In The Spotlight
IRENA council focuses on energy security and AI
More than 300 government representatives gathered in Abu Dhabi and online for the 31st Council meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), where discussions centred on energy security, renewable energy deployment and the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digitalisation on the global energy transition.
Held over two days in a hybrid format, the meeting reviewed progress on the agency’s ongoing programmes and explored priorities for the next stage of renewable energy development worldwide. Delegates also examined how electrification and emerging technologies could help accelerate the transition to cleaner energy systems.
Francesco La Camera said the global energy landscape was undergoing rapid change, affecting economies and communities across the world.
“Changes in today’s global energy landscape are affecting not only the energy sector, but entire economies, particularly in the world’s most vulnerable communities,” he said. “This Council convenes at a critical moment as IRENA’s Membership discusses priorities for the next phase of the transition, from energy security and resilience to electrification of end-use sectors and the growth of digital economies.”
The meeting also highlighted the increasing connection between renewable energy, economic stability and food security.
Serving as chair of the 31st IRENA Council, Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak stressed the importance of strengthening renewable energy systems amid global uncertainty.
“The current global landscape clearly demonstrates that energy security, economic stability, and food security are inextricably linked,” she said. “Now, more than ever, the world must double down on renewables.”
She added that IRENA’s role remained critical in helping countries navigate the changing energy environment while supporting long-term sustainability and resilience goals.
Delegates also reviewed the implementation of IRENA’s 2026-2027 work programme and budget, while beginning discussions on the agency’s medium-term strategy for 2028-2032.
The council meeting comes as governments worldwide continue increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure, low-carbon technologies and grid modernisation to strengthen energy resilience and reduce emissions.
Abanos advances low-carbon fit-out projects in UAE
UAE-based interior fit-out and joinery specialist Abanos has revealed that its use of PSB (Palm Strand Board) across three major projects has resulted in the sequestration of more than one million kg of biogenic carbon and over four million kg of CO2 equivalent (CO2e).
The company said the achievement highlights how material selection within the construction and fit-out sector can play a significant role in reducing embodied carbon emissions and supporting long-term sustainability goals.
Abanos integrated PSB into several large-scale developments delivered for Transemirates Contracting at District One-FZ, using the material across a range of interior applications. The company explained that the carbon remains stored within the built environment rather than being released into the atmosphere through conventional construction processes.
PSB is currently being used in products including fire-rated doors, partitions, flooring systems, vanities, railings and door frames, demonstrating its suitability for commercial-scale applications.
Ravish Kishore, general manager at Abanos, said the industry is increasingly being driven by measurable environmental performance rather than sustainability pledges alone.
“The sector has reached a stage where environmental responsibility can no longer come at the expense of quality or performance,” he said. “By incorporating PSB into these projects, we have demonstrated that it is possible to embed sustainability directly into the material itself while delivering at scale.”
Kishore added that the company’s recent projects alone had enabled the storage of more than four million kg of CO2e within the structures.
“This is not a carbon offset initiative,” he said. “The carbon remains locked within the built environment, contributing to Scope 3 decarbonisation efforts and supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions.”
The projects highlighted by the company include The Edge and The Peninsula developments for Select Group, as well as Kempinski La Reserve for Swiss Properties.
Collectively, the developments accounted for more than 1.1 million kg of biogenic carbon stored within PSB products and over four million kg of CO2e captured through interior fit-out works.
Abanos noted that sustainable materials are becoming increasingly important as the UAE construction industry responds to evolving environmental regulations and green building targets.
Kishore said, “As the UAE accelerates its sustainability agenda, manufacturers and fit-out specialists have a responsibility to rethink how materials are sourced, produced and integrated into projects. Carbon-sequestering materials are quickly becoming an operational necessity rather than a future aspiration.”
Established in 1985, Abanos has expanded from a Sharjah-based manufacturer into a regional fit-out specialist with more than 1,100 employees and over 1,000 completed projects across the Middle East and North Africa.
The company currently operates a 23,775 sq m manufacturing and joinery facility and continues to deliver projects across the residential, hospitality, retail, healthcare and commercial sectors.
Elsewedy acquires turbine services firm Thomassen
Elsewedy Electric has strengthened its position in the energy services sector through the acquisition of a 60% stake in Dutch turbine maintenance specialist Thomassen Service.
The deal covers Thomassen Service’s operations in the Middle East and Africa, its filter manufacturing division, and its Africa-based subsidiary. The agreement was signed by senior executives from both companies, including Elsewedy Electric CEO and Managing Director Ahmed Elsewedy and Thomassen Service CEO Peter Hertog.
The acquisition forms part of Elsewedy Electric’s wider expansion strategy as demand for dependable energy infrastructure and maintenance services continues to rise across the Gulf and other high-growth markets.
By integrating Thomassen Service’s expertise in gas turbine maintenance and repair, Elsewedy Electric aims to broaden its technical capabilities and strengthen its end-to-end offering across the energy value chain.
Ahmed Elsewedy said, “This acquisition represents an important step in enhancing our technical expertise and expanding the integrated solutions we provide to customers across the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Combining Thomassen Service’s specialist capabilities with our engineering and project delivery strengths will enable us to better support the evolving requirements of the energy sector.”
He added that the move also supports the company’s international growth plans by expanding its ability to provide services covering the full lifecycle of energy projects, from construction through to long-term operation and maintenance.
The transaction comes as countries across the region continue to invest heavily in power generation and industrial infrastructure aligned with long-term economic diversification programmes, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Elsewedy Electric is also developing two advanced gas turbine component repair facilities in the UAE, which are expected to improve local servicing capabilities and reduce dependence on overseas repair centres. The company said the investment would help shorten turnaround times while improving operational efficiency and equipment reliability for customers.
Peter Hertog described the partnership as a significant opportunity for Thomassen Service to expand into new markets and accelerate growth.
“Joining Elsewedy Electric creates strong opportunities to scale our operations and broaden our international reach,” he said. “We are pleased to partner with an organisation that shares our focus on innovation, quality and customer service.”
He added that Thomassen Service’s experience in turbine maintenance, combined with its agile technical teams and international expertise, would complement Elsewedy Electric’s expanding portfolio across the energy, oil and gas industries.
The acquisition is also expected to support further investment in technology, workforce development and infrastructure, enabling both companies to strengthen their presence in the global energy services market.
Advanced materials drive sustainable innovation
According to IDTechEx analyst Lily-Rose Schuett, advances in coatings, graphene and critical material recovery are reshaping the global materials landscape, with growing demand for sustainable, high-performance solutions across sectors ranging from aerospace and EV batteries to energy and data centres.
In her analysis, “The Top of the Material Chain – Advanced Coatings to Critical Minerals”, Schuett highlights how advanced coatings are increasingly being adopted to improve durability, efficiency and safety. Citing IDTechEx research, she notes that the coatings market is currently valued at around US$202bn, with Germany, China and the US leading exports. Demand is being fuelled by industries seeking lightweight materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, particularly in aerospace and energy applications.
Schuett explains that advanced coatings are also being developed with sustainability in mind, as environmental regulations and consumer expectations push manufacturers towards PFAS-free and heavy metal-free alternatives. Applications highlighted in the research include improving fire safety in EV batteries, aerospace systems and data centres, while also reducing maintenance requirements in sectors such as wind energy, oil and gas, and construction.
The report further identifies manufacturing efficiency, coating performance and sustainability as the three main priorities shaping coating development. Desired properties include long shelf life, low viscosity, short curing times and lightweight composition, although balancing performance with sustainability remains application dependent.
Schuett also explores developments in graphene and other advanced materials. Graphene, a 2D nanocarbon material, is valued for its exceptional strength, thermal conductivity, electrical properties and gas impermeability. It is increasingly being used in thermal management systems, conductive inks, sensors, membranes, concrete and asphalt applications.
However, she notes that maintaining graphene quality remains a challenge, as pristine graphene sheets must be carefully transferred from their growth substrate to the final application without damage. Future developments may include genuine monolayer and bilayer graphene additives, as well as more sustainable production methods using green or waste-derived feedstocks such as methane, coke and end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.
According to Schuett, competition from materials such as carbon black and carbon nanotubes remains strong, yet the graphene sector continues to expand. IDTechEx forecasts the graphene market will surpass US$1bn by 2032, with continued growth expected over the following decade.
The analysis also examines the growing importance of critical material recovery as geopolitical tensions and supply chain risks increase pressure on global access to strategic materials. Critical materials, which include metals, elements and composites essential to key industries, are becoming increasingly important as countries seek greater supply security.
Schuett outlines several extraction and recovery methods covered in IDTechEx research, including hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, electro-leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, biosorption and electro-winning. Established secondary sources for material recovery include platinum group metals from automotive emission control systems, while emerging opportunities are centred on lithium-ion batteries and rare-earth magnets from EVs.
The report also evaluates extraction technologies based on factors such as scalability, energy consumption, waste-source versatility and circularity, reflecting the increasing emphasis on sustainability within the critical materials sector.
Holcim launches circular construction solution in UAE
Holcim UAE has introduced its ECOCycle technology platform in the UAE during the Make it in the Emirates event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), as the company looks to accelerate circular construction practices across the country.
The launch represents a significant step in tackling construction and demolition waste, which accounts for the majority of the UAE’s solid waste stream. Through ECOCycle, Holcim aims to convert discarded construction materials into new building products, reducing landfill use while conserving natural resources.
The technology platform enables recycled construction and demolition materials to be incorporated into building products at levels ranging from 10% to 100%, while maintaining the same standards of quality and performance expected by contractors and developers.
Ali Said, CEO of Holcim UAE and Oman, said the initiative supports both sustainability objectives and customer demand for more environmentally responsible construction solutions.
“With ECOCycle, we are helping to create a true circular construction model by transforming old buildings into materials for new developments,” he said. “This allows our customers to meet ambitious sustainability targets without compromising on quality, durability or performance.”
He added that the platform would also help reduce dependence on virgin raw materials and minimise the volume of waste sent to landfill sites.
The UAE construction sector continues to expand rapidly, increasing pressure on waste management systems and natural resource consumption. Holcim stated that ECOCycle is designed to address these challenges by recovering materials from demolition projects and reintegrating them into the production cycle.
The company noted that the technology has already been deployed in several international markets. In France, Holcim used fully recycled concrete in the construction of a residential building, demonstrating the commercial viability of large-scale circular construction practices.
By bringing the platform to the UAE, Holcim hopes to support the country’s wider sustainability ambitions, including efforts to divert 75% of waste away from landfill.
Said commented, “Circularity is becoming increasingly important for the future of construction, particularly in fast-growing markets such as the UAE. ECOCycle is designed to support developers, architects and contractors in delivering projects that align with evolving environmental standards and green building requirements.”
Holcim added that ECOCycle-labelled products can contribute towards internationally recognised green building certification programmes, supporting more sustainable urban development across the region.
Sohar Titanium begins production in Oman
Sohar Titanium, Oman’s first titanium slag production project, has officially moved into the production phase following the start-up of its first electric arc furnace at Sohar Freezone.
The RO63.5mn project marks a major step in the Sultanate’s efforts to establish a presence in the global titanium supply chain and strengthen downstream mineral processing industries under Oman Vision 2040.
Yusuf bin Abdullah Al Balushi, acting CEO of Sohar Titanium, confirmed that operations have commenced at the facility’s first furnace, according to the Oman Observer. The furnace has an annual production capacity of 50,000 tonnes.
“We have started operating the first of our three furnaces. The furnace that has been commissioned has a capacity of 50,000 tonnes and so far we are proceeding according to schedule,” Al Balushi said in a project update.
He added that the remaining two furnaces would be commissioned in stages, with the facility expected to reach its full annual production capacity of 150,000 tonnes by the end of 2026.
“By the end of 2026, we expect to have completed and operated all the furnaces and begin exports to overseas customers interested in titanium metal,” he said.
The development is being undertaken by Sohar Titanium (FZC) LLC, a joint venture involving Dubal Holding LLC, Minerals Development Oman (MDO) and TI International through Gulf Titanium DMCC.
Dubal Holding, the Dubai Government’s commodities and industrial investment arm, holds a 65% stake in the venture, while MDO owns the remaining 35%.
Titanium slag is produced through the processing of ilmenite ore in electric arc furnaces and is mainly used in the manufacture of titanium dioxide, a white pigment widely used in paints, plastics, paper, coatings and consumer products.
The remaining titanium output can be processed into titanium sponge and titanium metal, materials valued for their strength, low weight and corrosion resistance.
Al Balushi described titanium as a highly specialised material used across several advanced industries, including aerospace, defence, submarine manufacturing, medical technologies and space applications.
He also revealed that industrial buyers from China, Japan, Europe and the United States have already shown interest in sourcing titanium products from the Sohar facility.
The project is expected to contribute to Oman’s industrial diversification strategy by supporting value-added mining activities, boosting exports and creating opportunities within the country’s growing metals and minerals sector.
Located within Sohar Freezone, the facility also benefits from direct access to regional logistics and export infrastructure, positioning Oman to compete more effectively in international titanium markets.
ASMO starts work on major SPARK logistics hub
ASMO, the joint venture formed by Aramco and DHL, has begun construction of its first dedicated logistics hub at King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), marking a major step in expanding logistics infrastructure for Saudi Arabia’s energy and industrial sectors.
The large-scale project, spanning 1.4 million sq m, is being developed in partnership with global investment firm Arcapita Group Holdings following the signing of a long-term strategic agreement earlier this year.
The facility will include a temperature-controlled Grade A warehouse, chemical storage units, administrative offices, staff facilities and a large industrial storage yard. The development is also being designed with advanced automation and smart warehousing systems aimed at improving operational efficiency and supporting future expansion.
Developers said the project will incorporate high technical and safety standards, alongside sustainability-focused features including photovoltaic readiness, EV charging infrastructure and advanced fire protection systems. The site is also targeting LEED Gold certification.
The hub is expected to support the increasingly complex logistics demands of Saudi Arabia’s growing industrial and energy sectors, while strengthening domestic supply chain capabilities as the Kingdom continues to invest heavily in industrial diversification under Vision 2030.
Salem A. Al Huraish, chairman of ASMO, said the project forms part of a broader national logistics strategy.
“This facility represents an important step in building ASMO’s long-term logistics network in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“As the first of three planned strategic sites across the Kingdom, it will strengthen in-Kingdom supply chain capabilities and support reliable, efficient logistics operations for the energy and industrial sectors.”
He added that the development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a regional logistics and trade hub.
Once completed, the facility will support Saudi Aramco, its affiliates and a wider customer base operating across the industrial and energy sectors.
Sulaiman M. Al Rubaian, Aramco senior vice president of procurement and supply chain management, said high-quality logistics assets are becoming increasingly important for operational resilience.
“This facility marks an important step forward in advancing more integrated and resilient supply chain operations,” he said.
The project is also intended to respond to wider changes in global trade and supply chain structures, with companies increasingly prioritising regionalised and diversified logistics networks to improve reliability and continuity.
Sh. Isa bin Hussam Al Khalifa, managing director and head of MENA real estate at Arcapita, said demand for institutional-grade logistics assets is continuing to grow across Saudi Arabia.
“As the Kingdom continues to prioritise industrial development, supply chain resilience and self-sufficiency, demand for scalable, high-quality logistics infrastructure is increasing,” he said.
Mishal Al Zughaibi, president and CEO of SPARK, said the project further strengthens the park’s role as a regional energy and logistics centre.
Located close to key transport and operating corridors, SPARK offers direct access to logistics infrastructure, including one of the region’s largest privately owned dry ports.