeholders,” said Eng. Mamdooh Alshuaibi, Vice President of Sustainability and Water Sector Services at the Saudi Water Authority. “IFAT Saudi Arabia provides a timely setting to discuss policy priorities, investment frameworks and technical approaches that support efficient water use, system resilience and sustainable service delivery across the Kingdom.”

Complementing the Summit, the CPD-certified conference programme will run across two thematic stages. Orange Stage will focus on waste management, recycling, and circular economy practices, featuring sessions on smart municipal solid waste systems, operational efficiency, and the role of digitalization and cybersecurity. Highlights include a panel marking the launch of the World Bank’s latest report on Solid Waste Management in MENA, in collaboration with the International Solid Waste Association.

Blue Stage, running 27–28 January, will explore water resilience, desalination, reuse, and digital transformation for utilities and industrial users. Sessions include a panel on Middle East water resilience organized by German Water Partnership, a brine mining case study led by NEOM, and discussions on financing and PPP models led by the International Water Association.

By connecting policy, investment, and applied solutions, IFAT Saudi Arabia aims to drive informed decision-making, cross-sector collaboration, and practical delivery across the Kingdom’s environmental ecosystem.

SIBS AB has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with LINQ Modular, part of ALEC Holdings, to accelerate the delivery of large-scale modular developments across the Middle East, marking a significant step in the region’s industrialised construction landscape.

The partnership brings together SIBS’ international manufacturing expertise in volumetric modular construction with LINQ’s regional delivery capabilities and ALEC Holdings’ established on-site construction experience. The companies aim to deliver faster, more predictable and more sustainable residential, commercial and mixed-use developments as demand for high-quality housing continues to rise across the Gulf.

Building on LINQ’s early work in prefabricated and modular construction since its launch in 2020, the collaboration seeks to scale modular delivery across multiple sectors, including residential, hospitality and commercial developments. Subject to project awards and client approvals, the partners have set a shared ambition to deliver at least 1,500 modular units per year through an industrialised and repeatable production and delivery model.

Under the agreement, LINQ will continue to lead market engagement, regulatory approvals and in-country project delivery, supported by ALEC Holdings’ construction execution capabilities. SIBS will provide large-scale industrial production capacity, design-for-manufacture expertise and factory-controlled quality processes, drawing on its global experience in delivering modular housing at scale.

The collaboration is positioned to address one of the region’s most pressing challenges: the need to accelerate residential delivery without compromising on quality, safety or sustainability. Modular construction offers a solution by shifting a significant portion of construction activity into controlled factory environments, reducing on-site timelines and improving consistency.

A key factor underpinning the partnership is the modular construction licence granted by Dubai Municipality to LINQ, enabling the delivery of G+6 residential and commercial buildings in the emirate. Combined with SIBS’ experience in delivering large apartment complexes internationally, the partners are well placed to respond to strong residential demand across major urban centres in the UAE and wider Gulf.

SIBS brings an established international track record, having delivered approximately 7,000 apartments globally. Its modular systems have typically reduced project timelines by around 40%, lowered production costs by up to 30%, and cut energy consumption by up to 50% compared with traditional construction methods.

Erik Thomaeus, CEO of SIBS, said the collaboration represents a major step forward for modular construction in the UAE, combining SIBS’ industrialised production capacity with LINQ and ALEC Holdings’ regional delivery expertise to offer scalable and predictable modular solutions.

Graham Petty, Operations Manager at LINQ, said the partnership builds on years of groundwork to demonstrate the viability of modular construction at the premium end of the market, enabling the delivery of full-spectrum industrialised construction solutions that support speed, certainty and long-term value.

The collaboration is already progressing multiple near-term project opportunities, reflecting growing market momentum and a robust pipeline of modular-led developments across a range of building types.

Critical Metals Corp., a critical minerals company headquartered in New York, has signed a non-binding term sheet to form a 50/50 joint venture with Tariq Abdel Hadi Abdullah Al-Qahtani & Brothers Company (TQB), a 75-year-old industrial conglomerate based in Saudi Arabia.

The partnership aims to establish a state-of-the-art rare earth processing facility in the Kingdom, creating a fully integrated mine-to-processing supply chain and securing long-term offtake rights for 25% of the Tanbreez Project’s rare earth concentrate production.

The facility will produce separated rare earth oxides, metals, and downstream products, including magnet-grade materials for aerospace, defense, and advanced industrial applications. All finished materials are planned for shipment to the United States to support the country’s defense industrial complex, strengthening supply chain security for Western-aligned markets.

Tony Sage, Chairman of Critical Metals Corp., said, “This agreement represents a transformational milestone for Critical Metals Corp. By partnering with a leading Saudi Arabian industrial group and securing long-term offtake that brings Tanbreez to 100% committed production, we have effectively de-risked the project’s commercial pathway from mine to market. The establishment of an integrated processing platform in Saudi Arabia not only diversifies global rare earth processing capacity beyond China but also strengthens supply chain security for allied nations across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. This transaction positions CRML as a cornerstone supplier of critical minerals essential to advanced manufacturing, energy transition technologies, and national security applications for decades to come.”

Under the JV framework, CRML will retain its 50% ownership interest on a carried-interest basis, without issuing equity or incurring debt for the construction of the processing facility. The partnership ensures 100% of Tanbreez production is now under long-term offtake agreements, providing full revenue visibility and supporting allied markets. A jointly governed development committee will oversee engineering, construction, commissioning, and market entry for the processed products.

Abdulmalik Tariq Al-Qahtani, CEO of TQB, commented, “Following the successful official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the United States, we are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding focused on cooperation in the development of critical materials. Critical materials—sourced from strategically important regions including Greenland and other resource-rich jurisdictions—form the foundation of modern technologies across energy, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, defense, and data infrastructure. Securing diversified and resilient supply chains for these materials is essential to long-term technological progress.”

CRML and TQB will now work together to finalise the technical, commercial, and regulatory foundations of the JV, including plant design, development timelines, product specifications, and commercialisation strategy. The initiative is a major step toward diversifying rare earth processing capacity, reducing reliance on China, and strengthening global supply chain resilience.

Once overshadowed by hydrocarbons, the UAE’s manufacturing sector has now become a driving force for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth across the country. Without a doubt, manufacturing is poised to take centre stage in the country’s long-term aspirations for economic growth and resilience.

Various initiatives from the UAE’s visionary leaders all point towards continuously building, enhancing and reinforcing conditions that will further encourage investments and enable industrialisation to thrive and prosper.

Among them is Operation 300bn, the UAE’s national industrial strategy launched in 2021 which aims to more than double the industrial sector’s GDP contribution from AED133 billion in 2021 to AED 300 billion by 2031.

In addition, programmes, projects and initiatives by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) such as the National In-Country Value Program (ICV), ‘Make it in the Emirates’, the Technology Transformation Program (TTP), and the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) have all been designed and geared towards pro-actively pushing forward the UAE’s manufacturing and industrial ambitions.

Clearly, the UAE is well on track on achieving its industrialisation objectives and its relentless pursuit of economic diversification have already produced remarkable results.

In the first quarter of 2025, non-oil GDP grew 5.3% , reaching AED 352 billion, according to the UAE's Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MOET). The ministry also identified manufacturing as the fastest growing economic activity, registering 7.7% growth in Q1 2025.

According to the latest report by Abu Dhabi Customs, Abu Dhabi's non-oil foreign trade grew by 34.7% in H1 2025, reflecting a thriving manufacturing industry and a key source of UAE exports.

Driven by visionary leadership

It is quite evident that the vision of the UAE’s leadership for the future of this great nation is fuelled by a determination to thrive, succeed and lead.

Not only are they aiming and enabling the manufacturing sector to grow, but they also implement a deliberate governmental policy and strategy that focuses on strengthening the adoption of advanced manufacturing, sustainability, and Industry 4.0 technologies including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 3D printing.

Over the years, the UAE's manufacturing sector has continuously demonstrated its resilience. In 2022, manufacturing GDP growth surpassed pre-pandemic levels by tallying 8.75% growth.

With Abu Dhabi leading the way with a growth of 9.7% , the emirate even further sharpened its focus on manufacturing with the launch of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) in the same year. As a result, in the first half of 2025, Abu Dhabi's non-oil GDP grew 6.37% year-on-year, according to the Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi

The attractiveness and pull for foreign investment into the UAE’s manufacturing sector have also remained strong. At the fourth edition of 'Make it in the Emirates', a 122,000-strong participation of delegates from across the world was a clear indication of the global attention to the sector’s growing appeal.

With US$11bn committed to advanced manufacturing over five years, the UAE is sending a clear message: it is open for industrial business, and it is serious about reducing its reliance on oil.

Innovation and sustainability at the core

Recognising the need to catch up with countries with larger and more advanced manufacturing sectors in a globalised market, the UAE is not just building factories – it's building smart factories.

Industry 4.0 technologies are being integrated into production lines, making UAE manufacturing globally competitive. Sustainability is also a priority, with circular economy models becoming standard practice.

Solar-powered facilities take advantage of the abundant sunshine, while water recycling systems ensure efficient use of water in a desert climate.

These are supported by the MoIAT's ITTI, which measures the digital maturity and sustainability practices of factories, provides a roadmap for their digital transformation and encourages the adoption of Industry 4.0 solutions and sustainability best practices.

Turning challenges into opportunities

While there are indeed challenges in the UAE’s journey towards economic diversification and industrialisation, the country’s leaders have cleverly manoeuvred around them and have instead focused on capitalising on the opportunities presented by these challenges. An uneven manufacturing growth among the emirates is being addressed by the federal government through Operation 300bn, with a focus on equitable development.

Among its goals is to create 13,500 new industrial facilities and 25,000 specialised jobs, many of which are being directed toward less industrialised regions.

For instance, MoIAT is working to ensure that Northern Emirates like Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain benefit from industrial expansion through tailored support and infrastructure upgrades.

Additionally, the ICV program provides incentives for companies sourcing locally, further benefiting the economy. These initiatives create numerous opportunities for businesses and individuals to widen their reach in the burgeoning manufacturing sector.

In line with the rapid adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, the UAE is also strengthening partnerships among industry, academia and various vocational training programmes, in collaboration with global tech companies, to help bridge any skills gap and ensure a seamless transfer of the latest technological knowledge to the UAE workforce.

Today, the UAE’s manufacturing sector stands at a pivotal juncture. With the UAE's emphasis on attracting investments and prioritising inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, the country is laying the foundation for long-term industrial leadership.

Alongside policy support, the UAE's strategic location and rapidly improving infrastructure position it as a rising global manufacturing hub.

Manufacturing is no longer just a supporting act in the UAE’s economic story. It’s now a lead character that plays a vital role in shaping a resilient, innovative, and sustainable future for the country.

By Noritsugu Mifune, CEO, Al Gharbia Pipe Company

UAE-based fuel technology company Fuelre4m has announced new results showing its fuel treatment can deliver consistent fuel efficiency and emissions reductions across buses, trucks, and heavy equipment operating in real-world conditions.

Independent testing led by the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), one of Europe’s leading engineering and applied sciences universities, evaluated Fuelre4m’s technology under tightly controlled laboratory conditions using a commercial diesel engine running on standard B10 biodiesel. The tests recorded 3.5–6.7% lower fuel consumption at identical engine speed and mechanical torque, alongside consistent efficiency improvements of 15–21% in the dominant mid-load operating range of approximately 1,400–1,550 RPM.

“The laboratory result establishes a conservative baseline under fixed torque, while real-world operation allows the same efficiency improvement to reduce torque demand, improve gear behaviour, and compound over time, resulting in larger total fuel savings across a complete duty cycle. Crucially, the only variable introduced during testing was the treatment of the fuel itself, with no changes to engine hardware, electronic calibration, operating limits, or fuel specification,” Fuelre4m said.

The NTUA laboratory findings are now being reinforced by repeatable real-world trials across UAE transport and industrial fleets. These include city and intercity buses operating on Dubai service corridors, mixed fleets incorporating VDL and King Long buses, and heavy trucks and off-highway equipment operating under high-load conditions. Once sufficient fuel contact time is achieved, measured fuel efficiency improvements frequently match or exceed laboratory results. Fixed-route trials on UAE buses show directional fuel consumption reductions of approximately 14–17%, with the strongest improvements consistently appearing in the mid-RPM “working bands” that dominate urban and intercity duty cycles.

Trials were conducted across mixed fleets spanning multiple manufacturers, engine sizes, and emission standards, confirming that the benefits are not limited to a single platform or technology generation. No adverse impacts were observed on drivability, engine temperatures, or aftertreatment systems. Quarry and heavy-equipment trials, including large off-highway haul trucks, demonstrated reduced fuel consumed per unit of work, with several recording double-digit efficiency improvements while maintaining or increasing productivity.

Commenting on the findings, George Papalambrou, Associate Professor of Control Systems at NTUA, who oversaw the independent testing, said, “We were genuinely surprised by the consistency and magnitude of the mid-range efficiency improvements. The results were not isolated to a single operating point and were observed under multiple control regimes. This is a positive development not just for one sector, but potentially for all industries relying on internal combustion engines, including shipping and maritime transport.”

Rob Mortimer, CEO of Fuelre4m, said, “For decades, the industry has optimised engines around the assumption that fuel behaviour is fixed. These results show that when you improve how fuel behaves, efficiency and emissions improve immediately, using the engines already operating across the UAE today.”

Fuelre4m is expanding controlled in-service validation programmes across the UAE in collaboration with fleet operators, government entities, and industrial partners. These programmes will focus on high-utilisation routes, long-duration performance validation, and quantified emissions reduction under representative operating conditions. Further independent testing using fully instrumented dynamometer facilities is also planned to extend validation into transient operation and regulatory-grade certification environments.