Mohammed Amer, managing director – ICC MENA. (Image source: ICC MENA)

The International Code Council (ICC), a global authority on building safety and construction standards, will take part in the 7th edition of Big 5 Construct Egypt, held from 17-19 June 2025 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.

Mohammed Amer, managing director – ICC MENA, will present a session titled “Highlighting the Impact of ICC on Innovative Building Practices in the MENA.”

His address will explore ICC’s expanding role in the region, with a focus on its International Codes (I-Codes) and the wider ICC Family of Solutions.

Using real-world case studies, Amer will demonstrate how ICC works with governments, developers, and industry experts to promote international best practices throughout the MENA construction ecosystem.

In Egypt, ICC plays a vital role in advocating for modern regulatory frameworks, encouraging safer, more sustainable infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, the organisation continues to support the country’s construction growth, while aligning it with global standards.

Bringing together more than 350 exhibitors from over 20 countries, Big 5 Construct Egypt showcases cutting-edge innovations driving regional construction forward.

Held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, and supported by the Egyptian Armed Forces Engineering Authority, the event serves as a key platform for shaping the built environment in North Africa.

Speaking about ICC’s participation, Amer stated, “At ICC, our mission is to support governments and industry stakeholders in implementing internationally recognised codes and standards that enhance safety, resilience, and sustainability. In Egypt and across the GCC, our efforts have played a key role in advancing building regulatory modernisation, integrating smart technologies, and strengthening the professional capacity needed to apply best practices effectively.”

Also read: A low-carbon future for the GCC construction industry?

Cat Energy Control System (ECS) portfolio. (Image source: Caterpillar)

Caterpillar Inc. has announced the launch of two new additions to its Cat Energy Control System (ECS) portfolio, the Cat ECS 300 and Cat ECS 400

These advanced control systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with power generation assets including generator sets, battery energy storage, and renewable energy sources. Built to deliver reliable power and improved energy efficiency, they help customers optimise energy use and reduce costs.

Introducing Cat ECS 300 and Cat ECS 400

The Cat ECS 300 offers mains and utility paralleling, allowing users to monitor and control up to four power generation assets at the same time, with or without utility involvement. This gives customers greater flexibility in how they use on-site energy, particularly during periods of high demand. It also provides reliable backup options through closed transition with soft load or unload and open transition with utility for standby use.

The Cat ECS 400 is developed for more complex microgrid environments. It can manage and control up to 32 power generation assets, making it ideal for expanding sites and those incorporating more renewable energy. By enabling greater use of sustainable power, it helps reduce fuel consumption and lower overall energy costs.

“As the energy landscape evolves and energy needs become more complex, customers are developing plans to secure power for both the near-term and the future,” said Melissa Busen, senior vice-president for Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division. “Our Cat ECS portfolio helps customers scale and future-proof their sites, as our control systems can adapt and grow alongside their changing needs.”

A comprehensive customer offering

The expansion of the ECS range reflects Caterpillar’s ongoing commitment to providing integrated, customer-focused energy solutions. These include power generation systems, remote monitoring, distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS), switchgear, controls, and expert local support. This full-package approach helps customers achieve affordable and dependable energy supply.

Expanding the Cat ECS portfolio

The ECS 300 and ECS 400 join the existing Cat ECS 100 and ECS 200, which are already in the market. The ECS 100 is designed to offer reliable control for new standby, fast-response, and prime power generator sets.

Available now

All ECS controllers are now available through Caterpillar dealers worldwide. Retrofit kits for the ECS 100 and ECS 200 are also offered. Caterpillar provides full control system customisation services, including site-specific design and hardware and software configuration.

Volvo CE machines prove superior in Gulf trials, showcasing productivity, safety, and fuel efficiency gains. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Following the launch of its next-generation excavators for the Middle East and Africa, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) recently validated their on-site performance through rigorous comparative testing in the Gulf region

The models – EC210, EC220, and EC360 – went head-to-head with competing machines from top global OEMs in real-world truck loading tasks, assessed on key metrics including productivity, fuel efficiency, durability, operator comfort, safety, and serviceability.

All machines were tested under identical site conditions using a dig-swing-dump-repeat cycle. Operators included a Volvo R&D veteran with 15 years of experience and two local contractors with a combined 22 years of excavator operation. The consistent conditions ensured fair performance evaluation across all brands.

EC210: Power meets precision in 22-tonne class

Delivering stronger productivity and improved fuel efficiency — even at lower RPMs.

In the 22-tonne category, the EC210 stood out by achieving up to 7% greater productivity and 14% better fuel efficiency than rivals in the same weight class. Despite operating at lower RPMs, the machine demonstrated optimal power-to-efficiency balance, making it ideal for applications like roadworks, site preparation, and utilities. "It’s a compact powerhouse, especially for contractors focused on output without excessive fuel costs," said Olle Watz, product manager at Volvo CE Region International.

EC220: Boosted output for bigger demands

Strikes a balance between power and fuel economy in high-volume operations.

The EC220 built upon the EC210’s strengths, boasting a 32% increase in productivity while maintaining comparable fuel usage. Its higher output makes it suitable for heavy-duty tasks like bulk excavation and materials handling. According to Watz, “The EC220 delivers high return where speed and volume matter without compromising efficiency.”

EC360: Bigger Isn’t always better

Outpaces larger rivals in productivity and efficiency, even at reduced RPM.

The heavyweight EC360 surprised testers by outmatching larger-class competitors. Despite running at a fuel-saving 1,500 RPM, it achieved up to 25% higher productivity and 21% greater fuel efficiency compared to competitors operating at peak RPM. “This model proves that thoughtful design can outperform brute force,” noted Watz.

Smart design, safer sites

From ROPS cabs to enhanced visibility, safety is built in from the ground up.

Safety features were a key differentiator. Volvo was the only OEM to offer a ROPS-certified cab as standard. Added elements like deck lighting, slip-resistant surfaces, smartly placed handrails, and a built-in rear-view camera highlighted the brand’s operator-first approach. Test operators praised visibility and ergonomic layouts that reduced fatigue over long shifts.

Serviceability with uptime in mind

Ground-level access, smart layout, and maintenance-friendly features keep jobs moving.

Ease of maintenance also played a role in Volvo CE’s top scores. Features like a smaller engine hood, improved ground-level access to service points, and anti-clog track holes make daily upkeep simpler and faster — critical in the demanding environments of the Middle East and Africa.

These real-world trials not only reaffirm Volvo CE’s engineering direction but underscore its ability to deliver reliable, cost-effective solutions that meet the region’s harsh worksite demands.

Beneath the lively streets of Cairo, a technically ambitious infrastructure project is taking shape with the construction of the new Giza Station on Metro Line 4 – set to be one of the deepest metro stations in North Africa, reaching depths of up to 81 m.

Orascom Construction PLC has tasked BAUER EGYPT S.A.E., a subsidiary of BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH, with carrying out specialist foundation engineering works. Construction began in November 2024 and is scheduled for completion by December 2025.

Two special foundation techniques are in use: approx. 49,000 m² of diaphragm walls and 7,400 m² of barrettes, some reaching 81 m in depth.

A BAUER MC 96 duty-cycle crane is being deployed in double shifts, six days a week.

As of May 2025, 84 out of 209 diaphragm wall panels have been completed. The full station will span around 5,543 m².

“At this size and depth, there’s zero tolerance for deviation – every centimetre counts,” said Karim Galal, project manager at Bauer Egypt.

“The BAUER Construction Process provides us with a clear structure and guidance. It ensures that everyone involved in the project works to the same standards and helps us achieve our goals on time.”

Tight space and coordination constraints mark this project. Parts of the site are still in use until November 2025 to backfill an existing tunnel, allowing for further excavation.

“We’re working under highly unusual conditions with extremely tight space and immense time pressure,” Galal said. Notably, the tunnel boring machines are operating one above the other, a first in Egypt.

“The logistics, the depth, and the constant coordination with other trades present daily challenges, but that’s exactly what makes this project so special,” added Galal. The foundation engineering phase is expected to wrap up by year-end, paving the way for a significant upgrade to Cairo’s urban mobility.