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Masdar expands Saudi renewable energy portfolio

Energy

Masdar, a Abu Dhabi energy company, has been awarded two solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, with a combined capacity of 2 GW, under the sixth round of bidding in Saudi Arabia's National Renewable Energy Program (NREP)

The Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects, for the 1,400 MW Najran plant and the 600 MW Ad Darb facility, will be developed on a build, own, and operate (BOO) basis, with a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) signed with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC).

The Ad Darb plant, which will be located in Jizan Province, is expected to begin commercial operations in late 2027, with the Najran project, based in Najran Province, starting commercial operations in the first half of 2028.

Mohamed Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said, Masdar is proud to support Saudi Arabia to achieve its Vision 2030 renewable energy targets. Winning the Najran and Ad Darb projects marks a significant expansion of our Saudi portfolio, and is testament to our two decades of experience in developing and operating utility-scale renewable projects, and our strong track record in the region. We look forward to develop these projects and contribute to the Kingdom’s sustainable economic growth.”

Principal Buyer is the entity responsible for conducting predevelopment studies, tendering power generation projects, and signing Power Purchase Agreements with project developers.

To date, the company has awarded a total capacity of 43.2 GW, with 12.3 GW being already connected to the grid.

Masdar has secured the largest capacity in the highly competitive SPPC bidding for three consecutive years, with other solar projects in development including the 1,100MW Al Henakiyah project, scheduled to begin commercial operations next year, and the 2,000 MW Al Sadawi project, expected to start operation in 2027.

Established in 2006, Masdar is a clean energy investor, developer and operator, with a global portfolio capacity of over 51 GW and a mandate to increase its portfolio to 100GW by 2030.

Masdar opened an office in Saudi Arabia in 2022 to support the nation’s clean energy objectives.

Masdar’s operational portfolio in the Kingdom includes the 300 MW Jeddah Solar Power Plant and the 400 MW Dumat Al Jandal Wind Farm, Saudi Arabia’s first wind project and the largest in the Middle East.

The Dammam Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) was officially inaugurated earlier this week. (Image source: Metito)

Water

The Dammam Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) was officially inaugurated earlier this week. 

Delivered by a consortium led by Metito Utilities alongside Mowah and Orascom Construction, the project marks a major step forward in supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s National Water Strategy through an innovative Public–Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

Awarded by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), the Dammam ISTP was developed with a total investment of SAR690mn (US$185.26mn) under a 25-year Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model. The plant has an initial capacity of 200,000 m³/day, expandable to 350,000 m³/day, serving nearly one million residents in western Dammam.

The performance-based PPP model mobilizes private sector capital, technology, and expertise to deliver critical infrastructure that meets the Kingdom’s growing water demands.

The plant utilises Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) technology, achieving high treatment efficiency while reducing civil works and tank volumes. Its sustainable design incorporates anaerobic digestion to convert sludge into biogas for on-site use, alongside solar drying greenhouses that harness Dammam’s abundant sunlight. These features minimise emissions and reduce operational costs.

Construction, which began in 2020 after financial close, recorded over 6.9 million safe man-hours with zero lost-time incidents (LTIs), created hundreds of local jobs, and enhanced sustainability through resource recovery and reduced landfill dependency. The project contributes directly to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

EvoQuip, a global manufacturer of compact crushing and screening equipment, announced the launch of the Bison 220 and 220R, the newest additions to its compact jaw crushing range. Built for high performance, efficiency and flexibility, the Bison 220/220R were designed to meet the needs of operators in quarrying, demolition and recycling sectors.

Each model was engineered with an 820mm x 550mm (32” x 22”) jaw inlet and a compressive strength of 240MPa, enabling them to process demanding materials with ease. The crushers featured an advanced hydrostatic drive system that maximised fuel efficiency while enhancing operational performance, including the ability to run the chamber in reverse when required.

The Bison 220R incorporated an optional recirculating conveyor, referred to as the ‘R’ section, allowing operators to refine their final product to the desired specification. Oversized material could either be recirculated back into the crusher or stockpiled, depending on the task. An integrated 8’ x 4’ single-deck screen further increased screening efficiency.

Flexibility was central to the Bison 220R’s design. The complete afterscreen system, including the oversize conveyor, could be quickly detached to operate in standard mode or to simplify transport between sites. Operators also benefited from adjustable product conveyors, which could be raised or lowered to ensure smooth material flow across diverse working conditions.

With the launch of the Bison 220 and 220R, EvoQuip expanded its range of compact solutions, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-performance, mobile equipment tailored to the needs of modern material processing operations.

“The Bison 220 and 220R combines compact design with high performance, giving operators the flexibility they need without compromising on productivity or fuel efficiency,” said Andrew Armstrong, EvoQuip product manager. “With quick setup times, simple and intuitive operation, easy maintenance, and transport-friendly design, the Bison 220/220R offers a user-friendly yet powerful solution for crushing applications worldwide.”

The agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy. (Image source: Maaden)

Mining

Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden), has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Emerge, the joint venture between Masdar and EDF.

The deal will see the development of a solar power facility to supply clean energy to the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine for the next 30 years.

The project will integrate an 8 MWp ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array with a 30 MWh battery energy storage system, ensuring stable, round-the-clock power supply.

Expected to generate around 17,300 MWh of electricity annually, the facility will cut approximately 13,800 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, comparable to removing over 3,000 cars from the road.

With the new system, the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine will be able to operate almost entirely on renewable energy, making it one of the region’s first large-scale mining operations powered predominantly by clean sources.

The agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy by advancing the Kingdom’s energy transition, lowering industrial carbon emissions, and supporting sustainable economic growth.

Emerge will deliver the project on a full turnkey basis, overseeing financing, design, procurement, construction, operations, and maintenance.

The initiative underscores Maaden’s growing role as one of the world’s fastest-expanding mining companies while positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable mining practices.

Ali Al-Qahtani, executive vice-president, of Maaden’s aluminum business, said, “This partnership supports our ambitions to drive renewable energy across our operations, as well as reinforcing our committment to advancing sustainable solutions that benefit both our businesses and the communities we serve. We look forward to working with Emerge to deliver this integral pillar of our operations.”

Abdulaziz Alobaidli, chairman of Emerge and chief operating officer at Masdar, commented, “Emerge offers businesses a seamless, cost-effective pathway to transform to renewable energy. This partnership demonstrates the value Emerge brings to industries looking to decarbonise and optimise their energy usage.”

Omar Aldaweesh, CEO KSA of EDF Group and EDF power solutions, and Emerge board member, said, “Emerge’s partnership with Maaden marks a bold step in decarbonising the Kingdom’s mining sector. By delivering a tailored solar power plant and battery storage solution, we are paving the way for a more resilient, low-carbon future while proving that industrial ambition and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

 

SteelFab 2026 will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from 12-15 January. (Image source: SteelFab)

Manufacturing

The region’s leading exhibition for metalworking, metal manufacturing, and steel fabrication will return to Sharjah in January 2026, highlighting the UAE’s growing industrial strength and its commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability in advanced manufacturing.

Now in its 21st edition, SteelFab 2026 will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from 12-15 January, bringing together global industry leaders to showcase cutting-edge fabrication technologies, machinery, and safety-focused industrial solutions.

Sharjah’s rapidly growing economy, bolstered by a 361% surge in foreign direct investment to US$1.5bn in the first half of 2025, further underlines the significance of the event. The emirate’s expanding industrial base and strong infrastructure continue to attract global manufacturers and suppliers, reinforcing its role as a hub for innovation and safe production practices.

“SteelFab continues to grow in relevance as the UAE intensifies its focus on industrial development and global trade partnerships,” said H.E. Saif Mohamed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

“The UAE’s industrial sector is witnessing unprecedented growth. The event reflects the country’s strategic direction, where policy support, innovation, and international collaboration are driving a new era of industrial growth and competitiveness.”

The UAE’s industrial outlook remains optimistic, with GDP forecast to grow by 4.9% in 2025 and 5.3% in 2026. With over US$11bn in financing directed toward industrial companies, the country’s manufacturing ecosystem is poised for expansion, underpinned by strong regulatory standards and safety-driven innovation.

sharjahsteel1

“The exhibition will feature next-generation solutions—from robotics, smart manufacturing, and inline metrology to noncontact measurement and portable 3D scanning, that enhance precision and reduce waste. Sustainability will be central, with energy-efficient tools and lifecycle analysis strategies. By blending automation with human expertise, SteelFab 2026 positions itself as the definitive venue for fabricators seeking resilience and future-ready operations,” said Sultan Shattaf, commercial director of Expo Centre Sharjah.

A major highlight will be the 5th Best Welder Competition, sponsored by ESAB, spotlighting top talent and promoting safety in welding and cutting operations through advanced robotic technologies.

Building on the record-breaking success of its 20th edition, which attracted over 350 exhibitors from 33 countries, SteelFab 2026 is expected to host more than 650 leading brands and showcase the innovations shaping the future of safe, efficient, and sustainable manufacturing.

The bonded rail corridor will enable seamless goods movement. (Image source: Etihad Rail)

Logistics

His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of Etihad Rail, has witnessed the signing of a preliminary agreement to establish a new bonded rail corridor between Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah Terminals.

The agreement, signed by Etihad Rail, Abu Dhabi Customs, Fujairah Customs, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Fujairah Terminals, and Noatum Logistics, was announced during the second edition of Global Rail 2025. The initiative is set to enhance the efficiency, safety, and integration of rail transport across the UAE.

Sheikh Theyab welcomed the project as a milestone in strengthening the nation’s logistics and trade infrastructure. He said the corridor would reinforce the UAE’s position as a global trade gateway, while also supporting the country’s Net Zero 2050 commitments.

The bonded rail corridor will enable seamless goods movement between Khalifa Port, Fujairah Terminals, and their adjacent free zones. By streamlining customs procedures, the initiative will reduce clearance times, ensure smoother entry and exit processes, and complete final formalities at the destination.

Looking ahead

Through the collaboration, Etihad Rail aims to provide secure, safe, and sustainable cargo transport via the national rail network. Goods shipped through the corridor will also benefit from priority clearance, giving customers a competitive advantage for transit shipments, exports, and domestic trade between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

Pilot operations are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. Ahead of the launch, Etihad Rail and its partners are working with authorities and customers to formalise cooperation frameworks, roll out services, and establish performance monitoring mechanisms to guarantee efficiency and quality.

Looking ahead, the corridor will be expanded to additional stations across the network, with new services and technologies introduced to deliver further efficiencies. The project aligns with the UAE’s strategy to modernise customs procedures, improve transport safety, and advance sustainability goals, cementing the country’s role as a hub for regional and global trade.