In The Spotlight
he five-year contract covers full-scope project management services. (Image source: Parsons)
Parsons to oversee delivery of Dubai Metro's upcoming blue line
Parsons Corporation has been selected by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) as the project management consultant for the ambitious Dubai Metro Blue Line project.
The five-year contract covers full-scope project management services, including design oversight, procurement coordination, construction supervision, commissioning support, and final handover.
The Blue Line, set to open in 2029, will stretch 30 km and feature 14 stations, strengthening links between key areas such as Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City.
Designed to support Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan and the D33 Economic Agenda, the line is expected to carry up to 320,000 daily passengers, promoting smarter, more sustainable urban mobility.
Advancing public transport systems
Parsons has long been a strategic partner to RTA, playing a major role in landmark infrastructure efforts like the Dubai Metro’s Red and Green lines, the Route 2020 expansion, and the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Center.
With a legacy of over 65 years in the region, Parsons continues to lead on complex projects in mobility, transport, urban development, and smart infrastructure, drawing on its experience with more than 400 rail and transit clients worldwide.
‘‘We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the RTA and are committed to working with their expert team on expanding the Dubai Metro network in line with the RTA’s goal to provide seamless, safe, and sustainable mobility solutions that cater to the needs of Dubai’s growing population,’’ said Pierre Santoni, President, Infrastructure EMEA at Parsons. ‘‘Our team will leverage our 80-plus years of global experience coupled with our local knowledge to deliver a world-class transportation system using the safest methods and most innovative technology available.’
Malek Ramadan Mishmish, Director of Rail Planning and Project Development at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said, "We are pleased to appoint Parsons as the project management consultant for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, particularly given the company’s extensive and proven experience in delivering projects awarded by the RTA since its establishment in Dubai. Parsons is a key partner in the RTA’s success and achievements, which it continues to deliver."
Mishmish added, "The RTA is committed to working with leading global companies to implement its various projects and initiatives in line with the vision and ambitions of the Government of Dubai to make the Emirate the smartest and happiest city in the world. The RTA also strives to play an active role in achieving this vision, which is based on excellence, innovation, and future foresight, while leveraging advanced technologies in the field of smart and sustainable transportation.”
The agreement aims to create a unified service model. (Image source: Maersk)
Maersk and Saudi Post aim to boost ecommerce logistics
Maersk Saudi Arabia (Maersk) and the Saudi Post Company (SPL) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance logistics and supply chain services for ecommerce companies operating in Saudi Arabia and potentially the wider GCC region.
The agreement aims to create a unified service model that meets the growing demand for efficient, end-to-end logistics solutions across regional and global markets.
The partnership will integrate Maersk’s global shipping and logistics capabilities with Saudi Post’s strong national delivery network.
By aligning their strengths, both organisations aim to offer a seamless logistics experience tailored to international eCommerce businesses looking to establish or scale operations within the Kingdom.
Enhancing regional logistics
Saudi Post’s in-country network, developed in line with Vision 2030 objectives, will connect with Maersk’s international infrastructure to deliver greater speed, efficiency, and reliability to customers.
Under the partnership, Saudi Post will manage all domestic services, including express customs clearance and last-mile delivery, while Maersk will handle the origin-side operations, international transport, and bonded fulfilment.
The collaboration will be supported by Maersk’s newly inaugurated Integrated Logistics Park in Jeddah, positioning Saudi Arabia as a vital regional logistics hub.
The MoU outlines joint efforts in digital system integration to ensure smooth data exchange, shared marketing and commercial initiatives to target global ecommerce clients, unified customer service protocols for consistent quality, and operational improvements to optimise capacity and performance.
This strategic alliance is expected to accelerate the development of a robust ecommerce ecosystem and reinforce the Kingdom’s role as a logistics leader in the Middle East.
"We are excited to partner with Saudi Post, who operate an unparalleled distribution network in Saudi Arabia, to create an integrated logistics solution that addresses the growing demand for efficient eCommerce fulfilment in the country," said Ahmed Al Olaby, director, Maersk Saudi Arabia, after signing the MoU. "Our extensive, global ocean network, along with the newly opened Integrated Logistics Park, would combine with Saudi Post's extensive domestic network, positioning us to deliver world-class logistics services that support businesses looking to enter or expand in the Saudi market."
“The strategic collaboration between SPL and Maersk is pivotal in streamlining cross-border e-commerce flows to and from The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC, enhancing connectivity, reliability, and growth opportunities across the region”, said Rouni Saad, international business sales director, SPL Group.
Both companies said that the MoU "directly contributes to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives by enhancing the Kingdom's logistics infrastructure, supporting the growth of the eCommerce sector, and facilitating international trade."
This could attract more international businesses to set up shop in Saudi Arabia, while providing them with reliable and efficient logistics solutions.
Also read: Saudi Global Ports awarded terminal concessions on the Kingdom's eastern coast
he transaction was completed under a binding share purchase and subscription agreement.
Alcoa exits Ma’aden joint venture in US$1.35bn deal
Alcoa Corporation has finalised the sale of its 25.1% stake in the Ma’aden joint venture to Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden), marking a strategic exit from the integrated mining complex the two companies launched in 2009.
The transaction was completed under a binding share purchase and subscription agreement.
In exchange, Alcoa received around 86 million Ma’aden shares, valued at approximately US$1.2bn, alongside US$150mn in cash, which will primarily be used to cover taxes and transaction costs.
The company expects to report a gain of roughly US$780mn under other income for the third quarter of 2025.
In line with past asset sales, this gain will be recorded as a special item.
Saudi mining growth
Alcoa, which is based in Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, is a global leader in bauxite, alumina, and aluminium products. It will now hold an estimated 2% of Ma’aden’s outstanding shares.
As stipulated in the agreement, these shares must be retained for a minimum of three years, with one-third eligible for sale after each of the third, fourth, and fifth anniversaries of the transaction’s closing.
However, under certain conditions, Alcoa is allowed to hedge or borrow against the shares during the holding period, and the lock-up may be reduced in specific scenarios.
The Ma’aden joint venture, established as a fully integrated aluminium production complex in Saudi Arabia, comprises the Ma’aden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC) and the Ma’aden Aluminium Company (MAC).
Prior to the deal, Ma’aden held a 74.9% majority stake.
Citi served as Alcoa’s exclusive financial advisor for the transaction, while legal counsel was provided by White & Case LLP.
“While today marks the end of the Joint Venture, the closing of this transaction demonstrates the initial value to our shareholders and enables visibility within Alcoa’s financials until we monetize in the future,” said William F. Oplinger, Alcoa’s president and CEO.
“I thank Ma’aden’s leadership and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their partnership over the last 16 years, and we look forward to continued engagement as Ma’aden shareholders.”
Also read: Power Metallic gets licensed to explore Saudi mineral belt
The system offers a dynamic vertical reach of 3 metres. (Image source: COBOD)
A robot revolution? A look at multifunctional 3D construction using robotic arms
COBOD International, in partnership with Technische Universität Braunschweig, has launched the first commercially available multifunctional construction robot, expanding the scope of 3D printing in construction.
Unveiled during the grand opening of the Digital Construction Site at TU Braunschweig, the system merges COBOD’s BOD2 3D construction printer with a telescopic vertical extension and robotic arm designed for the Shotcrete 3D Printing Process (SC3DP).
Shotcrete, a concrete-spraying technique typically used in complex structures such as tunnels, retaining walls, and swimming pools, forms the basis of the SC3DP system.
However, the telescopic unit’s versatility allows it to host multiple tool types beyond shotcrete, including sanding equipment, paint spray guns, and insulation tools, transforming the 3D printer into a multifunctional robotic platform.
A 3D printing aid
The system offers a dynamic vertical reach of 3 metres, enabling the robotic arm to operate on printed structures situated up to 3 metres below the X-axis.
This functionality allows users to print, reinforce, and finish complex, double-curved concrete walls with precision and geometric freedom. Reinforcement can either be embedded after concrete placement or applied by spraying around prefabricated reinforcement meshes.
The launch was attended by Helga Kühnhenrich, Head of Research and Innovation in the Construction Industry at Germany’s Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR), who highlighted the growing industry focus on automation to cut costs and reduce labour dependence.
According to COBOD, the robotic system can even be equipped with a gripper to automatically install prefabricated elements such as aerated concrete blocks or bricks, features traditionally outside the scope of standard 3D printing setups.
With this, the company aims to redefine what construction robotics can achieve, merging digital precision with functional adaptability.
Henrik Lund-Nielsen, general manager and founder of COBOD International, said, “For years we have had the vision of making multifunctional construction robots on the basis of our 3D construction printers. Seeing the first materialisation of our vision here makes me very proud. With this new technology we offer automation of many more construction processes than just printing of concrete walls. With our new COBOD robotic arm at the end of the telescopic arm there is an endless amount of construction tasks that our printing system can now automate and expedite to the benefit of our global customers.”
Professor Harald Kloft for Structural Design at ITE explained, “Our partnership with COBOD is a decisive step towards the digital construction site of the future. 3D printing enables automated, digitally controlled processes of simple as well as very complex tasks, like the fabrication of reinforced double curved walls. The ability to make complex, individualised, material efficient and low waste construction solutions makes 3D printing ideal for the construction industry, as it brings together economic, environmental and social aspects, such as the reduction of physical stress.”
Also read: Volvo CE excavators undergo rigorous testing; outperform rivals
Advocates say electric machine alternatives offer a win-win. (Image source: Volvo CE)
How Volvo CE machines tackle emissions from construction equipment
A high-level roundtable held at the Swedish Embassy during London Climate Action Week has spotlighted the outsized role diesel compact construction machines play in worsening urban air quality, and the urgent need for policy and industry to drive the shift to electric alternatives.
The event brought together city officials, construction leaders and researchers to tackle the overlooked issue of diesel compact machinery, which remains largely exempt from regulations such as London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) despite emitting significant levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). Representatives from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), the City of London, and campaign groups joined the call for a rapid transition to zero-emission equipment.
In London alone, approximately 5,000 diesel compact excavators currently in use generate as much NOx and PM as more than 100,000 diesel cars. Yet, because they are not required to meet the same particulate filtration standards as passenger vehicles or larger machines, their impact often goes unaddressed.
With construction now the dominant source of black carbon emissions in London, overtaking cars, the urgency is clear. Globally, only 17% of cities meet WHO air quality guidelines, and air pollution contributed to 8.1 million premature deaths in 2021 alone.
Low-emission equipment
The roundtable also showcased findings from a 12-week trial by Volvo CE, Transport for London (TfL), and FM Conway, which replaced diesel equipment with three electric construction machines. The result: nearly 8kg of harmful NOx and hydrocarbon emissions were avoided, which is the equivalent of a diesel car travelling more than 39,000 miles.
Advocates say electric alternatives offer a win-win: quieter operation, lower vibration, zero tailpipe emissions, and less energy waste, making them ideal for densely populated urban areas. But challenges remain: lack of charging infrastructure, green energy access, regulatory gaps and high upfront costs.
As cities look to scale climate and public health efforts, roundtable participants called for collaborative action to overcome these barriers. Embedding sustainability criteria into public tenders, expanding low emission zones to include all construction machinery, and increasing awareness of compact diesel machines’ impact were highlighted as immediate priorities.
The event closed with a strong message: cleaning up construction emissions is not only technically viable but essential to creating healthier cities. With bold leadership, coordinated policy, and cross-industry collaboration, electric construction machines could play a pivotal role in transforming the urban environment.
Thomas Bitter, Head of the Compact Business Unit at Volvo CE, said, “Cities like London are making great progress to improve air quality. But ignoring construction equipment in low emission policies misses a key health opportunity. Zero-emission solutions exist, but adoption is too slow. We need full value chain collaboration to break down barriers to change and speed up the shift to emission-free construction that is so essential for urban health.”
Also read: Volvo CE excavators undergo rigorous testing; outperform rivals
The data centre market within the GCC is expanding rapidly. (Image source: UTEC)
Modular solutions for a future-ready Middle East: UTEC leads the charge in sustainable data centre innovation
UTEC highlights five key points explaining the need for modularity in building data centres. This helps them become more efficient, and helps meet energy demands of the future.
This is especially important for the Middle East where energy demand is expected to peak in the coming years, and data centres will need to cope with the challenges that come with it.
A new era in digital infrastructure
As AI demand surges, even the largest tech firms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft are confronting a new kind of bottleneck: the power grid. In 2024, Microsoft paused development on several AI-centric data centre projects. It was not due to technical hurdles or budget constraints, but because of limited local grid capacity. This underscores the critical importance of integrating highly efficient and reliable power distribution equipment within data centres. This critical industry demands solutions that optimise internal energy use and help alleviate pressure on the external grid infrastructure.
The data centre market within the GCC is expanding rapidly. Several initiatives and investments by the government and private sector are the reasons behind the surge in the market. The swift development of multiple large-scale data centre projects across GCC states is going to impact several domains within the power sector:
• Increased grid load
• Need for advanced electrical equipment
• Demand for reliable power distribution infrastructure
UTEC's modular data centres are engineered to address the growing demand for scalable and sustainable infrastructure. Designed with high-efficiency power distribution systems, they significantly reduce energy losses and limit stress on the grid, making them ideal for supporting technologies like AI, IoT, and cloud computing without compromising grid stability.
Is modularity more important now?
Modular data centres offer a scalable and future-proof infrastructure that supports the rising demand for AI, cloud computing, and other data-intensive technologies. Without scalable systems, organisations risk performance issues and escalating costs. Modular structures allow for efficient, phased expansion while maintaining reliability and availability.
Traditional, non-compact data centres are space-intensive and slow to deploy, particularly problematic in urban areas where real estate is limited. Technologies like AI and edge computing require low latency and real-time processing, making rapid scalability essential. Modular, compact solutions enable faster deployment and flexible scaling in confined spaces.
Prefabricated modular units also address challenges of inconsistent on-site construction standards and limited skilled labour in various regions. These factory-built modules ensure quality and reduce risks associated with local variability, supporting global deployment strategies.
Sustainability is another driver. As data centres grow in size and energy usage, the need for eco-friendly solutions like dry-type transformers, SF6-free switchgear, lithium-ion batteries, and liquid cooling systems, has become critical. In response, markets such as the US and Europe are adopting green standards like LEED certification. This is influencing GCC countries to integrate sustainable technologies into their greenfield digital infrastructure projects.
Sustainable modular design
UTEC’s modular data centres (MDCs) are redefining sustainability and operational efficiency in the digital age through an integrated, intelligent design. Each MDC features a customised cooling system with targeted temperature control to maximise thermal efficiency. Advanced IoT capabilities enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, remote asset management, and automated energy optimisation, ensuring smart, responsive operations. UTEC’s modular solution also unifies HVAC, lighting, safety, and security systems with full compatibility across DCIM and BMS platforms, delivering a cohesive, end-to-end infrastructure tailored to today’s evolving digital demands.
Whether a developer requires high-precision cooling, advanced power management, fire suppression, remote monitoring, or automation systems, UTEC provides bespoke solutions to match those needs. Its MDCs incorporate a full range of power distribution technologies, including smart MV switchgear, efficient dry or oil-based transformers, UPS systems, batteries, static transfer switches, and busways.
Intelligent monitoring tools such as mean-time-between-failures predictions and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) further enhance reliability by enabling predictive maintenance and early fault detection. Altogether, UTEC’s modular approach supports rapid deployment, operational continuity, and long-term sustainability.
UTEC specialises in modular rack-mounted power shelves designed to minimise installation and maintenance time. With hot-swappable insertion capabilities, our systems allow for seamless exchange and expansion even during live operations. Built for flexibility and scalability, the racking solution supports various voltage levels and loads, making it easy to add or remove shelves as power demands evolve. Engineered with redundancy options, the system ensures continuous uptime and reliability across a range of applications.
Our commitment to resilience is reflected in our certification by the UPTIME Institute, reinforcing UTEC’s position as a trusted OEM. All products are developed in line with the Institute’s stringent Design and Constructed Facility standards. From concept to completion, UTEC provides a fully integrated offering such as spanning design, engineering, manufacturing, and site deployment. Each project is supported by comprehensive Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to guarantee consistent performance, availability, and long-term support.
UTEC’s commitment standards
UTEC has partnered with Schneider Electric in a strategic alliance to design and manufacture modular data centres within Saudi Arabia. The collaboration aims to significantly enhance local value creation.
Under the alliance, we have built a Smart Solution Facility spanning over 10,000 sq km primarily to support the GCC modular data centres demand. The facility is set to deliver its first locally designed and manufactured modules to Saudi Telecom Company’s (STC) data centre.
Future-ready infrastructure
With Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, and Qatar Digital Agenda 2030 in place, the region is poised to become a major demand center for a range of modern technologies including IoT, digitalisation and edge computing, and more. For the past two decades, UTEC has been serving Middle Eastern countries with its solutions. Leveraging its deep regional expertise, UTEC’s modular data centres are redefining how digital infrastructure is built.
For more information, contact:
Joby’s aircraft can carry a pilot and four passengers. (Image source: Joby)
Joby Aviation completes first piloted air taxi flights in Dubai
Joby Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has completed a landmark series of piloted wingborne flights in Dubai, marking its first operational demonstrations in the region and a major milestone in its global commercialisation plans.
The successful tests signal the start of Joby’s market readiness efforts in the UAE ahead of planned commercial passenger service by 2026.
The achievement forms a key part of Joby’s broader commercial strategy, which includes direct operations, aircraft sales, and regional partnerships. These Dubai test flights also represent a first in the eVTOL sector, with Joby leading efforts to bring advanced air mobility to one of the world’s most forward-thinking urban centres.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), attended the inaugural flights, underlining the strategic alignment between Joby and the RTA's long-term vision for sustainable, next-generation transport solutions. The milestone follows the 2024 agreement with the RTA, which granted Joby exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years.
Approval from UAE authorities
In close coordination with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Joby is now accelerating the integration of its service model into the emirate’s urban fabric. Initial flight routes are expected to link Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai. A journey from DXB to Palm Jumeirah, for instance, would take just 12 minutes, significantly reducing travel time compared to the current 45-minute car ride.
Joby’s aircraft can carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph (around 320 km/h), all while operating with zero emissions and ultra-low noise. Designed for urban mobility, it offers a quieter, cleaner, and faster alternative for short-haul trips and cross-city commutes.
These flights also build on nearly two years of hot-weather testing at Edwards Air Force Base in the US and demonstrate Joby’s expanding operational readiness and logistical capabilities. With over 15 years of engineering development, more than 40,000 miles of test flights, and validated multi-aircraft operations, Joby is fast approaching its goal of making efficient, quiet, and sustainable air travel a reality.
“The United Arab Emirates is a launchpad for a global revolution in how we move,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “In addition to building a performant aircraft, we’ve also been maturing our program for anticipated passenger service with global operational capabilities and scalable, durable manufacturing. Our flights and operational footprint in Dubai are a monumental step toward weaving air taxi services into the fabric of daily life worldwide. With our visionary partners, we’re igniting a future where quiet, clean flight is the new normal, and we’re demonstrating the leadership of American innovation on the global stage.”
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said, “The launch of the air taxi’s trial operation reflects UAE leadership’s vision to advance sustainable and innovative mobility across all public and shared transport modes. It underscores Dubai’s commitment to keeping pace with rapid global transformations and developing future-ready solutions to emerging mobility challenges.
“The air taxi will introduce a new premium service for residents and visitors seeking smooth, fast, and safe travel to key destinations across the city. The service will also strengthen integration with public transport systems and individual mobility options such as e-scooters and bicycles, enabling seamless multimodal travel and enhanced connectivity across Dubai, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for all passengers.”
Also read: Air taxis to take-off in Saudi skies?