In The Spotlight
EGA outlines recovery after Al Taweelah attack
Emirates Global Aluminium has issued an initial operational update following the recent missile and drone strikes on its Al Taweelah complex, confirming extensive damage and a prolonged recovery timeline.
The facility, located within Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi, was fully evacuated as a precaution, with all major units placed into emergency shutdown. The affected assets include the smelter, casthouse, power plant, alumina refinery and recycling plant, all of which form a critical part of the company’s global production network.
EGA said restoration of primary aluminium output will require significant repairs and a phased restart of reduction cells, with early estimates indicating that full recovery could take up to 12 months. The restart process is expected to be gradual, reflecting the technical complexity of smelter operations and the need to ensure safe recommissioning.
While the smelter faces a longer timeline, the company indicated that parts of the alumina refinery and recycling plant may resume operations sooner, depending on the outcome of detailed damage assessments currently under way.
Chief executive Abdulnasser Bin Kalban said the company’s immediate priority remains the wellbeing of its workforce. “We are deeply disturbed by this attack on our people, who come from more than 40 nations and were simply doing their jobs. We thank God no one received life-threatening injuries and that those hurt are recovering well.
“Our Al Taweelah site is a foundation of the global economy, and a significant contributor to global supply, making this incident damaging to industries and prosperity worldwide. We will do our very best to support our customers around the world during this difficult period. We are working directly with customers whose deliveries might be impacted by the situation at Al Taweelah.”
The Al Taweelah site is one of the largest aluminium production complexes globally, producing 1.6 million tonnes of cast metal in 2025. It also houses an alumina refinery with annual output of 2.4 million tonnes, supplying nearly half of EGA’s alumina requirements, and a recycling plant with a capacity of 185,000 tonnes per year.
To mitigate supply disruptions, EGA confirmed it holds significant metal inventories, both in transit and at storage locations within the UAE and internationally. These reserves are expected to provide short-term support to customers while recovery efforts continue.
The company is coordinating closely with stakeholders to manage the operational and commercial impact, while maintaining strict safety protocols during the restoration phase.
Industry analysts note that disruptions at Al Taweelah could have broader implications for global aluminium markets, given the facility’s scale and strategic importance. EGA said it will continue to provide updates as assessments progress and recovery plans are refined.
Jubail Island showcases rainwater management system
As seasonal rainfall swept across the UAE, LEAD Development highlighted the performance of its integrated water management system at Jubail Island, positioning the project as a model for climate-responsive infrastructure.
The developer said the island’s drainage approach is designed to work with natural processes rather than rely solely on conventional stormwater systems. At the core of the strategy is a network of retention ponds embedded throughout the landscape, which collect and manage rainwater during periods of heavy rainfall.
These ponds, incorporated into parks and communal spaces, are designed to capture surface runoff and reduce the risk of localised flooding. By easing pressure on traditional drainage networks, the system helps maintain operational resilience during peak rainfall events, which are becoming increasingly variable across the region.
According to LEAD Development, the retained water is gradually absorbed into the ground, supporting groundwater recharge and sustaining native vegetation. This process not only improves water efficiency but also contributes to the long-term ecological balance of the island’s environment.
The initiative reflects a broader shift in urban planning across Abu Dhabi, where developers are integrating sustainability into core infrastructure design. Rather than treating water management as a standalone engineering challenge, projects such as Jubail Island are embedding it into the overall living environment, aligning functionality with environmental and social benefits.
Beyond flood mitigation, the system delivers additional environmental gains. By reducing dependence on treated water for irrigation, it supports more efficient resource use while helping to preserve surrounding ecosystems, including mangrove habitats. These natural assets play a key role in coastal protection and biodiversity, making their conservation a priority for sustainable development in the emirate.
The presence of water features across public spaces also enhances the visual appeal and liveability of the community. Landscaped areas designed around the retention ponds provide residents with a closer connection to nature, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on wellness and outdoor living.
Jubail Island forms part of a wider sustainability-driven development model, combining low-density planning with the protection of natural habitats. LEAD Development said this approach is intended to create a balanced environment that supports both ecological resilience and long-term community wellbeing.
As climate considerations continue to influence real estate strategies across the UAE, projects incorporating adaptive infrastructure are gaining prominence. Developers are increasingly exploring solutions that address environmental challenges while delivering tangible benefits for residents.
LEAD Development noted that the system at Jubail Island demonstrates how infrastructure can be reimagined to serve multiple purposes, from managing rainfall to enhancing biodiversity and improving quality of life.
With changing weather patterns placing greater emphasis on resilience, such integrated solutions are expected to play a growing role in shaping the next generation of sustainable communities.
Dubai rolls out driverless taxis via Apollo Go app
Dubai Taxi Company PJSC has partnered with Baidu Inc. to launch commercial driverless taxi services in Dubai, marking a major step in the emirate’s push towards autonomous mobility.
The service is being deployed through Baidu’s Apollo Go platform, representing the company’s first international app rollout. The initiative combines Apollo Go’s autonomous driving technology with Dubai Taxi Company’s operational expertise, enabling the introduction of driverless ride-hailing services in a live urban environment.
The launch aligns with Dubai’s ambition to transform 25% of all journeys into autonomous trips by 2030, under the emirate’s wider smart mobility strategy. Authorities have been investing heavily in infrastructure, regulation and partnerships to support the safe adoption of self-driving transport systems.
The initial phase will see a fleet of 50 autonomous vehicles introduced over the first year, with plans to scale up to more than 1,000 units in the coming years. Users can book rides via the Apollo Go app, with integration into other ride-hailing platforms expected as the service expands.
Executives from both companies highlighted safety as a central pillar of the rollout. Baidu said its autonomous systems are designed to deliver consistent and reliable performance, supported by extensive testing and real-world data. The company’s global operations have already logged millions of rides and hundreds of millions of kilometres, including a significant portion of fully driverless journeys.
Dubai Taxi Company noted that the vehicles have undergone local trials in recent months, demonstrating strong safety performance and operational readiness. Advanced monitoring systems and data-driven controls will be used to oversee the fleet, ensuring that journeys meet strict safety and reliability standards.
The deployment follows regulatory approval earlier in 2026, when Apollo Go received Dubai’s first permit for fully driverless vehicle testing without a safety driver. This milestone paved the way for commercial operations and reinforced the emirate’s position as a regional hub for autonomous transport innovation.
Dubai Taxi Company’s existing fleet of more than 6,000 taxis and limousines is expected to support the transition towards autonomous mobility, leveraging its experience in fleet management and customer service. The company said the introduction of driverless taxis forms part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency, sustainability and passenger experience.
Industry observers view the launch as a significant development for the region, where cities are increasingly exploring smart mobility solutions to address urban growth and reduce congestion. By prioritising safety, regulatory oversight and technological innovation, Dubai aims to set a benchmark for autonomous transport deployment.
As the programme expands, further integration with existing transport networks and digital platforms is expected, supporting the gradual shift towards a more connected and intelligent mobility ecosystem.
Global renewable capacity surges to record 5,149GW
Global renewable energy capacity reached a record 5,149 GW in 2025, driven by unprecedented annual additions of 692 GW, according to the latest report from International Renewable Energy Agency.
The Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026 report highlights a 15.5% year-on-year increase, with renewables accounting for 85.6% of all new power capacity installed worldwide. The findings underline a continued shift away from fossil fuel-based generation, particularly as geopolitical tensions heighten concerns around energy security and price volatility.
Rising instability in key regions, including the Middle East, has placed energy resilience firmly on the global agenda. IRENA noted that renewable energy sources, being locally generated and cost-effective, offer a strategic advantage by reducing reliance on imported fuels and exposure to global market fluctuations.
Francesco La Camera, director-general of IRENA, said the sustained growth of renewables demonstrates both market momentum and their role in strengthening energy systems. He emphasised that decentralised energy models, supported by diverse renewable sources, are better equipped to withstand economic and geopolitical shocks.
Solar power continued to dominate capacity additions, contributing 511 GW in 2025, or around three-quarters of the total increase. Wind energy followed with 159 GW, meaning the two technologies together accounted for nearly 97% of all new renewable installations. Their dominance reflects continued cost reductions and scalability compared to other technologies.
Bioenergy saw modest growth, expanding by 3.4 GW, while hydropower added 18.4 GW, largely driven by developments in China. Other renewable sources, including geothermal and off-grid systems, recorded smaller but steady increases, highlighting the diversification of clean energy solutions.
Regional disparities, however, remain a key challenge. Asia led global growth, contributing more than 74% of new renewable capacity, with total additions exceeding 513 GW. The region also holds the largest installed base at 2,891 GW, reinforcing its position as the global leader in renewable deployment.
Africa recorded its strongest annual increase, with capacity rising by 15.9%, supported by projects in countries such as Ethiopia, South Africa and Egypt. The Middle East also posted significant growth of 28.9%, led by Saudi Arabia, reflecting accelerating investment in clean energy infrastructure.
In contrast, regions such as Central America and the Caribbean continue to lag, with total capacity remaining comparatively low. IRENA warned that such imbalances could leave certain economies more vulnerable to energy supply disruptions and price shocks, underscoring the need for broader adoption of renewables.
The report concludes that while progress is accelerating, achieving global climate and energy security goals will require more balanced growth across regions and sustained investment in renewable technologies.
AESG launches structural engineering division in Middle East
AESG has expanded its regional capabilities with the launch of a dedicated structural design and engineering division, aimed at supporting increasingly complex construction projects across the Middle East.
The new unit strengthens AESG’s integrated service model, enabling the company to deliver end-to-end engineering solutions from concept through to construction. By embedding structural expertise alongside sustainability and cost consultancy from the earliest project stages, the firm aims to improve budget certainty, reduce delivery risks and enhance long-term asset performance.
The move comes amid rising demand for more coordinated and commercially aligned engineering strategies, particularly in markets such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where large-scale developments are becoming more ambitious and technically demanding. Developers are increasingly seeking solutions that balance structural integrity with financial efficiency and environmental performance.
AESG said the new division will focus on integrating engineering decisions with broader project considerations, including procurement strategies, material availability, regulatory compliance and lifecycle costs. This approach allows structural systems to be assessed not only for technical strength, but also for their overall value and feasibility across the project lifecycle.
Leading initiatives
Chief executive Saeed Al Abbar said the expansion reflects the company’s commitment to delivering multidisciplinary solutions that align engineering with commercial and sustainability objectives. He noted that early-stage integration of structural design is critical to achieving design-to-budget outcomes while supporting carbon reduction targets.
The division will provide services spanning feasibility studies, concept and detailed design, as well as construction-stage advisory. By aligning structural strategies with cost modelling and sustainability analysis, AESG aims to minimise redesign risks and ensure smoother project delivery.
Key focus areas include reducing embodied carbon through material efficiency, adopting alternative structural systems, and promoting modular construction techniques to accelerate timelines. The division will also address durability and resilience, particularly in response to the region’s demanding climatic conditions, while improving the adaptability of built assets over time.
To lead the initiative, AESG has appointed Matthew Cross as director of the new division. With more than 25 years of experience, Cross has previously held senior roles at AECOM and Arcadis, overseeing major projects across the region.
He highlighted the growing importance of aligning engineering with commercial realities, noting that developers are increasingly working to compressed timelines and tighter budgets. Early integration of structural design, he said, enables better decision-making and helps manage risks across the project lifecycle.
AESG has also strengthened its technical leadership with the appointment of Dr Gavin Lume as technical director. His experience includes contributions to landmark projects such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame.
With the new division in place, AESG aims to position itself as a fully integrated partner for developers, delivering projects that are commercially viable, environmentally sustainable and engineered for long-term performance.
EWEC receives bids for Al Nouf 1 power project
Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has received four proposals from international developers for the Al Nouf 1 independent power producer (IPP) project.
The submissions come from a mix of global consortia and standalone firms, including partnerships led by Al Jomaih Energy and Water Company with Sembcorp Industries and EDF Power Solutions; ENGIE with Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation and Korea Western Power Company; and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) with Etihad Water and Electricity. Sumitomo Corporation also submitted an individual bid.
Al Nouf 1 is set to become the UAE’s largest single-site combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant designed to be compatible with carbon capture technologies.
With a planned capacity of up to 3.3 GW, the project will play a critical role in ensuring reliable electricity supply as the country expands its renewable energy portfolio.
The facility will be located within the Al Nouf Complex, a newly designated coastal hub intended to support integrated power generation and water desalination.
The site has been selected for its ability to accommodate advanced reverse osmosis systems alongside energy production, enabling more efficient and lower-carbon operations.
Designed with scalability in mind, the complex is expected to host multiple large-scale projects in the future.
Using AI and digital twins
EWEC said the project will utilise high-efficiency turbines and incorporate advanced digital solutions, including artificial intelligence and digital twin technologies, to optimise performance and enhance operational resilience.
These features are intended to ensure stable output while reducing emissions intensity.
Chief executive Ahmed Ali Alshamsi said strong interest from international developers reflects the attractiveness of Abu Dhabi’s IPP programme and its transparent procurement framework.
He noted that flexible gas-fired capacity remains essential to balancing intermittent renewable energy sources and maintaining grid stability.
The development is aligned with broader national objectives, including the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s clean energy targets for 2035. In addition to supporting energy transition goals, the project is expected to contribute to workforce development through Emiratisation initiatives.
EWEC will now proceed with detailed technical and commercial evaluations of the bids, with the project targeted to begin commercial operations by the third quarter of 2029.
EGA Al Taweelah smelter damaged in missile and drone attack
Emirates Global Aluminium has confirmed that its Al Taweelah facility sustained significant damage during the recent missile and drone attacks on Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi, carried out by Iranian forces.
Damage assessments at the site are ongoing as the company works to evaluate the full impact on operations.
A number of EGA employees were injured in the incident, although none of the reported injuries are life threatening, the company said. Safety and security remain the company’s foremost priority.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, emphasised the firm’s commitment to protecting its workforce, “The safety and security of our people is our top priority at EGA at all times. We are deeply saddened and are assessing the damage to our facilities.”
EGA’s Al Taweelah smelter, one of the largest aluminium production sites in the UAE, produced 1.6 million tonnes of cast metal in 2025.
The facility also maintained substantial metal stock, both in transit and at certain overseas locations, which has helped mitigate immediate supply impacts amid the conflict.
The attacks come at a time of heightened regional tensions, with the UAE’s industrial and energy sectors increasingly exposed to geopolitical risks.
EGA has assured stakeholders that it is taking all necessary measures to safeguard employees and secure its assets while evaluating the operational consequences.
Industry observers note that Al Taweelah plays a central role in the regional aluminium market, and any disruption could affect global supply chains.
EGA has historically supplied large volumes of cast aluminium to international markets, making the safe resumption of production a priority for both domestic and export operations.
The company is coordinating with local authorities and emergency response teams to manage the situation and restore operational stability.
Detailed reports on structural damage and potential production losses are expected as assessments continue.
EGA reiterated that its focus remains on workforce welfare, facility security and business continuity, while closely monitoring developments related to the ongoing regional conflict.