vb

twitteryou tubefacebookfacebookacp

For details click on the event title
Date Name Location
No events

Top Stories

Grid List

The International Atomic Energy Agency has underscored the growing importance of clean energy in shaping the Middle East and North Africa’s evolving power landscape, as electricity demand continues to accelerate across the region.

Long recognised as a backbone of the global oil and gas market, MENA is now experiencing a parallel transformation driven by rapid population growth, urban expansion and higher living standards.

Increased reliance on cooling systems and desalination has further intensified power consumption, placing additional pressure on existing infrastructure.

According to the IAEA’s report, The Future of Electricity in the Middle East and North Africa, electricity demand has risen sharply over the past two decades.

Since 2000, consumption has tripled, climbing by more than 1,000 terawatt-hours. This upward trajectory shows little sign of slowing, with forecasts indicating a further 50% increase by 2035.

As governments respond to these pressures, attention is turning towards building more resilient and lower-emission energy systems.

The report highlights how clean energy technologies can support this shift, offering a route to reliable power supply while also opening up new industrial and economic opportunities.

Both energy exporters and importers stand to benefit, particularly through participation in emerging clean energy value chains.

In parallel with long-term planning, several countries are already taking steps to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

In Algeria, Egypt, Iraq and Libya, collaborative initiatives have focused on curbing methane emissions and strengthening overall energy security.

Algeria, for instance, has launched a new programme in partnership with international stakeholders and domestic specialists.

The initiative aims to expand methane monitoring and mitigation efforts, while also developing local expertise through to 2027.

The IAEA notes that such targeted actions, combined with broader adoption of renewable energy and efficiency measures, will be critical in ensuring the region can meet rising demand without compromising sustainability goals.

Empower has reinforced its focus on sustainable water management, marking World Water Day with renewed commitments to resource efficiency across its district cooling operations.

The utility provider highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on freshwater by increasing the use of alternative sources, including treated sewage effluent (TSE) and advanced desalination processes. These initiatives form part of a broader strategy to support environmental stewardship while maintaining operational reliability in one of the world’s most water-stressed regions.

Empower reported a notable expansion in its reverse osmosis capacity, which reached 24,969 cubic metres per day in 2025, up from 21,359 cubic metres per day a year earlier. The company also recorded a rise in recycled water utilisation, which grew to 9.22% from 8.3% over the same period. The increase reflects a steady, target-driven approach, with progress aligned to the availability of recycled water supplies.

District cooling systems, widely used across the UAE to improve energy efficiency, require substantial volumes of water for their operation. By integrating TSE and reverse osmosis technologies, Empower aims to optimise consumption while lowering the environmental footprint of its services. The company said these measures are designed to enhance both water and energy efficiency, while contributing to reduced carbon emissions.

Chief executive Ahmad Bin Shafar stated that water conservation remains central to the company’s long-term strategy. He noted that the adoption of treated water and desalination technologies enables Empower to limit its dependence on potable water, while aligning with national priorities around sustainable resource management.

The company’s initiatives are also closely linked to the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, which aims to ensure sustainable access to water resources while reducing overall demand. Empower said its operational model is built around supporting these national objectives through innovation and responsible practices.

Beyond operational metrics, the company emphasised the broader role of water in driving economic and social development. It reiterated its commitment to promoting awareness around responsible consumption and advancing a circular water economy, where treated and recycled water play a greater role in meeting industrial and infrastructure needs.

As the UAE continues to prioritise sustainability, initiatives such as these are expected to play a key role in safeguarding natural resources while supporting continued urban and industrial growth.

Work is progressing steadily on Dubai Peninsula, a high-end coastal project being developed by H&H, with key contractors now appointed and early-stage construction activities underway.

Located along the shoreline at the edge of Dubai Canal, the scheme is positioned as an exclusive waterfront destination combining residential, hospitality and leisure offerings. Developers say the project is on track, with foundational works marking the transition from planning to execution.

A major component of the masterplan is a central park spanning approximately one million square feet, designed to serve as the focal point of the development. Beneath this green space, an integrated infrastructure corridor is being constructed to house parking, service roads and logistics areas, supporting the wider functionality of the site.

Construction firm DBB Contracting LLC has been appointed to deliver the core infrastructure package, with civil works currently in progress. Overall progress on the infrastructure phase has reached around 20%, according to project updates.

The development will feature a network of interconnected spaces, including a loop stretching nearly two kilometres, designed to link residential areas, retail outlets, hospitality venues and public amenities. The layout prioritises accessibility and walkability, aligning with broader urban planning trends across Dubai.

Once completed, Dubai Peninsula is expected to offer a mix of high-end residences, boutique retail, dining venues and leisure facilities. Plans include a waterfront promenade, marina and beach areas, alongside landscaped public spaces and cultural features such as pavilions and a dedicated prayer area.

The project will also incorporate lifestyle-focused elements, including hospitality offerings from international brands, a beach club and curated dining experiences. Marine infrastructure is set to include berths for superyachts and a floating marina venue, aimed at enhancing the destination’s appeal to both residents and visitors.

H&H chief executive Miltos Bosinis said construction is progressing in line with expectations, with preparatory and groundwork phases well advanced. He added that the developer remains focused on delivering the project to a high standard as it moves further into the build phase.

Chairman Shahab Lutfi described the scheme as a carefully planned destination intended to redefine waterfront living in Dubai, combining design, connectivity and lifestyle experiences.

With construction momentum building, Dubai Peninsula is emerging as one of the city’s notable upcoming coastal developments, reflecting continued demand for premium waterfront real estate in the emirate.

A key focus at the show will be dust and spillage control at conveyor transfer points. (Image source: Martin Engineering)

Mining

Global bulk material handling specialist Martin Engineering has announced it will unveil a series of new conveyor accessories and flow technologies at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, taking place from 3–7 March at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Exhibiting at booth C30148 in the Central Hall, the company will present heavy-duty systems developed at its Center for Innovation, targeting safer and more efficient bulk handling operations across the aggregates and mining sectors.

Chris Schmelzer, Director of National Sales for the US and Canada, said the new portfolio has been tested in demanding real-world environments. He added that visitors will be able to explore solutions designed to support cleaner, safer and more productive material handling processes, from extraction through to final product.

Products on show

A key focus at the show will be dust and spillage control at conveyor transfer points, where emissions remain a persistent industry challenge.

Among the products on display is the Martin Skirtboard Liner, engineered to protect sealing systems by absorbing impact and abrasion inside transfer point skirtboards. The liner features a steel-reinforced urethane construction and a T-slot mounting interface that allows adjustment from outside the chute wall, reducing the need for confined space entry.

The company will also preview the Martin ApronSeal Urethane Skirting system, a dual-seal assembly combining a primary urethane seal with a self-adjusting secondary flap to contain fine material. Designed for belt speeds of up to 4.5 m/s, the system requires minimal maintenance and limited free belt space.

In addition, Martin’s modular A.I.R. Control Dust Curtains are designed to create controlled air recirculation zones within transfer enclosures, helping to reduce dust emissions compared with conventional rubber curtain systems. The curtains can be adjusted or replaced externally, cutting service times.

Flow improvement technologies will also feature prominently. The N2 Air Cannon Intelligence System monitors connected air cannons multiple times daily, detecting misfires, measuring blast efficiency and tracking pressure and temperature. A cloud-based dashboard enables predictive maintenance and reduces manual inspections.

An expanded line of electric vibrators will be introduced, aimed at improving material separation and preventing build-up in hoppers, silos and chutes. The new models offer increased power and efficiency while maintaining durability, backed by a three-year warranty.

The company will also present upgraded belt cleaning systems, including the Martin H1 Primary Belt Cleaner and P2 and R2 secondary cleaners, built with stainless steel components and tungsten carbide tips for use on abrasive materials and high-speed or reversing belts.

Automated identification and data capture specialist Brady Corporation lets users read and generate barcodes professionally with a smartphone at no extra cost.

The free BradyScan app provides excellent DPM scanning and backend integration options, QR-code security checks and image-to-text OCR technology.

BradyScan app is a versatile 3-in-1 mobile application designed to streamline scanning and printing tasks in light manufacturing, laboratories, and field services.

Modern industrial environments require speed and precision. BradyScan addresses this by consolidating the entire barcode workflow into a single interface.

Users can seamlessly scan over 46 types of barcodes, including Direct Part Marking (DPM), and instantly generate 33 different barcode types, such as GS1.

bradyscan tablet

The app’s technical capabilities extend beyond simple scanning. It features automated data entry via Image-to-Barcode and Speech-to-Barcode technology, allowing for hands-free productivity.

For data management, values can be sent directly to Google Sheets, eliminating manual export steps.

Built-in security checks proactively monitor for malicious QR codes, while error correction ensures damaged codes remain readable. The app integrates directly with nine Bluetooth-enabled Brady printers (including the M211, M611, and i5300), enabling immediate label production from the palm of your hand.

Find out more about the BradyScan app >>
Download the free BradyScan app today:

∙App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/bradyscan/id6748154442
∙Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bradycorp.bradyscan&hl=en

Brady Corporation in Middle East
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

AD Ports Group has reported continuation of all operations across its clusters without any disruption given current regional developments.

The Group has already taken precautionary measures with the activation of its crisis management and business continuity protocols, as it remains in constant coordination with the authorities concerned in the UAE to safeguard its workforce, partners and stakeholders.

All UAE ports and terminals managed and operated by the Group’s Ports Cluster, in addition to related services, remain fully operational.

While inaccessibility of the Strait of Hormuz will affect vessel calls at Khalifa Port, services at the port will go on uninterrupted.

Closure of the Strait of Hormuz will be compensated by increased volumes from the Group's diversified global maritime network, as it shifts trading routes.

Across the Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, the majority of its 122 shipping vessels, including container, bulk, Ro-Ro, and multipurpose vessels, are operating outside the Strait of Hormuz.

Those currently within the Strait continue to operate intra-Gulf services. Overall, the impact on the Maritime & Shipping Cluster is expected to be limited. The Group’s Economic Cities & Free Zones and Logistics Clusters are likewise expected to experience limited impact.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said, “AD Ports Group remains well positioned to support supply chain stability.”