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In The Spotlight

Mining

At The Mining Show 2025 held in Dubai from November 17-18, global leaders and industry innovators converged to chart the future of mining at a time of unprecedented energy transition and technological upheaval.

In a keynote that set the tone for the event, H.E. Saif Ghubash Almarri, representing the UAE, painted a compelling picture of a world in flux and positioned the nation at the forefront of strategic change.

Almarri articulated the sweeping transformations at play, noting, “Today, the world is undergoing a profound transformation. This has become the backbone of both energy transition and digital transit—without electricity, there is no mobility, no AI, and no resilient digital economy.” Drawing on International Energy Agency data, he projected that demand for key minerals will “increase up to 500% by 2050,” signifying not mere “small adjustments” but seismic shifts in supply chains and geopolitical relations.

To meet these challenges, Almarri highlighted the UAE’s robust, multi-pronged approach. Major initiatives such as the National 3D Geological Model and the Energy and Infrastructure National Digital Platform have been launched to strengthen supply chain resilience, expedite exploration, and boost efficiency.

He emphasised that the UAE is not just adapting, but actively shaping the industry’s evolution, citing expanded investments in aluminum, copper, nickel, and lithium, and a firm commitment to low-carbon extraction and digital traceability. “The future will belong to those who prepare with clarity, ambition and action. The UAE’s message is clear: we are prepared. We are confident,” Almarri asserted.

Safety, innovation, and environmental stewardship were then championed by Abdul Rahman Al Mansoori, who underscored the dual challenges of rapid growth and unique regional conditions. He pointed to initiatives seeking to “reduce the amount of glass, one explosive and above the road,” making transport safer and harmonising skills and standards across the sector. Al Mansoori noted, “We see great opportunity in AI and automation. These tools can help prevent accidents and grow safety and increase productivity.”

From Saudi Arabia, Hassan M.H. Almarzouki detailed extraordinary growth in the Kingdom’s mining sector, with exploration spending soaring from $5 million in 2020 to US$280mn in 2024. He credited a strategic overhaul and new mining laws for this acceleration, and called on the global industry: “We are building a world class, sustainable mining industry that is open for business and drives partnership opportunity.”

As international stakeholders look toward a future defined by resilience, digitisation, and sustainability, The Mining Show 2025 illuminated both the scale of change and the spirit of collaboration needed to harness it.

 

Construction

Bobcat has expanded its electric materials handling line up with the launch of the B16 to B20 NT series, the company’s first three wheel forklifts designed exclusively around modern lithium ion technology.

The new B16NT, B18NT and B20NT models are aimed at light to medium duty operations and combine compact design with zero emission performance. Bobcat says the series represents a future proof investment for manufacturing and logistics users seeking safer, cleaner and more efficient in plant transport.

The forklifts deliver load capacities between 1.6 and 2 tonnes at a 500 millimetre load centre and feature a 4.5 kilowatt dual drive motor alongside a 12 kilowatt hydraulic motor. Their small turning radius gives operators the ability to work confidently in narrow aisles without compromising on stability.

Bobcat states that the models’ manoeuvrability is matched by a significant emphasis on operator protection and comfort. The low access step, generous legroom and modern driver interface are designed to reduce fatigue and enhance visibility, while the intuitive colour display provides at a glance diagnostics to help avoid unexpected failures. The standard electric parking brake with ramp stop forms a central part of the safety package, ensuring secure stopping even on gradients.

Coinciding with the forklift launch, Bobcat has introduced its own lithium ion batteries for both the NT series and its existing electric range. Available in 400 and 600 amp hour capacities, the new batteries use lithium iron phosphate chemistry which is regarded for its high safety levels and thermal stability.

More features

An integrated thermal management system enables operation in temperatures as low as minus 18 degrees Celsius, safeguarding performance in demanding environments. The batteries also connect directly into the machine’s CAN bus, removing the need for a separate display and allowing real time monitoring through Bobcat’s Machine IQ telematics. This visibility supports preventative maintenance, safer charging routines and a longer operational lifespan.

The company has also developed a dedicated charging infrastructure for the new energy packs. The fast chargers are built for efficiency and reliability, with a typical full charge taking around two hours depending on the model. Smart charging electronics continuously adapt output to the battery’s condition in order to prevent overheating and extend service life.

Their robust construction and flexible connectivity options make them suitable for both centralised charging rooms and distributed charging points across large sites.

According to Bobcat, the introduction of the NT series, the new batteries and the associated charging solutions demonstrates its commitment to safer and more sustainable intralogistics. The firm expects the lithium ion technology to deliver longer battery life, reduced maintenance requirements and greater operational control for users seeking an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional power sources.

 

Technology

As nations across the globe search for reliable, efficient and cost-effective ways to meet the needs of growing populations, interest in the development of smart cities continues to grow.

Nations like the UAE are pioneering the use of smart technologies and artificial intelligence to address energy concerns, optimise transit and improve public safety, leveraging real-time data from smart sensors and cameras to make informed decisions about city management.

Existing smart cities like Dubai demonstrate the potential for intelligent technologies to help streamline traffic investigations, cut energy waste and reduce crime, laying a foundation for emerging projects like Neom to develop innovative and forward-thinking safety infrastructure.

While many aspects of smart cities differ by project, all developments share a single central component. Video security systems provide the insights required to achieve smart city goals, meaning as projects become more ambitious, the features of video security systems evolve.

The role of video security in smart cities

Most major cities use video security systems to help deter crime, inform investigations and improve public safety, but the role of video security in smart cities is typically more involved as cameras become yet another sensor to leverage.

Traditional video security systems support passive workflows that rely on human operators continuously observing feeds and reviewing information to plan effective incident responses.

In smart cities, advanced technologies like data analytics and AI are used to enhance video security operations, helping operators to proactively address events with less mental strain.

The addition of smart technologies that can autonomously review video data, identify people and objects and inform real-time responses enables smart video security systems to support more advanced operations, ranging from traffic and waste management to law enforcement.

Examples of roles enhanced by video security systems in smart cities include:

  • Traffic management: Solutions like Dubai’s Intelligent Traffic System use AI-driven cameras to automatically detect, record and warn law enforcement of road accidents. 
  • Waste management: AI cameras fixed to waste collection vehicles scan waste bins and roads to detect missed refuse and collect data used to improve collection routes.
  • Disaster response: AI-informed sensors and cameras analyse real-time data to help detect and prevent disasters, one example being Dubai’s smart fire detection system.
  • Law enforcement: Solutions like Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Eye system leverage insights from thousands of smart cameras to inform police of unfolding incidents in real-time.

The impact of smart city security technologies 

Smart cities demonstrate the potential for intelligent technologies to transform the way safety and security incidents are addressed in modern society; data published by McKinsey reveals existing solutions can improve some quality-of-life indicators for citizens by as much as 30%.

In the same report, researchers suggest cities that leverage smart technologies could reduce fatalities by up to 10% and violent crimes by as much as 40%, with wider reports from Dubai revealing AI-informed security systems have already helped to reduce serious crime by 25%.

The growth of smart cities has seen video security transition away from resource-intensive, passive monitoring operations towards more proactive workflows, with leaders prioritising systems that help operators not only respond to incidents in real-time, but also anticipate potential threats.

As smart city developments become more ambitious, this theme is being expanded, with the advent of advanced GenAI-powered solutions driving new evolutions in smart video security.

The future of video security in the smart city era

To further enhance the capabilities of smart city video security solutions, new technologies are leveraging cutting-edge AI to streamline complex workflows and address unique threats.

The smart analytics solution Avigilon Unity Visual Alerts, for example, helps users overcome the limitations of existing tools that can often only detect simple objects like people and cars.

Through tools like Focus of Attention, powerful AI-based search and customisable AI-based Visual Alerts, users can set rules to alert for custom threats using natural language, enabling operators to receive real-time notifications for potential security events and then quickly find related video of specific events without manually combing through footage.

In a smart city context, these advanced AI analytic capabilities can alert operators to unusual activity, such as signs of a crowd forming, safety risks such as flooding or fire, or traffic at specific times and locations.

Solutions like Visual Alerts represent the natural evolution of smart video security as a tool to help prevent security, safety and environmental threats as well as respond more quickly to them. Informed by data-rich, specific security alerts sent to handheld devices, responders across the city can make fast, well-informed decisions.

The Middle East is a global leader in smart city infrastructure, with existing smart cities like Dubai and emerging projects like Neom paving the way for the future of urban development.

Of all the technologies that power smart cities, video security systems stand among the most important, providing required insight into most major aspects of day-to-day city management.

As smart cities become more advanced, video security technologies evolve, with emerging AI-powered solutions helping officials take a more proactive approach to creating safer cities.

About the author

Steven Mueller, senior product manager for Avigilon Unity at Motorola Solutions, has over a decade of experience in product within the video security sector. He is deeply knowledgeable about how AI and other emerging technologies can be leveraged to address security challenges, and is committed to creating solutions that facilitate response to increase safety.

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Energy

The fossil fueld sector is responsible for approximately one third of total global methane emissions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Energy

The fossil-fuel sector offers the largest and most cost-effective opportunity for rapid methane abatement, according to the newly released Global Methane Status Report, launched on the sidelines of COP30 in Belém

Produced by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the Global Methane Status Report assesses progress and remaining gaps in efforts to cut methane - a potent greenhouse gas responsible for nearly a third of current warming.

The report shows that although methane emissions are still rising, projected 2030 emissions under current legislation are already lower than earlier forecasts due to a mix of national policies, sectoral regulations, and market shifts. However, the report warns that only full-scale implementation of proven and available control measures will close the gap to the Global Methane Pledge’s target of a 30% cut from 2020 levels by 2030.

Urging decisive methane action to deliver the Global Methane Pledge, ministers attending the Global Methane Pledge Ministerial stressed that the policies, technologies, and partnerships needed to meet the target are available, but require rapid scale-up across the energy, agriculture, and waste sectors. Ministers also called for increased transparency from countries on ambition and action to track progress.

Julie Dabrusin, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Co-Convener of the Global Methane Pledge, said, “This report is a crucial assessment of our progress and a key indicator of the work that’s required to meet the Global Methane Pledge goal. In just four years, we have made improvements, but we must continue to drive faster, deeper methane cuts. Every tonne reduced brings us closer to cleaner air, more resilient communities, and a thriving global economy. It is important for all countries that have agreed to the Global Methane Pledge to continue to work closely together to drive momentum on methane mitigation, turning ambition into tangible benefits for the planet.”

The fossil-fuel sector is the second largest source of anthropogenic methane emissions, responsible for approximately one third of the global total. Under current legislation, emissions from the sector are expected to rise by 8% in 2050 compared to 2020. This sector presents the single greatest potential for rapid, cost-effective methane abatement, according to the report. These reductions could be achieved through readily available technologies and practices, often at low cost.

Since the launch of the GMP, methane abatement policies in the oil and gas sector have become more innovative and widespread, while voluntary initiatives such as the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 now cover up to 45% of global oil and gas production.

The rate of policy development and country participation, however, still fall short of what is needed to achieve the 2030 targets. Implementation and enforcement must also be strengthened.

The recent adoption of novel approaches, such as the European Union import standard, offers the potential to use the market to mitigate methane in oil and gas sector more rapidly at the global scale.

Bridging the methane policy gap in the fossil fuel sector calls for strong implementation of existing policies, continuous capacity building, increased ambition from additional producing countries, ramped up technical support and innovative financial mechanisms to facilitate mitigation in developing countries.

Key measures recommended include:


• enhancing monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) systems across all fossil fuel operations
• expanding the use of direct measurement protocols and corroborated satellite data which could improve the accuracy and transparency of inventories
• expanding leak detection and repair (LDAR) programmes in oil and gas, which not only help reduce leaks but also enhance data quality for inventories and enhance workplace safety and asset integrity;
• ensuring proper sealing techniques during well closure, given methane emissions from abandoned wells can continue for decades after activities cease;
• strengthening enforcement mechanisms with the establishment of clear accountability structures, penalties for non-compliance and independent oversight;
• facilitating access to finance and capacity building;
• harnessing import standards as market leverage, creating a clear incentive for producing countries to adopt stronger mitigation practices; and
• leveraging international and bilateral frameworks for capacity and alignment.

Water

ServeU drives water innovation with PureBlue Water

Water

In a strategic move advancing the UAE’s sustainability agenda, ServeU LLC, the facilities management subsidiary of Union Properties PJSC, has entered a partnership with PureBlue Water, a Dutch specialist in decentralised wastewater treatment technologies

The collaboration aims to deploy advanced distributed water treatment systems across residential, commercial, industrial, and leisure developments throughout the UAE.

ServeU brings its extensive regional presence and integrated facilities management capabilities, while PureBlue Water contributes its compact, high-efficiency treatment modules designed to operate at source rather than rely on large centralised sewer networks. These systems bypass extensive pressurised pipelines and traditional large-plant infrastructure, offering faster deployment, reduced construction and maintenance costs, and enhanced operational efficiency. The treated effluent is suitable for reuse on-site, such as for irrigation of golf courses, rooftop gardens, and shaded community spaces, thereby conserving freshwater resources and promoting greener landscapes.

Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UAE’s climate action objectives, this initiative underscores a shift toward circular economy water management and sustainable infrastructure delivery. ServeU’s commitment to embedding sustainable solutions across its operations is reinforced through this venture, as the company accelerates its transformation into a provider of smart, environmentally conscious built environment services.

Together, ServeU and PureBlue Water are delivering a model for the future, where modern infrastructure supports efficient water reuse, cost-effective operation, and the creation of sustainable ecosystems across the UAE’s built environment sectors.

Construction

Dingbo Power has confirmed a new order from Haiti for a 600kW heavy-duty silent diesel generator set, now in production. (Image source: Dingbo Power)

Construction

Dingbo Power has recently secured an order from a Haitian client for a 600kW heavy-duty silent diesel generator set. Production began on 25 October, with a delivery period of 20 days

Manufacturing is progressing as scheduled, and the generator will be completed and shipped in full alignment with the client’s requirements.

The generator set, manufactured by Guangxi Dingbo Generator Set Manufacturing Co., Ltd., is the DB-600GF model, designed as a silent-type unit. It delivers a prime output of 600kW/750kVA and a standby output of 660kW/825kVA, operating at 440V with a rated current of 984A. Running at 1800 rpm and 60Hz, it features a 0.8 lag power factor and a three-phase, four-wire configuration. The system is powered by a Cummins KT38-G diesel engine and paired with a Shanghai Stamford GR355G1 alternator. Control and monitoring are managed through the SmartGen HGM6110N-4G-G controller, which includes integrated 4G cloud remote monitoring capabilities.

The client emphasised the need for a heavy-duty silent generator, a requirement Dingbo Power is addressing with a reinforced 6mm-thick steel base frame to increase durability and stability. The generator will be housed inside a specially designed silent canopy made from 2mm-thick galvanised steel sheets. This enclosure provides strong corrosion resistance and keeps operational noise at just 80 dB(A) at a 7-metre distance, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.

At the heart of the system is the Cummins KT38-G diesel engine, known for its reliability and efficiency under demanding conditions. It is a 12-cylinder, V-type, 4-stroke water-cooled engine with turbocharging and a 38-litre displacement. It delivers 679kW of prime power and 747kW of standby power at 60Hz and 1800 rpm. The engine features an electronic governor, a 15.5:1 compression ratio, and a 159mm × 159mm bore and stroke. Fuel consumption ranges from 43 kg/h at 25% load to 131 kg/h at 100% prime load, and 147 kg/h at 100% standby load. Additional technical specifications include a 24V electric start system, Cummins PT fuel injection, a coolant capacity of 112L, and an oil system capacity of up to 135.1L.

Dingbo Power expressed gratitude to the Haitian client for their trust and highlighted that this customised heavy-duty silent generator reflects the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, durable power solutions. The production team is fully dedicated to the project and confident that the final unit will provide reliable performance and long-term operational value.

Mining

The successful bidders include four consortia

Mining

Saudi Arabia has awarded exploration licences for 25 sites in the Nabitah–Ad Duwayhi belt, located in the Makkah region, to nine local and international companies and consortia. The winners have committed more than SAR156mn (US$42mn) in exploration spending, according to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.

The successful bidders include four consortia: Ma’aden–Hancock Prospecting, Ajlan and Bros Mining–Shandong Gold Group, Technology Experts–Andiamo Exploration, and McEwen–Sumo Holding. In addition, five standalone companies secured licences: Al-Eitilaf Al Mumayaz for Mining Company, Saudi Gold Refinery, Batin Al-Ard for Gold, Aurum Global Group, and Almasar Minerals.

The ministry confirmed that competition for the final site, ND26, was suspended after exploration spending bids exceeded technical evaluations and reached levels deemed commercially unfeasible. The site will be re-evaluated according to the approved timeline under the Mining Investment Law.

Further bidding rounds are planned, with competition for an additional 10 sites in the same belt resuming from 16–18 September. Results will be announced after all regulatory procedures are complete. Another 162 mining sites in the Al-Naqrah and Al-Sukhaybirah Safra belts in the Madinah region will be offered from 28 September. These form part of the ministry’s target to make over 50,000 sq km of mineral-rich belts available by 2025.

Saudi Arabia’s mineral resources are estimated at more than SAR9.4tn, underscoring the sector’s role as a cornerstone of Vision 2030. The Al-Baha region alone is valued at nearly SAR285.4bn (US$76bn) and is rich in resources including gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, feldspar, marble, and pozzolan. The region also contains mineralised belts for gold, copper, and zinc, as well as 19 mining complexes dedicated to building materials.

The Kingdom views mining as a key driver of economic diversification and aims to position the sector as the “third pillar” of its economy alongside oil and petrochemicals. By accelerating exploration and development of its mineral wealth, Saudi Arabia is seeking to enhance its global competitiveness in mining and attract further international investment.

 

Manufacturing

EMSTEEL launches private 5G network. (Image source: EMSTEEL)

Manufacturing

EMSTEEL Group has successfully piloted a private 5G network, in collaboration with e& UAE, the flagship telecom arm of global technology group e&.

The initiative represents a major milestone in EMSTEEL’s Industry 4.0 journey and supports the UAE’s national strategy for industry, Operation 300bn, by enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability across its production facilities.

The private 5G network delivers high-speed, reliable coverage throughout EMSTEEL’s extensive and complex industrial environments, overcoming the limitations of traditional connectivity solutions. With data securely managed on EMSTEEL’s on-premise infrastructure, the network enables the integration of advanced technology projects, including the Asset Insight platform.

The Asset Insight application was the first to be demonstrated on the network. Using industry-grade tablets, workers can scan QR codes on equipment to access real-time documentation, maintenance history, and sensor data. The app also allows staff to generate maintenance requests instantly, helping to minimise downtime and repair costs while improving efficiency and safety.

Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, group CEO of EMSTEEL, said, “Our partnership with e& UAE to launch the World’s first private 5G network in manufacturing represents a landmark achievement in EMSTEEL’s digital transformation journey. It is more than a technological upgrade; it is a fundamental shift in how we operate, innovate, and ensure the safety of our people and assets. The Asset Insight platform is a powerful example of how we are translating Industry 4.0 principles into tangible operational benefits. This pilot launch reinforces our commitment to pioneering sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices, setting a new benchmark for the industrial sector both regionally and globally.”

“This transformative private 5G deployment with EMSTEEL exemplifies our vision of enabling the industries of tomorrow through cutting-edge connectivity. By delivering enterprise-grade network infrastructure tailored for demanding manufacturing environments, we are unlocking possibilities for smart factories, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven operations. At e&, we are committed to partnering with industry leaders like EMSTEEL to co-create solutions that don’t just connect devices, but fundamentally reimagine how industries operate and contribute to a more sustainable future,” added Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE. 

The successful pilot underscores EMSTEEL’s commitment to investing in advanced technologies that enhance operational performance while strengthening its position as a global leader in low-carbon steel production and sustainable building materials. This technology strategy extends beyond manufacturing, with potential applications in commercial operations, customer experience, health and safety, sustainability, data utility, research and development, and more.

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Logistics

Hitachi Rail will deliver an advanced suite of systems. (Image source: Hitachi Rail)

Logistics

Hitachi Rail has secured a major contract from the Hassan Allam Construction and Arab Contractors joint venture to modernise and upgrade the historic Alexandria Raml Tram, transforming it into a modern, efficient and digitally connected transport system.

Under the agreement, Hitachi Rail will deliver an advanced suite of systems designed to enhance safety, reliability and operational performance. These include state-of-the-art signalling and communications technologies (both fixed and wireless), an Operational Control Centre, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, security solutions with CCTV and access control, as well as passenger information and on-board equipment.

This comprehensive modernisation aims to bring Alexandria’s tram system in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development by significantly improving efficiency, reducing emissions and enhancing passenger comfort.

The Alexandria El Raml Tram, the oldest in both the Middle East and Africa, first began operations in 1863 and was last upgraded in the 1960s. Despite its age, it remains one of the few tramways in the world that still operates double-deck trams in regular service.

The current rehabilitation project will include the reconstruction of 24 stations and 13.2 km of tram track. Once completed, the upgraded line is expected to reduce travel time from 60 to 35 minutes, double the operating speed from 11 km/h to 21 km/h, and decrease headway from nine minutes to just three. Passenger capacity will also triple from 4,700 to 13,800 passengers per hour per direction, easing congestion and contributing to a greener, more efficient public transport network across Alexandria.

The Alexandria El Raml Tram Rehabilitation marks a significant milestone for Hitachi Rail, further solidifying its position in the region’s growing metro and railway markets. The project follows a contract signed earlier this year between Hassan Allam Construction, Arab Contractors JV, and the National Authority for Tunnels for the tram’s rehabilitation.

Investing in digital innovation

Hitachi Rail continues to deepen its presence in Egypt through strategic localisation and technological investment. The company has developed local teams across engineering, finance, legal, and other disciplines to deliver projects and support customers effectively. Its Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) systems now include local Integration, Verification, Validation, and Qualification (IVVQ) activities, while its Automated Fare Collection (AFC) initiatives are creating high-tech jobs and promoting workforce diversity. These efforts align with Egypt’s national development strategy and strengthen the country’s role as a regional hub for rail innovation.

Through its digital solutions, Hitachi Rail is focused on improving the passenger journey by integrating public information systems and AFC platforms that facilitate seamless travel across metro, LRT, and monorail networks. In Alexandria, the Abu Qir Metro will feature Hitachi’s TRANSCITY AFC technology, enabling multiple payment options such as QR codes, contactless cards, EMV bank cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Joaquim Santos, Signalling and Rail Solutions (SRS) OPPS – ICS, said, “Hitachi Rail has a long-standing presence in Egypt, built on trust, collaboration and shared ambition. Our commitment goes beyond delivering advanced technologies—we are deeply invested in developing local capabilities, supporting innovation, and contributing to the country’s sustainable mobility goals.”

Carlo Piacenza, Signalling and Rail Solutions (SRS) MEA Regional Director, said, “We are proud to announce that we have been awarded a contract by Hassan Allam joint venture and The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.) to modernise and upgrade the oldest electric tram system in Africa, transforming it into a reliable, efficient, and digitally enhanced transportation system. This contract marks an important milestone, showing the capacity of Hitachi Rail technologies in the rehabilitation and modernisation of tramway systems.”

 



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