In The Spotlight
NGHC partners university on hydrogen skills
NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Fahd bin Sultan University to establish a three-year framework for cooperation focused on education, research and talent development in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk region.
The agreement was formalised at the university’s campus in Tabuk and signed by Professor Dr Abdullah bin Ibrahim Hussein and Wesam Alghamdi, chief executive of NEOM Green Hydrogen Company. The partnership is aimed at supporting the Kingdom’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy by strengthening local capabilities for the rapidly growing clean energy and hydrogen sectors.
NGHC said the collaboration comes at a pivotal stage in the development of its flagship project, with around 90 per cent of the world’s largest green hydrogen plant now complete across all sites. As the company moves from construction into testing, commissioning and ultimately full operations, it is placing increased emphasis on building national talent to support long-term operational excellence.
Under the memorandum, NGHC and Fahd bin Sultan University will work together on training programmes, academic research initiatives, scientific events and specialised technical development activities. A central feature of the agreement is the introduction of a bridging programme that will allow diploma holders to progress towards a bachelor’s degree in line with university regulations. The partnership also provides for the exchange of expertise, practical training opportunities for students, defined employment pathways and participation in workshops and seminars.
The two organisations will hold regular meetings to oversee implementation, appoint coordinators to manage joint activities and ensure continuity of cooperation beyond the duration of the memorandum.
Through the collaboration, a range of courses will be offered to equip students with industry-relevant skills, including engineering and technician programmes, technical and administrative training, occupational health and safety modules, and specialised content focused on renewable energy and hydrogen technologies.
Wesam Alghamdi, CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Company, said: "Developing national talent is fundamental to the long-term success of NEOM Green Hydrogen Company as we prepare to operate the world’s largest green hydrogen plant and support the growth of the broader clean energy economy in Saudi Arabia."
Professor Dr Abdullah bin Ibrahim Hussein said, "This memorandum reflects our commitment to advancing education that responds directly to the needs of future industries."
The partnership is positioned as a model for industry–academic collaboration, supporting Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification ambitions and its leadership in renewable energy and sustainable development.
EMSTEEL taps nuclear power to cut steel emissions
EMSTEEL has announced new progress with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) to decarbonise steel production by sourcing clean, nuclear-generated electricity through Abu Dhabi’s Clean Energy Certificates Programme, certified under the I-REC Standard and managed by Emirates Water & Electricity Company (EWEC).
The move enables EMSTEEL to access verified low-carbon electricity, directly reducing its Scope 2 emissions and lowering the overall carbon footprint of steel produced in the UAE. The company said it is the first steelmaker in the region to utilise Clean Energy Certificates generated from nuclear power, positioning it at the forefront of decarbonisation in one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries.
The latest development builds on a decade-long partnership between EMSTEEL and ENEC. During the construction of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant – the first multi-unit operational nuclear facility in the Middle East and North Africa – EMSTEEL supplied 160,000 tonnes of nuclear-grade rebar, accounting for around 60% of the project’s total rebar requirements.
EMSTEEL said the initiative supports TrueGreen, its sustainability identity that brings together its long-running decarbonisation efforts. The company has now integrated 86 per cent clean electricity across its steel operations and 14% across cement production. In total, this includes 1,484,067 MWh from nuclear power and 651,594 MWh from solar certificates across both businesses. EMSTEEL aims to reach 100 per cent clean electricity by 2030 as part of its long-term decarbonisation roadmap.
Eng Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL, said, “Clean energy, technology enablement, and verified data are central to credible industrial decarbonisation. Through TrueGreen, we are integrating these principles into every aspect of our operations. This synergy with ENEC strengthens our clean energy portfolio and supports our long-term strategy to scale low-carbon steel production. It reflects how national partnerships can accelerate industrial transformation and position the UAE as a global leader in sustainable manufacturing.”
His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Group CEO of ENEC, said, “Pairing ENEC’s carbon-free baseload electricity with EMSTEEL’s continuous industrial load demand shows what the energy transition looks like in practice: clean power at industrial scale, delivered with traceable certificates while in parallel ensuring grid reliability.”
The collaboration highlights how cross-sector partnerships are supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, while reinforcing the role of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which supplies up to 25 per cent of the country’s electricity demand and avoids around 22.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
EGA and Sunstone to build UAE anode plant
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world’s largest producer of premium aluminium, and Sunstone, the world’s largest independent pre-baked anode producer, have announced that construction of a new anode manufacturing plant in the UAE will commence in 2026.
The facility will have an annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes of anodes, marking a significant step towards the UAE’s industrial ambitions under the Make it in the Emirates and Operation 300bn strategies. Once operational, the plant will replace the majority of EGA’s current anode imports and position the UAE among a select group of countries capable of exporting anodes globally. First anode production is anticipated as early as 2028.
EGA and Sunstone formalised the project through a Joint Venture Agreement, with EGA holding a 45 per cent stake and Sunstone 55 per cent. The partners plan to invest approximately US$300 million, proportionate to their respective shareholdings, to develop the new plant. Sunstone will be responsible for building the facility on behalf of the joint venture, with EGA acting as a financial investor and off-taker.
New UAE facility
Anodes are a critical input in aluminium smelting. EGA currently produces around 1.35 million tonnes of anodes annually at its Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah plants, with the remainder of its requirements sourced through imports. The new UAE-based facility will significantly strengthen EGA’s long-term security of supply while supporting domestic industrial growth and export potential.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, said, “This project creates additional export opportunities for the UAE, further increases EGA’s local procurement and our contribution to UAE economic growth, and supports EGA’s long-term security of anode supply. We are pleased to partner with Sunstone, combining our decades of anode manufacturing experience to establish their first plant outside China in the UAE. This project is Make it in the Emirates and Operation 300bn in action – leveraging UAE industrial demand to build new manufacturing in the UAE to meet local needs and expand exports.”
Lang Guanghui, Chairman of Sunstone, added, “We are honoured to establish our first overseas foothold in the UAE and partner with a benchmark enterprise like EGA, which carries half a century of industry heritage and a mission to shape the future of aluminium. This collaboration represents a substantive move by both parties to respond to the green transformation of global manufacturing. We will go all out to set new benchmarks in efficiency and lay a solid foundation for future sustainable operations.”
EGA and Sunstone have been collaborating through a series of early-stage agreements during project development, most recently signing a joint development agreement at the Make it in the Emirates Forum in May 2025, underscoring their commitment to advancing the UAE’s industrial and export capabilities.
Fakhruddin and Holcim UAE sign sustainability MoU
Fakhruddin Properties and Holcim UAE have signed an MoU to jointly advance sustainable construction across the UAE and the wider region.
The agreement brings together Fakhruddin Properties, one of the UAE’s leading sustainability-oriented developers, and Holcim UAE, a key partner for sustainable construction solutions.
It also marks a regional milestone for Holcim, representing its first MoU with a developer headquartered in the Middle East. The partnership reflects Holcim’s ambition to expand its regional footprint while supporting the UAE’s net-zero goals through low-carbon and circular building practices.
The collaboration will draw on Holcim UAE’s expertise in low-carbon and circular construction under its NextGen Growth 2030 strategy, alongside Fakhruddin Properties’ long-standing commitment to sustainable development. Together, the partners aim to deliver future-ready communities that balance environmental responsibility with social value.
Sustainable operations
Fakhruddin Properties is recognised as a multi award-winning sustainability pioneer in the UAE’s real estate sector. The developer introduced the country’s first in-building waste management system, diverting 90% of waste from landfills, and continues to focus on wellness-driven developments through smart home solutions, air purification systems and energy-efficient technologies designed to address rising global energy consumption.
Commenting on the announcement, Yousuf Fakhruddin, CEO and managing director, Fakhruddin Properties, said, “This MoU supports the UAE’s national sustainability agenda and aligns with the 2015 Paris Agreement, reinforcing the UAE’s long-held commitment to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. We will work closely with Holcim UAE to reduce both embodied and operational carbon, promote circular economy principles, and scale practical sustainability solutions with full transparency.
“For example, low-carbon materials supplied by Holcim and other manufacturers will be a staple across our future projects. This partnership demonstrates that effective decarbonization requires joint efforts across developers, sustainable solution providers, as well as government and industry stakeholders, combining innovation with measurable climate action.”
Ali Said, CEO, Holcim UAE, added, “Sustainability is not just a goal, it is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration, transparency, and innovation. Through this partnership, we will embed low-carbon, circular, and resilient practices across the built environment. By ensuring traceability of materials along the entire value chain and integrating sustainable design and construction solutions, we will create communities that support wellbeing, respect the environment and nature, and set new benchmarks for sustainable development, starting with the UAE.”
ACCIONA launches platform for real-time concrete monitoring
As part of its ongoing commitment to the digitalisation of construction processes, ACCIONA has developed a new digital platform designed to enhance the monitoring of concrete quality and maturity across its projects.
Known as DIGICONCRETE, the platform is intended to improve efficiency, accuracy and transparency in the quality control and traceability of structural concrete elements on site.
DIGICONCRETE enables real-time monitoring of concrete placement and performance by providing remote access to key data on strength development and curing progress.
This allows project teams to oversee critical stages of construction without relying solely on manual inspections or paper-based records. By consolidating information within a single digital environment, the platform supports more informed decision-making and improves coordination between site teams and technical offices.
Through the use of interactive dashboards, DIGICONCRETE streamlines quality control and traceability processes by digitising data acquisition and facilitating verification of compliance with applicable regulations, including updated structural codes.
Key features
The system keeps construction teams continuously informed about the maturity level of each concrete pour, helping to optimise formwork removal and stripping times. As a result, construction sequences can be better coordinated, reducing delays and improving overall site productivity.
The platform incorporates advanced data capture technologies, including optical character recognition (OCR) to digitise documentation, alongside wireless devices equipped with high-precision temperature sensors.
These sensors play a critical role in accurately tracking concrete curing conditions, particularly during the early stages of strength development. DIGICONCRETE is accessible via mobile devices, tablets and computers, ensuring seamless collaboration and information sharing across multiple stakeholders regardless of location.
DIGICONCRETE is particularly well suited to projects in the Middle East, where extreme temperatures and challenging environmental conditions can significantly affect concrete behaviour. In hot climates, accelerated setting times increase the risk of quality issues if curing is not carefully controlled. The platform supports more precise monitoring under such conditions, helping teams mitigate risks, maintain quality standards and optimise construction schedules. Its remote monitoring capabilities are especially valuable for large-scale infrastructure and building projects common across the region.
ACCIONA has already deployed DIGICONCRETE on several projects in Spain, including the new Tax Agency headquarters in Valencia, the Palma de Mallorca Airport terminal remodelling project, and a road construction scheme in Zaragoza. Following these implementations, the company is positioning the platform for broader international rollout, including future projects in the Middle East, as part of its wider strategy to integrate digital solutions into construction delivery.
Ecolab and SWA partner to advance water innovation
Ecolab, a global leader in sustainability solutions for water, hygiene and infection prevention, has signed a non-binding MoU with the Saudi Water Authority (SWA) aimed at accelerating water innovation and supporting the Kingdom’s long-term sustainability ambitions.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing more efficient, resilient and circular water systems in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The MoU was formalised during the US-Saudi Water Summit 2025, held last month in Palo Alto, California. The summit brought together international water sector leaders to discuss emerging challenges, technological advances and collaborative models capable of transforming water management across the Kingdom. Against a backdrop of rising demand, climate pressures and industrial expansion, the agreement highlights the growing importance of public-private partnerships in securing Saudi Arabia’s water future.
Under the MoU, SWA and Ecolab will collaborate to position sustainable water management as a strategic enabler of national development. By improving water efficiency and reuse, the partnership aims to help safeguard scarce water resources while enhancing water quality across key sectors. These efforts are also expected to deliver wider environmental and economic benefits, including reduced energy consumption, lower CO2 emissions and improved operational efficiency for industrial and commercial operators.
The framework for cooperation includes the exchange of technical insights and best practices across sectors such as data centres, refineries, petrochemicals, heavy industry, desalination, manufacturing, food and beverage, and hospitality.
Key areas of partnership
The collaboration also covers support for water source selection, regulatory development and performance monitoring, alongside workshops focused on advanced digital solutions such as smart water systems and predictive maintenance. In addition, the partners will explore pilot projects within Saudi industrial cities, applying Ecolab’s global technologies under local operating conditions, and identify opportunities to support innovation initiatives, including Rabigh Oasis, the Global Water Innovation Prize (GWIP), collaborative research and development roundtables, and broader innovation promotion programmes.
Ecolab has maintained a strong presence in Saudi Arabia for more than four decades through its Nalco Water business, supporting major industrial players in optimising water use. Today, its solutions are deployed across energy, manufacturing, food and hospitality, helping organisations conserve water, reduce energy consumption and strengthen long-term business resilience while meeting sustainability goals.
His Excellency Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, President of the Saudi Water Authority, highlighted the partnership as a step toward building a world-class water sector that safeguards resources, supports national growth, and demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can secure water for future generations in line with Vision 2030.
Stefan Umiastowski, Ecolab’s Senior Vice President & CEO for India, Middle East, and Africa, said, “This collaboration represents an important step in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 commitment to long-term water sustainability in a region where water is one of the most critical resources. As digitalization and AI reshape economies and create new demand patterns, intelligent water management has become essential for sustainable growth. By combining Ecolab's global innovation capabilities with the SWA’s vision and local expertise, we're creating a powerful platform to scale water transformation across the Kingdom's most strategic industries.”
Overall, the MoU demonstrates how closer collaboration between government and industry can translate sustainability ambitions into measurable outcomes, supporting the transition towards Net Zero while enhancing industrial competitiveness and water security across Saudi Arabia.
Jenan Real Estate acquires Dana Bay Waterfront Project. (Image credit: Jenan)
Jenan Real Estate acquires Dana Bay Waterfront Project
Jenan Real Estate Company has announced the full acquisition of the Dana Bay project, signalling a major milestone in its expansion strategy and marking the beginning of an ambitious new development phase under its sole ownership.
The move reinforces Jenan Real Estate’s growing presence in Saudi Arabia’s tourism and real estate sectors, aligning closely with the Kingdom’s long-term economic diversification goals.
The acquisition represents a strategic turning point for Dana Bay, one of the largest privately owned mixed-use waterfront tourism developments in the Kingdom. Located along a prime coastal stretch, the project spans more than 2.8 million square metres and is positioned to become a landmark destination on Saudi Arabia’s eastern seaboard. Once completed, the development is expected to reach a projected value of between SAR 6 billion and SAR 8 billion, underlining its scale and economic significance.
Jenan Real Estate continues to strengthen its role in shaping coastal tourism destinations by delivering fully integrated, high-quality developments that combine striking sea views with premium lifestyle amenities. These initiatives contribute to enhancing quality of life, attracting domestic and international investment, and generating both direct and indirect employment opportunities. The Dana Bay acquisition also supports Saudi Vision 2030 objectives by boosting domestic tourism and establishing leisure and hospitality as key drivers of sustainable national growth.
Through the comprehensive redevelopment of Dana Bay, Jenan Real Estate aims to stimulate domestic tourism by offering a destination tailored to families and visitors seeking a distinctive waterfront experience. The project boasts one of the longest private beaches in the Kingdom and will feature a diverse mix of residential, leisure and hospitality components. These include luxury beachfront villas with uninterrupted sea views, family-friendly chalets located close to the shore, and a wide range of supporting service facilities.
A standout feature of the development is “Loopagoon,” a women-only water park – the first of its kind in the Eastern Province – alongside a dedicated women’s spa and private beach, providing privacy-focused, high-end hospitality experiences. Dana Bay will also host world-class hotels and resorts catering to both local and international guests, as well as a fully serviced marina designed to attract yacht owners, sailing enthusiasts and luxury travellers.
Dana Walk will serve as a vibrant commercial and entertainment hub, offering restaurants, cafés, retail outlets and event venues with panoramic sea views. Premium catering services for events, celebrations and corporate gatherings will further enhance the destination’s appeal.
With plans to unveil a detailed development roadmap featuring major upgrades and new facilities, Jenan Real Estate aims to position Dana Bay as one of Saudi Arabia’s premier waterfront destinations and a key contributor to domestic tourism growth.