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AMEA Power has reached a key milestone in the development of its 50MW Bondoukou solar photovoltaic project in Ivory Coast, having secured financial close while advancing major construction works on site.

The project is being developed by AMEA Goutougo, a locally registered project company wholly owned by AMEA Power. Situated in the north-eastern Gontougo region, the solar plant is expected to produce around 85 GWh of clean electricity each year.

Once operational, it will supply power to approximately 358,000 households and reduce carbon emissions by more than 52,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

To maintain project momentum, AMEA Power began early construction activities earlier this year, moving ahead with critical works before financing was finalised. With financial close now in place, the project enters its main execution phase, allowing construction activities to scale up and progress at pace.

The $71.8mn development is being financed by development finance institutions FMO and DEG, underlining continued international backing for Ivory Coast’s renewable energy strategy and confidence in AMEA Power’s delivery capabilities across Africa.

Progressing the region's power facilities 

The Bondoukou project aligns with the Government of Ivory Coast’s target to increase renewable energy’s share of the national power mix to 45% by 2030. By adding utility-scale solar capacity, the project will help enhance energy security and reduce dependence on thermal power generation.

Scheduled to begin operations in early 2027, the plant will become AMEA Power’s first operational asset in Ivory Coast. The company is also progressing a second 50MW solar PV project in the country, signalling its longer-term commitment to expanding clean energy capacity in West Africa.

Commenting on the milestone, Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power, said, “This milestone marks an important step in the delivery of our solar project in Ivory Coast. By progressing early works ahead of financial close and now moving into full-scale execution, we are demonstrating our long-term commitment to the country’s clean energy transition. This project reflects our ability to deliver with pace, discipline and partnership, bringing lasting economic and environmental benefits.”

Beyond power generation, the project is expected to deliver socio-economic benefits through job creation during construction, with an emphasis on local employment, skills development and knowledge transfer. AMEA Power will also roll out community investment and development programmes aimed at delivering lasting positive outcomes for surrounding communities.

Ecolab, a global leader in sustainability solutions for water, hygiene and infection prevention, has signed a non-binding MoU with the Saudi Water Authority (SWA) aimed at accelerating water innovation and supporting the Kingdom’s long-term sustainability ambitions.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing more efficient, resilient and circular water systems in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The MoU was formalised during the US-Saudi Water Summit 2025, held last month in Palo Alto, California. The summit brought together international water sector leaders to discuss emerging challenges, technological advances and collaborative models capable of transforming water management across the Kingdom. Against a backdrop of rising demand, climate pressures and industrial expansion, the agreement highlights the growing importance of public-private partnerships in securing Saudi Arabia’s water future.

Under the MoU, SWA and Ecolab will collaborate to position sustainable water management as a strategic enabler of national development. By improving water efficiency and reuse, the partnership aims to help safeguard scarce water resources while enhancing water quality across key sectors. These efforts are also expected to deliver wider environmental and economic benefits, including reduced energy consumption, lower CO2 emissions and improved operational efficiency for industrial and commercial operators.

The framework for cooperation includes the exchange of technical insights and best practices across sectors such as data centres, refineries, petrochemicals, heavy industry, desalination, manufacturing, food and beverage, and hospitality.

Key areas of partnership

The collaboration also covers support for water source selection, regulatory development and performance monitoring, alongside workshops focused on advanced digital solutions such as smart water systems and predictive maintenance. In addition, the partners will explore pilot projects within Saudi industrial cities, applying Ecolab’s global technologies under local operating conditions, and identify opportunities to support innovation initiatives, including Rabigh Oasis, the Global Water Innovation Prize (GWIP), collaborative research and development roundtables, and broader innovation promotion programmes.

Ecolab has maintained a strong presence in Saudi Arabia for more than four decades through its Nalco Water business, supporting major industrial players in optimising water use. Today, its solutions are deployed across energy, manufacturing, food and hospitality, helping organisations conserve water, reduce energy consumption and strengthen long-term business resilience while meeting sustainability goals.

His Excellency Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, President of the Saudi Water Authority, highlighted the partnership as a step toward building a world-class water sector that safeguards resources, supports national growth, and demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can secure water for future generations in line with Vision 2030.

Stefan Umiastowski, Ecolab’s Senior Vice President & CEO for India, Middle East, and Africa, said, “This collaboration represents an important step in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 commitment to long-term water sustainability in a region where water is one of the most critical resources. As digitalization and AI reshape economies and create new demand patterns, intelligent water management has become essential for sustainable growth. By combining Ecolab's global innovation capabilities with the SWA’s vision and local expertise, we're creating a powerful platform to scale water transformation across the Kingdom's most strategic industries.”

Overall, the MoU demonstrates how closer collaboration between government and industry can translate sustainability ambitions into measurable outcomes, supporting the transition towards Net Zero while enhancing industrial competitiveness and water security across Saudi Arabia.

Fakhruddin Properties and Holcim UAE have signed an MoU to jointly advance sustainable construction across the UAE and the wider region.

The agreement brings together Fakhruddin Properties, one of the UAE’s leading sustainability-oriented developers, and Holcim UAE, a key partner for sustainable construction solutions.

It also marks a regional milestone for Holcim, representing its first MoU with a developer headquartered in the Middle East. The partnership reflects Holcim’s ambition to expand its regional footprint while supporting the UAE’s net-zero goals through low-carbon and circular building practices.

The collaboration will draw on Holcim UAE’s expertise in low-carbon and circular construction under its NextGen Growth 2030 strategy, alongside Fakhruddin Properties’ long-standing commitment to sustainable development. Together, the partners aim to deliver future-ready communities that balance environmental responsibility with social value.

Sustainable operations

Fakhruddin Properties is recognised as a multi award-winning sustainability pioneer in the UAE’s real estate sector. The developer introduced the country’s first in-building waste management system, diverting 90% of waste from landfills, and continues to focus on wellness-driven developments through smart home solutions, air purification systems and energy-efficient technologies designed to address rising global energy consumption.

Commenting on the announcement, Yousuf Fakhruddin, CEO and managing director, Fakhruddin Properties, said, “This MoU supports the UAE’s national sustainability agenda and aligns with the 2015 Paris Agreement, reinforcing the UAE’s long-held commitment to achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050. We will work closely with Holcim UAE to reduce both embodied and operational carbon, promote circular economy principles, and scale practical sustainability solutions with full transparency.

“For example, low-carbon materials supplied by Holcim and other manufacturers will be a staple across our future projects. This partnership demonstrates that effective decarbonization requires joint efforts across developers, sustainable solution providers, as well as government and industry stakeholders, combining innovation with measurable climate action.”

Ali Said, CEO, Holcim UAE, added, “Sustainability is not just a goal, it is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration, transparency, and innovation. Through this partnership, we will embed low-carbon, circular, and resilient practices across the built environment. By ensuring traceability of materials along the entire value chain and integrating sustainable design and construction solutions, we will create communities that support wellbeing, respect the environment and nature, and set new benchmarks for sustainable development, starting with the UAE.”

Metso has expanded its screening solutions portfolio with the introduction of the new Grande Series

The series represents a significant enhancement for mining and aggregates operators, delivering high-performance screening technology designed to optimize capacity, uptime, and operational efficiency across the most demanding continuous-use applications.

The Grande Series introduces three new stationary screen types, GLH, GMF and GFF, each engineered to support high-capacity production environments and deliver improved flexibility. With larger screen sizes than previously available in Metso’s lineup, the range enables customers to achieve greater throughput, minimise maintenance interruptions, and tailor their operations more effectively to meet business objectives.

“It’s all about helping our customers succeed with the right tools for their unique needs. With the newly launched Grande Series, customers gain more flexibility, easier screen replacements, and access to solutions for even the most demanding screening tasks,” commented Jouni Mähönen, vice-president, screening business line, Metso.

Screening options designed for varied operational applications

The GLH horizontal screens are optimised for heavy-duty use, including demanding slurry and water-handling duties in mining operations. Meanwhile, the GMF multi-slope banana screens are built to accommodate high-capacity screening for fine and near-size particle processing.

These additions introduce engineered-to-order configurations and ultra-large screen formats that were previously unavailable in Metso’s stationary screen offerings.

The GFF flip-flow screen type adds further capability by enabling efficient separation of difficult materials and fine fractions, reinforcing Metso’s position as a full-scope screening partner.

Compatibility with Trellex screening media ensures the new series integrates seamlessly with Metso’s broader screening technologies, enabling complete end-to-end solutions for users.

Easier replacement of non-Metso screens and flexible reconfiguration options further support customers looking to enhance or modify existing operations without disruption.

“The Grande Series is a result of our continuous screening portfolio development. We are strengthening Metso’s position as a screening solutions partner – expanding our offering with larger screens, lighter duty screens, and new flip-flow technology. With new technologies, larger sizes, and advanced capabilities, we’re expanding our portfolio to support the most demanding applications and strengthen our position in the growing screening market,” remarked Michael Gyberg, vice-president, capital equipment business, Screening, Metso.

Metso will roll out the Grande Series globally, with the GLH and GMF screens debuting publicly in early December 2025, followed by the GFF Series at the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Expanded screening portfolio and service ecosystem

The new Grande Series complements Metso’s broader offering, which includes UFS Series, EF Series, and BSE Series screens within the Metso Plus program, alongside a comprehensive range of multislope, inclined, horizontal, mobile, portable, and ultrafine screening solutions. Paired with Trellex rubber and polyurethane media systems, Metso provides full-spectrum screening solutions for diverse material-handling needs.

Seagull, a UAE-born pioneer in HVAC solutions, has strengthened its industrial footprint with the launch of a new manufacturing facility in the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ).

The company has established its manufacturing unit in RAKEZ’s Al Ghail Industrial Zone with a total investment of AED15mn. Covering an area of 17,045 sq m, the facility comprises a pre-built manufacturing plant designed to enhance operational efficiency while prioritising workforce wellbeing. The plant is now fully operational, with further enhancements underway to position it as a benchmark for world-class manufacturing workplaces.

The new facility has a monthly production capacity of 50,000 sq m of GI coils and will supply key regional markets, including the UAE, KSA, Oman, and Qatar. Seagull currently employs 180 people, with plans to increase its workforce to 300 by mid-2026 as output expands and additional product lines are rolled out.

The development represents the next phase of Seagull’s growth strategy in Ras Al Khaimah. Looking ahead, the company plans to double its factory floor space and expand staff accommodation facilities by 2026 to support rising demand.

Commenting on the expansion, Seagull CFO Taimor Khan said, “Ras Al Khaimah has proven to be a highly strategic base for our operations, offering a cost-effective and growth-oriented environment. RAKEZ team’s professionalism and guidance were instrumental in facilitating our expansion; providing clarity, efficiency, and access to the ideal infrastructure. Their support throughout every stage, from planning to full operational launch, ensured a smooth and successful establishment in the emirate.”

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad added, “We are delighted to see Seagull deepen its roots in Ras Al Khaimah with its new facility. Their expansion underscores the growing confidence that industry leaders have in the emirate’s strong industrial ecosystem and business-friendly environment. At RAKEZ, we remain focused on empowering such ambitions with world-class infrastructure, streamlined processes, and long-term partnerships to help them thrive and scale across regional and global markets.”

Through this expansion, Seagull aims to strengthen the UAE’s HVAC manufacturing capabilities while contributing to Ras Al Khaimah’s rapidly developing industrial ecosystem.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and ASRY (Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard) have signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore new opportunities for collaboration in the shipbuilding sector

Under the MoU, the two sides will jointly evaluate opportunities for the design and construction of offshore service and military vessels up to 80 metres in length, as well as the potential for export contracts in the Gulf area.

The agreement also includes maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for military, commercial and offshore vessels, as well as the exchange of know-how in naval design and production process optimisation.

The military vessels would be intended for use by the Bahrain Navy and Coast Guard.

ASRY is a leading operator in ship repair and marine services in the Gulf of Bahrain.

Fincantieri was represented by its chairman, Biagio Mazzotta, and Eugenio Santagata, general manager of the Fincantieri Naval Vessels Division, who signed the agreement together with Ahmed AlAbri, CEO of ASRY.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri, said the MoU represents an opportunity for Fincantieri to enter the Bahraini shipbuilding market and is a further step in consolidating the group's strategy and presence in the Middle East.

“This agreement strengthens our strategic position in the Gulf and confirms Fincantieri's desire to develop long-term industrial partnerships with leading partners such as ASRY,” said Folgiero.

“By combining complementary skills and converging visions, we are laying the foundations for a solid and structured presence in the Bahraini shipbuilding market, in line with the objectives of our integrated export platform in the Middle East.”

The signing of the MoU took place on the sidelines of the 46th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in the presence of Italian President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni, and Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.

Separately, Fincantieri announced a partnership In Saudi Arabia with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to establish a scholarship aimed at supporting young researchers in maritime security, cyber-resilience and emerging applied navigation technologies.

It follows an MoU signed last January and reflects a shared commitment of both sides in promoting excellence in education and technology transfer, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a Fincantieri statement read.

“The scholarship will enable young and talented researchers to develop innovative solutions to counter new threats to navigation, such as recent cases of AIS and GPS spoofing, which can alter vessel positions and compromise the safety of shipping routes,” it stated.

The programme will focus on three strategic areas: the advanced authentication of AIS signals to prevent manipulation; the opportunistic detection of GPS spoofing through intelligent satellite data analysis, and star-based position verification enhanced by machine learning algorithms.

Fincantieri added that the goal is to develop an operational software platform that can be integrated into on-board digital systems, strengthening the collaboration between universities and industry and contributing to the growth of the Fincantieri Digital Ecosystem (FDE).