In The Spotlight

Further upgrades include the installation of GE Vernova’s Advanced Gas Path. (Image source: GE Vernova)
The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity (MoE) and GE Vernova Inc. have completed a series of critical upgrades across multiple power plants, significantly improving Iraq’s power generation capacity and grid stability.
The modernisation efforts, which target 46 gas turbines across 12 facilities, are expected to add up to 500 megawatts (MW) to the national grid by summer 2025, supporting Iraq’s energy transition goals.
Several plants, including those in Ninawa, Al Diwaniyah, Hilla, Karbala, Shat Al Basra, Najibiya, Samawa, Dhiqar, Al Khairat, and Al Haidariya, have already switched from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to natural gas, increasing capacity by approximately 260 MW.
The remaining plants are set for completion by mid-2025, with an anticipated additional 250 MW boost.
Long-term vision
Further upgrades include the installation of GE Vernova’s Advanced Gas Path (AGP) technology on 9E gas turbines at Al-Quds and Dhiqar power plants, as well as MXLII upgrades on 13E2 gas turbines at Al Mansouriya.
These enhancements are expected to increase power output by up to 6% without additional fuel consumption.
As part of a broader services and maintenance agreement with the MoE, GE Vernova has also completed major overhauls at several power plants, including Qayyarah, Diwaniyah, Al-Haydariyah, and Baghdad South, covering a combined capacity of 3.7 gigawatts.
These initiatives aim to improve the long-term reliability and efficiency of Iraq’s electricity infrastructure.
Ziyad Ali Fadhil, Iraq’s Minister of Electricity, said, “These diverse and comprehensive projects significantly advance our goals of expanding electricity generation and enhancing energy reliability, particularly during peak demand periods. The projects also focus on improving power plant efficiency and increasing output without increased fuel consumption, leading to less carbon emissions per amount of fuel consumed. Collaborating with reputed international companies like GE Vernova is critical to achieving the Ministry's objectives and bolstering the nation's power sector.”
Joseph Anis, president & CEO, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Gas Power at GE Vernova, said, "We are proud of this ongoing collaboration to support the Ministry of Electricity’s strategic objectives of enhancing power generation efficiency across Iraq and accelerating the nation’s energy transition efforts. The timely completion of these projects is integral to GE Vernova's commitment to modernise Iraq's energy infrastructure and support the delivery of more efficient and more sustainable energy solutions.”
Gregg Herrin, Bentley Systems vice president for water, highlights a few case studies where digital twins helped cities conserve water. This is the second in a three-part series of his op-ed, which has been slightly edited for brevity. Read the first part here.
Companhia Águas de Joinville (CAJ) supplies water and sanitation services to approximately 600,000 residents of Joinville, a thriving municipality in Santa Catarina, South Brazil. In 2020, Joinville experienced the worst drought in 30 years, with one of the city’s two main water systems—the Pirai River—dropping to unprecedented low levels. The drought drastically impacted water production and sanitation, threatening the health and quality of life for Joinville citizens.
Using Bentley's hydraulic modeling application, the CAJ team created a digital twin of the city's water distribution system, enabling advanced modeling and simulation.
With the digital twin, CAJ engineers devised a new contingency plan—at near-zero carbon cost of implementation, no less—that saved BRL 4.5 million, by optimising existing infrastructure and reducing the need for new construction. It helped CAJ understand current system conditions, including flow rates, pressures, and water quality, enabling proactive management and scenario analysis.
Reducing wastage
This helped them identify ways to optimise network efficiency, reduce unnecessary water production by 30% during droughts, decrease water loss by 40,000m3 per month, and minimise water shortage complaints by 90%. Additionally, the project helped cut annual carbon emissions by 169 tons.
By leveraging advanced hydraulic modeling that is integrated into a digital twin, CAJ can now ensure a cleaner, sustainable water distribution to Joinville—meaningfully improving the environment and citizens’ lives.
The Sacramento Regional Sanitation Department began upgrading its water management infrastructure in 2010 to address California’s chronic water shortages. The EchoWater Project, a US$2.1bn initiative managed by Project Controls Cubed (PC3), aimed to meet new discharge standards and provide high-quality recycled water for local agriculture.
The project involved 22 engineering initiatives at an active wastewater treatment plant. A digital twin was used for planning, coordination, and cost control, saving US$400mn, which funded the Harvest Water program. This initiative provided clean water for agricultural and conservation use, irrigating up to 16,000 acres in southern Sacramento County.
Next: The future of water management and why action is needed now
A record number of exhibitors representing 61 countries have participated in the 26th edition of Intersec, the largest business event in the world that maps the future of security, safety, and fire protection.
The largest edition of the event took up 61,000 sq m of space at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), a 20% increase from the previous year.
Under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event, which ended last month, drew 47,300 visitors from 142 countries and featured state-of-the-art technologies and vital solutions in five major areas: Homeland Security & Policing, Cyber Security, Safety & Health, Fire & Rescue, and Commercial & Perimeter Security. The show's theme was "Mapping the Future of Security, Safety, and Fire Protection."
Among the new features, this year was the successful opening of the two-day Intersec Policing Conference, which brought together more than fifty knowledgeable speakers. Discussions covered a wide range of subjects, including the future of road safety, proactive and productive policing, strategic automation in policing, drone operations, and quantum-led crime. Senior law enforcement officials from the Abu Dhabi Police, INTERPOL, the Metropolitan Police, and the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit were among them.
The top Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) in the area were also invited to the CISO Business Briefing, which was successfully launched while examining the main information security trends, threats, and opportunities. The opening keynote speaker was H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government.
The annual awards
The exhibition's ground-breaking collaboration with Ignyte, which resulted in the opening of the Intersec Startup Arena, was another first. It gave startups a chance to present their innovative ideas and solutions to a group of government officials, business executives, and elite investors, opening doors for them to secure investment, mentorship, and strategic alliances.
ASIS International, Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA), Gallagher, Sharjah Civil Defence, NAFFCO, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, Nordon, Saudi Sicli, and UXE Security Solutions were among the companies that signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the three-day event held by Intersec 2025.
Several industry leaders were honoured at the 4th annual Intersec Awards, which honour people, groups, and organisations for establishing new benchmarks for excellence in vital sectors.
Winners on the evening included Dubai Civil Defense, NAFFCO, Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Interior, Emirates Safety Laboratory LLC, and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
Wajahat Hussain, show manager, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “The team and I are thrilled to have welcomed an unprecedented gathering of industry professionals from around the world. Intersec has once again proven to be the premier platform where global leaders, innovators, and experts converge to exchange knowledge, forge partnerships, and explore cutting-edge advancements that are shaping the future of safety, security, and fire protection.
“Surpassing previous exhibitor records is a testament to Intersec’s growing influence and its pivotal role in driving forward-thinking solutions for a safer, more secure world. This milestone underscores our commitment to fostering collaboration, showcasing pioneering technologies, and setting new benchmarks for excellence in this critically important industry.”
Intersec 2026 will take place from 12 – 14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Airbus and SAF One, a provider of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) solutions, inked a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to encourage the aviation sector's adoption of SAF.
Through greater use of SAF, the partnership aims to assist the aviation sector in achieving its decarbonisation objectives. Through a variety of advocacy efforts, the two businesses will collaborate to promote SAF adoption in the UAE and around the world.
The area has a lot of potential for SAF manufacturing and adoption because it is a major centre for international aviation. Its strong aviation industry, strong infrastructure, and strategic position make it the perfect place to scale SAF programmes. By encouraging domestic manufacturing and strengthening the supply chain, the area can significantly contribute to satisfying the expanding demands of the sector and quickening the shift to more sustainable air travel.
"We are pleased to partner with Airbus in our efforts to advance the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel," said Mounir Kuzbari, director and co-founder at SAF One. "Through this collaboration, we will jointly engage with airlines to promote SAF adoption as well as support in promoting the use of SAF produced by SAF One's multiple facilities. By combining our respective airline networks and relationships, this coordinated approach to market development will help address the growing demand for SAF."
“Partnering with SAF One supports our commitment to advancing SAF production to help meet the growing industry demand. Strengthening the SAF ecosystem requires collaboration across the industry, and partnerships such as this play a vital role in scaling production and accelerating availability,” said Alexandros Kosmas, head of international cooperation Middle East & Africa at Airbus.
UAE growth
The company stated earlier this year that it has acquired Green Biotrade, a feedstock and biofuels trading company based in the UAE. Through this strategic acquisition, SAF One will acquire vital feedstock for its sustainable aviation fuel projects and improve its supply chain capabilities.
They hope to improve their capacity to find, acquire, and oversee the vital biomass supplies required for their SAF production by incorporating Green Biotrade's vast trading experience and strong feedstock network.
According to Hani Samsam, CEO and founder of Green Biotrade, This integration will also allow them to grow and expand their capabilities in feedstock and biofuels, enabling them to further drive innovation and contribute more broadly to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.
SAF One has said that its mission is to provide innovative solutions with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and supporting the transition to a more sustainable future for aviation.
Also read: SAF MENA Congress to drive decarbonisation efforts in Abu Dhabi
As climate change intensifies water scarcity, pollution, and extreme weather events, the need for smarter water management has never been more pressing.
Gregg Herrin, Bentley Systems vice president for water, explains how digital twins offer a transformative solution, enabling utilities and governments to optimise water resources, enhance sustainability, and safeguard communities. With aging infrastructure and rising environmental challenges, adopting these technologies now is not just an opportunity—it is an urgent necessity. This the last article in this series.
The examples shown earlier illustrate what’s possible when digital twins are used to address water issues at the source. Even as these problems become more severe, technology is continuing to adapt and evolve.
By leveraging digital twins, the water management sector can optimise source water management, improve sustainability, and enhance overall water security, ensuring that utilities can meet the demands of their customers while protecting and sustaining vital water resources.
Climate urgency
Urban planners, governmental leaders, and other stakeholders are also at a crossroads. As climate change results in more damaging storms, droughts, and depleted or polluted water supplies, delivering clean water to support both people and the environment, along with elevating agriculture while preserving natural habitats, will become an even greater challenge.
We have not only an opportunity but also an ethical obligation to leverage technology toward these goals, transforming the water management sector in a way that is both climate change-proof and sustainable.
The time to implement these solutions is now, before it’s too late. With increasing pressure from climate change, aging infrastructure, and regulatory and environmental requirements, the opportunity to fundamentally change the way we manage water for the better, by using digital solutions, is tangible and present.
Digital twins provide the predictive and real-time capabilities to respond to these dynamic conditions—and the beneficiaries of these digitally driven decisions are not only today’s communities, but those of the future.
In a previous post, we looked at how digital twins can ensure sustainable practices and help conserve water. Advanced technologies like smart meters, real-time data analytics, IoT, AI, and digital twins are transforming water management by enhancing monitoring, improving predictive capabilities, and enabling more informed decision-making. These innovations help minimise water waste and safeguard supplies from contamination.
We also highlighted a few case studies in this regard. The Sacramento Regional Sanitation Department began upgrading its water management infrastructure in 2010 to address California’s chronic water shortages. The EchoWater Project, a US$2.1bn initiative managed by Project Controls Cubed (PC3), aimed to meet new discharge standards and provide high-quality recycled water for local agriculture.
The 18th edition of Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, concluded last week at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
This year’s event saw 442 exhibitors from 34 countries showcase the latest advancements in lighting, smart home solutions, and building automation technologies.
The event’s theme, 'Building Commonality Through Community, Creativity, and Culture,' set the tone for a series of groundbreaking product launches, international collaborations, and thought-provoking discussions.
Among the standout innovations was Spectrum Lighting’s new wireless-powered technology, which promises to revolutionise efficiency and sustainability in the lighting industry.
Another significant launch came from the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers, which unveiled its Methodology For Calculating Embodied Carbon In Building Services. This new guideline is expected to play a crucial role in redefining sustainability practices in the region.
Global Collaboration
The event also hosted the Global Associations Meet, a high-profile networking event that brought together over 100 industry leaders and representatives from major global lighting associations, including the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), and the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL).
Workshops led by the IES and SLL explored unified lighting standards and methodologies, fostering a global dialogue on best practices. Additionally, a dedicated designers' gallery showcased the work of top lighting design studios from the UAE, offering visitors a glimpse into the latest trends and innovations in lighting design.
In a unique initiative to support the next generation of industry professionals, students from the University of Sharjah presented innovative luminaire designs, demonstrating fresh perspectives and creative solutions in lighting technology. Art and technology also took centre stage with The Moving Hues 2.0, an immersive light art installation. It captivated audiences with its dynamic interplay of light, motion, and translucent layers, evoking the organic beauty of nature.
The Light Middle East Awards, now in its 11th edition, celebrated the best in regional and international lighting projects, products, and designers. The awards ceremony, the largest to date, brought together 550 global industry leaders who are shaping the future of lighting design and technology.
The 19th edition of the event is already in the works, scheduled to take place from 12–14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Abdul Muhsin, show director for Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, said, “This year’s event has been our most successful yet, with a hattrick of achievements, including increases in exhibitor and visitor numbers and exhibition space growth as a result of this demand. The show's continued growth underscores the Middle East’s rising influence in the global lighting and building technology landscape, driven by increased investment in smart cities, sustainable design, and cutting-edge innovation.
“We’re delighted to see the continued evolvement of the event into a global hub where professionals, designers, and technology leaders come together to shape the future of lighting, smart home and building automation solutions.”
Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, spoke at the ministerial session of African Mining Indaba, held in Cape Town from 3–6 February 2025
The session, themed “Forging a United African Mining Front: Collaboration for Sustainable Development,” brought together key leaders, including South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum, Gwede Mantashe; the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba Kapinga Mulume; and Zambia’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Development, Paul Kabuswe. The discussion was moderated by Marit Kitao, Director of the African Mineral Development Centre.
Badawi outlined Egypt’s progress in modernising its mining sector, emphasising that reforms are beginning to yield tangible results. He highlighted the country’s vast mineral potential and the government’s commitment to attracting investment through its new programme, which aligns with Egypt Vision 2030. The goal is to position Egypt as a key player in the global mining industry.
Modernisation
He also underscored Egypt’s dedication to fostering sustainable partnerships in the mining sector. He pointed to the recent finalisation of an updated Mineral Exploitation Agreement Model as evidence of efforts to enhance the investment climate. This new framework, he noted, is designed to create mutual benefits for stakeholders while supporting comprehensive modernisation strategies.
Further, Badawi detailed ongoing efforts to develop strategies for value-added mining industries and for managing the environmental and social impacts of mining activities. He also outlined the country’s strategy for maximising critical minerals to support the energy transition.
He announced plans for the Egyptian Digital Mining Platform, modeled after the Egyptian Upstream Gateway (EUG), which will offer detailed geological data and facilitate transparent investor engagement with the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority.

The company's global presence includes manufacturing facilities in Belgium. (Image source: Convergent)
We're not just a group that created the best lithium silicate hardeners in 2000, we're first and foremost a research team for the protection of concrete surfaces in general.
It’s the most preferred and specified brand by design builders, architects and owners and it continues to set the standard by which all others follow.
Over the past 25 years, we have continued to develop our lithium-based products to bring you a complete range from hardeners to solid & transparent colours, to finishing products as well as lithium-based detergents.
Finishing a concrete surface is a piece of patience and knowledge!
That’s why we have around the world 50 distributors, who are expert in concrete surfaces with more than 100 million sqm experience.
With our research department, we have developed other hardeners, other pigments, other finishing products, other waterproofing products based on different silicates such as sodium, potassium, fluorine, but also hardeners based on colloidal silica, repair mortars that you can colour, but also a range polyaspartic products.
Facility owners from various industries have relied on our unique chemical strengths to make their concrete and masonry cleaner, safer and more durable:
Aeronautic: Boeing, Airbus
Concrete Highway, Landing Strip, Haven)
Manufacturing: Inditex, Louis Vuitton
Car & Truck factories: Scania, Iveco, VAG, Mercedes
Nuclear Site: Spain
Shopping mole: Lotus Shopping
Grocery stores: Aldi, Metro, Gran Mercado, Carrefour, Atacadao
Water & Soda Production: Coke, Utah Juice
Warehousing: Amazon- E-Mag, Nestlé
Commercial: Ikea, Leroy Merlin, Castorama
Healthcare & Hospital, Universities: Brussel’s, Helsinki
Cold rooms & Freezers: Mc Cain
Perfumes production: Dior
Luxury Stores: Hermes
Pharmaceutical: Pfizer
Museum: Guggenheim
This article was written by Convergent Group SA, which is an international chemicals company based in Belgium, specialising in the manufacture of chemical treatments for concrete surfaces.
The company's global presence includes manufacturing facilities in Belgium and distribution networks serving Europe, Africa, Australia/New Zealand, India, and the Middle East.
At Hellmann's eCommerce Fulfilment Centre at Dubai CommerCity (DCC), Hellmann Worldwide Logistics have installed robotic automated storage systems.
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has launched a new programme that enables logistics companies around the region to increase storage space, improve operational efficiency, and speed up product delivery to the market.
Based on the newest robotics technology, Hellmann's creative UAT programme provides factories and warehouses with adaptable, dependable, thorough, high-quality, and effective solutions.
Additionally, it offers blockchain management for a variety of industries, enabling businesses to use smart technologies to improve and automate their logistical services, increasing productivity, corporate growth, and operational expansion.
Growing UAE's logistics space
Underpinned by an integrated infrastructure and digital ecosystem that conform to the highest international standards and best practices, DCC provides a wide variety of advantages along with an extensive bundle of logistical services and cutting-edge technologies.
By supporting sustainable growth, guaranteeing business continuity, and embracing the idea of digital trade across all of its operations and services, DCC seeks to satisfy the demands of the businesses who operate there.
With its prime location in the Logistics Cluster of Dubai CommerCity, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics' eCommerce Fulfilment Centre uses the newest technological developments and digital solutions to manage logistics operations and innovations to increase the effectiveness of supply chains and cargo handling procedures.
Abdulrahman Shaheen, senior vice president of property management and supply chain at Dubai CommerCity, said, “We are committed to supporting various innovative and digital solutions that elevate the operational processes of companies within Dubai CommerCity. Hellmann’s innovative programme for advanced logistics services, which utilises robotics technology, adds significant value to the range of leading technologies and services available in our free zone. This programmenot only supports the growth of companies in the logistics sector but also facilitates their business expansion, enhances the quality and excellence of logistical operations, and accelerates their efficiency and responsiveness to market demands.”
This type of smart innovation marks a qualitative leap forward, aligning with Dubai CommerCity’s vision to offer the best logistics service technologies. By incorporating cutting-edge solutions such as robotics, AI, and advanced supply chain management, we are enhancing our efforts towards a complete digital transformation, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for the digital economy and the most advanced and innovative logistics services."
Francois Coron, managing director of Hellmann UAE, said, "We are excited about this innovative development. Our investment in robotics solutions will significantly enhance our speed, accuracy, and efficiency, leading to increased warehouse productivity with real-time monitoring and volume flexibility. With our centralised location at Dubai CommerCity and by working closely with our customers, we are providing a comprehensive eCommerce fulfillment centre that meets all business needs and goals with end-to-end logistics solutions for both B2B and B2C models. This development resonates with our mission to provide reliable integrated logistics solutions powered by technology, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit."
Also read: AD Ports invests in Angolan logistics