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ACWA Power has reached financial close on seven giga-scale renewable energy projects in Saudi Arabia in partnership with the Water and Electricity Holding Company (Badeel) and Saudi Aramco Power Company (SAPCO).

The projects, part of the Kingdom’s National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), comprise five solar photovoltaic (solar PV) plants and two wind energy developments.

The new plants include Bisha (3 GW solar PV in Asir Province), Humaij (3 GW solar PV in Madinah Province), Khulis (2 GW solar PV in Makkah Province), Afif1 and Afif2 (2 GW each in Riyadh Province), Starah (2 GW wind in Riyadh Province), and Shaqra (1 GW wind in Riyadh Province). Ownership will be shared between ACWA Power, Badeel, and SAPCO, with the Saudi Power Procurement Company acting as procurer and off-taker.

Marco Arcelli, CEO of ACWA Power, said, “Achieving financial close for this portfolio of renewable energy projects under the National Renewable Energy Program, including our first two wind projects in Saudi Arabia, marks a decisive step forward in realizing the Kingdom's ambitious renewable goals. With this milestone, we are accelerating towards bringing these giga-scale projects to life, which directly contribute to energy security in the Kingdom. Beyond lower-carbon power generation, these projects will potentially create thousands of jobs, stimulate domestic supply chains, and enable significant technology transfer to Saudi talent through dedicated training programs. As the largest agreement under the NREP, this landmark collaboration underscores the nation’s steadfast commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape.”

Sultan AlNabulsi, Acting CEO at Badeel, added, “Reaching financial close and securing funding for the seven landmark projects marks a major milestone in Badeel’s journey as an anchor sponsor in the renewable energy projects mandated under the Public Investment Fund, reaffirming our commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy ambitions. This achievement reinforces Badeel’s position as a reliable renewables platform and strengthens the confidence in its long-term value-creation capability.”

Waleed Al Saif, Aramco SVP of New Energies, said, “The financial close for such giga-scale solar and wind projects marks a significant step forward towards the Kingdom’s objectives under the National Renewable Energy Program. This 15 GW portfolio, featuring some of the largest renewable developments in the region, is a demonstration of what may be accomplished through strong partnership and a shared vision. This achievement not only reinforces our dedication to a diversified energy future, but also supports the journey toward our net-zero ambitions.”

The seven projects represent a total investment of US$8.2 bn (SAR 31 bn) and are expected to deliver 15 GW of renewable capacity, with operations planned between the second half of 2027 and the first half of 2028. ACWA Power’s Saudi solar and wind portfolio now includes 21 projects exceeding 34 GW, while its global renewable portfolio reaches 51.9 GW. Senior debt financing of US$5.9 bn was provided by a consortium of local, regional, and international banks, including HSBC, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Standard Chartered, and China Construction Bank.

Ariston Middle East is preparing to showcase its newest line-up of innovative, future-ready and sustainable water-heating solutions at Big 5 Global 2025, taking place from 24-28 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The company’s latest technologies will be featured in Hall 3, Stand 3A131, within the pavilion of regional distributor MAHY Khoory, reinforcing Ariston’s long-standing brand promise: “The Home of Sustainable Comfort.”

“The Big 5 Global stands as the construction industry's most important and influential gathering, firmly rooted in Dubai,” said Alberto Torner, Head of International Markets (AMEA) at Ariston Group. “Thermal comfort has historically placed a significant burden on electrical networks and contributed to CO₂ emissions. As a global specialist with a 95-year heritage and leadership in over 40 countries, it is our responsibility to guide the conversation around energy transition. At Big 5, we are proud to showcase three innovative solutions that highlight the sustainability-driven technology embedded across our range.”

Taking centre stage at the exhibition is one of Ariston’s advanced heat-pump water-heating systems, the Nuos FIT. This compact thermodynamic water heater extracts heat from the surrounding air to dramatically reduce electricity consumption, delivering up to 50 per cent energy savings compared to traditional electric models. Using the environmentally friendly R290 refrigerant, it performs effectively across a wide temperature range from +7 °C to +42 °C and can achieve storage temperatures of 62 °C without relying on a backup heater. Four operating modes — Green, Green Plus, Boost and i-Memory — along with smart remote control via the Ariston NET app, further enhance efficiency and convenience.

Ariston will also feature the Velis Tech WiFi, an electrical water heater engineered to reduce energy use without compromising performance. With an ultra-slim 27 centimetre depth and twin-tank configuration, it offers faster heating and increased hot-water availability. Its ECO EVO mode intelligently learns household patterns to deliver up to 25 per cent energy savings, while the Boost function heats both tanks rapidly to 80 °C. Wi-Fi connectivity allows users to manage scheduling, monitor consumption and adjust settings through the Ariston NET app.

Completing the line-up is the PRO1 Eco, introduced earlier this year in the UAE. Powered by the patented CoreTECH-enabled ECO EVO system, it analyses daily usage habits to heat water only when needed. This results in up to 14 per cent reduced energy consumption while ensuring continuous comfort, making it well suited to sustainability-focused homes.

“We remain committed to leading the market through continuous innovation and product excellence,” Alberto Torner, Head of International Markets (AMEA) at Ariston Group concluded. “With 45 years of strong presence in the GCC, our comprehensive portfolio is perfectly aligned with the region’s sustainability goals. We invite all attendees of Big 5 Global 2025 to visit us in Hall 3 and experience our next-generation water-heating technologies firsthand.”

At its latest annual Innovation Day, ALEC Holdings highlighted how its structured Innovation Roadmap has positioned the company as a “Platform for Global Innovation Solutions,” fostering the ideation, development, and scaling of transformative construction technologies across the industry

With the GCC construction market projected to reach US$2.7 trillion by 2033, the sector faces mounting pressure to deliver projects faster, safer, and more sustainably.

Imad Itani, head of innovation at ALEC, stated, “The region is a fertile ground for innovation, but this cannot thrive in isolation. It needs an ecosystem which allows promising technologies to be applied to the most ambitious undertakings, investors to access vetted solutions, and innovators to secure fast-track funding. At ALEC, we have made a clear and concerted effort to become that ecosystem. Today we are the epicentre of construction innovation, identifying, implementing, and scaling technologies that can transform how the region builds.”

ALEC’s innovation culture encourages experimentation across departments, with champions driving the testing, refinement, and commercialisation of new ideas. Many business units now regularly launch their own innovative products and services.

The event featured 15 external partners who showcased technologies developed in collaboration with ALEC. Notable examples include TENDERD, an AI-powered equipment management platform that recently secured US$30mn in Series A funding, and SOLUT, whose workforce productivity analytics have increased labor efficiency by approximately 30% across multiple pilot sites.

Aleksander Belousov, Founder of SOLUT, said, “Since collaborating with ALEC, we have seen increased engagement from developers and contractors, as well as from customers in other industries, who now have the confidence to adopt and support our solutions. It has significantly shortened our time to market and accelerated our ability to refine and scale our technology.”

ALEC also emphasised the growing role of subcontractors in driving sector innovation.

Itani added, “Subcontractors play a vital role in ALEC’s project delivery, which makes their involvement in our innovation journey essential. This year marks the first time we have expanded our innovation initiatives to include select subcontractors, and we intend to broaden this across the entire supply chain in the future. By creating opportunities for shared learning and collaboration, we are building a collaboration framework that will enhance capabilities across the ecosystem and drive collective progress.”

In addition, ALEC introduced a new set of Collaboration Awards, recognising partners contributing to industry-wide innovation. Awards were presented in four categories: Innovative Subcontractor of the Year, Technology Collaboration of the Year, Start-up Engagement of the Year, and Client Collaboration of the Year, reflecting ALEC’s commitment to fostering partnerships and advancing the construction ecosystem.

Strong partnerships between mines and their supply partners are built on optimising the health of productive assets, which remain at the core of operational efficiency. Collaboration and partnership need to add value on both sides; where insufficient value is created, there can be little room for meaningful collaboration.

FLS’s strategy begins with a strong global footprint, ensuring proximity to its customer base. This allows for not only quick response times but also proactive maintenance strategies. Regular visits and continuous engagement support asset health beyond the traditional reactive approach.

A proactive stance brings benefits such as ongoing performance monitoring, training, and skills transfer – all of which contribute to long-term productivity and improved asset performance.

Beyond the capital acquisition stage, productive partnerships also enhance adaptability of the operation to the changing characteristics of ore bodies over time. These changes affect key feed parameters and influence the consumption of water, power, and reagents.

Partnerships are also rooted in a shared commitment to sustainability and in reducing the environmental impact of mining and processing activity. This includes minimising carbon emissions through energy efficiency. This means making the most of equipment capacity through technology that enhances efficient operation while increasing throughput. Leveraging advanced technology, such as LoadIQ mill scanner technology, enables operations to optimise mill capacity – delivering greater throughput from the same asset and power draw.

Research and development are critical drivers of these sustainability efforts. Innovations such as FLS’s NexGen polyurethane screen panels are extending wear life by up to four times, supporting more efficient operations with longer periods between replacement and maintenance. This improves plant uptime, boosts efficiency, and ensures capital investment delivers the best value while minimising operating costs.

Recycling of wear parts is another important element of responsible asset management. While technologies like composite liners extend lifespan, eventual replacement is inevitable. FLS’s circular economy approach includes solutions for recycling worn liners, reducing waste in the value chain and supporting customers in meeting their sustainability requirements.

Digital advancements also play a vital role. FLS’s PerformanceIQ® provides a holistic platform that integrates asset health and performance monitoring. By linking condition monitoring and asset health, the platform ensures optimal performance. Continuous monitoring helps shift asset management from a reactive to a proactive approach, reducing downtime and enhancing overall productivity. AI and digital solutions empower operators with better insights, enabling data-driven decision making and proactive maintenance strategies.

Through these combined initiatives, FLS reinforces its role as a trusted partner, supporting mines in achieving sustainable productivity while optimising the health and performance of their assets.

SMS group has successfully completed a major modernisation project at Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill B.S.C. (GARMCO), a leading aluminum producer based in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, upgrading the motors and drives in the one-stand reversing hot rolling mill

Originally built by a third-party supplier, the mill has now been restored to full operational capacity and equipped to meet future demands in aluminum processing.

The upgrade replaced outdated DC motors with three-phase AC motors and advanced drive technology, including variable frequency drive systems powered by active front ends and new transformers. The new drive system delivers 20% higher torque than the original design, significantly enhancing the mill’s aluminum processing capabilities.

“The completion of this modernisation project is a testament to our commitment to maintaining world-class operational standards. SMS group’s expertise and advanced technological solutions have provided us with greater reliability and efficiency in our hot mill operations,” said Ebrahim Khalil, executive manager Operations at GARMCO.

The project scope was comprehensive, covering plant engineering, electrics and automation, equipment procurement and manufacturing, as well as installation and commissioning supervision. At the heart of the modernisation was SMS’s innovative twin-motor drive train equipment, featuring a custom gearbox to combine two electric motors with a rated power of 2150 KWs each, paired with two SMS giant torque spindles. The design offers high power capability, reduces space requirements, lowers investment costs, and provides some operational redundancy.

Additional equipment included the X-Pact Drive low-voltage frequency converter for the entry and exit coilers, a medium-voltage converter operated in load share mode, and transformers to supply the new systems. The equipment was tailored to GARMCO’s demanding operations, which include producing aluminum coils, tread plates, slit coils, and foils for industrial applications such as packaging and heat exchange systems.

The modernisation strengthens the collaboration between GARMCO and SMS group. This is the first joint project of this scale, reflecting SMS’s reputation for high-performance, reliable solutions with optimised technical features and superior power efficiency. The new drive system provides enhanced torque across the full speed range, a critical factor for rolling operations requiring high torque at elevated speeds.

“The project highlights the strong partnership between both companies and demonstrates how innovative solutions can elevate operational efficiency,” the SMS team noted.

Having previously supported GARMCO with technical services for its scalper machine, SMS group has built a foundation of trust and collaboration. With the hot rolling mill now modernized, GARMCO is well-positioned to deliver sustained operational excellence and produce high-quality aluminum products for its global customers.

At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, Emirates SkyCargo and Abu Dhabi-based LODD Autonomous signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development and deployment of next-generation air cargo solutions

The MoU was formalised by Badr Abbas, divisional senior vice-president, Emirates SkyCargo, and Rashid Al Manai, CEO, LODD Autonomous.

Under the agreement, the two companies will validate the use of VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft across Emirates SkyCargo’s global network. Activities include feasibility studies, regulatory engagement, and live demonstrations. Leveraging four decades of logistics expertise, Emirates SkyCargo will participate in LODD’s experimental operations through 2027, providing insight to guide design and development toward potential commercial deployment in regional and global markets.

The collaboration follows LODD’s successful first test flight of Hili, a fully autonomous hybrid heavy-lift cargo aircraft capable of carrying up to 250 kilograms over distances of 700 km. Emirates SkyCargo is evaluating Hili for integration into its ground fleet to optimise operations across its dual airport hub.

“This partnership with LODD is a reflection of our commitment to introduce innovative products that solve our customer’s transportation challenges. Emerging technologies will form the foundation of the next era of logistics, and Emirates SkyCargo will be at the forefront of this movement, investing our experience and expertise into the development of innovations that drive tangible impact. We look forward to collaborating with LODD to explore the potential development and deployment of this UAE-built technology,” stated Badr Abbas.

Rashid Mattar Al Manai added, “The UAE’s vision is built on harnessing innovation to propel everyday life forward. Our collaboration with Emirates SkyCargo blends LODD Autonomous’s frontier technologies with the country’s enduring commitment to safe, scalable, and sustainable logistics. Together, we will accelerate the adoption of drone-powered solutions that expand reach, cut delivery times, and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global logistics hub while upholding the highest standards of safety and regulatory excellence.”

Emirates SkyCargo has long prioritised advancing the logistics ecosystem. Operating to over 150 destinations with a widebody fleet exceeding 260 aircraft, the airline has consistently set new benchmarks in global logistics. Earlier this year, it launched Emirates Courier Express, a door-to-door delivery service that merges its cargo division’s logistics expertise with the passenger fleet network.

LODD is transforming civilian logistics through state-of-the-art unmanned and autonomous aerial vehicles and AI-enabled software that simplify operations, reduce costs, improve sustainability, and accelerate deliveries. Supported by the Advanced Technology Research Council, Hili exemplifies the UAE’s national commitment to investing in technology ecosystems—from strategy and research to real-world application.