In The Spotlight
Empower boosts recycled water use in cooling operations
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.
Saudi transport authority eases marine licensing rules
Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) has introduced a temporary relaxation of documentation requirements for vessels operating within its territorial waters, granting operators additional flexibility amid evolving conditions in the region.
Under the directive, the authority has suspended the requirement for certain certificates and documents needed to issue or renew navigation licences and work permits for marine units. The measure will remain in place for 30 days and may be extended if necessary, provided that safety standards and environmental protections are not compromised.
The decision applies to both domestic and international vessels currently operating in Saudi Arabia’s waters in the Arabian Gulf. It is designed to ensure continuity across maritime operations while minimising disruptions that could affect logistics, offshore projects, and other marine-based activities.
According to the TGA, the move reflects a broader effort to maintain operational efficiency and support the steady flow of maritime traffic. Authorities noted that some vessels may be unable to leave Saudi waters to complete routine inspections or fulfil technical compliance requirements due to prevailing operational challenges. The temporary exemption is intended to address these constraints without undermining regulatory oversight.
The suspension covers a range of vessels engaged in maritime operations and projects within the Kingdom’s jurisdiction. By easing administrative obligations, the authority aims to reduce bottlenecks and enable operators to maintain schedules, particularly in sectors where delays could have wider economic implications.
Despite the regulatory flexibility, the TGA emphasised that safety remains a top priority. Vessel operators are still expected to adhere to all essential safety protocols and environmental standards throughout the exemption period. The authority reiterated that the measure does not absolve operators from their responsibility to ensure seaworthiness and compliance with applicable maritime regulations.
Industry observers note that such interventions can play a critical role in stabilising maritime supply chains during periods of uncertainty, particularly in strategically significant waterways like the Arabian Gulf. By balancing regulatory requirements with operational realities, Saudi Arabia is seeking to safeguard both economic activity and maritime safety.
The TGA added that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and assess whether further extensions or additional measures are required to support the sector.
Middle East data centres face uncertainties amid rising tensions
Recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East have brought data centres under scrutiny, as a number of facilities were targeted in strikes over the past few days.
Analysts at DC Byte have assessed how the sector may be affected in the coming weeks and months, emphasising that immediate impacts are expected to remain limited.
The region remains a strategically important digital infrastructure market. Gulf states including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar continue to attract significant investment from cloud providers and hyperscalers, driven by demand for low latency, local data storage and digital transformation initiatives.
Most large-scale data centres in the Middle East are built with resilience in mind. Hyperscale facilities are designed with redundant power, cooling and network systems, controlled perimeters and environmental protections.
Workloads are often distributed across multiple availability zones and regions, allowing operations to continue even if one facility experiences disruption. Analysts note that such resilience has minimised service interruptions in recent weeks.
Nevertheless, the conflict has highlighted the need for ongoing risk assessment. Operators may increasingly consider proximity to potential strategic targets, military infrastructure and airspace coverage when planning new sites.
Emphasis on distributed infrastructure design, cross-country failover and hybrid cloud architectures is expected to grow, though major shifts in resilience strategy are unlikely.
Connectivity remains a key consideration. Network routing constraints can temporarily increase latency during high-traffic periods, prompting stakeholders to prioritise diversified cable routes and network redundancy alongside facility robustness.
Cybersecurity is another focus area, with modern conflicts often incorporating cyberattacks. Operators may now accelerate integration between cyber defence, physical security and operational monitoring to minimise potential disruption.
Supply chains are facing short-to-medium term challenges, with shipping delays and higher costs, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. Scott Roots, Sales Director EMEA at DC Byte, warns that resource scarcity and alternative routing may affect project timelines and costs.
Despite these pressures, the GCC data centre market remains confident. The region currently has around 2.4GW of qualified capacity, with over 2GW in early stages, and investors have not paused development.
DC Byte CEO Bernard Johnson concludes that the sector’s exposure is largely to operational and planning risks, rather than a fundamental vulnerability, with affected sites representing only 1–2% of the regional market.
New applications are made possible by the coordinated components from Siemens and the power distribution platforms from Rittal. (Image source: Rittal)
Siemens, Rittal partner on AI data centre power
Siemens and Rittal have announced a strategic partnership to develop advanced power distribution solutions for data centres, targeting the growing demands of AI infrastructure.
The collaboration focuses on delivering standardised, scalable systems for the IEC market that can support faster deployment of high-performance data centres while improving efficiency and sustainability. The move comes as AI-driven workloads continue to push power density requirements to new levels, with current racks exceeding 100 kW and projections suggesting this could rise beyond 1 MW by the end of the decade.
To address these challenges, Siemens’ Smart Infrastructure division will work with Rittal, part of the Friedhelm Loh Group, to design integrated solutions that combine power distribution, cooling and heat management.
A key development under the partnership is a new “sidecar” power concept, which places dedicated power racks directly within the data centre’s operational space. This approach allows server racks to be supplied with power more efficiently through a modular and standardised setup. The solution is designed to simplify deployment, improve system reliability and support the rapid scaling of AI computing environments.
Better energy optimisation
The companies said the system aligns with Open Compute Project standards and integrates proven technologies to enable high availability and optimised energy performance. This is expected to be critical as operators seek to maximise computing output while managing energy consumption.
Executives from both companies highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing the infrastructure challenges posed by AI. They noted that the increasing complexity of data centres requires more integrated and flexible solutions to ensure reliable and continuous operations.
Beyond the initial solution, Siemens and Rittal are also working on standardised low-voltage distribution systems for modular and containerised data centres. Additional efforts include enhancing operational and personnel safety through improved system design and monitoring capabilities.
Early customer projects using the jointly developed technologies are already underway, signalling strong market demand for next-generation data centre infrastructure.
The partnership will draw on Siemens’ expertise in electrical systems and Rittal’s capabilities in enclosure and platform technologies, including its RiLineX and Ri4Power systems. By combining their respective strengths, the companies aim to accelerate innovation in digital infrastructure and support the expansion of AI-driven services.
Looking ahead, both firms indicated that the collaboration could extend beyond data centres into other industrial applications, as demand for efficient, high-capacity power systems continues to grow.
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Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Ports Authority “Mawani”, Saleh bin Nasser Al‑Jasser. (Image source: Mawani)
Saudi launches logistics corridors to boost Red Sea ports
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Ports Authority “Mawani”, Saleh bin Nasser Al‑Jasser, inaugurated a new logistics corridors initiative aimed at strengthening cargo flows between ports in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.
The initiative, unveiled during a visit to Jeddah Islamic Port, is designed to create dedicated operational routes for containers and freight redirected from ports in the Kingdom’s eastern region and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The project will support the movement of cargo towards Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports, improving supply chain efficiency and strengthening connectivity between regional trade routes and international shipping networks.
The launch event was attended by Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi and Suliman bin Khalid Al‑Mazroua, alongside officials from government entities and the logistics sector.
According to Al-Jasser, the initiative forms part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to reinforce its position as a global logistics hub and ensure the stability of supply chains during periods of disruption.
He noted that Saudi Arabia’s transport and logistics ecosystem continues to benefit from strong support from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Mohammed bin Salman.
Strengthening Saudi and GCC logistics
Al-Jasser said ports on the Red Sea coast play an increasingly important role in accommodating cargo redirected from eastern ports and neighbouring Gulf countries. By expanding the operational capacity of western ports, Saudi Arabia aims to maintain the smooth movement of goods and support both regional and international trade.
He also highlighted the resilience of the Kingdom’s transport infrastructure, noting that alternative logistics corridors can be activated quickly when required to maintain trade flows.
During the event, Abanmi explained that the initiative will also strengthen integration between customs and logistics procedures across GCC ports. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority is working with other agencies to accelerate cargo clearance processes and facilitate cross-border trade.
Saudi Arabia’s customs network already supports transit services that allow goods to move through the Kingdom via land, sea and air routes to other GCC countries. The system is complemented by bonded warehouse zones where goods can be stored with suspended duties and taxes before being cleared or re-exported.
Al-Mazroua said the corridors initiative reflects close cooperation between government bodies and private sector partners to maintain supply chain continuity and improve cargo flows.
During the visit, Al-Jasser also chaired a meeting at the port’s command and control centre to review vessel traffic and cargo handling operations. He later toured container terminals, logistics parks and re-export facilities at the port.
Jeddah Islamic Port is the largest hub port on the Red Sea and one of the region’s key logistics centres. Ports along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast collectively handle more than 18.6 million TEUs annually, reinforcing the country’s role in global trade networks.
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Cummins highlights multi-fuel strategy at CONEXPO
At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, Cummins outlined its strategy for supporting the construction sector through the global energy transition, emphasising a multi-path approach that combines advanced diesel technology with lower- and zero-emissions solutions.
Speaking during the company’s press conference, Jennifer Rumsey, chair and CEO of Cummins, said the company is responding to changing energy demands by balancing innovation with practical solutions that meet the immediate needs of off-highway customers.
“We are responding with confidence and from a position of strength – because we built our strategy for moments exactly like this,” Rumsey said. She added that Cummins is continuing to deliver solutions while adapting to evolving technologies, regulations and market requirements.
Central to the company’s strategy is Destination Zero, an initiative aimed at helping customers navigate decarbonisation while maintaining productivity and reliability in demanding environments. Rumsey noted that the approach prioritises strengthening core power solutions while expanding alternative fuel and zero-emissions technologies where markets are ready.
According to Cummins, significant progress has already been made in reducing emissions from off-highway equipment. Since the mid-2000s, particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions from the company’s engines have been reduced by approximately 90%. At the same time, fuel efficiency in heavy equipment engines has improved by between 12% and 14%, helping customers reduce operating costs.
The company also highlighted its long-term environmental goals, including efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions generated by products in use. Cummins aims to reduce 55 million metric tonnes of emissions between 2014 and 2030 through improved efficiency and technology development, delivering significant fuel savings for equipment operators.
During the event, Marina Savelli, vice president of the global off-highway engine business, presented the company’s latest engine portfolio for construction and industrial applications. She described the range as one of the broadest in the sector, spanning engines from 2.8 litres to 95 litres that power equipment used on infrastructure projects worldwide.
Among the technologies on display was the Next Gen X15 engine platform, which is designed to support multiple fuel types using the same base architecture. The platform allows original equipment manufacturers to adapt machines to different fuels over time without major redesigns.
Cummins also showcased its B6.7 engine, first introduced in 2005 and now the highest-volume engine in the company’s portfolio, with more than five million units sold globally and hundreds of thousands deployed in off-highway equipment.
Beyond engines, the company presented drivetrain components, mobile generator sets and integrated digital services aimed at improving equipment uptime and reducing total operating costs. Cummins’ connected solutions platform enables remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance and over-the-air updates to help operators maintain productivity across equipment lifecycles.
Savelli said innovation at Cummins is guided by customer needs, with technologies designed to integrate easily into equipment platforms while supporting evolving emissions standards.
“As conditions change and the industry evolves, customers need a partner that can deliver reliable performance today while preparing for the future,” she said.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 draws 140,000 construction professionals
More than 140,000 industry professionals from 128 countries attended CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the global construction sector gathered to explore new technologies, equipment and business opportunities.
Held from 3–7 March, the event brought together contractors, manufacturers and technology providers to showcase innovations aimed at improving efficiency, safety and sustainability across construction operations.
Spanning more than three million square feet, the exhibition featured over 2,000 exhibitors presenting machinery, digital tools and services across the industry. Equipment ranging from heavy earthmoving machines and cranes to advanced paving systems was displayed alongside emerging technologies such as automation, connected jobsite solutions and low-emission machinery.
According to show organisers, the event provided contractors with an opportunity to evaluate equipment in person and connect directly with manufacturers when making purchasing decisions.
Dana Wuesthoff, show director for CONEXPO-CON/AGG, said the exhibition remains a key platform for unveiling technologies shaping the future of construction. She noted that the innovations presented at the event demonstrate the industry’s ability to adapt and improve jobsite productivity and safety.
Companies used the event to introduce a range of new machines and digital solutions. Komatsu highlighted developments in intelligent machine control technology, including its PC220LCi-12 excavator, designed to help operators excavate with greater precision using integrated sensors and 3D design data. The company also introduced the HM460-6 articulated truck, the largest model in its range.
Meanwhile, LiuGong presented several machines focused on electrification and efficiency, including the 870 HE loader and the 924 FE electric excavator.
Technology providers also showcased digital solutions aimed at improving operational visibility and productivity. Topcon Positioning Systems demonstrated its 3D-MC Edge feature, designed to enhance machine control accuracy, while Samsara presented systems that enable contractors to monitor equipment utilisation and fleet performance.
In addition, Doka displayed advanced formwork and digital jobsite technologies aimed at improving efficiency on large infrastructure and building projects.
Innovation at the event was also recognised through the Next Level Awards programme. Attendees selected Husco’s GenSteer technology as the Contractors’ Choice winner for best equipment, while the Gravis Rack developed by Gravis Robotics was voted best technology.
Beyond the exhibition floor, the event hosted more than 150 education sessions, workshops and panel discussions covering topics such as artificial intelligence, workforce development, infrastructure investment and sustainability.
Special programmes also focused on industry challenges including workforce recruitment and professional development. Workshops for women in construction, small business operators and maintenance professionals were introduced to encourage peer learning and collaboration.
Organisers confirmed that the next edition of CONEXPO-CON/AGG will take place from 13–17 March 2029.
Gulfood
Venue:
Dubai World Trade Centre
Dates:
20-24 February 2023
Website:
20 Feb 23 - 24 Feb 23
Venue:
Dubai World Trade Centre
Dates:
20-24 February 2023
Website: