The global jewellery industry is undergoing a rapid and profound transformation, steadily moving away from purely traditional handcrafted methods to enthusiastically embrace cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.

Across the globe, forward-thinking artisans are seeking innovative ways to blend heritage aesthetics with precision engineering, 3D design, and laser-guided shaping. Placing themselves at the absolute forefront of this industrial evolution, a delegation of Emirati designers and artisans recently travelled to China to meticulously explore the latest advancements that are actively shaping the future of gold and jewellery manufacturing.

Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) through its dedicated "Emirati Goldsmiths Platform", the official visit aims to elevate the creative capabilities of the United Arab Emirates’ emerging talents. By exploring one of the world's most dynamic manufacturing landscapes, these ambitious designers are successfully bridging the gap between time-honoured Middle Eastern craftsmanship and highly efficient technological solutions.

Integrating Traditional Artistry with Advanced Technologies

The core mission of the delegation, led by Mona Al Suwaidi, Director of the Executive Office of the SCCI Chairman and the official responsible for the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform, is to facilitate the seamless transfer of knowledge and uncover vital opportunities for strategic cooperation. As the international luxury market becomes increasingly competitive, cross-cultural trade and shared expertise are absolutely essential for regional designers aiming to scale their commercial enterprises.

Throughout their journey, the Emirati artisans have completely immersed themselves in the end-to-end production cycle of modern jewellery manufacturing. Rather than observing from a distance, the designers engaged directly with specialised professional disciplines. The comprehensive, multi-day programme allowed the delegation to closely scrutinise a wide array of vital processes, including:

• The integration of digital tools and specialised digital software tailored for intricate jewellery design.

• The use of sophisticated, modern tools for goldsmithing, precise shaping, and highly secure gemstone setting.

• Advanced, automated techniques for finishing, polishing, and meticulous quality inspection.

• Strategic commercial approaches to retail, modern product-display methods, and fostering direct business links between independent artisans and large-scale global suppliers.

Discovering Innovations at the Shenzhen Trade Exhibition

A significant highlight of the overseas mission was an extensive visit to a major gold and jewellery trade exhibition in Shenzhen. Known globally as a formidable powerhouse for technological hardware and manufacturing, Shenzhen provided the perfect backdrop for the Emirati delegates to witness the future of the luxury sector in real time.

The bustling exhibition featured an extensive showcase of cutting-edge solutions presented by international manufacturers and equipment suppliers. Key technological innovations thoroughly explored by the delegation included:

• State-of-the-art 3D design and printing tools capable of rapidly prototyping incredibly complex geometric patterns.

• High-precision laser cutting and engraving machinery designed for immaculate detailing.

• Pioneering innovations in precision casting and forming to vastly reduce manufacturing material waste.

• Advanced gold and gemstone testing technologies to guarantee absolute authenticity and strict quality control.

By critically evaluating how traditional craftsmanship can be seamlessly integrated with advanced technologies, the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform is actively upskilling its members. The initiative successfully reinforces the platform’s approach to adopting advanced design technologies and developing new channels for knowledge transfer. These modern tools not only refine the intricacies of individual designs but also vastly improve manufacturing productivity, boost precision, and minimise material waste.

Strengthening UAE-China Commercial Ties

Beyond the immediate focus on technological adoption, the visit serves a much broader diplomatic and economic purpose. The delegation held highly productive discussions with Her Excellency Mariam Alshamsi, the UAE Consul General in Guangzhou. Their strategic dialogue focused specifically on expanding economic and commercial ties between the UAE and China within the realms of gold, jewellery, fragrances, and creative crafts.

The itinerary also provided a deep dive into China’s rich historical context. The delegates visited a prominent gold museum and a specialised jewellery manufacturing hub to trace the unique evolution of the Chinese gold industry.

Expanding Horizons: The Art of Fragrance

Recognising the interconnected nature of luxury creative crafts, the programme also naturally extended into the boutique fragrance sector. The delegation toured the Xuelei Fragrance Museum in Guangzhou, studying the historical evolution of China's perfume industry. This segment offered valuable insights into the careful extraction of fragrances and essential oils, the complex utilisation of natural ingredients, and the stark contrast between traditional blending techniques and advanced packaging technologies. Ultimately, this strategic expedition ensures Emirati designers are perfectly equipped to thrive in the modern global economy.

The transition towards zero-emission commercial transport is gathering immense momentum, yet a formidable obstacle remains firmly in its path: inadequate grid capacity.

As operators modernise their fleets with heavy-duty electric vehicles, the demand for fast charging frequently outstrips the physical capabilities of local electrical infrastructure. Lengthy municipal permitting processes, substantial civil works, and overloaded fixed connections often stall critical deployment timelines.

Addressing this infrastructural bottleneck, Volvo Penta has stepped forward with a flexible approach. At IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, Germany, the organisation is demonstrating how mobile battery energy storage can bridge this widening gap, delivering reliable power exactly where and when it is needed most.

The Urgent Need for Flexible Charging Solutions

The move to fully electrified transport networks cannot wait for permanent grid upgrades. Transport companies frequently operate in temporary locations or remote hubs where installing permanent charging infrastructure is either financially unviable or logistically impossible. Even in established urban logistics centres, high-power electric vehicle charging during peak demand periods can easily overwhelm local grid connections.

By deploying mobile battery-powered charging units, commercial operators bypass these significant delays. A mobile Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) acts as a strategic buffer. It slowly draws power from a constrained grid connection or intermittent renewable energy source, storing that energy to discharge it at high rates for rapid vehicle charging.

Enter the Mobile BESS Subsystem

Volvo Penta is exhibiting alongside fellow Volvo Group company, Volvo Trucks. Taking centre stage is the company's adaptable BESS subsystem, built directly upon battery technology successfully deployed in Volvo Group’s demanding on-highway and off-highway vehicles. Engineered for the rigorous demands of continuous heavy-duty utilisation, this subsystem provides a robust foundation for off-grid power.

It mitigates the transport electrification bottleneck through several technical advantages:

• High Energy Density: The battery pack stores maximum power within a compact, modular footprint.
• Favourable C-rate: Optimised for rapid charging and discharging, ensuring vehicles spend less time plugged in.
• Automotive-Grade Resilience: Managed by a sophisticated system that continuously monitors operational performance.
• Enhanced Cybersecurity: The robust architecture safeguards critical energy data from unauthorised interference.
• Maximised Longevity: Intelligent cell management prevents excessive degradation during high-intensity charging cycles.

This setup provides immediate charging capacity for unexpected disruptions. In fixed installations, it can boost limited grid connections, successfully supporting high-power charging even when demand is exceptionally high.

“Reliable power infrastructure is critical to the transition toward zero-emission transport,” said Tommi Wulff, Sales and Business Development Manager at Volvo Penta. “Battery energy storage can help bring fast charging to locations where grid capacity is limited or permanent infrastructure is not yet in place. At IAA Transportation, we are showing how Volvo Penta can support this transition by providing a proven, scalable BESS subsystem that our partners can build into complete charging and energy storage systems.”

A Collaborative Blueprint for Electrification

Volvo Penta’s core strategy is centred around collaboration. By supplying its proven battery technology alongside extensive application expertise, the organisation provides specialist partners with a robust platform to develop complete, field-ready energy storage solutions. This partnership model is essential for tailoring technology to specific markets and operating environments. A prime example showcased alongside the subsystem is the Hivolt 380X, a complete, ready-to-deploy mobile unit developed by system integrator Contour Advanced Systems.

“Volvo Penta’s BESS subsystem gives us a proven battery foundation for the Hivolt 380X,” said Jacco Lemmen, Business Development Manager at Contour Advanced Systems. “By combining Volvo Penta’s technology with our system integration and manufacturing expertise, we are showcasing a solution designed and made in Europe, with European components and software, and built around shared values of safety, quality and cooperation.”

Accelerating the Zero-Emission Future

Solving the charging challenge requires more than just advanced vehicles; it requires deployable energy networks that adapt to real-world limitations. The partnership between Volvo Penta and Contour Advanced Systems illustrates a highly practical pathway forward for the transport sector.

Volvo Penta is exhibiting at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, Germany, from September 15–20, in Hall 11, Stand F31.

The coastal regions of the United Arab Emirates share a profound and enduring connection with the sea.

For generations, the maritime environment has not merely been a backdrop for daily life; it has served as a primary source of sustenance and commerce. Traditional fishing methods and preservation techniques have long sustained communities along the eastern coastline. As the nation embraces rapid modernisation, there is a growing emphasis on preserving this maritime heritage. By integrating indigenous culinary practices into modern economic frameworks, authorities aim to support cultural tourism and empower home-based enterprises.

At the forefront of this cultural preservation is the newly announced Jashe and Sahnah Festival. Scheduled for 24 to 27 September in Kalba, the inaugural event places the spotlight firmly on the coastal food industries defining the region. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in cooperation with Kalba City Municipality, the four-day event is designed to bridge the gap between historical heritage and contemporary commerce.

The Culinary Staples of the East Coast

The festival takes its name from two highly revered traditional Emirati seafood products. Jashe refers to a traditional sun-dried fish product, which has historically allowed coastal families to preserve their catch long before the advent of modern refrigeration. Sahnah, on the other hand, is a distinctive fermented fish condiment—often ground into a flavourful powder—prepared using dried fish mixed with a unique blend of traditional spices.

Visitors attending the festival will be immersed in the historical processes behind these staples. Demonstrations will showcase the intricate techniques involved in catching and drying Al Ouma fish, alongside the careful preparation required to create authentic Sahnah. This hands-on approach offers both residents and international tourists an opportunity to sample Jashe varieties and Sahnah powders crafted from long-standing family recipes.

Driving Local Commerce and Tourism

While the festival is a vibrant celebration of culture, its underlying purpose is deeply rooted in local economic development. By providing a dedicated platform for small businesses, the event seeks to commercialise ancestral knowledge and elevate regional trades.

Mohammad Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, emphasised the strategic vision behind the event, stating that "the Jashe and Sahnah Festival is SCCI's latest economic and heritage initiative, supporting its efforts to promote the coastal food industries deeply rooted in the heritage and collective memory of Eastern Region communities." He further highlighted that the gathering showcases the potential to transform age-old customs into value-added economic products, reinforcing the value of sea resources.

Local leadership is equally committed to the event’s success. Dr Ahmed Al Mazrouei, Director of Kalba City Municipality, noted that "preparations for the Jashe and Sahnah Festival are progressing in line with the highest quality standards, in collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber and participating partners, to deliver an inaugural edition befitting Kalba's standing and stature."

He underscored the tourism appeal, explaining that "the festival will serve as a family and tourism destination, drawing visitors from across the UAE and international tourists while supporting greater community engagement and local economic activity."

Festival Programme and Key Participants

To ensure a comprehensive experience, the event will feature broad participation from fish-processing factories, specialised fishing-supplies companies, and productive families. Held with Sharqiya Kalba TV, the festival is supported by six government and community entities:

• Sharjah Fish Resources Authority

• Sharjah Museums Authority

• Sharjah International Marine Sports Club

• Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA)

• Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH)

• Kalba Cooperative Society for Fishermen

What Visitors Can Expect

The dynamic programme offers something for everyone. Beyond the marketplace, the festival will host competitions, educational workshops, and awareness sessions focused heavily on marine sustainability and responsible fishing practices. For those interested in industry evolution, dedicated displays will exhibit cutting-edge fishing technologies, vessels, and marine accessories, demonstrating how the sector has advanced whilst retaining traditional roots.

By establishing a vibrant marketplace, organisers are empowering local artisans and fishermen to reach a wider demographic. This direct-to-consumer approach boosts household incomes for productive families whilst fostering deeper appreciation amongst the younger generation for their ancestral trades. Ultimately, the inaugural festival stands as a testament to marine sustainability, ensuring the UAE's maritime heritage continues to thrive, educate, and inspire within the modern economy.