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The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is emerging as a global hub for hydrogen development, with countries in the region advancing ambitious projects in green and blue hydrogen.

Recent months have seen significant strides, underpinned by strategic investments and collaborations aimed at achieving global decarbonisation goals.

In a major development, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has made a bold entry into the low-carbon hydrogen market.

In September 2024, ADNOC secured a 35% stake in ExxonMobil's planned hydrogen facility in Baytown, Texas.

This plant, slated to become one of the largest of its kind, will produce up to one billion cubic feet of low-carbon hydrogen daily.

It is designed to capture approximately 98% of carbon dioxide emissions, aligning with global efforts to minimise environmental impact.

Production at the Texas facility is expected to commence in 2029, with hydrogen and ammonia destined for markets in Japan, Korea, and Europe.

Read the rest of the story in the latest issue of Technical Review Middle East.

Cannon Artes is constructing an advanced wastewater treatment and water reuse plant within one of the largest petrochemical complexes in the Middle East.

The facility, designed to support the water recovery requirements of a major polyolefin plant in Qatar, will process up to 25,000 cubic metres of effluent and cooling-tower-blow-down water daily. With a recovery capacity of 780 cubic metres per hour, the plant significantly reduces discharge rates, achieving nearly 80% water reuse.

This far exceeds regulatory standards. The facility is part of a nearly US$2bn project to establish a new polyethylene plant. The plant, designed with two polymerisation units and an annual capacity of nearly 2 million tons, incorporates advanced membrane technologies to manage industrial wastewater and cooling water blowdown.

Industrial effluents are treated using Cannon Artes’ proprietary EmbioArt Membrane BioReactor (MBR), while cooling water blowdown is processed with ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) technologies. The facility has a total treatment capacity of approximately 1,000 cubic metres per hour.

The project also includes a 600 cubic metre-per-hour remineralisation plant, equipped with six advanced calcite filters. This system increases pH and reduces the corrosivity of recovered water, setting a new benchmark for industrial remineralisation technology.

Sustainable operations

The Qatar project highlights Cannon Artes’ capability to execute large-scale, complex contracts. The company handled every aspect, from process design to procurement, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and delivery. All components were customised to meet client specifications, integrating cutting-edge technologies like EmbioArt MBR, UF, and RO for maximum efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Construction commenced in August 2024, with infrastructure expected to be completed within six months by early 2025. Full mechanical completion is slated for Q4 2025, demonstrating an impressive timeline given the project's complexity.

With projects delivered in more than 80 countries, the company has provided customised solutions to industries including oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food and beverage, solidifying its reputation for excellence in industrial water management.

“Cannon Artes was chosen as the supplier of choice earlier this year, due to our proven ability to deliver large-scale and complex industrial wastewater treatment solutions that meet the highest environmental and efficiency standards,” said Alessio Liati, sales director at Cannon Artes. “To give an idea of the project’s scale, the water treatment plant alone spans an area comparable to three football fields, with more than 1,600 reverse osmosis membranes, 360 ultrafiltration modules, and over 17,000 sqm of active MBR membrane surface.”

The real estate and construction industries are expected to face both fresh opportunities and challenges in 2025. Market priorities will be shaped by the need for innovative design, cost reduction, and simplified project methodologies.

Based on its work with developers, architects, lead design consultants, and contractors, Carter Hones Associates, a consultancy that specialises in design, cost, and project management, has identified major themes that will shape the industry's future in the area.

The emergence of integrated design management

Mega-developments in the UAE and KSA are become more complex, necessitating improved coordination between contractors, architects, and interior designers. Because of this complexity, there is a greater need for integrated design management, which facilitates clear processes, reduces work duplication, and guarantees that design and construction stay in sync.

"Projects are no longer stand-alone efforts. They are ecosystems of interconnected disciplines," said Nathan Hones, chief operating officer and partner at Carter Hones Associates. "Efficient design management is essential for maintaining project cohesion and guaranteeing timely and cost-effective delivery. With stricter and higher-value repercussions placed on service providers, design management must be a focus area for architects."

Increased attention on the need for budget-friendly design

Value engineering and cost consulting have become essential components of project planning as developers deal with tighter budgets due to inflation and increased material costs. Pre-construction services like contract management and feasibility studies are becoming more and more important for preventing expensive delays and guaranteeing long-term financial viability.

"Developers are seeking strategies to balance ambition with practicality," said Zane Heasman, chief commercial officer and partner at Carter Hones Associates. "Cost alignment and ongoing programme management are now essential to a project’s success. By proactively monitoring budgets and managing the design process with clear protocols, we ensure designs stay on scope and on schedule, enabling efficient and effective delivery." 

Complementing national visions

Sustainable development and mixed-use urban design are being promoted by national frameworks that set ambitious targets, such as the giga-projects in Saudi Arabia ( (Neom, Qiddiya City, and the Red Sea Project) and the smart city initiatives in the UAE. Because of this, the structure of feasibility studies and project planning services has changed, guaranteeing that innovations fulfil long-term goals while yet being flexible enough to adjust to changes in the market.

Flexible workforce solutions and talent gaps

Increased activity in both markets has revealed a lack of skills, especially in technical and project management fields. In response, in order to add skilled people to their teams, developers and contractors are depending more and more on secondment services. In addition to filling gaps, these seconded positions are encouraging knowledge sharing between regional and global organisations.

"Secondment is an effective way to address immediate workforce needs while ensuring in-house teams are equipped to handle future challenges," added Craig Carter, managing director and partner of Carter Hones Associates. 

Data-driven project management

Data analytics and digital tools are increasingly being used for project management. In keeping with a larger trend towards evidence-based decision-making, developers are depending on tech-enabled solutions to manage everything from cost projections to post-construction evaluations. In 2025, it will take a new set of skills to keep up with the quick changes in technology.

"Data is transforming how projects are managed, offering real-time insights into progress, risks, and opportunities," added Carter.

Mazoon Mining, a subsidiary of Minerals Development Oman (MDO), has officially commenced work on the Mazoon Copper Project.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on 10 November in the Wilayat of Yanqul, Al Dhahirah Governorate, under the patronage of His Excellency Abdul Salam bin Mohammed Al-Murshidi, chairman of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA).

As the largest integrated copper concentrate production project in Oman, the Mazoon Copper Project spans 20 sq km and includes five open-pit mines with an estimated 22.9 million tons of copper ore reserves. The project is a critical step in addressing the surging global demand for copper, a key component in renewable energy technologies and electrical infrastructure.

A central feature of the project is the construction of a cutting-edge processing plant. Spanning 56,000 sqm, the facility will have the capacity to process 2.5 million tons of copper ore annually. It is expected to yield 115,000 tons of copper concentrate each year, with a high-grade purity of 21.5%.

Sustainable solutions

This ambitious venture underscores Oman’s commitment to strengthening its mining sector and diversifying its economy in line with its Vision 2040 goals. By leveraging its rich mineral resources and adopting state-of-the-art technology, Mazoon Mining aims to position the Sultanate as a competitive player in the global copper market.

Sustainability is a core pillar of the Mazoon Copper Project. The project has adopted a water recycling system and waste management systems to preserve the surrounding environment, safeguarding air quality, and protecting groundwater. Minerals Development Oman continues to advance its exploration campaigns across a range of strategic minerals, including copper, chromite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite, and silica.

Al Murshidi said, "This project marks a transformative step in positioning Oman as a strategic copper hub, contributing to the diversification of our national economy and creating sustainable job opportunities for Omanis. We are confident that the project will have a significant positive impact on the local community, supporting SMEs and driving economic development."

Dr. Badar bin Saud Al Kharusi, chairman of Minerals Development Oman, added, "We are proud to see the progress of Mazoon Copper Project after an extensive series of exploration activities. This project marks a milestone for Minerals Development Oman, adding invaluable assets to our portfolio. The company began copper ore extraction from Block 4 in Wilayat of Sohar in 2024 and has continued its exploration efforts across its 23,644 sq km concession area. With the necessary financing secured, the project reflects the trust garnered locally and globally. We are committed to ensuring each project phase meets the highest environmental and social standards."

Between an aging workforce, and the difficulty to attract new workers, the manufacturing industry is fraught with problems and a growing shortage of skilled labour.

But on its very own shop floors exist years of knowledge and expertise from its current workers, the very human tools that will help manufacturers uphold quality standards.  

Without the correct systems in place, the knowledge from experienced workers goes undocumented, and a lack of standardised processes stop manufacturers from capturing crucial information, the sort of information that could easily result in product recalls.  

Now, with the addition of connected worker technologies, manufacturers can tackle countless pain points felt by today’s companies, simply by connecting training and empowering frontline workers.  

When you put the connected worker at the heart of your operations, the entire quality lifecycle is enhanced – workers are fully trained on the latest standards, new quality efficiencies can be realised as algorithms and data are analysed, and the risk of product recalls are minimised. 

Human intelligence  

Of course, machines and technology are getting smarter—but so are humans, and having the two work in tandem can help manufacturers reap real rewards in the fight for continuous improvement of product quality.  

It’s the frontline workers in these operations that will make or break a successful quality and food safety operation before it leaves the factory.  

Connected, trained, and empowered workers are essential to add a frontline layer of quality control and an all-seeing eye on what’s happening on the shop floor. Giving workers the ability to access and analyse data based on algorithms and use cases will drive efficiencies across quality control. We see this with  features like Digital Forms and Issues Management from Poka Inc., an IFS company, which give frontline workers the tools to perform essential quality checks. 

The power of real-time information 

Poka’s connected worker platform provides the opportunity to learn from other workers and their manufacturing experiences. It enables manufacturers to take their best, most knowledgeable employees and capture and reuse their knowledge. They can ensure the best people are training new employees to the best possible standards—and they only have to do it once.   

The results? When frontline workers are fully trained on the most up-to-date processes and standards, they contribute to the organisation’s ability to reduce waste, optimise production efficiency, and, crucially, minimise defects. The 70:20:10 model, which puts collaborative working  on top of the learning and development scale, is  precisely how training and development works for frontline workers on the shop floor.  As opposed to simply telling workers to ‘go on a course’ the model focuses on 70% of learning on the job, 20% of learning through colleagues and 10% via formal training programmes.    

Integrate technology to combat quality issues 

Integrating connected worker platforms alongside enterprise resource planning (ERP) software gives manufacturers embedded functionalities to address the entire quality lifecycle—from supply chain management, manufacturing work in progress, and maintenance, through to warehouse management, and distribution.  

By giving frontline workers the tools to document quality checks, and access information to stay compliant and proactive, manufacturers can empower a company-wide culture of innovation. When the focus is shifted to empowering your frontline workers, you’re able to give your teams the tools to identify opportunities for improvement. 

This article was authored by Maggie Slowik, global industry director for manufacturing, IFS. It has been edited for brevity. 

Bobcat Waste Expert telehandlers are showing their mettle within waste and recycling industries across Europe, Middle East and Africa

Bobcat offers four Waste Expert machines, based on the TL35.70, TL34.65HF, TL38.70HF and TL43.80HF models from the company’s latest R-Series range of telehandlers. All are powered by Bobcat 74 or 101kW engines and offer lifting capacities from 3.4 to 4.3 tonne and lifting heights from 6.3 to 7.5 m.

“The Waste Expert range is based on our latest market-leading R-Series family of telehandlers, offering superior machines that combine all-day comfort, maximum productivity and reliability, intelligent features, a robust build with intuitive operation and excellent 360^o ergonomics,” remarked Clement Rousseau, product manager for Telehandlers.

“Waste and recycling businesses need versatile machines that can handle a large variety of tasks, manoeuvre well in tight spaces and provide maximum efficiency in full safety throughout the working day. With the toughest design on the market, impressive bucket breakout forces, efficient cooling systems, a low centre of gravity and a long wheel base to enhance stability and lift capacity, our Waste Expert Telehandlers are ideally suited for the waste and recycling markets.”

Tough working environments

Bobcat has explained that, to deal with the tough working environments that usually typify recycling and waste management sites often, the Waste Expert machines are designed to be robust. Heavy-duty Dana Spicer axles and additional reinforced protection ensure this alongside with an extra-large boom head, a high-tensile steel boom, boom cushioning and protected hydraulic rams under and inside the boom.

Like all Bobcat telehandlers, the Waste Expert machines have a box welded frame to meet heavy duty cycles and offer a high ground clearance, with a bottom plate along the entire length to protect vital parts. There are also multiple additional features for working in harsh conditions.

An emphasis on operator experience

Bobcat has highlighted that the Waste Expert machines utilise the same cab design used in R-Series telehandlers to offer a premium workspace for the operator. In the ergonomic design, all surfaces have been optimised to offer increased space and visibility, while the backlit controls are within easy reach and are quickly identified thanks to their colour coding.

Special attention has been paid to the storage spaces and the general soundproofing has been enhanced to reduce the noise level in the cab by a half as a result. In terms of comfort, a Grammer Maximo Dynamic air suspension seat is included and the LCD colour display provides interactive and streamlined information.

In terms of safety, the telehandlers offer efficient, simple and safe operation with an intuitive, variable transmission and an Automatic Parking Brake for enhanced safety and operator convenience. Loading and Handling work modes are standard as is the ECO mode, which maintains optimum hydraulic performance without using the engine’s full power. Meanwhile, the telescopic boom provides excellent reach capabilities and the ability to handle a range of different attachments, thereby enhancing their range and their flexibility.

High performance

To accommodate for the different types of surfaces encountered at waste and recycling sites, Bobcat offers several tyre options. The company has also paid attention to the HF/High Flow Technology in the HF models offers enhanced hydraulic capabilities and performance with a 190 l/min load sensing pump and flow sharing distributor. This allows the operator to work at significantly lower speeds, consume less fuel and benefit from remarkably shorter working cycles.

“Like all our machines, the Waste Expert telehandlers are made for the hardest jobs, whilst still providing all the agility and versatility any application would require,” noted Rousseay. “In the HF models, the very robust machine build is combined with high flow capability for unmatched loading productivity and lift capacity.”