In The Spotlight
Global energy technology firm SLB has been awarded a landmark seven-year contract by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) under the ambitious Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative.
SLB secures 7-Year contract for KOC Ahmadi Innovation Valley
Global energy technology firm SLB has been awarded a landmark seven-year contract by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) under the ambitious Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative.
For decades, the global energy sector has faced a persistent hurdle: whilst cutting edge digital tools are abundant, seamlessly integrating them into harsh, real-world extraction environments remains a formidable challenge. Now, global energy technology firm SLB is poised to bridge this critical gap. In a major development for the Middle East’s upstream oil and gas sector, SLB has been awarded a landmark seven-year contract by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). Operating under the highly ambitious Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative, this partnership officially designates SLB as KOC’s very first contracted technology partner for its flagship innovation programme.
The heart of this agreement lies in a shared commitment to accelerating digital transformation across Kuwait's energy landscape. By focusing intensely on applied research, large-scale technology deployment, and advanced digital innovation programmes, both organisations are aligning their efforts with Kuwait’s overarching energy objectives. SLB will collaborate intimately with KOC experts to evaluate, test, and deploy cutting-edge technologies.
The scale of the undertaking is vast, encompassing nearly 100 distinct technology projects designed to tackle the pressing obstacles of modern hydrocarbon extraction. These high-priority projects span artificial intelligence (AI), industrial internet of things (IIoT) applications, complex production optimisation, and advanced reservoir technologies. The initiative will also prioritise proactive water management systems and crucial energy transition protocols aimed at lowering the environmental footprint of heavy operations.
A pivotal element of this seven-year contract is the rapid operationalisation of AI-enabled workflows. By marrying KOC’s deep operational expertise with SLB’s state-of-the-art digital tools, the partnership seeks to dramatically improve exploration accuracy and streamline demanding drilling operations. These integrated digital ecosystems will enhance continuous reservoir surveillance and allow teams to automate complex production adjustments informed by real-time telemetry data. As the energy sector pivots towards these data landscapes, modern operators must collaborate effortlessly on data-driven solutions to lower operational costs, maximise efficiency, and measurably reduce carbon intensity during routine extraction phases.
The strategic necessity of this collaboration extends far beyond mere hardware and software upgrades. Ahmad Jaber Al-Eidan, chief executive officer of Kuwait Oil Company, emphasised the strategic importance of the programme for the nation. "Ahmadi Innovation Valley represents an important step in advancing technology leadership across Kuwait's energy sector," he stated. "Through collaboration with leading technology partners, we are accelerating technology deployment, strengthening local capabilities and expanding knowledge transfer to support Kuwait's energy industry."
This dedication to knowledge transfer will play a pivotal role in nurturing local technical capabilities, thereby securing the long-term future of Kuwait’s energy workforce and ensuring the nation maintains a fierce competitive edge in an increasingly digitised global market.
SLB has announced concrete plans to establish a physical, dedicated Ahmadi Innovation Valley facility within Kuwait to facilitate this massive technological leap. Construction on this specialised innovation centre is expected to commence in 2026, with the facility officially opening its doors to researchers and engineers in 2028. Once fully operational, this centre will serve as a dynamic collaborative hub where technology providers, academic researchers, and front-line operational teams converge. It will furnish the necessary physical and digital infrastructure to scale emerging solutions from early pilot phases directly into full production environments, driving quantifiable improvements in process stability and asset longevity.
Olivier Le Peuch, chief executive officer of SLB, highlighted the core hurdle that the new initiative aims to overcome. "The energy industry has no shortage of technology. The challenge is deploying it at scale and turning innovation into operational impact," he noted. "Ahmadi Innovation Valley brings together technology providers, researchers and operational teams to accelerate the evaluation, deployment and scaling of new solutions across KOC's operations. We are proud to contribute our technology, domain expertise and global experience while helping strengthen local capabilities and support the next generation of Kuwaiti talent."
This landmark award signifies a major expansion of a deep-rooted relationship, building upon more than 85 years of continuous collaboration between SLB and KOC, and promising a profound modernisation of Kuwait’s upstream capabilities.
Oman Shell recently concluded its highly anticipated participation in two major industry events: Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) and the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show (OPES) 2026.
Oman Shell drives the energy transition at OSW & OPES 2026
Oman Shell recently concluded its highly anticipated participation in two major industry events: Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) and the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show (OPES) 2026.
Held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), the company's strong presence served as a comprehensive showcase of its ongoing dedication to innovation, environmental stewardship, and practical sustainability.
As the Strategic Partner for Oman Sustainability Week and Gold Sponsor for the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show, Oman Shell created an immersive booth experience that welcomed numerous visitors throughout the event. The custom-designed space provided a platform to explore crucial contemporary themes, spanning across liquefied natural gas (LNG), artificial intelligence-driven technologies, advanced energy solutions, and the critical area of future mobility. Over the three-day event, public interest remained consistently high, with attendees actively exploring interactive technology showcases and live demonstrations. These immersive experiences successfully highlighted the company's focus on delivering practical, scalable energy solutions designed to meet modern demands.
A particularly standout moment during Oman Shell's participation was the dedicated “Insights into LNG” session. This highly informative event was jointly hosted by Cedric Cremers, Integrated Gas President and Executive Committee Member at Shell, alongside Tom Summers, the Executive Vice President of LNG, Marketing & Trading. The session offered deep explorations into the latest developments currently shaping global LNG markets. The two executives discussed the evolving role of LNG in supporting energy security, navigating the energy transition, and examining key trends influencing the future of the sector.
In addition to the interactive booth and the “Insights into LNG” session, Oman Shell played an exceptionally active role in the wider conference programme. Company representatives participated in various keynote sessions and detailed panel discussions across both OPES and OSW. These Shell experts contributed valuable insights and deep industry knowledge on a wide array of vital topics. The discussions covered the future of energy, sustainability practices, effective carbon management, continuous innovation, and the ongoing transformation of the industry. By sharing this expertise, Oman Shell reinforced its pivotal role in supporting constructive, forward-looking dialogue regarding the energy transition and the future of the energy sector, both within Oman and on a global scale.
As part of its comprehensive participation during the busy week, Oman Shell also took the opportunity to host the official graduation ceremony for the fifth batch of the Shell Nawafidh programme at the OCEC. This ceremony formally recognised the achievements of the participating students, highlighting the programme's vital role in empowering young Omani talent through targeted education, applied innovation, and future-focused learning opportunities.
Furthermore, on the evening of 20 May, Oman Shell organised an exclusive site visit for a select number of key OPES and OSW participants. The destination was Oman's first hydrogen refuelling station, proudly designated as Shell's sixth “Gift to the Nation”. This unique visit offered attendees the rare opportunity to explore the pioneering station firsthand and gain practical insights into the vital role that hydrogen is expected to play in supporting future mobility solutions and aligning with Oman's broader energy transition ambitions.
Behind these showcases lies Shell's history as a dedicated partner in Oman's development over several decades. The company remains deeply active across the Omani oil and gas industry, participating in joint ventures and independent activities that range from research, development, exploration, and production, through to trading, retail, and new energies. Shell also implements an extensive social investment programme that contributes heavily to the sustainable development of the country, whilst holding significant interests in Petroleum Development Oman (34%), Oman LNG (30%), and Shell Oman Marketing Company (49%).
In January 2023, Oman Shell started producing gas from the Mabrouk North East field in Block 10. Shell holds a 53.45% working interest, with OQ and Marsa Liquefied Natural Gas LLC holding 13.36% and 33.19% respectively. Through these substantial investments and its recent participation in OSW and OPES 2026, Oman Shell reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Oman's sustainable development journey by combining global expertise, technology, collaboration, and innovation to help shape a balanced and practical energy future.
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, widely known as Masdar, has officially announced the successful financial close for the world’s first gigascale 24/7 renewable energy project.
Masdar secures US$5.1bn for world-first 24/7 clean energy project
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, widely known as Masdar, has officially announced the successful financial close for the world’s first gigascale 24/7 renewable energy project.
This landmark achievement marks a defining milestone in the commercialisation of the next generation of clean energy infrastructure. The announcement reinforces that large-scale renewable energy projects capable of delivering round-the-clock power have successfully evolved from a technical ambition into completely bankable infrastructure.
Representing a total capital investment of US$6.1 billion, the Round-the-Clock (RTC) project is being developed in Abu Dhabi through a close collaboration between Masdar and the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC). As part of the funding structure, Masdar is providing US$1 billion of direct equity, while the remaining balance is covered by a massive US$5.1 billion financing package. Backed by a prominent consortium of 13 leading international and local banks, this significant financing package demonstrates strong market confidence in both the commercial viability of the project and Masdar’s operational ability to deliver complex energy infrastructure at scale.
A historic financing package
The extensive financing package was provided by a diverse consortium comprising Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, BNP Paribas, Bank of China, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank. The group of lenders also includes Dubai Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), KfW IPEX-Bank, Natixis, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, and Societe Generale.
From a technological perspective, the pioneering RTC project stands as the largest and most advanced system of its kind anywhere in the world. It beautifully integrates a massive 5.2GW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with a monumental 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). By combining utility-scale solar generation with unprecedented battery capacity, the project directly addresses the historic challenge of intermittency that has long affected renewable power.
Technological innovation and scale
As global electricity demand accelerates rapidly, driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, and advanced manufacturing—the project establishes an important new benchmark for financing reliable, utility-scale clean energy systems. For the organisation, this financial milestone demonstrates its continued capability to attract and mobilise global institutional capital. It also highlights its expertise in delivering increasingly complex renewable infrastructure projects in close partnership with governments, utilities, and financial institutions.
Mazin Khan, Chief Financial Officer at Masdar, expressed his pleasure regarding the funding milestone, stating: “We are pleased to have secured funding from such a broad and highly respected group of local and international banks in support of this pioneering project.”
He added: “This significant financing commitment demonstrates the confidence of the international banking community not only in a landmark project but also in Masdar's financial strength, disciplined execution and long-term growth strategy. This milestone further demonstrates our ability to mobilize global capital at scale while delivering innovative renewable infrastructure that supports long-term economic growth and energy security. We now look forward to advancing the project to deliver reliable, affordable, clean energy around the clock.”
Securing the global energy supply
Masdar originally broke ground on this clean energy project in October 2025, and the entire system is fully expected to be operational in 2027. The 24/7 renewable energy project remains a core cornerstone of the UAE’s overarching clean energy strategy, contributing significantly to national energy security and broader economic diversification goals.
Masdar currently possesses a highly diversified portfolio of more than 65GW, spanning both established and high-growth renewable energy markets worldwide. Its operations cover the full spectrum of clean technologies, including solar, onshore wind, offshore wind, battery energy storage, and hybrid solutions. With a clear strategic pathway to reach 100GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, Masdar continues to expand its global platform through disciplined growth across priority markets, delivering reliable, affordable clean power to meet the world's growing demand.
EGA has officially announced the restart of alumina production at its Al Taweelah alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi.
EGA restarts Al Taweelah Alumina Refinery in Abu Dhabi
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), recognised globally as the largest producer of premium aluminium, has officially announced the restart of alumina production at its Al Taweelah alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi.
The announcement, made on 10 July 2026, marks a critical step in restoring the facility's output following a temporary halt. Production at the refinery was previously suspended on 28 March due to Iranian attacks on the Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi. However, the facility successfully began producing hydrate, which serves as the essential precursor product to alumina, on 24 June.
The company expects alumina production to ramp up to 50 per cent of the plant's total capacity within a matter of days. Looking further ahead, EGA projects that it will possess the technical capability to return to full alumina production by the end of this year. The exact timing for this complete production ramp-up at the Al Taweelah alumina refinery will be determined by supply chain dynamics and the ongoing optimisation of EGA's broader alumina sourcing strategy. It is important to note that the ramp-up of primary aluminium production at the adjacent Al Taweelah smelter does not strictly depend on a full ramp-up at the alumina refinery itself.
Strategic Importance and Executive Perspective
Alumina is the fundamental feedstock required for aluminium smelters. Before the recent disruption, the Al Taweelah alumina refinery played a crucial role in EGA's supply chain. In 2025, the facility produced 2.4 million tonnes of alumina, which successfully met 46 per cent of EGA's total alumina needs. The refinery originally began production in April 2019, standing as the first alumina refinery in the United Arab Emirates and only the second across the entire Middle East. This strategic project significantly reduces the nation's reliance on imported alumina.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, noted the significance of this operational resumption. He stated: "First alumina production from Al Taweelah alumina refinery is another big milestone in our journey to restore EGA's Al Taweelah site to its position as one of the most important aluminium production complexes in the world. The dedication and agility of the team at Al Taweelah alumina refinery has enabled us to reach this milestone safely and quickly."
The refinery is strategically located directly next to the Al Taweelah smelter. Alumina is efficiently transferred to storage facilities and subsequently into the smelter via an extensive system of conveyor belts.
Emirates Global Aluminium's Global Standing
The successful restart of the Al Taweelah alumina refinery highlights EGA's resilience as an industrial powerhouse. Founded originally as Dubai Aluminium in 1975, EGA has grown into the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside of the oil and gas sector. The organisation is equally owned by the Mubadala Investment Company of Abu Dhabi and the Investment Corporation of Dubai.
EGA operates as a fully integrated aluminium producer, managing operations that span from alumina refining to the casting of primary aluminium and subsequent recycling. The company's vast infrastructure includes smelters in Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah, alongside recycling plants in Al Taweelah and the United States, as well as a speciality foundry in Germany. In 2025 alone, EGA successfully sold 2.84 million tonnes of cast metal, with value-added products accounting for 81 per cent of these sales.
A Commitment to Sustainable Industry
Beyond its immense scale, EGA has continually focused on technological advancement and sustainable operations. In 2017, EGA became the first company headquartered in the Middle East to join the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, a global programme designed to foster greater sustainability within the industry. The company has also utilised its own proprietary technology for every smelter expansion since the 1990s and has retrofitted all of its older production lines. Furthermore, in 2021, EGA achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first company globally to produce aluminium commercially using solar power.
The Al Taweelah site itself is a testament to the vast scale of EGA's operations. Covering six square kilometres, the facility is five times larger than Al Maryah Island. The ongoing restoration of operations at this massive industrial complex ensures that EGA remains a vital economic contributor, supporting a broader sector that sustains more than 56,000 jobs across the UAE.
On the 9th of July 2026, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) inaugurated the Emirates Monitoring Center in Dubai.
Siemens & UAE launch unified Emirates Monitoring Center
On the 9th of July 2026, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) inaugurated the Emirates Monitoring Center in Dubai.
This unique national facility provides real-time monitoring of the United Arab Emirates’ integrated power network by directly linking four major electricity utilities: Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), and Etihad Water and Electricity.
Advancing Infrastructure and Grid Resilience
Powered by the Siemens Spectrum Power platform, this centre marks a significant milestone in advancing the resilience, reliability, and ongoing digital transformation of the nation's electricity infrastructure. It provides comprehensive oversight of a network featuring an installed generation capacity of approximately 48 gigawatts.
To maintain grid stability, the Emirates Monitoring Center continuously tracks essential operational indicators, including system load, frequency, voltage, and power exchange. It also guarantees the seamless flow of vital operational data across the Emirates National Grid (ENG) corridor, which stretches from Abu Dhabi directly to the Northern Emirates.
Furthermore, the facility actively coordinates outage management and emergency responses, acting as the primary line of situational awareness during sudden system disturbances or generation outages. The expert team conducts vital resilience studies and detailed operational planning to support informed decision-making whilst working closely with EWEC, DEWA, SEWA, and Etihad Water and Electricity to navigate a constantly evolving energy sector.
Strategic Vision from the Ministry
His Excellency Eng Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, stated: “Today marks an important milestone with the inauguration of the Emirates Monitoring Center alongside our strategic partners. The Center represents the nucleus of the UAE's national power network, providing comprehensive, real-time visibility across the country's electricity system through world-class monitoring technologies developed by Siemens.”
He added: “The Center enhances the resilience of our energy infrastructure and strengthens our ability to anticipate, manage, and respond to operational challenges both today and in the future. It will also leverage artificial intelligence capabilities to support scenario planning, predictive analysis, and future system modelling, enabling smarter, more proactive decision-making. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with our partners to advance a secure, resilient, and future-ready energy sector for the UAE.”
Fast-Track Deployment by Siemens
Helmut von Struve, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens in the UAE and the Middle East, highlighted the project's massive scale. He said: “Today marks a landmark achievement for the UAE's energy sector. The Emirates Monitoring Center is the country's first unified platform providing a single, real-time view of the national power grid, with continuous monitoring of all four utility companies across the seven emirates.”
He added: “Siemens is proud to serve as the technology partner behind this pioneering initiative. We delivered the core monitoring and control platform at record speed, achieving the world's first fast-track deployment of the latest generation of our energy management system. What truly distinguishes this project is not only the technology, but also the strong partnership between Siemens, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and the UAE's electricity utilities. The Center has been designed to grow alongside the country's evolving energy landscape, supporting renewable energy integration, future cross-border interconnections, and the continued development of a smarter, more resilient national grid.”
Commitment to Industry Innovation
Siemens AG, headquartered in Berlin and Munich, remains a leading technology company heavily focused on global infrastructure, industry, mobility, and healthcare. By uniting the digital and real worlds, Siemens directly empowers customers to accelerate critical sustainability transformations, effectively making modern cities more livable and transportation considerably more sustainable. As a recognised industrial artificial intelligence leader, the company constantly leverages deep domain know-how to apply generative AI directly to real-world applications. Furthermore, Siemens holds a majority stake in Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider entirely focused on pioneering healthcare breakthroughs for everyone.
Expo City Dubai has issued the first Expo Green Licences to six pioneering businesses.
Expo City Dubai issues UAE’s first ever Green Licences
Expo City Dubai has issued the first Expo Green Licences to six pioneering businesses, ranging from small social enterprises to multinational organisations, as the city builds momentum as the United Arab Emirates’ first Green Innovation District.
The landmark licensing product is designed to connect environment-conscious enterprises under a shared goal of driving sustainable innovation to maximise environmental and economic impact.
A joint initiative with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the green licence addresses a critical gap in the market by providing sustainability-led firms with comprehensive benefits valued at upwards of AED 400,000. These incentives cover discounted setup fees, sustainability services, and promotional support. To ensure high standards, the qualification benchmark requires applicants to demonstrate verified environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, highlighted the significance of the milestone, stating: “Attracting, enabling and scaling sustainability-focused business, innovation and talent is integral to the Green Innovation District’s mission to deliver measurable environmental, economic and social impact and directly aligns with an enhanced nationwide focus on strengthening local industry. We are proud to advance the District’s mission as we grant the first green licences – entrusted to these pioneering organisations that now form part of a collaborative, solutions-driven ecosystem that will contribute to UAE’s net zero and economic diversification ambitions, helping to create a brighter future for generations to come. ”
The project directly aligns with the country's strategic clean energy goals. His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, added: “The UAE has made great strides in developing an integrated national system to promote the transition towards a circular economy model and enable the growth and competitiveness of sustainable and advanced industries. As we work to advance the UAE’s long-term economic and climate ambitions, the Expo Green Licence is a powerful tool to encourage innovation and support green business growth. The companies receiving their licence today are frontrunners in the ongoing evolution of the Green Innovation District, and we look forward to welcoming more innovative organisations that will drive the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision to diversify the national economy, accelerate the transition to clean energy sources, and enhance the country's competitiveness in the areas of sustainability and environmental innovation.”
The first cohort of licensees features businesses specialising in waste management and climate technology. These include AirJoule, WAT (We Are Tech), Polygreen, Carbon Assurance, Carbon Standard, and RBT Collective. To remain inclusive, the framework offers two distinct pathways to qualification. While established firms with accredited ESG ratings qualify directly, small and medium-sized enterprises are evaluated individually based on their scalable products or services related to circular economies and climate action.
Ramdas M. Rao, President – International at AirJoule Technologies, remarked on the commercial significance: “Receiving the UAE's first green licence and joining the Green Innovation District with its pertinent benefits is a meaningful step in AirJoule's commercial journey. The key pillars of the UAE's economic strategy include sustainability and resiliency, two deliverables that are central to AirJoule's value proposition. Using advanced materials and leveraging both our global and local partners, we are scaling our atmospheric water harvesting platform to deliver water security and energy efficiency in the UAE, and from this launchpad to the Global South. We look forward to building alongside our Expo City Dubai community, because collaboration is the only way climate technologies reach the scale required.”
Licensees gain invitation to local and international business missions, participation in the Green Majlis leadership forum, and fast-track access to an upcoming on-site Green Intellectual Property office to protect sustainable innovations.
The inaugural edition of ACHEMA Middle East has been officially rescheduled to take place from the 11th to the 13th of October 2027.
ACHEMA Middle East rescheduled for a strategic launch
The inaugural edition of ACHEMA Middle East has been officially rescheduled to take place from the 11th to the 13th of October 2027.
The major industry event will be hosted at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center in Saudi Arabia. This decision stems from a strategic review of regional business environments and market conditions, conducted jointly by the organisers, Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia and DECHEMA. The timeline adjustment is designed to facilitate stronger international participation, foster enhanced business opportunities, and ensure a highly impactful launch for the regional process industries.
By moving to 2027, the organisers aim to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s expanding role as a global hub for sustainable industrial development, advanced manufacturing, and innovation. The event supports the economic diversification and manufacturing growth objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. Moving the exhibition follows extensive discussions with key industry partners and confirmed exhibitors. Furthermore, ACHEMA Middle East has secured the full support of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, cementing its alignment with the Kingdom’s long-term agenda for industrial transformation.
Many international brands, specialised country pavilions, and regional industrial buyers have already confirmed their participation in the upcoming exhibition. This early commitment is establishing a powerful meeting point for organisations that are actively looking to strengthen their market presence within the Kingdom and its growing neighbouring markets.
Alesya Deyanova, Show Manager for ACHEMA Middle East, stated: “Following consultation with our exhibitors, partners, government stakeholders and industry leaders, we have made the decision to move ACHEMA Middle East to October 2027. The revised dates will allow us to maximise industry participation and deliver the strongest possible debut edition from day one.”
She further noted: “Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable period of industrial growth and transformation, and ACHEMA Middle East will play an important role in connecting global expertise with the opportunities emerging across the Kingdom and the wider region. We remain fully committed to delivering a world-class event that serves the long-term interests of the process industries and supports the ambitions of Vision 2030.”
Driving Innovation in the MEASA Region
The event is powered by DECHEMA, a non-profit association with over 5,500 members that promotes scientific exchange across chemical engineering, process engineering, and biotechnology. DECHEMA aims to facilitate the transfer of emerging technological trends into practical industrial applications. It is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia, a subsidiary of the Messe Frankfurt Group. The parent company recorded preliminary group sales of over €766 million in the financial year 2025 and boasts a global workforce of approximately 2,700 people. The organisers emphasise sustainability as a central pillar of their corporate strategy, striving to balance economic and ecological interests alongside diversity and social responsibility. Together, they aim to attract up to 400 local and international brands, making it the premier meeting place for the process industries across the Middle East, Africa, and Southern Asia (MEASA) region.
To enrich the experience for both visitors and exhibitors, the selected venue features state-of-the-art facilities situated conveniently near King Khalid International Airport, which will enable highly efficient logistics. The exhibition and its accompanying conference programme will be anchored by six core themes:
- Process Innovation
- Pharma Innovation
- Lab Innovation
- Digital Innovation
- Green Innovation
- Energy Innovation
These thematic pillars will delve into crucial developments that are actively shaping the industrial landscape. Key topics will include artificial intelligence, industrial digitalisation, laboratory automation, pharmaceutical technologies, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy solutions such as hydrogen, carbon management, and circular economy initiatives.
Expanding Collaborative Business Opportunities
In addition to the vast exhibition floor, attendees will benefit from CPD-accredited conferences. These sessions will gather global experts, technology leaders, and industry pioneers to deliberate on technical challenges, emerging trends, and future sector opportunities. The event is designed to foster face-to-face business engagement opportunities, connecting international solution providers directly with regional decision-makers and vital project stakeholders. Alongside this extensive programme, visitors will gain access to immersive exhibition experiences and live technology demonstrations.
The rescheduled 2027 edition aims to provide a comprehensive platform that spans the entire process industry value chain. The strategic gateway will create critical opportunities for technology sourcing, procurement, investment, and collaborative business development. By connecting international solution providers directly with project owners, industrial buyers, EPC contractors, manufacturers, and government stakeholders, ACHEMA Middle East is uniquely poised to facilitate supply chain engagement and participation in some of the region's most significant manufacturing projects.