In The Spotlight
Oman’s first underground copper mine gains support
Dhofar Islamic has signed an agreement to support the development of Oman’s first underground copper mining project, reinforcing the Sultanate’s ambitions to expand its mining industry and strengthen economic diversification efforts under Oman Vision 2040.
The agreement will support the Al Ghuzayn copper project being developed by Mawarid Mining, the mining investment arm of Mohammed Al Barwani LLC. The initiative is regarded as an important milestone for Oman’s minerals sector as the country seeks to increase local value creation and establish a stronger presence within global copper supply chains.
Representatives from Dhofar Islamic, Mawarid Mining and Ahli Islamic attended the signing ceremony, alongside senior executives from the MB Group.
Copper demand has risen significantly in recent years due to its importance in renewable energy technologies, power infrastructure, electric vehicles and industrial manufacturing. The Al Ghuzayn development is expected to contribute to Oman’s long-term industrial growth while supporting the transition towards more sustainable industries globally.
Amor Al Amri said the project represented a major addition to Oman’s mining landscape.
“As Oman’s only underground copper mining development, Al Ghuzayn reflects both the forward-looking vision of MB Group and the structuring capabilities of Dhofar Islamic,” he said. “This project represents a significant addition to the Sultanate’s mining sector and aligns closely with Oman Vision 2040, supporting economic diversification and sustainable growth.”
Beyond increasing copper production, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities for Omani nationals across technical and operational fields, while also supporting local suppliers, skills development and community initiatives.
Mawarid Mining views the project as a strategic investment that will strengthen Oman’s role in supplying minerals required for global industrial and energy transition projects. The company said the development would contribute to expanding downstream mining activities and enhancing the country’s industrial capabilities.
The Al Ghuzayn project also reflects wider regional efforts to diversify Gulf economies beyond hydrocarbons by investing in critical minerals and industrial infrastructure. As countries accelerate renewable energy adoption and electrification programmes, copper has become one of the most sought-after resources worldwide due to its use in power transmission, battery systems and advanced manufacturing.
With construction and development progressing, the project is expected to play a key role in supporting Oman’s mining ambitions while contributing to broader economic growth and industrial resilience.
UAEREP webinar explores future of rain enhancement
The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) hosted the 16th edition of its Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar Series, bringing together leading international scientists to discuss the future of weather modification technologies and operational cloud seeding strategies.
Held under the theme “From Scientific Evidence to Operational Readiness: Key Lessons from the WMA Annual Meeting for the Future of Rain Enhancement,” the webinar examined how recent scientific findings can be translated into practical rain enhancement operations.
The session featured several UAEREP-supported researchers, including Michael Dixon, Roelof Burger, Will Cantrell and Daniel Rosenfeld.
Moderated by Mohamed Mahmoud, the webinar reviewed insights from the 2026 Weather Modification Association annual meeting held in Reno, Nevada.
Speakers highlighted the growing use of advanced technologies in cloud seeding evaluation, including dual-polarisation radar systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning and causal analysis tools. Discussions also explored developments in cloud microphysics, aerosol-cloud interactions and methods for determining cloud seedability using laboratory research, modelling and satellite observations.
The webinar additionally focused on the operational application of seeding materials and how UAEREP-funded studies are helping improve cloud seeding strategies under UAE weather conditions. Experts noted that upgraded software platforms and integrated data systems are becoming increasingly important in strengthening operational decision-making and programme evaluation.
Abdulla Al Mandous, who also serves as Director General of the National Center of Meteorology, said international collaboration remains essential to advancing weather modification science.
“At NCM, we remain committed to strengthening international scientific cooperation and active engagement across global platforms that advance weather modification research,” he said. “As water security continues to be a strategic priority for the UAE, we are focused on supporting the development and application of innovative, evidence-based technologies that enhance resilience and contribute to sustainable water resources.”
Alya Al Mazroui said the webinar demonstrated the programme’s role in connecting research outcomes with practical implementation.
“By bridging the gap between research outcomes and operational implementation, and fostering knowledge exchange among leading experts, the programme continues to promote multidisciplinary approaches and reinforce partnerships that support sustainable water resource management,” she said.
UAEREP also participated in the Weather Modification Association Annual Meeting 2026 as a sponsor, with its awardees presenting scientific research across multiple technical sessions. The webinar series continues to provide a global platform for researchers and policymakers to explore emerging solutions addressing water scarcity and climate-related challenges.
Sungrow to power UAE’s gigascale renewable project
Sungrow has signed an agreement with Masdar to supply energy storage and photovoltaic inverter technology for the UAE’s large-scale round-the-clock renewable energy project.
The initiative, being developed by Masdar in partnership with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), combines 5.2GW of solar PV generation with a 19GWh battery energy storage system, creating what is described as the world’s first gigascale renewable baseload energy project.
Under the agreement, Sungrow will provide 7.5GWh of its PowerTitan 3.0 energy storage systems and 2.6GW of PV inverter solutions to support the project’s performance, efficiency and reliability.
The development is intended to meet rising demand for uninterrupted clean electricity across sectors including industry, residential communities, commercial operations and digital infrastructure.
Expected to begin operations in 2027, the project is designed to strengthen grid resilience while demonstrating how solar and battery storage can work together to deliver continuous renewable power at utility scale.
The scheme will utilise more than 1,000 PowerTitan 3.0 liquid-cooled battery systems integrated with advanced inverter technology to maintain stable power delivery. Each unit is engineered to operate on an eight-hour charging and 16-hour discharging cycle, supporting around-the-clock renewable energy supply.
The storage systems incorporate liquid-cooled Silicon Carbide Power Conversion System technology, achieving efficiency levels of up to 99.3% and a round-trip efficiency of 90%. The systems are also designed to operate in harsh climates, including temperatures reaching 55°C without performance reduction, making them suitable for the UAE’s environmental conditions.
The project aims to address one of the renewable energy sector’s biggest challenges (intermittency) by combining large-scale solar generation with advanced battery storage. Once completed, it is expected to provide competitively priced renewable baseload electricity and serve as a model for similar projects globally.
IRENA council focuses on energy security and AI
More than 300 government representatives gathered in Abu Dhabi and online for the 31st Council meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), where discussions centred on energy security, renewable energy deployment and the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digitalisation on the global energy transition.
Held over two days in a hybrid format, the meeting reviewed progress on the agency’s ongoing programmes and explored priorities for the next stage of renewable energy development worldwide. Delegates also examined how electrification and emerging technologies could help accelerate the transition to cleaner energy systems.
Francesco La Camera said the global energy landscape was undergoing rapid change, affecting economies and communities across the world.
“Changes in today’s global energy landscape are affecting not only the energy sector, but entire economies, particularly in the world’s most vulnerable communities,” he said. “This Council convenes at a critical moment as IRENA’s Membership discusses priorities for the next phase of the transition, from energy security and resilience to electrification of end-use sectors and the growth of digital economies.”
The meeting also highlighted the increasing connection between renewable energy, economic stability and food security.
Serving as chair of the 31st IRENA Council, Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak stressed the importance of strengthening renewable energy systems amid global uncertainty.
“The current global landscape clearly demonstrates that energy security, economic stability, and food security are inextricably linked,” she said. “Now, more than ever, the world must double down on renewables.”
She added that IRENA’s role remained critical in helping countries navigate the changing energy environment while supporting long-term sustainability and resilience goals.
Delegates also reviewed the implementation of IRENA’s 2026-2027 work programme and budget, while beginning discussions on the agency’s medium-term strategy for 2028-2032.
The council meeting comes as governments worldwide continue increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure, low-carbon technologies and grid modernisation to strengthen energy resilience and reduce emissions.
Abanos advances low-carbon fit-out projects in UAE
UAE-based interior fit-out and joinery specialist Abanos has revealed that its use of PSB (Palm Strand Board) across three major projects has resulted in the sequestration of more than one million kg of biogenic carbon and over four million kg of CO2 equivalent (CO2e).
The company said the achievement highlights how material selection within the construction and fit-out sector can play a significant role in reducing embodied carbon emissions and supporting long-term sustainability goals.
Abanos integrated PSB into several large-scale developments delivered for Transemirates Contracting at District One-FZ, using the material across a range of interior applications. The company explained that the carbon remains stored within the built environment rather than being released into the atmosphere through conventional construction processes.
PSB is currently being used in products including fire-rated doors, partitions, flooring systems, vanities, railings and door frames, demonstrating its suitability for commercial-scale applications.
Ravish Kishore, general manager at Abanos, said the industry is increasingly being driven by measurable environmental performance rather than sustainability pledges alone.
“The sector has reached a stage where environmental responsibility can no longer come at the expense of quality or performance,” he said. “By incorporating PSB into these projects, we have demonstrated that it is possible to embed sustainability directly into the material itself while delivering at scale.”
Kishore added that the company’s recent projects alone had enabled the storage of more than four million kg of CO2e within the structures.
“This is not a carbon offset initiative,” he said. “The carbon remains locked within the built environment, contributing to Scope 3 decarbonisation efforts and supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions.”
The projects highlighted by the company include The Edge and The Peninsula developments for Select Group, as well as Kempinski La Reserve for Swiss Properties.
Collectively, the developments accounted for more than 1.1 million kg of biogenic carbon stored within PSB products and over four million kg of CO2e captured through interior fit-out works.
Abanos noted that sustainable materials are becoming increasingly important as the UAE construction industry responds to evolving environmental regulations and green building targets.
Kishore said, “As the UAE accelerates its sustainability agenda, manufacturers and fit-out specialists have a responsibility to rethink how materials are sourced, produced and integrated into projects. Carbon-sequestering materials are quickly becoming an operational necessity rather than a future aspiration.”
Established in 1985, Abanos has expanded from a Sharjah-based manufacturer into a regional fit-out specialist with more than 1,100 employees and over 1,000 completed projects across the Middle East and North Africa.
The company currently operates a 23,775 sq m manufacturing and joinery facility and continues to deliver projects across the residential, hospitality, retail, healthcare and commercial sectors.
Elsewedy acquires turbine services firm Thomassen
Elsewedy Electric has strengthened its position in the energy services sector through the acquisition of a 60% stake in Dutch turbine maintenance specialist Thomassen Service.
The deal covers Thomassen Service’s operations in the Middle East and Africa, its filter manufacturing division, and its Africa-based subsidiary. The agreement was signed by senior executives from both companies, including Elsewedy Electric CEO and Managing Director Ahmed Elsewedy and Thomassen Service CEO Peter Hertog.
The acquisition forms part of Elsewedy Electric’s wider expansion strategy as demand for dependable energy infrastructure and maintenance services continues to rise across the Gulf and other high-growth markets.
By integrating Thomassen Service’s expertise in gas turbine maintenance and repair, Elsewedy Electric aims to broaden its technical capabilities and strengthen its end-to-end offering across the energy value chain.
Ahmed Elsewedy said, “This acquisition represents an important step in enhancing our technical expertise and expanding the integrated solutions we provide to customers across the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Combining Thomassen Service’s specialist capabilities with our engineering and project delivery strengths will enable us to better support the evolving requirements of the energy sector.”
He added that the move also supports the company’s international growth plans by expanding its ability to provide services covering the full lifecycle of energy projects, from construction through to long-term operation and maintenance.
The transaction comes as countries across the region continue to invest heavily in power generation and industrial infrastructure aligned with long-term economic diversification programmes, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Elsewedy Electric is also developing two advanced gas turbine component repair facilities in the UAE, which are expected to improve local servicing capabilities and reduce dependence on overseas repair centres. The company said the investment would help shorten turnaround times while improving operational efficiency and equipment reliability for customers.
Peter Hertog described the partnership as a significant opportunity for Thomassen Service to expand into new markets and accelerate growth.
“Joining Elsewedy Electric creates strong opportunities to scale our operations and broaden our international reach,” he said. “We are pleased to partner with an organisation that shares our focus on innovation, quality and customer service.”
He added that Thomassen Service’s experience in turbine maintenance, combined with its agile technical teams and international expertise, would complement Elsewedy Electric’s expanding portfolio across the energy, oil and gas industries.
The acquisition is also expected to support further investment in technology, workforce development and infrastructure, enabling both companies to strengthen their presence in the global energy services market.
Advanced materials drive sustainable innovation
According to IDTechEx analyst Lily-Rose Schuett, advances in coatings, graphene and critical material recovery are reshaping the global materials landscape, with growing demand for sustainable, high-performance solutions across sectors ranging from aerospace and EV batteries to energy and data centres.
In her analysis, “The Top of the Material Chain – Advanced Coatings to Critical Minerals”, Schuett highlights how advanced coatings are increasingly being adopted to improve durability, efficiency and safety. Citing IDTechEx research, she notes that the coatings market is currently valued at around US$202bn, with Germany, China and the US leading exports. Demand is being fuelled by industries seeking lightweight materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, particularly in aerospace and energy applications.
Schuett explains that advanced coatings are also being developed with sustainability in mind, as environmental regulations and consumer expectations push manufacturers towards PFAS-free and heavy metal-free alternatives. Applications highlighted in the research include improving fire safety in EV batteries, aerospace systems and data centres, while also reducing maintenance requirements in sectors such as wind energy, oil and gas, and construction.
The report further identifies manufacturing efficiency, coating performance and sustainability as the three main priorities shaping coating development. Desired properties include long shelf life, low viscosity, short curing times and lightweight composition, although balancing performance with sustainability remains application dependent.
Schuett also explores developments in graphene and other advanced materials. Graphene, a 2D nanocarbon material, is valued for its exceptional strength, thermal conductivity, electrical properties and gas impermeability. It is increasingly being used in thermal management systems, conductive inks, sensors, membranes, concrete and asphalt applications.
However, she notes that maintaining graphene quality remains a challenge, as pristine graphene sheets must be carefully transferred from their growth substrate to the final application without damage. Future developments may include genuine monolayer and bilayer graphene additives, as well as more sustainable production methods using green or waste-derived feedstocks such as methane, coke and end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.
According to Schuett, competition from materials such as carbon black and carbon nanotubes remains strong, yet the graphene sector continues to expand. IDTechEx forecasts the graphene market will surpass US$1bn by 2032, with continued growth expected over the following decade.
The analysis also examines the growing importance of critical material recovery as geopolitical tensions and supply chain risks increase pressure on global access to strategic materials. Critical materials, which include metals, elements and composites essential to key industries, are becoming increasingly important as countries seek greater supply security.
Schuett outlines several extraction and recovery methods covered in IDTechEx research, including hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, electro-leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, biosorption and electro-winning. Established secondary sources for material recovery include platinum group metals from automotive emission control systems, while emerging opportunities are centred on lithium-ion batteries and rare-earth magnets from EVs.
The report also evaluates extraction technologies based on factors such as scalability, energy consumption, waste-source versatility and circularity, reflecting the increasing emphasis on sustainability within the critical materials sector.