In The Spotlight
Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority (EPA) is strengthening its oversight of water resources through enhanced monitoring systems designed to safeguard public health and ensure environmental sustainability, according to a report by Arab Times.
The authority is deploying advanced tracking mechanisms to assess water quality in line with international benchmarks, aiming to maintain access to safe and clean water supplies amid current conditions.
In a televised statement, Abdullah Al-Yateem, head of the EPA’s Chemical Testing Department, said water quality management is guided by standards derived from Kuwait’s Environmental Protection Law. He noted that a combination of chemical and biological indicators is used to detect contaminants and verify that water remains within safe limits.
Al-Yateem highlighted the critical role of EPA laboratories in analysing both drinking water and seawater samples, ensuring continuous monitoring across the entire water cycle. He explained that inspection teams conduct routine field visits across all governorates, collecting random samples of drinking water for laboratory testing to confirm compliance with regulatory standards.
The monitoring programme also extends to marine environments. Samples are regularly collected from coastal areas across Kuwait, from the northern to southern shores, and analysed to assess seawater quality. This process is supported by coordination with other relevant authorities, which contribute additional testing data to strengthen overall monitoring efficiency.
In addition to water testing, the EPA is carrying out checks on marine life, including fish and other organisms, to ensure they are safe for consumption and free from pollutants. These measures are part of a broader effort to protect ecosystems and maintain public confidence in environmental quality.
Al-Yateem reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to adopting best practices in environmental monitoring and resource management. He also stressed the importance of public awareness, encouraging responsible water use as part of wider sustainability efforts.
The EPA sought to reassure residents that drinking water supplies, as well as marine environments, remain safe, emphasising that ongoing testing has not identified concerning levels of contamination.
The intensified monitoring comes as regional authorities place greater emphasis on environmental protection and resource security, particularly in relation to water, which remains a critical asset in arid climates such as Kuwait.
Emirates Global Aluminium has issued an initial operational update following the recent missile and drone strikes on its Al Taweelah complex, confirming extensive damage and a prolonged recovery timeline.
The facility, located within Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi, was fully evacuated as a precaution, with all major units placed into emergency shutdown. The affected assets include the smelter, casthouse, power plant, alumina refinery and recycling plant, all of which form a critical part of the company’s global production network.
EGA said restoration of primary aluminium output will require significant repairs and a phased restart of reduction cells, with early estimates indicating that full recovery could take up to 12 months. The restart process is expected to be gradual, reflecting the technical complexity of smelter operations and the need to ensure safe recommissioning.
While the smelter faces a longer timeline, the company indicated that parts of the alumina refinery and recycling plant may resume operations sooner, depending on the outcome of detailed damage assessments currently under way.
Chief executive Abdulnasser Bin Kalban said the company’s immediate priority remains the wellbeing of its workforce. “We are deeply disturbed by this attack on our people, who come from more than 40 nations and were simply doing their jobs. We thank God no one received life-threatening injuries and that those hurt are recovering well.
“Our Al Taweelah site is a foundation of the global economy, and a significant contributor to global supply, making this incident damaging to industries and prosperity worldwide. We will do our very best to support our customers around the world during this difficult period. We are working directly with customers whose deliveries might be impacted by the situation at Al Taweelah.”
The Al Taweelah site is one of the largest aluminium production complexes globally, producing 1.6 million tonnes of cast metal in 2025. It also houses an alumina refinery with annual output of 2.4 million tonnes, supplying nearly half of EGA’s alumina requirements, and a recycling plant with a capacity of 185,000 tonnes per year.
To mitigate supply disruptions, EGA confirmed it holds significant metal inventories, both in transit and at storage locations within the UAE and internationally. These reserves are expected to provide short-term support to customers while recovery efforts continue.
The company is coordinating closely with stakeholders to manage the operational and commercial impact, while maintaining strict safety protocols during the restoration phase.
Industry analysts note that disruptions at Al Taweelah could have broader implications for global aluminium markets, given the facility’s scale and strategic importance. EGA said it will continue to provide updates as assessments progress and recovery plans are refined.
As seasonal rainfall swept across the UAE, LEAD Development highlighted the performance of its integrated water management system at Jubail Island, positioning the project as a model for climate-responsive infrastructure.
The developer said the island’s drainage approach is designed to work with natural processes rather than rely solely on conventional stormwater systems. At the core of the strategy is a network of retention ponds embedded throughout the landscape, which collect and manage rainwater during periods of heavy rainfall.
These ponds, incorporated into parks and communal spaces, are designed to capture surface runoff and reduce the risk of localised flooding. By easing pressure on traditional drainage networks, the system helps maintain operational resilience during peak rainfall events, which are becoming increasingly variable across the region.
According to LEAD Development, the retained water is gradually absorbed into the ground, supporting groundwater recharge and sustaining native vegetation. This process not only improves water efficiency but also contributes to the long-term ecological balance of the island’s environment.
The initiative reflects a broader shift in urban planning across Abu Dhabi, where developers are integrating sustainability into core infrastructure design. Rather than treating water management as a standalone engineering challenge, projects such as Jubail Island are embedding it into the overall living environment, aligning functionality with environmental and social benefits.
Beyond flood mitigation, the system delivers additional environmental gains. By reducing dependence on treated water for irrigation, it supports more efficient resource use while helping to preserve surrounding ecosystems, including mangrove habitats. These natural assets play a key role in coastal protection and biodiversity, making their conservation a priority for sustainable development in the emirate.
The presence of water features across public spaces also enhances the visual appeal and liveability of the community. Landscaped areas designed around the retention ponds provide residents with a closer connection to nature, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on wellness and outdoor living.
Jubail Island forms part of a wider sustainability-driven development model, combining low-density planning with the protection of natural habitats. LEAD Development said this approach is intended to create a balanced environment that supports both ecological resilience and long-term community wellbeing.
As climate considerations continue to influence real estate strategies across the UAE, projects incorporating adaptive infrastructure are gaining prominence. Developers are increasingly exploring solutions that address environmental challenges while delivering tangible benefits for residents.
LEAD Development noted that the system at Jubail Island demonstrates how infrastructure can be reimagined to serve multiple purposes, from managing rainfall to enhancing biodiversity and improving quality of life.
With changing weather patterns placing greater emphasis on resilience, such integrated solutions are expected to play a growing role in shaping the next generation of sustainable communities.
Volvo Penta and Volvo Financial Services have joined forces to support DFDS in shifting towards electric-powered terminal operations, marking a step forward in port decarbonisation efforts.
The collaboration centres on a seven-year leasing agreement covering six electric RoRo terminal tractors, developed by MOL and equipped with Volvo Penta’s electric driveline systems. The package also includes preventative maintenance support and insurance, forming part of a broader end-to-end solution designed to ease the transition to electromobility.
The initiative aligns with DFDS’ longer-term strategy to convert a significant share of its fleet of 280 diesel-powered terminal tractors into electric alternatives. By opting for a leasing structure, the company can adopt new technology without the burden of high upfront capital costs, which remain a barrier for many operators considering electrification.
Volvo Penta noted that such financial models are becoming increasingly important as industries navigate rapidly evolving electric technologies. The integrated offer developed with Volvo Financial Services aims to make adoption more accessible, while reducing risk for customers exploring low-emission equipment.
The electric 4x4 RoRo tractors themselves have been under development since 2021, when Volvo Penta and MOL began working together on what became one of the first operational models of its kind. A prototype was deployed at a DFDS terminal in Ghent, where it underwent extensive real-world testing as part of validation trials lasting over a year.
Feedback from operations has played a central role in refining the machines. Engineers from both companies worked closely with DFDS teams to tailor performance, ensuring the tractors meet the specific demands of port environments.
Electrification of terminal tractors offers several operational and environmental advantages. These include lower emissions, contributing to improved air quality in port areas, as well as reduced noise and vibration levels. Such benefits are particularly relevant in confined or enclosed spaces, where conventional diesel equipment can have a greater impact on working conditions.
In addition, Volvo Penta’s involvement ensures access to an established service network, supporting reliability and ongoing maintenance of the electric driveline systems.
The first batch of six electric units is scheduled for delivery to DFDS operations in the Netherlands in the second quarter of 2026, as the company continues to scale up its transition to more sustainable logistics solutions.
As seasonal rainfall swept across the UAE, LEAD Development highlighted the performance of its integrated water management system at Jubail Island, positioning the project as a model for climate-responsive infrastructure.
The developer said the island’s drainage approach is designed to work with natural processes rather than rely solely on conventional stormwater systems. At the core of the strategy is a network of retention ponds embedded throughout the landscape, which collect and manage rainwater during periods of heavy rainfall.
These ponds, incorporated into parks and communal spaces, are designed to capture surface runoff and reduce the risk of localised flooding. By easing pressure on traditional drainage networks, the system helps maintain operational resilience during peak rainfall events, which are becoming increasingly variable across the region.
According to LEAD Development, the retained water is gradually absorbed into the ground, supporting groundwater recharge and sustaining native vegetation. This process not only improves water efficiency but also contributes to the long-term ecological balance of the island’s environment.
The initiative reflects a broader shift in urban planning across Abu Dhabi, where developers are integrating sustainability into core infrastructure design. Rather than treating water management as a standalone engineering challenge, projects such as Jubail Island are embedding it into the overall living environment, aligning functionality with environmental and social benefits.
Beyond flood mitigation, the system delivers additional environmental gains. By reducing dependence on treated water for irrigation, it supports more efficient resource use while helping to preserve surrounding ecosystems, including mangrove habitats. These natural assets play a key role in coastal protection and biodiversity, making their conservation a priority for sustainable development in the emirate.
The presence of water features across public spaces also enhances the visual appeal and liveability of the community. Landscaped areas designed around the retention ponds provide residents with a closer connection to nature, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on wellness and outdoor living.
Jubail Island forms part of a wider sustainability-driven development model, combining low-density planning with the protection of natural habitats. LEAD Development said this approach is intended to create a balanced environment that supports both ecological resilience and long-term community wellbeing.
As climate considerations continue to influence real estate strategies across the UAE, projects incorporating adaptive infrastructure are gaining prominence. Developers are increasingly exploring solutions that address environmental challenges while delivering tangible benefits for residents.
LEAD Development noted that the system at Jubail Island demonstrates how infrastructure can be reimagined to serve multiple purposes, from managing rainfall to enhancing biodiversity and improving quality of life.
With changing weather patterns placing greater emphasis on resilience, such integrated solutions are expected to play a growing role in shaping the next generation of sustainable communities.
AESG has expanded its regional capabilities with the launch of a dedicated structural design and engineering division, aimed at supporting increasingly complex construction projects across the Middle East.
The new unit strengthens AESG’s integrated service model, enabling the company to deliver end-to-end engineering solutions from concept through to construction. By embedding structural expertise alongside sustainability and cost consultancy from the earliest project stages, the firm aims to improve budget certainty, reduce delivery risks and enhance long-term asset performance.
The move comes amid rising demand for more coordinated and commercially aligned engineering strategies, particularly in markets such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where large-scale developments are becoming more ambitious and technically demanding. Developers are increasingly seeking solutions that balance structural integrity with financial efficiency and environmental performance.
AESG said the new division will focus on integrating engineering decisions with broader project considerations, including procurement strategies, material availability, regulatory compliance and lifecycle costs. This approach allows structural systems to be assessed not only for technical strength, but also for their overall value and feasibility across the project lifecycle.
Leading initiatives
Chief executive Saeed Al Abbar said the expansion reflects the company’s commitment to delivering multidisciplinary solutions that align engineering with commercial and sustainability objectives. He noted that early-stage integration of structural design is critical to achieving design-to-budget outcomes while supporting carbon reduction targets.
The division will provide services spanning feasibility studies, concept and detailed design, as well as construction-stage advisory. By aligning structural strategies with cost modelling and sustainability analysis, AESG aims to minimise redesign risks and ensure smoother project delivery.
Key focus areas include reducing embodied carbon through material efficiency, adopting alternative structural systems, and promoting modular construction techniques to accelerate timelines. The division will also address durability and resilience, particularly in response to the region’s demanding climatic conditions, while improving the adaptability of built assets over time.
To lead the initiative, AESG has appointed Matthew Cross as director of the new division. With more than 25 years of experience, Cross has previously held senior roles at AECOM and Arcadis, overseeing major projects across the region.
He highlighted the growing importance of aligning engineering with commercial realities, noting that developers are increasingly working to compressed timelines and tighter budgets. Early integration of structural design, he said, enables better decision-making and helps manage risks across the project lifecycle.
AESG has also strengthened its technical leadership with the appointment of Dr Gavin Lume as technical director. His experience includes contributions to landmark projects such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame.
With the new division in place, AESG aims to position itself as a fully integrated partner for developers, delivering projects that are commercially viable, environmentally sustainable and engineered for long-term performance.
A key focus at the show will be dust and spillage control at conveyor transfer points. (Image source: Martin Engineering)
Global bulk material handling specialist Martin Engineering has announced it will unveil a series of new conveyor accessories and flow technologies at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, taking place from 3–7 March at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Exhibiting at booth C30148 in the Central Hall, the company will present heavy-duty systems developed at its Center for Innovation, targeting safer and more efficient bulk handling operations across the aggregates and mining sectors.
Chris Schmelzer, Director of National Sales for the US and Canada, said the new portfolio has been tested in demanding real-world environments. He added that visitors will be able to explore solutions designed to support cleaner, safer and more productive material handling processes, from extraction through to final product.
Products on show
A key focus at the show will be dust and spillage control at conveyor transfer points, where emissions remain a persistent industry challenge.
Among the products on display is the Martin Skirtboard Liner, engineered to protect sealing systems by absorbing impact and abrasion inside transfer point skirtboards. The liner features a steel-reinforced urethane construction and a T-slot mounting interface that allows adjustment from outside the chute wall, reducing the need for confined space entry.
The company will also preview the Martin ApronSeal Urethane Skirting system, a dual-seal assembly combining a primary urethane seal with a self-adjusting secondary flap to contain fine material. Designed for belt speeds of up to 4.5 m/s, the system requires minimal maintenance and limited free belt space.
In addition, Martin’s modular A.I.R. Control Dust Curtains are designed to create controlled air recirculation zones within transfer enclosures, helping to reduce dust emissions compared with conventional rubber curtain systems. The curtains can be adjusted or replaced externally, cutting service times.
Flow improvement technologies will also feature prominently. The N2 Air Cannon Intelligence System monitors connected air cannons multiple times daily, detecting misfires, measuring blast efficiency and tracking pressure and temperature. A cloud-based dashboard enables predictive maintenance and reduces manual inspections.
An expanded line of electric vibrators will be introduced, aimed at improving material separation and preventing build-up in hoppers, silos and chutes. The new models offer increased power and efficiency while maintaining durability, backed by a three-year warranty.
The company will also present upgraded belt cleaning systems, including the Martin H1 Primary Belt Cleaner and P2 and R2 secondary cleaners, built with stainless steel components and tungsten carbide tips for use on abrasive materials and high-speed or reversing belts.
As the UAE continues to advance large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects, demand for durable, high-quality steel solutions is growing across the region.
In this interview, Galva Coat Industries outlines how it has positioned itself as a trusted partner in this evolving market, highlighting its integrated manufacturing capabilities, focus on quality and reliability, and long-term vision for sustainable growth and regional expansion.
What is the core vision of Galva Coat Industries since its establishment, and how do you see its position in the market today?
Since its establishment, Galva Coat Industries has been driven by a clear vision to become a trusted and preferred steel solutions provider in the UAE and the wider Middle East. Our focus has always been on deliveringhigh-quality products supported by precision processing and professional service.
Today, we proudly hold a strong position in the regional market, recognised for reliability, technical expertise, and long-term partnerships.
Through continuous investment in modern equipment, international quality standards, and staff development, we have strengthened our reputation as a dependable partner for infrastructure and industrial projects across the region.
What distinguishes Galva Coat from other industrial companies in the UAE, especially in steel structures and lighting poles manufacturing?
What sets Galva Coat apart is our integrated approach. We do not simply supply steel products; we provide complete, customised solutions, from material sourcing
and precision cutting to processing and finishing.
Our hot-dip galvanizing capabilities, advanced manufacturing processes, and strict quality control ensure durability and long service life, particularly for steel structures and lighting poles exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
Our commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and customer-focused service allows us to deliver reliable products with consistent performance and timely fulfillment.
How does Galva Coat build strong relationships with its clients and maintain customer satisfaction?
At Galva Coat, we believe long-term partnerships are built on trust, transparency, and performance. We work closely with our clients to understand their project requirements and provide tailored solutions to suit their special requirements.
What are Galva Coat's plans for the future?
Our future strategy focuses on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and regional expansion.
We plan to continue investing in advanced technologies, automation, and employee development to enhance productivity and service quality.
At the same time, we aim to strengthen our presence in regional markets, expand our product range, and make sure that Galva Coat Industries remains the preferred solutions provider and trusted manufacturer in the Middle East.
Saudi Global Ports Group has commenced operations at the Jubail Container Terminal under a long-term concession agreement with Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s logistics sector development.
The 30-year agreement covers the management and expansion of the terminal at Jubail Commercial Port, a strategic gateway for exports. The move aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen supply chain infrastructure and improve trade connectivity under Saudi Vision 2030.
With operations now underway, the integration of the terminal into SGP’s existing network along Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast is expected to enhance efficiency and coordination across port and logistics activities. The company said this will enable more flexible and responsive services for customers, while improving cargo handling capabilities.
As part of the concession, SGP has committed to investing SAR2bn over the duration of the agreement. The funding will be directed towards upgrading terminal infrastructure and introducing advanced equipment designed to support higher throughput and accommodate larger container vessels.
The development is also expected to strengthen links between maritime and inland logistics systems, supporting smoother cargo flows and reducing bottlenecks. By improving connectivity between ports and supply chain networks, the initiative aims to boost resilience and reliability across the Kingdom’s logistics ecosystem.
Industry observers note that enhancing port capacity and efficiency remains a key priority for Saudi Arabia as it positions itself as a regional logistics hub. The addition of Jubail Container Terminal to SGP’s portfolio is seen as a strategic move to support growing trade volumes and diversify economic activity.
With long-term investment and operational upgrades planned, the terminal is set to play an increasingly important role in facilitating exports and supporting industrial growth in the Eastern Province.
