Masdar, Siemens Energy and Yara Clean Ammonia has joined the Hydrogen Council as board members, effective as of 1 January 2025

The Hydrogen Council Board is driven by global CEOs working to advance visionary ideas to leverage hydrogen as the means for the energy transition. The first board member from the Middle East, Masdar will bring valuable insights on the ambition and investment progress in the region, while Siemens Energy and Yara Clean Ammonia bring expertise in electrolysers and ammonia production respectively.

Welcoming the new members, Jaehoon Chang, CEO of Hyundai and Sanjiv Lamba, CEO of Linde, co-chairs of the Hydrogen Council, said, ‘We are pleased to welcome Masdar, Siemens Energy and Yara Clean Ammonia to the Board and work together as we guide the sector through a pivotal time for the energy transition. Hydrogen has made encouraging progress, with record levels of committed capital and projects past Final Investment Decision reported globally in 2024. However, over the next two years, regulatory stability, clear demand signals and global standardisation will be key to maintaining a robust scale-up trajectory and unlocking hydrogen’s full economic and societal benefits. We look forward to collaborating with the entire Board to tackle these challenges and driving the hydrogen industry forward together."

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said, "The Hydrogen Council is central to advancing hydrogen as a key component in the transformation of the energy system and uniting our sector’s expertise has never been more critical. I am honoured to join the Council’s Board and work with global leaders to drive innovation, shape policies, and accelerate large-scale hydrogen deployment worldwide."

Al Masaood Group’s Projects, Engineering, and Services Division (PESD) has entered into an exclusive agency agreement with Hengst Air Filtration Middle East, the regional subsidiary of Hengst Filtration Germany.

This collaboration designates Al Masaood as the sole distributor for Hengst’s advanced gas turbine and turbomachinery filtration systems within the UAE.

Hengst, a globally recognised leader in filtration and fluid management, operates across 26 locations with a workforce exceeding 3,700. The company’s solutions include innovative carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technology, which captures CO2 directly on-site and converts it for reuse, eliminating the logistical challenges associated with transporting liquid CO2.

Hani El Tannir, CEO of Al Masaood Group Industrial, said,  “This collaboration with Hengst reflects Al Masaood’s strategic focus on sustainability and innovation. Together, we aim to introduce advanced filtration technologies that support cleaner and more efficient industrial processes in the UAE."

Vijay Thomas, managing director of Hengst Air Filtration Middle East, said, “Partnering with Al Masaood Group is a significant step in bringing our advanced filtration technologies to the UAE. This collaboration reflects our dedication to delivering sustainable solutions that drive innovation and support the transition to a greener, more efficient future.”

HD Hyundai Construction Equipment is a top contender for a nomination in the Climate Protection category at the Bauma 2025 Innovation Awards.

The HW155H hydrogen-powered wheeled excavator concept is set to take centre stage in April, showcasing the next step toward production for this innovative machine.

Praised by judges for its ability to significantly cut engine exhaust emissions, it highlights a promising pathway to achieving carbon reduction on construction sites.

At the heart of HD Hyundai’s stand, the hydrogen-powered concept will feature alongside a variety of advanced machines and operational solutions.

Hyundai has been actively exploring zero-emission technologies for construction and industrial equipment.

The showcase will include a groundbreaking range of energy storage and refuelling solutions, developed in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Company.

These innovations aim to position hydrogen as a practical energy source for global infrastructure, civil engineering, and building projects.

Mazoon Mining, a subsidiary of Minerals Development Oman (MDO), has officially commenced work on the Mazoon Copper Project.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on 10 November in the Wilayat of Yanqul, Al Dhahirah Governorate, under the patronage of His Excellency Abdul Salam bin Mohammed Al-Murshidi, chairman of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA).

As the largest integrated copper concentrate production project in Oman, the Mazoon Copper Project spans 20 sq km and includes five open-pit mines with an estimated 22.9 million tons of copper ore reserves. The project is a critical step in addressing the surging global demand for copper, a key component in renewable energy technologies and electrical infrastructure.

A central feature of the project is the construction of a cutting-edge processing plant. Spanning 56,000 sqm, the facility will have the capacity to process 2.5 million tons of copper ore annually. It is expected to yield 115,000 tons of copper concentrate each year, with a high-grade purity of 21.5%.

Sustainable solutions

This ambitious venture underscores Oman’s commitment to strengthening its mining sector and diversifying its economy in line with its Vision 2040 goals. By leveraging its rich mineral resources and adopting state-of-the-art technology, Mazoon Mining aims to position the Sultanate as a competitive player in the global copper market.

Sustainability is a core pillar of the Mazoon Copper Project. The project has adopted a water recycling system and waste management systems to preserve the surrounding environment, safeguarding air quality, and protecting groundwater. Minerals Development Oman continues to advance its exploration campaigns across a range of strategic minerals, including copper, chromite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite, and silica.

Al Murshidi said, "This project marks a transformative step in positioning Oman as a strategic copper hub, contributing to the diversification of our national economy and creating sustainable job opportunities for Omanis. We are confident that the project will have a significant positive impact on the local community, supporting SMEs and driving economic development."

Dr. Badar bin Saud Al Kharusi, chairman of Minerals Development Oman, added, "We are proud to see the progress of Mazoon Copper Project after an extensive series of exploration activities. This project marks a milestone for Minerals Development Oman, adding invaluable assets to our portfolio. The company began copper ore extraction from Block 4 in Wilayat of Sohar in 2024 and has continued its exploration efforts across its 23,644 sq km concession area. With the necessary financing secured, the project reflects the trust garnered locally and globally. We are committed to ensuring each project phase meets the highest environmental and social standards."

The RAKEZ Growth Series 2024 concluded with a final gathering at the Compass Coworking Centre, bringing together participants, speakers, and industry leaders for a day of networking, reflection, and valuable business insights.

The event highlighted the achievements of the entrepreneurial community, celebrating the growth and success driven by the knowledge and strategies shared throughout the year.

Over the course of 2024, the RAKEZ Growth Series featured 10 dynamic sessions, hosting dozens of experts from industries such as finance, marketing, wellness, media, and government. With over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners in attendance, the series served as a platform for learning, collaboration, and unlocking new opportunities for business growth.

The final event of the year provided attendees with an opportunity to revisit the highlights of the RAKEZ Growth Series, reconnect with peers, and gain new insights from inspiring speakers. Entrepreneurs reflected on their achievements, shared their growth stories, and discussed strategies to maintain momentum heading into 2025.

In 2024, the RAKEZ Growth Series served as a catalyst for business transformation. Participants frequently credited the series' expert guidance, practical resources, and networking opportunities as instrumental in driving their progress and fostering long-term success.

Reflections

RAKEZ group CEO Ramy Jalad, said, “The RAKEZ Growth Series was created with a mission to empower business owners and entrepreneurs with practical strategies, actionable insights, and valuable networks to fuel their success. The 2024 edition delivered on this promise, facilitating countless opportunities for growth, collaboration, and learning. It has been incredible to witness the transformative power of shared knowledge and connections in our community.”

Shijin Abdul Latheef, founder of Craftspot Designs, said, "The RAKEZ Growth Series has been a true game-changer for me! Each session delivered actionable insights, and the networking opportunities have allowed me to forge invaluable partnerships. These events have consistently exceeded my expectations, providing unmatched value that keeps me coming back.”

Hannah Joao, founder of Digitally Driven, said, "The Growth Series events have been essential to my personal and professional journey. By attending multiple sessions, I’ve not only grown my network but also built meaningful partnerships that have significantly boosted my business. As the founder of a digital marketing agency in Ras Al Khaimah, I’ve experienced firsthand how these sessions cultivate innovation, collaboration, and practical takeaways that empower businesses to thrive. For me, the Growth Series isn’t just an event—it’s a launchpad for success."

Mohamed Ismail Syed, founder of RAKVISTA, said, "The Growth Series isn’t just a series of events; it’s a university for young entrepreneurs like us. The speakers are exceptional, offering insights that expand our perspectives, refine our strategies, and provide actionable guidance we can apply to our ventures. This platform has been instrumental in helping me navigate market dynamics and inspired me to strive for excellence in my entrepreneurial journey."

The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport has announced the introduction of a new category of commercial motorcycle licence plates, set to launch on 1 January 2025.

These plates will feature a distinctive yellow colour, symbolising economic activities, and will be reserved for motorcycles used in commercial and delivery services.

This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi Mobility's dedication to advancing sustainable transport infrastructure and promoting operational efficiency within the emirate.

The new licence plates aim to streamline commercial transport operations, ensuring they adhere to regulatory standards while addressing the needs of businesses reliant on motorcycles for deliveries.

By distinguishing commercial motorcycles from personal-use vehicles, this measure enhances regulatory oversight, supports compliance with established transport guidelines, and fosters improved logistics across the commercial sector. It also aligns with broader efforts to boost economic efficiency and contribute to an elevated quality of life in Abu Dhabi.

H.E. Mohammed Al Braik Al Ameri, executive director of the drivers and vehicles licensing sector, highlighted that the initiative will significantly enhance road safety and streamline motorcycle traffic management. By introducing distinct licence plates for commercial motorcycles, the system will simplify the identification of private versus commercial vehicles, boosting the overall efficiency of traffic operations.

This measure will also facilitate improved database management and classification of motorcycles, supporting the development of streamlined governmental procedures related to motorcycles and economic activities. The initiative reflects a commitment to creating a more organised and secure transport environment.