In The Spotlight
ASMO starts work on major SPARK logistics hub
ASMO, the joint venture formed by Aramco and DHL, has begun construction of its first dedicated logistics hub at King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), marking a major step in expanding logistics infrastructure for Saudi Arabia’s energy and industrial sectors.
The large-scale project, spanning 1.4 million sq m, is being developed in partnership with global investment firm Arcapita Group Holdings following the signing of a long-term strategic agreement earlier this year.
The facility will include a temperature-controlled Grade A warehouse, chemical storage units, administrative offices, staff facilities and a large industrial storage yard. The development is also being designed with advanced automation and smart warehousing systems aimed at improving operational efficiency and supporting future expansion.
Developers said the project will incorporate high technical and safety standards, alongside sustainability-focused features including photovoltaic readiness, EV charging infrastructure and advanced fire protection systems. The site is also targeting LEED Gold certification.
The hub is expected to support the increasingly complex logistics demands of Saudi Arabia’s growing industrial and energy sectors, while strengthening domestic supply chain capabilities as the Kingdom continues to invest heavily in industrial diversification under Vision 2030.
Salem A. Al Huraish, chairman of ASMO, said the project forms part of a broader national logistics strategy.
“This facility represents an important step in building ASMO’s long-term logistics network in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“As the first of three planned strategic sites across the Kingdom, it will strengthen in-Kingdom supply chain capabilities and support reliable, efficient logistics operations for the energy and industrial sectors.”
He added that the development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a regional logistics and trade hub.
Once completed, the facility will support Saudi Aramco, its affiliates and a wider customer base operating across the industrial and energy sectors.
Sulaiman M. Al Rubaian, Aramco senior vice president of procurement and supply chain management, said high-quality logistics assets are becoming increasingly important for operational resilience.
“This facility marks an important step forward in advancing more integrated and resilient supply chain operations,” he said.
The project is also intended to respond to wider changes in global trade and supply chain structures, with companies increasingly prioritising regionalised and diversified logistics networks to improve reliability and continuity.
Sh. Isa bin Hussam Al Khalifa, managing director and head of MENA real estate at Arcapita, said demand for institutional-grade logistics assets is continuing to grow across Saudi Arabia.
“As the Kingdom continues to prioritise industrial development, supply chain resilience and self-sufficiency, demand for scalable, high-quality logistics infrastructure is increasing,” he said.
Mishal Al Zughaibi, president and CEO of SPARK, said the project further strengthens the park’s role as a regional energy and logistics centre.
Located close to key transport and operating corridors, SPARK offers direct access to logistics infrastructure, including one of the region’s largest privately owned dry ports.
In front of the company's headquarters, the flags fly in the new design. (image source: Deutz AG)
Deutz unveils new global brand identity
Cologne-based DEUTZ, a provider of innovative and sustainable mobility and energy solutions, has unveiled a new brand identity that visually captures the company’s transformation of recent years
It reflects the ‘Next DEUTZ’ corporate strategy, which positions DEUTZ more broadly and strengthens the company’s resilience, and the introduction of a new organisational structure with five business units.
“Our new brand combines familiar and new elements,” said DEUTZ CEO Dr. Sebastian Schulte. “Tradition, reliability, and pride in our heritage remain central, for example in the corporate red and the outline of Ulm Minster. At the same time, the new identity embodies openness, progress, and innovation. The open D in the new logo symbolises collaboration and transparency, while the colour yellow represents courage and optimism for the future.”
A key feature of the rebranding is the clear, consistent positioning of the five business units: Defense, Energy, Engines, NewTech, and Service. They will each have their own sub-brand in the market, thus consolidating their own profile beneath the strong DEUTZ umbrella brand.
The new identity highlights tradition and transformation, both internally and externally. It was developed through a collaborative, company-wide process involving more than 1,300 employees. Ideas and input from across the organisation helped to shape the design through workshops, discussions, and structured feedback. The result is a brand that was created from within as an authentic identity for the company’s next chapter.
DEUTZ will gradually roll out the new brand over the coming months. The process was supported by the agency Strichpunkt Design, which was also responsible for delivering the final design.
DP World reviews progress on Oman economic zone
DP World has welcomed a senior delegation from Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones to discuss progress on the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone and review upcoming stages of the project’s development.
The delegation was led by Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef and met with senior DP World executives in Dubai, including Essa Kazim and Yuvraj Narayan. Discussions focused on infrastructure progress, investment opportunities and long-term economic cooperation between the UAE and Oman.
The visit also included a tour of the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone site in Mahdah, located in Oman’s Al Buraimi Governorate near the UAE border. Officials reviewed construction updates and ongoing infrastructure works designed to support future industrial and logistics activity.
Essa Kazim said the project would play a key role in boosting regional trade and supply chains. “The Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone is expected to create new opportunities for investment and industrial growth while strengthening connectivity between Oman and the UAE,” he said.
“Our continued engagement with OPAZ reflects the strong collaboration behind this project and our shared commitment to developing a globally competitive economic zone that delivers long-term value for both countries,” he added.
Strategically positioned with links to Sohar Port and Jebel Ali Port, the zone is expected to attract businesses operating in logistics, warehousing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, mining and light manufacturing.
The development supports wider regional growth strategies, including Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Oman Vision 2040, both of which aim to diversify economic activity and strengthen industrial capabilities.
Helium supply crisis hits semiconductor industry amid Hormuz blockade
Helium, a scarce non-renewable gas, is indispensable for numerous high-tech sectors with few viable substitutes.
Its unique cryogenic properties, superior heat conduction, chemical stability, tiny atomic size, and rapid diffusion make it vital in semiconductor fabrication, medical MRI scanners, aerospace, fibre optics, and advanced research.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including attacks on Qatar’s key energy infrastructure and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has severely disrupted not only oil and gas flows but also global helium availability.
Qatar, home to the massive Ras Laffan facility, normally accounts for over a third of worldwide helium supply as a by-product of large-scale natural gas processing.
Damage to the site and blocked shipping routes have created a dual shock, driving up prices and threatening downstream industries.
In semiconductor manufacturing, helium plays multiple irreplaceable roles.
It serves as a carrier gas in deposition, a diluent in plasma etching, and a coolant to prevent wafer warping during high-temperature steps.
It is particularly critical for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography used in sub-5nm chips that power artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. The gas also enables leak detection and maintains ultra-pure environments in fabrication plants.
Some experts noted that semiconductor fabs are reliant on a stable supply, highlighting that helium escapes storage containers at roughly 1% per day, making large inventories impractical.
Demand for helium in chip production is forecast to rise more than fivefold by 2035, according to market analysts.
Major players such as TSMC typically hold several months of stock and operate recycling systems, yet prolonged disruption could slow output or, in extreme cases, force temporary shutdowns.
South Korea’s chipmakers, including Samsung and SK Hynix, appear especially exposed after sourcing around 65% of their helium from Qatar in recent years, though some have secured longer-term deals with suppliers drawing from US sources.
Taiwan has a somewhat more diversified position but still faces risks.
Helium is typically extracted in tiny concentrations (0.3–0.5%) from natural gas and requires energy-intensive cryogenic separation, membranes, and pressure swing adsorption before liquefaction for transport.
Qatar’s vast processing scale at Ras Laffan made it uniquely central to global supply.
Alternative geological sources with higher helium concentrations exist, notably in the US and Canada, where smaller operators can deploy lower-cost membrane and PSA technologies, but scaling these will take time.
Some industry figures have estimated that if the strait opened immediately, it would still take four to six months to normalise supply.
Should the crisis persist, semiconductor manufacturers are likely to accelerate helium reclamation and conservation techniques, similar to closed-loop systems successfully adopted in modern MRI machines.
Past shortages over the last two decades have already encouraged diversification strategies, including broader sourcing from the US, Russia, and emerging projects.
While contingency plans exist, the duration of the current blockage will determine the full extent of impact on the chip sector and the wider technology supply chain.
Persistent volatility could hasten efforts to reduce single-country dependence and promote balanced global helium sourcing.
This report was based on insights from IDTechEx
A look at Dubai’s first fully underground gold line metro
Dubai has announced its most ambitious metro expansion to date with the launch of the Gold Line, a fully underground route that promises to reshape urban mobility across the emirate.
The Dh34 billion project, approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, represents a significant leap in infrastructure development.
Spanning 42 km and running entirely at a depth of up to 40 m, the Gold Line will be Dubai’s first fully subterranean metro line, marking a departure from the elevated and partially underground designs of the existing Red and Green lines.
Joseph Salem, partner and head of the travel, transportation & hospitality practice at Arthur D. Little Middle East, described the project as “a landmark moment in the emirate’s infrastructure evolution, and arguably the most ambitious urban transport undertaking in the Middle East in a generation.”
He highlighted the engineering challenges and innovations involved, noting that the decision to construct the line entirely underground reflects the maturity of Dubai’s urban fabric and the need to route a major transit artery through dense commercial and residential districts without causing surface disruption.
Utilising the latest tunnel boring machine technology, the Gold Line will pass beneath Dubai Creek and some of the city’s busiest business corridors.
This approach sets a new regional benchmark for underground rail delivery while minimising disruption to daily life and existing infrastructure.The route has been meticulously planned as a genuine urban connector, featuring 18 stations across 15 strategic locations.
It begins at the historic Al Ghubaiba waterfront and threads through areas including City Walk, Business Bay, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Meydan, Nad Al Sheba, Al Barsha South, and Jumeirah Village Circle, before terminating at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
This alignment directly serves corridors home to 55 mega-development projects currently under construction, addressing long-standing mobility infrastructure deficits in these high-growth zones.
Upon completion, the line is expected to benefit more than 1.5 million residents.
From an intermodal perspective, the Gold Line will integrate seamlessly with the existing Red and Green Metro lines at multiple interchange points.
It will also connect to Etihad Rail at Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates, transforming it from a purely city metro into a vital component of a broader national transport network.
This linkage will, for the first time, connect Dubai’s urban core to the wider UAE rail ecosystem, enhancing regional connectivity.
Economically, the project is projected to deliver substantial returns.
Authorities anticipate a daily ridership of 465,000 passengers beyond 2040, with the Dh34 billion investment expected to generate a 430% cumulative economic return over 20 years.
These benefits will stem from time and fuel savings, reduced road accidents, and lower carbon emissions.
The Gold Line is scheduled for inauguration on 9 September 2032 (exactly 23 years after the original Dubai Metro launch in 2009) and is being delivered on a timeline 30% faster than the Blue Line.
Salem emphasised that the Gold Line is as much an economic infrastructure project as a transport one.
By alleviating congestion and supporting sustainable growth, it will reinforce Dubai’s position as a global leader in smart, future-ready urban mobility.
Tenders are expected to be issued later this year, with contract awards anticipated in 2027 and construction commencing shortly thereafter.
Abu Dhabi survey shows strong support for plastics policy
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) has released findings from a public survey assessing the impact of its single-use plastics policy, highlighting significant progress in reducing plastic consumption and increasing environmental awareness across the emirate.
Introduced in 2020, the policy has played a key role in shaping broader sustainability efforts in the UAE, contributing to the implementation of nationwide restrictions on single-use plastic products. Since its launch, more than 470mn plastic bags have been avoided, while usage at major retail outlets has fallen by as much as 95%.
Recycling initiatives have also gained traction, with around 267mn plastic bottles collected through household efforts and a network of more than 170 smart recycling machines across Abu Dhabi. These measures have helped divert approximately 7,386 tonnes of plastic waste from landfill, with associated emissions savings comparable to removing around 185,000 petrol-powered vehicles from the road for a year.
To evaluate public perception and behaviour, EAD surveyed over 5,000 residents representing 126 nationalities. The results indicate a strong rise in awareness, with 96% of respondents recognising the environmental risks linked to plastic use. A similar proportion said they are actively reducing their reliance on plastic through everyday sustainable practices.
Health considerations are also influencing behaviour. Around 95% of participants acknowledged the potential health impacts associated with plastic products, signalling a broader shift towards safer consumption choices. Public response to awareness campaigns has been largely positive, with 89% expressing satisfaction with the clarity and effectiveness of EAD’s messaging.
The survey also points to growing acceptance of policy measures supporting sustainability. Nearly 89% of respondents said the cost of reusable alternatives is reasonable, while 88% supported allocating proceeds from plastic bag charges to environmental initiatives. In addition, 95% indicated confidence in existing regulations and enforcement measures.
Officials say the findings reflect a meaningful change in public attitudes, reinforcing the effectiveness of policy interventions and awareness campaigns. The results are expected to inform future regulatory developments, including plans to further oversee the trade of single-use products and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.
The outcomes align with national sustainability ambitions, including the UAE’s broader efforts to reduce plastic pollution and encourage responsible consumption. Public support for these initiatives appears strong, with 93% of respondents expressing overall satisfaction with the survey and its objectives.
EAD noted that the results underline Abu Dhabi’s leadership in advancing environmental policies and fostering community engagement in sustainability. By combining regulation, awareness and innovation, the emirate is continuing to build momentum towards reducing plastic waste and supporting a more sustainable future.
Oman awards Block 25-B mining rights in Al Sharqiyah
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals Oman has granted a mining concession for Block 25-B in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, as part of ongoing efforts to expand exploration activity and strengthen the Sultanate’s minerals sector.
The agreement, signed with Majan Manganese Company, gives the firm rights to explore and develop the 747 sq km concession area. The company is a partnership between local firm Alfirdaws for Mining and Iran-based Farco, combining expertise in manganese extraction, mineral processing and related industrial applications.
Awarded through a competitive process via the Ministry’s Taqa platform, the block is considered geologically diverse, featuring ophiolite formations, sedimentary deposits and other structures associated with mineralisation. Manganese is identified as a key resource, alongside other associated المعادن.
An initial exploration phase, expected to run for two to three years, will include topographical, geochemical and geophysical surveys, as well as the preparation of geological maps covering most of the concession. Drilling and trenching programmes will also be undertaken to assess mineral potential across a substantial portion of the site. Investment in this phase is expected to exceed US$4mn.
Officials noted that the project aligns with national ambitions under Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises economic diversification and the development of non-oil sectors. The concession is intended to attract investment, enhance value creation from natural resources and support the growth of local supply chains.
The Ministry highlighted North Al Sharqiyah as a promising mining region, with multiple agreements already signed to develop its varied mineral resources, including copper, chromium, manganese and laterite. The latest concession further reinforces the governorate’s role in supporting sector expansion.
In addition to resource development, the project is expected to contribute to knowledge transfer and capacity building. The involvement of an international partner with proprietary technology for upgrading lower-grade ores is seen as an opportunity to strengthen technical capabilities within the domestic mining industry.
Authorities also pointed to wider initiatives aimed at improving the investment landscape. These include updates to regulatory frameworks, the creation of designated mining zones and the rollout of digital platforms to streamline licensing and project processes. Infrastructure development, including ports and industrial zones, is also being enhanced to support sector growth.
Efforts are also under way to strengthen occupational health and safety standards and to implement specialised training programmes to develop a skilled workforce aligned with global best practice.
Majan Manganese Company stated it will carry out the exploration programme in line with international technical and environmental standards, aiming to unlock the block’s potential while contributing to sustainable development of Oman’s mineral value chain.