In The Spotlight
acp systems AG will showcase these advancements at Electronica in hall A2, booth 112, in Munich from 10 to 13 November 2026.
acp systems AG redefines wire bonding with CO₂ snow-jet cleaning
Wire bonding has remained a fundamental interconnection technique across the semiconductor industry and microelectronics for 70 years.
High-quality, durable connections rely entirely on the absolute cleanliness of bonding surfaces. Today, dry and scalable quattroClean snow-jet technology has emerged as a reliable, cost-effective method to achieve this precision.
The critical role of cleanliness in interconnection technology
Wire bonding spans applications from automotive systems and consumer products to MEMS, industrial sensors, battery cells, and energy storage. Stefan Schmitz, Managing Director of Bond-IQ GmbH and initiator of the Surf:Guide industry project, notes: “Wire bonding is generally divided into three major process groups. Two of these are fine-wire processes, in which - depending on the application - wires made of gold, silver, aluminum, or copper with diameters ranging from 18 to 50 µm are used. The third group involves thick-wire bonding with wire diameters ranging from 100 to 500 µm,”.
Because bonds form in the nanometre range, the targeted metals must reach an atomic state relative to one another. Consequently, residues as small as 5 to 10 µm can severely hinder operations. Problematic residues include:
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Fingerprints and bleeding adhesives
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Dust and flux residues
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Outgassing from various polymers
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Oxides and remnants from wet-chemical cleaning
“Visually detectable contamination is critical for bonding. If this contamination is no longer visible after cleaning, the bonding surface is usually sufficiently clean. This can generally be determined using a microscope and a visual before-and-after comparison. This alone can increase the success rate three- to fourfold,” explains Stefan Schmitz.
Evaluating methods for surface preparation
Historically, bonding surfaces have been prepared using wet chemical processes relying on solvents or water-based media, which necessitate energy-intensive drying phases. While plasma and laser cleaning offer alternatives for specific contaminants, they present unique limitations.
“For very sensitive surfaces, such as those in microelectronics, however, the costs of a laser system and the appropriate laser technology must first be balanced,” explains Stefan Schmitz. “The industry is currently showing interest in quattroClean snow-jet cleaning, as it can also remove more stubborn, encrusted contaminants.”
Sustainable cleaning with quattroClean
The cleanroom-compatible quattroClean snow-jet technology provides a robust dry cleaning process for full-surface or localised applications. It systematically removes particulate contaminants down to the submicrometre range and film-like residues to the nanolayer level.
This method utilises liquid, purified carbon dioxide sourced from chemical production and biomass energy generation. The medium travels through a dual-component ring nozzle, expanding into fine snow crystals. Concentrated by a compressed air jet, these crystals are propelled at supersonic speeds onto the target. As the carbon dioxide completely sublimates, surfaces remain entirely dry. Dislodged contaminants are extracted alongside the gas, preventing recontamination. This process holds the Green Screen certification for cleaners and degreasers.
Diverse applications across modern manufacturing
The exceptionally low abrasiveness of snow crystals allows the quattroClean technology to safely treat finely structured surfaces, including clearing flux from printed circuit boards (PCBs) and cleaning battery cells.
“The process can be used very efficiently on printed circuit boards, which often have a mixture of organic residues such as grease, fingerprints, flux, or residues from wet chemical cleaning processes. We have also achieved excellent results on semiconductors and on housings that have undergone electroplating or other wet chemical processes,” reports Stefan Schmitz.
The straightforward automation of this technology enhances its industrial appeal. “This results in two advantages. First, automated cleaning ensures reproducible, uniform results. Second, when cleaning is integrated into the manufacturing process, freshly deposited contaminants can be removed immediately,” Stefan Schmitz adds.
acp systems AG will showcase these advancements at Electronica in hall A2, booth 112, in Munich from 10 to 13 November 2026.
Volvo Group has announced the creation of a dedicated business entity named Volvo Mining.
Volvo Group establishes dedicated entity to capture mining demand
Volvo Group has announced the creation of a dedicated business entity named Volvo Mining, designed to capture the growing global demand in the mining sector by unifying its extensive capabilities under a single integrated structure.
Scheduled to launch on January 1, 2027, and hosted within Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), the new organisation aims to streamline how the group serves mining customers and contractors worldwide.
The establishment of this specialised entity comes as the mining industry enters a new phase of growth and transformation, requiring heightened focus on productivity, safety, and resilience. Volvo Mining is planned to sell Volvo trucks, construction equipment, and autonomous solutions directly to mining clients and their contractors, backed by dedicated financial resources and global portfolio management.
Strategic integration and leadership
The initiative seeks to bring together decades of industry experience and combine capabilities from across the entire group in collaboration with retail partners. Per-Erik Lindström, currently Senior Vice President Volvo Trucks International, has been appointed as the Head of Volvo Mining, effective January 1, 2027.
“As the mining industry evolves, customers are looking for partners who can help them improve productivity, strengthen safety and meet growing sustainability expectations. Our goal is to be a long-term partner in that transformation, helping customers create greater value through the combined strengths of Volvo Group. I look forward to working closely with customers and partners as we build this next chapter together,” stated Per-Erik Lindström.
Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE, emphasised the strategic significance of the move: “Mining has been an important part of the Volvo Group for decades, but the industry's growing significance calls for an even greater level of focus. With Volvo Mining as our center of expertise, we are combining capabilities from across the Group to further enhance customer value in collaboration with our retail partners. This will create new opportunities to strengthen our position in a strategically important and growing segment.”
Initial rollout and regional focus
Initially, Volvo Mining will concentrate its operations on mining customers and contractors located in Sweden, Norway, and Finland, with a clear ambition for phased expansion into additional international markets over time.
Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, highlighted the long-term nature of client investments in the sector: “Success in the mining industry is built over time. Customers make long-term investments and value trusted partners that combine high performance, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of their business. By creating one organization focused solely on creating a world-class product and services portfolio for the mining industry, with an end-to-end perspective, we can better leverage the Volvo Group offer in a more seamless approach.”
Core advantages for modern operations
Modern mining operations require multiple machine categories and specialised vehicles to function in harmony across rigorous conditions. Key operational areas include:
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Excavation and rigorous ground-breaking tasks
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Hauling and heavy material transport
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Loading operations in remote sites
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Safe movement across challenging environments
Nils Jaeger, President of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, noted how advanced technology plays a role in this structure: “By combining our proven autonomous technology and operational experience with Volvo Group's broader expertise, portfolio and customer relationships, we can provide integrated solutions that also deliver measurable value for mining customers – improving safety, productivity and efficiency across their operations.”
ENOC Group has announced significant milestones in energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable resource management on the sidelines of the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2026 in Dubai.
ENOC advances industrial water security and efficiency at WETEX 2026
Managing energy intensity, reducing emissions, and securing reliable freshwater alternatives are no longer peripheral goals but central pillars of operational resilience.
ENOC Group has announced significant milestones in energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable resource management on the sidelines of the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2026 in Dubai.
Operating under the exhibition’s theme, “At the Forefront of Sustainability”, the integrated global energy player is demonstrating how targeted investments in green technologies and responsible resource allocation are yielding substantial commercial and environmental dividends.
Driving energy efficiency and emissions reduction
Decarbonising energy-intensive processing remains critical to the region’s broader net-zero trajectory. Through sustained integration of its Energy and Resource Management (E&RM) initiatives, the group has fundamentally restructured its consumption patterns. Since 2014, ENOC has invested AED 156.05 million in these specific programmes, resulting in a structural transformation of its energy overheads.
Key performance benchmarks include:
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An improvement in overall energy intensity by 21.7 per cent since 2014.
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A reduction in scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 11.5 per cent.
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The avoidance of approximately 1.47 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) in cumulative emissions.
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More than AED 478 million generated in cumulative financial savings across the group.
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Over AED 75 million in savings derived exclusively from renewable energy integration since 2017.
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A comprehensive waste recycling rate of 65.24 per cent achieved during the 2025 operational year.
Elevating industrial water security and circular reuse
Beyond emissions mitigation, securing reliable water supplies represents a primary operational challenge in arid climates. Industrial operations across the region are increasingly aligning with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, which mandates a 21 per cent reduction in total water demand and an ambitious target to increase the reuse of treated water to 95 per cent.
ENOC is actively advancing these national targets by embedding water conservation deep into its value chain. In 2025, the organisation successfully recycled 688,785 cubic metres of treated water across its footprint—a volume equivalent to approximately 275 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This achievement secured a robust water recycling rate of 24.45 per cent. Concurrently, overall water intensity dropped to 0.0491 cubic metres per tonne of product, reflecting an approximate 20.4 per cent reduction compared to the 2014 baseline.
Highlighting the strategic importance of these initiatives, Hussain Sultan Lootah, Group Chief Executive Officer, ENOC Group, said: “Water security and responsible resource management are fundamental to the long-term resilience and competitiveness of the energy and industrial sectors, where water is essential to critical processes and operational continuity. As demand for energy and industrial output grows, so does the responsibility to use resources more efficiently, reduce pressure on freshwater supplies and integrate sustainable practices across the value chain.
“At ENOC, we are embedding this approach into our operations through practical solutions that expand water reuse, minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. Our participation at WETEX 2026 provides an important platform to demonstrate how these efforts are translating into measurable progress, while contributing to the UAE’s long-term water security and sustainability ambitions.”
Tailoring recovery solutions across the value chain
Achieving these group-wide metrics requires engineering bespoke water and waste management schemes across specific midstream and downstream facilities. At the Jebel Ali refinery, for instance, approximately 72,389 cubic metres of treated wastewater was repurposed in 2025 for irrigation and industrial supply. This redirection significantly reduced freshwater demand and generated an estimated AED 812,107 in annual cost savings.
Similar circular principles are being deployed within the organisation's gas operations. Dubai Natural Gas Company Limited (DUGAS) treated and reused roughly 50,053 cubic metres of wastewater in 2025, securing an 18.2 per cent recycling rate. Meanwhile, Emirates Gas retains water from LPG bullet cleaning for subsequent washing cycles and recirculates run-off from cylinder-cleaning operations wherever viable.
At the retail level, water recycling systems integrated into the service station network recovered 527,043 cubic metres of treated car-wash water in 2025, reaching a dedicated recycling rate of 67.6 per cent. Furthermore, across terminals, aviation sites, and the ENOC Lubricants & Grease Manufacturing Plant (ELOMP), advanced oily-water separation systems enabled the transfer of 3,273 tonnes of recoverable slops to approved recycling contractors in 2025. Complementing these large-scale efforts, the Dubai Lubricants Processing Plant (DLPP) recently introduced a water purification system that drastically reduces reliance on bottled water, projecting an additional AED 15,000 in recurring annual savings.
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC - SPC (ALEC), a subsidiary of ALEC Holdings PJSC, have formally launched a pioneering three-year mangrove hydrological restoration pilot project.
Abu Dhabi launches hydrological mangrove restoration pilot
Mangroves and coastal ecosystems are increasingly recognised as fundamental components of environmental resilience, functioning as vital habitats that sustain biodiversity and mitigate climate impacts.
In the United Arab Emirates, advancing science-led approaches to protect these ecosystems is a key national objective. Championing this cause, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC - SPC (ALEC), a subsidiary of ALEC Holdings PJSC, have formally launched a pioneering three-year mangrove hydrological restoration pilot project. The initiative aims to determine whether reinstating the natural hydrological conditions of degraded mangrove areas can successfully guide the ecosystem back to long-term ecological health.
The science of mangrove hydrological restoration
Rather than focusing solely on traditional replanting methods, this collaborative three-year project prioritises the underlying environmental conditions necessary for mangrove habitats to recover and thrive autonomously. By examining how hydrological restoration interacts with ecological protection, the initiative seeks to deliver durable, nature-positive outcomes. The pilot is expected to establish crucial baseline data that will strengthen the scientific understanding of mangrove hydrology across Abu Dhabi. Ultimately, the insights gathered will be instrumental in shaping the planning and execution of future ecosystem restoration initiatives throughout the region.
Collaborative roles and project implementation
To ensure the project yields robust and actionable data, EAD is spearheading the scientific planning and practical implementation of the pilot. The agency's comprehensive approach includes several targeted phases:
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Conducting rigorous ecological and hydrological assessments.
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Managing precise site selection to identify areas in critical need of restoration.
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Identifying and executing the necessary restoration interventions on the ground.
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Monitoring and reporting on the project’s outcomes against strictly defined biodiversity indicators.
A corporate commitment to natural heritage
As a major engineering and construction group whose activities extensively interface with land and water resources, ALEC acknowledges the importance of enhancing natural habitats. Earlier in 2026, the organisation signed the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative Partners Pledge, cementing its dedication to conserving blue carbon ecosystems and minimising its environmental impact. This current partnership represents ALEC’s first flagship investment in nature restoration that features measurable biodiversity outcomes, further integrating environmental considerations into its broader sustainability strategy. The collaboration was formalised following the fourth annual Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative Partners Meeting, held on 8 October 2026 at the Rixos Saadiyat Hotel.
Institutional perspectives
Highlighting the environmental significance of the collaboration, Maitha Mohamed Al Hameli, Acting Executive Director, Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, stated: “We welcome ALEC’s support for this pilot, which reflects the kind of long-term, science-based commitment the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative was established to encourage. The findings will strengthen our understanding of how mangrove sites respond to restored hydrological conditions and will inform how we plan future restoration in the emirate. Through this pilot, we aim to build the scientific evidence needed for long-term solutions that safeguard Abu Dhabi’s mangroves, a defining feature of the emirate’s natural heritage.”
Furthermore, Sean McQue, Managing Director - ALEC, noted: “Abu Dhabi is a capital defined by extraordinary ambition, creating next-generation cultural and visitor experiences while protecting the natural heritage that gives the emirate its identity. For ALEC, this partnership is an important step in turning our commitment to nature into tangible action. As our first biodiversity restoration investment, the project enables us to contribute directly to the protection and restoration of Abu Dhabi’s mangrove ecosystems, while supporting a science-led approach that will generate measurable biodiversity outcomes. Through this pilot, we are supporting the development of the knowledge, evidence and practical understanding needed to help these vital ecosystems recover and thrive. In doing so, we are proud to support Abu Dhabi’s ambition to protect its natural heritage and contribute to a more resilient future for the emirate.”
Community engagement and future outlook
The initiative extends beyond scientific research, creating avenues for community involvement. Employees across the ALEC Holdings group will have opportunities to participate in environmental awareness programmes, educational workshops, and volunteering activities. Through citizen-science monitoring, this endeavour complements the UAE’s national climate targets and ensures that Abu Dhabi's blue carbon ecosystems are preserved.
Global energy security, industrial development, and critical capital deployment will take centre stage this November as Abu Dhabi hosts ADIPEC 2026.
ADIPEC 2026: Global energy security takes centre stage
Global energy security, industrial development, and critical capital deployment will take centre stage this November as Abu Dhabi hosts ADIPEC 2026.
Running from 2 to 5 November, the world’s benchmark energy gathering convenes against an increasingly volatile economic and geopolitical backdrop, where securing reliable supply whilst scaling future power systems has become a pressing international imperative.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and hosted by ADNOC, the event will welcome an unprecedented gathering of ministers, executives, and technical pioneers to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Surging international interest has prompted organisers to relocate the Opening Ceremony to the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, unlocking vital additional capacity across ADNEC’s 16 exhibition halls and four specialised industry zones.
Scale, Reach, and Strategic Alignment
As the Middle East reinforces its long-standing role as a cornerstone of world energy supply, ADIPEC 2026 connects regional industrial capability with global capital and technological innovation:
- Attendance: An anticipated 239,000 attendees travelling from more than 170 nations.
- Exhibition: Over 2,250 exhibiting organisations, alongside 30 dedicated country pavilions.
- Knowledge Exchange: More than 1,800 expert speakers across 13 conference programmes and 380 strategic sessions.
Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy, Chair of ADIPEC, noted: "This year’s ADIPEC comes at a defining moment for the global energy industry. We face the challenge of a more disrupted and exposed system, meeting a more energy intensive economy. But, while shocks and conflicts disrupt the system, the world needs more energy, in more forms, delivered more reliably to meet rising demand. And we need the investment, advanced technology and partnerships to make that happen. That is the agenda for action at ADIPEC 2026."
He added: "The continued growth of ADIPEC also reflects confidence in Abu Dhabi as a trusted destination for business, investment and international engagement. At a time when uncertainty is creating challenges across markets, bringing people together to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships build partnerships and conduct business has never been more important."
Unlocking Cross-Border Capital and Security
Addressing sustained infrastructure investment is vital to maintaining operational resilience. Through state-backed entities including ADNOC, XRG, Masdar, TAQA, and Mubadala Energy, the UAE continues to extend its international footprint across natural gas, chemicals, renewables, and core transport infrastructure.
Mohamed Al Aryani, President, International Gas at XRG, explained: "Building secure, resilient energy systems takes more than capital. It requires partnerships that connect resources, infrastructure and customers across markets and geographies. At XRG, we bring financial discipline, long-term capital and deep energy expertise to investments across gas, chemicals and energy infrastructure, working alongside experienced local and international partners. That is why ADIPEC is more important than ever as a forum for the industry to unlock investment and forge the partnerships needed to strengthen energy security and support global growth."
Major global corporations—including Shell, bp, TotalEnergies, Eni, Equinor, SLB, Baker Hughes, Siemens Energy, and GE Vernova—will also participate to forge crucial cross-sector alliances.
Commercial Deployment of Advanced Technology
Beyond macroeconomic policy, practical execution will dominate the trade floor. ADIPEC’s expanded AI Zone, co-hosted by AIQ, demonstrates the commercial implementation of robotics, machine intelligence, and automation across downstream and upstream operations. Key participants—including Honeywell, EY, Gecko Robotics, Stone Ridge Technology, and Sinaha—will highlight applications ranging from reservoir modelling and subsea robotics to autonomous facility inspections and predictive power-grid management.
Thomas Löffler, Executive Vice President, dmg events, stated: "ADIPEC brings together a unique combination of energy producers, investors, technology leaders and industrial companies at a scale few events globally can match. At a time of rising demand and significant investment requirements, those conversations and partnerships have never been more important."
He concluded: "The level of industry participation this year shows just how important ADIPEC has become as a global platform for energy. We're seeing strong commitment from across the Middle East and internationally, with leaders coming to Abu Dhabi to discuss shared priorities, explore new opportunities and build partnerships. That's what makes ADIPEC so valuable, particularly at a time when the industry needs to work more closely together."
Sdeira Group, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, has officially unveiled the comprehensive masterplan for the Aryam Community – KEZAD Al Mamourah.
Advancing workforce living in Abu Dhabi's expanding industrial zones
As Abu Dhabi rapidly advances its manufacturing and commercial capabilities, the infrastructure required to support its workforce is undergoing a significant transformation.
The emirate is proactively seeking to elevate the standard of integrated workforce living within its expanding industrial zones. Addressing this critical demand for large-scale, high-quality accommodation, Sdeira Group, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, has officially unveiled the comprehensive masterplan for the Aryam Community – KEZAD Al Mamourah. This purpose-built development is strategically designed to establish a new benchmark in workforce accommodation, providing a supportive and flexible living environment for up to 27,000 individuals operating across the diverse logistics, commercial, and industrial ecosystem of KEZAD Al Mamourah.
Supporting the long-term vision for industrial growth
The launch of this expansive residential project is closely aligned with the wider economic ambitions of the United Arab Emirates. Specifically, the development will play a crucial role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s expanding industrial workforce as the emirate actively advances its comprehensive Industrial Strategy. This ambitious economic framework targets the substantial growth of the local manufacturing sector, aiming to reach a value of AED172 billion by the year 2031. Achieving such a significant milestone requires a stable, well-housed, and highly productive workforce. The Aryam Community masterplan, which was prominently announced at the Make it in the Emirates 2026 forum, aims to address this need by providing scalable accommodation solutions situated conveniently close to major employers.
Strategic location and phased construction roadmap
Situated within KEZAD Al Mamourah A, the upcoming community boasts a highly strategic location close to Khalifa Port and the vital Abu Dhabi–Dubai transport corridor. To ensure the steady and sustainable delivery of this massive project, Sdeira Group has outlined a meticulous two-phase development plan. A physical model of the project, alongside new architectural renders revealing flexible living options designed to suit different residents' needs, was displayed publicly for the first time at the KEZAD Connect event.
Key details of the construction and delivery timeline include:
- Construction of the development is expected to officially commence during the first half of 2027.
- Phase One of the project is planned to accommodate approximately 14,000 residents.
- This initial phase will cover a sprawling site area of 110,200 square metres.
- The built-up area for the first phase will span 137,800 square metres.
- Following the completion of both phases, the site will reach its full capacity of up to 27,000 residents.
- The entire two-phase development is scheduled to reach total completion in 2029.
Prioritising liveability and everyday wellbeing
Moving beyond basic accommodation, the Aryam Community masterplan places a strong emphasis on providing everyday amenities and vital services directly on-site. The residential complex will include dedicated supermarket and administrative facilities to streamline daily tasks for its inhabitants. Furthermore, a separate mixed-use building will serve as a central hub, bringing together a dedicated medical clinic, extensive retail space, and various other essential amenities.
Nutritional and domestic needs are also heavily factored into the community's design. Sdeira Group’s integrated catering services company, known as “ZOAD”, will operate a large-scale central kitchen. This facility will efficiently support meal preparation and distribution across the entire community, complemented by the inclusion of two spacious dining halls. Additionally, residents will benefit from “Your Laundry”, Sdeira Group’s proprietary laundry service, which will operate a dedicated on-site laundry facility to manage clothing and linen needs.
Encouraging an active and balanced lifestyle
Recognising the importance of physical health and social interaction for a productive workforce, the community will feature extensive recreational areas designed to make exercise, relaxation, and social activity part of everyday life. Residents will have direct access to four outdoor sports courts, alongside specially designed indoor recreation and leisure space.
Speaking on the strategic importance of the project, Abdulaziz A. Bawazeer, Chief Executive Officer of Sdeira Group, said: “Industrial growth is ultimately powered by people. As Abu Dhabi’s industrial economy expands, the communities supporting the people behind that growth will play an increasingly important role in business performance and industrial competitiveness. We are already seeing strong interest from employers looking to secure accommodation at Aryam Community – KEZAD Al Mamourah, reinforcing the need for communities designed around people’s needs. That is why we are placing liveability at the centre of Aryam Community – KEZAD Al Mamourah — helping residents live well, stay healthy and access what they need in daily life — to create the right conditions for a strong, stable and productive workforce.”
Committing to resource efficiency and sustainability
In line with broader urban sustainability goals, the design of the Aryam Community incorporates several forward-thinking environmental solutions. Smart metering, comprehensive energy-efficiency measures, and targeted water-conservation solutions are actively being incorporated into the community's architectural design. These essential features are intended to heavily support long-term operational performance and overall resource efficiency, ensuring the development meets modern environmental standards.
Held in October at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, and organised by the Sharjah FDI Office in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment, the event operated under the theme ‘Building Adaptive Economies’.
Emaar’s 98% collections prove UAE economic resilience
Against a backdrop of global economic fluctuations, the United Arab Emirates continues to demonstrate remarkable market resilience.
This enduring strength was highlighted by a 98 per cent property collection rate and an AED 180 billion sales backlog announced by Emaar Properties during the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026). Held in October at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, and organised by the Sharjah FDI Office in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment, the event operated under the theme ‘Building Adaptive Economies’.
Speaking in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar, provided these figures as compelling evidence of sustained investor confidence in the region's stability.
Navigating Shifts with Robust Fundamentals
Despite temporary regional headwinds, the underlying metrics of the UAE's property and retail sectors remain highly robust. Emaar’s performance data highlights several critical success indicators:
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Sustained Collections: Emaar has maintained a 98 per cent collection rate, mirroring its performance from the previous year.
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Stable Sales Volume: The developer consistently sells approximately 4,000 units on a monthly basis.
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Recovering Cancellations: While cancellations briefly doubled to roughly 1,200 amid changing regional situations, they have since normalised to fewer than 600.
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Hospitality Surge: Activity within the group’s hospitality sector is operating more than 60 per cent above previous levels.
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Retail Consistency: Millions of shoppers on the noon e-commerce platform have continued purchasing without hesitation.
During a fireside chat moderated by radio host and entrepreneur Kris Fade, Alabbar noted the significance of these figures.
"We are still collecting exactly like before. That shows you customer confidence," he stated. He further attributed this steadfast performance to the broader national environment: "We live in an incredible country, with great substance and great leadership. The future looks much better."
Shifting Investment Priorities: Safety Over Tax
As global uncertainty rises, traditional financial incentives are no longer the primary driver for capital allocation. Alabbar identified the UAE's exceptional quality of life, personal security, and education systems as critical advantages.
Investors are increasingly prioritising a stable environment. "Forget about tax. People are moving to countries where life and education are safe," he remarked. He contrasted this secure environment with the instability of major markets, pointing to the United States' debt burden of approximately AED 146.9 trillion.
Acknowledging the reality of frequent global disruptions, he emphasised the necessity of maintaining operational confidence. "History shows a major disaster such as war, famine, earthquake, flood or disease roughly every two years and four months. Earlier Covid was a big surprise, and then the air war was shocking. None of us had gone through this before," he explained. "We are in an unstable world, but that should not stop us."
Agile Leadership and the AI Imperative
To thrive globally, business leaders must abandon rigid frameworks in favour of responsive strategies. "You need to adjust every three months. Five-year budgets should be indicative," he advised.
Furthermore, he championed the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting 'prompting' as essential for enhancing executive decision-making. "Those who adapt to AI will be faster, smarter and cheaper. Educate yourself, stay with it and try different things."
A Legacy of Quality and Talent
When evaluating Emaar’s enduring market dominance, Alabbar was unequivocal about refusing to compromise on product standards. "I don't give discounts. We give quality," he asserted. "The only sustainable thing in life is your name, your family name and your country's name."
He credited his international success across 20 countries to talent acquisition and equitable compensation. "The key to everything in life is amazing people. I learnt late to search for the best people and reward them fairly," he confessed. Asked how he wishes to be remembered, he concluded: "I hope I was able to contribute to a beautiful society, and give hope that tomorrow is a better day."