Palfinger’s new PK 720 TEC crane in action. (Image source: Palfinger)

Palfinger has introduced a new addition to its TEC range of loader cranes available for the Africa, Middle East and Europe region

With its class-leading lifting capacity, its combination of maximum precision and smartest technology the new Palfinger PK 720 TEC is an ideal choice for demanding construction environments.

Offering both recision and performance above its class, the PK 720 TEC expands the TEC family with a powerful solution positioned between the PK 580 and PK 880 TEC.

“The crane combines cutting-edge engineering with smart assistance systems, making demanding lifting tasks easier and more efficient,” a Palfinger statement noted.

“The new model demonstrates how Palfinger translates its ambition to deliver lasting customer value into practical innovation.”

With Reach Higher, its Strategy 2030+, Palfinger has defined ‘Lifting Customer Value’ as a core strategic direction.

A key element of this strategy is the ‘Technology and Market Leadership’ programme, which positions innovation as a core competency – aiming to sustainably enhance customer productivity and value creation across the entire product lifecycle.

Built for the most demanding tasks and developed for challenging construction environments, the PK 720 TEC delivers “outstanding” performance, according to Palfinger.

With a maximum lifting moment of 68.7 metre-tons, and a hydraulic reach of up to 22 metres, it excels in heavy-duty applications.

In its nine-extensions configuration and with a fly jib featuring the Dual Power System (DPS-C), the crane achieves an impressive lifting capacity of up to 34.4 metres of reach – outperforming other models in the 70-metre-ton class.

Thanks to the TEC range’s proven P-profile boom system, the PK 720 TEC combines maximum stiffness with a low dead weight.

For enhanced visibility, Palfinger has introduced a new lighting system that includes two working lights on the knuckle boom and the fly jib each, as well as LED strips beneath the knuckle boom, which enable good field vision.

As part of the TEC range, the PK 720 TEC is also equipped with the most advanced assistance systems.

Operators benefit from Paltronic 180 control electronics for intelligent crane operation, while the LX-6 control valve ensures smooth and responsive handling.

Features such as HPSC-Plus for intelligent stability monitoring, S-HPLS for enhanced lifting performance, and the Support Force Limit function – which monitors the stabiliser forces based on ground conditions – all contribute to greater safety, control and efficiency.

Another highlight is the Height & Bound feature, the statement added.

“The Height assistance limits the maximum working height, while the Bound defines a ‘virtual wall’ that limits the work area. Once configured, the crane works worry-free beneath overhead obstacles or in confined environments, offering a new level of safety and confidence in complex environments.

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.”

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.

Wood aims to strengthen local presence.

Wood has maintained record sales booking in the Middle East for two years straight as it reported more than US$1bn in contract wins across the region in 2025

This marks a 20% increase over awards in 2024, led by regions such as United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

The largest award bagged this year has been an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract for the expansion of the ADNOC Gas Habshan facility. This comes with the scope for substantial upgrades, operational efficiency improvements, brownfield modifications and the installation of new facilities. 

Other deals include project management and engineering services for PetroChina at the West Qurna 1 oilfield in southern Iraq, and project management consultancy (PMC) to TA’ZIZ for the development of the UAE’s first methanol production facility in Al Ruwais Industrial City, Abu Dhabi.

Multiple decarbonisation contracts for flare gas reduction and carbon efficiency project solutions has also been secured across the largest oil fields in Iraq.

"Our continued success in the Middle East shows the trust clients place in our teams and our ability to deliver complex projects at scale in support of national ambitions. In 2026, we’ll build on that momentum by strengthening our local presence and developing talent to drive sustainable growth," said Gerry Traynor, president of projects-Eastern Hemisphere.

"This year we’ve delivered critical solutions across the Middle East to improve asset reliability and cut emissions. In 2026, we’ll build on this success by expanding our operations and maintenance services in the region. Our focus is on proven approaches to asset management and modifications that improve efficiency and reduce downtime - practical steps that strengthen energy security and decarbonisation," said Ellis Renforth, president of operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

"Decarbonisation and digitalisation remain central to how we support clients in the Middle East. This year, we launched our specialist Middle East Energy Transition and Digital & AI Hubs to further support clients in accelerating emissions reduction while unlocking efficiencies through AI-driven solutions. This in-region advisory enables practical pathways to carbon reduction while supporting national visions for a sustainable energy future. Delivery has already spanned initiatives such as minerals procurement, hydrogen production facilities, and carbon capture and storage infrastructure," said Stuart Turl, vice president of Middle East Consulting.