In The Spotlight
Tadweer acquires Masdar’s stake in Sharjah waste-to-energy plant
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, Masdar has announced the divestment of its stake in the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy plant, pending customary closing conditions, to Tadweer Group.
The strategic move will see Tadweer join BEEAH as a joint venture partner in Emirates Waste-to-Energy, which owns and operates the facility.
The transition allows Masdar to concentrate on scaling its clean energy portfolio, while Tadweer sharpens its focus on local and global waste management ventures.
Tadweer and BEEAH will now combine forces to manage and expand the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy plant, including plans to double its power generation from 30 MW to 60 MW and significantly boost waste processing capacity.
Inaugurated in 2022, the plant is the Middle East’s first commercial-scale waste-to-energy facility and plays a central role in the UAE’s strategy to divert waste from landfills and generate low-carbon electricity.
The agreement reinforces all partners’ commitment to sustainability, with continued collaboration expected on initiatives that support the UAE’s clean energy goals and broader climate agenda.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive officer of Masdar, said, “We are proud of the impact this project has had within the UAE, and we extend our sincere thanks to BEEAH for their valued partnership since the inception of our Emirates Waste-to-Energy joint venture. As we transfer our stake, we are confident that Tadweer and BEEAH will continue to advance the project with strong leadership and a clear strategic vision.”
Ali Al Dhaheri, managing director and chief executive officer of Tadweer Group, said, “Acquiring this high-performing asset will further enhance Tadweer Group’s capabilities and support the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable waste management and energy conversion. We look forward to working with BEEAH to build on the strong foundations it has laid working alongside Masdar.”
Khaled Al Huraimel, group CEO of BEEAH Group, said, “We thank Masdar for having partnered with us in the Emirates Waste-to-Energy joint venture and their support on the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy Plant, our inaugural, groundbreaking project. We look forward to further building on these accomplishments alongside Tadweer Group as a joint venture partner, marking a new chapter of growth and waste-to-energy innovation for the nation and the region.”
Also read: UAE Council launches national waste exchange platform
Iveco celebrates 50 years
Is the GCC leading in sustainable construction?
The International Code Council (ICC) looks at how the construction landscape in the GCC is changing, especially with smarter materials, cooling, and policy changes.
Behind the GCC's towering structures and landmark megaprojects lies a critical question: how can the region build in a way that is not only transformative but also sustainable?
As urbanisation intensifies, construction is under mounting pressure to evolve. Sustainability is no longer optional, it is essential. The choices made today will shape the resilience and livability of tomorrow’s cities.
To meet this challenge, governments and developers across the region are actively rethinking how buildings are designed, constructed and operated.
From low-carbon materials to pioneering technologies and updated regulations, the GCC is making bold moves to create a greener built environment.
A major focus is on improving energy efficiency, particularly through smarter cooling.
In a region where air conditioning can account for up to 70% of a building’s energy use, upgrading HVAC systems is both an environmental and financial imperative.
This has spurred the adoption of passive cooling techniques, better insulation, and demand-driven systems powered by renewables, enabling climate control with a lighter carbon footprint.
Green materials
The materials used in construction are also undergoing a transformation.
Concrete, long the backbone of GCC development, is now being refined with low-carbon alternatives and advanced admixtures to reduce emissions without compromising strength or durability.
This shift is being accelerated through regional standardisation and innovation in cement technology.
In parallel, the GCC, particularly the UAE, is leading a global push toward 3D-printed buildings.
These structures reduce material waste, speed up project timelines, and allow for complex, custom designs. They represent a fundamental reimagining of how construction can be more efficient, scalable and sustainable.
Underpinning these efforts are national climate policies like the UAE Net Zero 2050 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Green Initiative.
These frameworks are driving practical action, not just policy statements, supported by updated building codes and new training pathways for professionals.
Programmes from bodies such as the International Code Council (ICC) are equipping the workforce with the skills needed to meet increasingly ambitious environmental standards.
The GCC’s approach to sustainable construction is comprehensive: it combines innovation, policy, and people. In doing so, the region is not just keeping pace with global trends, it is setting new ones.
Through its commitment to smarter, cleaner, and more responsible building, the GCC is demonstrating that environmental stewardship and architectural progress can, and must, go hand in hand.
Also read: ICC to showcase global building safety standards in Egypt
HANNOVER MESSE
Venue:
Hannover
Dates:
17-21 April 2023
Website:
https://www.hannovermesse.de/en/