Mohamed Amer, managing director of ICC MENA. (Image source: ICC)

The International Code Council (ICC) successfully took part in Urban October 2025, held alongside the Home and Building Expo at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre from 6-8 October 2025.

During the event, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) launched the National Building Requirements and Standards Guide, a unified framework consolidating safety, quality, and sustainability standards across Oman’s governorates.

Organised by MoHUP, Urban October brings together local, regional, and international experts to promote sustainable urban development and address the challenges and opportunities of urbanisation in the Sultanate.

At the event, ICC engaged with government representatives, industry leaders, and technical experts to advance discussions on implementing building codes, regulations, and sustainable construction practices that contribute to safer, more resilient communities.

The Council’s participation underscores its ongoing collaboration with Oman’s designated authorities to strengthen building safety and construction standards. Throughout 2024 and 2025, ICC conducted a series of workshops and training sessions in Muscat, supporting the Sultanate’s efforts to enhance safety, innovation, and sustainability within the construction sector.

The partnership extends to knowledge exchange and more

The Nemetschek Group, a leading global software provider for the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AEC/O) sector, has entered a strategic partnership with WakeCap Technologies, the Middle East’s foremost construction technology company specialising in sensor-powered, real-time project control systems. The collaboration aims to accelerate digital transformation across the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) construction ecosystem.

The partnership combines Nemetschek Group’s extensive portfolio of industry-leading software solutions with WakeCap’s advanced sensor-powered platform, which provides real-time workforce visibility and comprehensive site intelligence. WakeCap currently operates across projects exceeding US$100bn, tracking over 150 million worker hours, and has delivered significant outcomes including more than a 90% reduction in safety violation observations, productivity gains exceeding 25%, and incident response times cut by over 70%. Its safety solutions are now mandatory across major regional projects, including Aramco, Neom, and Qiddiya.

Under the agreement, both companies will jointly pursue business opportunities and initiatives within the GCC. WakeCap’s regional expertise and established relationships with leading owners and contractors will support Nemetschek Arabia and its affiliates in market entry and expansion, offering localised insights and access to a network of industry partners. The collaboration also includes developing joint go-to-market strategies targeting construction and real estate stakeholders and exploring integration of WakeCap technologies with Nemetschek platforms such as Bluebeam, dTwin, and GoCanvas.

Partnership aims

The partnership extends to knowledge exchange, co-creating thought leadership content, whitepapers, digital construction initiatives, and joint participation in regional industry events. Both organisations will also explore synergies in the infrastructure and natural resources sectors, where demand for intelligent, data-driven project delivery solutions is growing.

Marc Nezet, Group Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Division Officer of Nemetschek Group, said, “WakeCap is one of the most innovative frontrunners in the global construction tech landscape. Their ability to deliver real-time visibility and actionable insights at scale is reshaping how major infrastructure projects are built and managed. By combining Nemetschek’s world-class software capabilities with WakeCap’s cutting-edge solutions and regional strength, we are excited to unlock transformative outcomes for the GCC’s construction sector.”

Muayad Simbawa, Managing Director of Nemetschek Arabia, added, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our mission to accelerate digital innovation in construction across the Gulf region. Together with WakeCap, we aim to deliver more connected, intelligent, and efficient project delivery models that align with the region’s national development agendas and sustainability goals.”

Dr. Hassan Albalawi, CEO and Founder of WakeCap, said, “This partnership validates our vision of transforming construction through real-time intelligence. We’ve proven our technology can fundamentally change how giga-projects are delivered, reducing risk, and driving efficiency. Now, by combining our field-proven platform with Nemetschek’s global reach and software ecosystem, we’re not just expanding our market, we’re defining the future of construction technology. Our joint solutions will become the global benchmark for intelligent project delivery, starting here in the GCC where the world’s most ambitious projects are already relying on WakeCap.”

This agreement underscores Nemetschek Group’s ongoing commitment to driving digital innovation in construction and infrastructure markets worldwide. With the GCC construction market valued at over US$120bn annually and several multi-trillion-dollar national transformation programs underway, the region represents an ideal proving ground for these advanced technologies.

Mohamed Amer, managing director of ICC MENA. (Image source: ICC)

The International Code Council (ICC) continued its robust program of industry engagement in September, having participated earlier in two of Saudi Arabia’s leading events: the Building Envelope Design and Insulation Conference (BEDIC) and the MEP International Conference (MEPIC).

The month concluded with ICC’s participation in Intersec Saudi Arabia at the end of September. Together, these platforms underscored ICC’s active role in advancing the Kingdom’s sustainable construction sector, strengthening building safety, and promoting best practices in efficiency and innovation.

Paul Sincaglia, Chief Fire Protection Engineer at ICC, and Beth Tubbs, Vice President of Codes Development at ICC, participated in Intersec Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s premier platform for the fire, safety, and security industry.

The event drew more than 27,000 professionals, including government leaders, agencies, and organisational heads. Discussions explored both the human and regulatory dimensions of building safety in Saudi Arabia.

What the future holds

One focus highlighted women breaking new ground in fire protection and life safety, showcasing how leadership and innovation are reshaping a traditionally male-dominated field and inspiring future professionals.

Additionally, there was a discussion examining the latest updates to the Saudi Building Code (SBC), with specific insights on the Saudi Fire Code (SFC), outlining their impact on industrial facilities and offering strategies for effective compliance. Together, these sessions highlighted the Kingdom’s progress in advancing both inclusion and regulatory operational excellence in the built environment.

ICC worked closely with regional partners to promote excellence in design and construction.

Through strategic collaborations with the Saudi Building Code Center (SBCC) and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH), ICC supported the Kingdom’s efforts to develop and implement building codes tailored to local needs and priorities.

ICC welcomed visitors and industry professionals at Intersec to exchange insights and collaborate with global experts on shaping the future of safe, resilient, and energy-efficient buildings.

“Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing its fire and life safety framework as part of building smarter and more resilient cities,” said Mohamed Amer, MENA managing director at ICC. “At Intersec, ICC is committed to sharing global expertise in fire protection, building safety, and risk management, while showcasing innovative solutions that enhance resilience and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions.”

XCMG delivers 200 advanced heavy machines to West Asia and North Africa, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. (XCMG Machinery)

XCMG Machinery, a global leader in construction machinery, has reached another milestone in its international expansion by delivering a fleet of over 200 units of advanced heavy equipment to clients in West Asia and North Africa

This delivery underscores the company’s dedication to providing reliable, efficient, and sustainable solutions for construction and mining projects worldwide.

The latest shipment features XCMG's flagship models across essential equipment categories, each designed for superior performance and durability in the toughest working conditions globally:

Excavator – XE380G: Equipped with a Cummins 9L engine and 180 main pump system, the XE380G combines high productivity with low fuel consumption. Its reinforced frame, advanced filtration system capturing 99% of dust particles, and reliable cooling performance ensure durable operation even in extreme climates of up to 52°C.

Wheel Loaders – XC988H and LW700HV: The XC988H, with an 8.5-ton rated load and 5m³ bucket, is engineered for heavy-load mining applications, delivering stability and efficiency through its 250kW engine. The LW700HV features a 7.4-ton rated load with a 4.5m³ bucket and a 210kW engine, offering durability and operator comfort for demanding operations.

Dump Truck – XGA3251D5WC: Tested across 1.8 million km in over 100 working scenarios, this model ensures exceptional reliability. Its ECE R29-03 compliant cab, reinforced steel frame, and premium Weichai-Fast-Hande powertrain provide safety, strength, and transport efficiency across various terrains.

Motor Grader – GR2605: With intelligent control systems and ergonomic design, the GR2605 delivers precision grading with reduced fuel consumption. Its load-sensing hydraulics, adaptive fan system, and wet-type brake axle enhance efficiency and longevity, while the spacious cab with integrated air ducting maximises operator comfort.

“Every machine we deliver represents XCMG's dedication to quality, innovation, and customer success,” said Kang Jian, general manager of XCMG Middle East and North Africa. “With this new fleet delivery, we are once again demonstrating our ability to meet the evolving needs of global partners while contributing to more efficient, sustainable, and safe construction practices worldwide.”

As XCMG continues to broaden its global presence, the company remains committed to delivering advanced solutions that enable customers to address the challenges of modern infrastructure development and mining with confidence.