Prem Rodrigues, vice-president sales and marketing for India, the Middle East and Africa at Siemon. (Image source: Siemon)

The Siemon Company, a global leader in high-performance connectivity solutions for data centres and smart buildings, has introduced Smart Building COMPLETE, a fully unified connectivity and cabling ecosystem designed to support the essential technologies driving today’s intelligent workplaces

Covering everything from Wi-Fi and security systems to AV, access control and sensors, Smart Building COMPLETE provides building owners and operators with a comprehensive, field-proven foundation to plan, construct and manage smarter, more efficient buildings and campus environments.

At the core of Smart Building COMPLETE is Siemon’s advanced PowerGUARD+ technology, delivering extended reach of up to 200 metres. This significantly lowers deployment costs and complexity by reducing or eliminating the need for traditional telecommunications rooms, associated equipment, power, cooling and routine maintenance. Engineered to control heat rise and maintain performance at temperatures up to 75°C, Siemon’s patented, independently verified cabling and connectivity offer the reliability required to deliver uninterrupted power and data to a wide range of connected devices.

Smart Building COMPLETE combines trusted technology with a new suite of intuitive planning and design tools that streamline specification and speed up deployment for customers, designers and consultants. The Cabling Reach Calculator assists users in selecting the right cable type based on real installation conditions and required distances, especially crucial for runs extending beyond 100 metres. The Wired for Wi-Fi tool highlights equipment manufacturer requirements and guides users in choosing the correct cabling solutions for each wireless access point. The Backbone Speed Calculator further supports planning by helping determine the fibre backbone needed for Wi-Fi deployments of any scale.

Sustainability remains a central priority for smart building operators, helping decrease energy consumption, cut operational expenses, reduce carbon emissions and enhance occupant comfort. Smart Building COMPLETE supports these goals through energy-optimising technologies and transparent reporting, assisting operators in meeting green building certification requirements. The solution emphasises transparency through Health and Environmental Product Declarations (HPDs and EPDs) and aligns with leading standards such as LEED, BREEAM, LBC and WELL, ensuring cost-effective, healthy and high-performing indoor environments.

“Modern commercial buildings and campuses must deliver more than just space. They are expected to create safe, efficient, and engaging environments that support the people inside them while maximising facility value for those who operate them. Smart Building COMPLETE, through its PowerGUARD+ technology, extensive application support and a commitment to sustainability, helps building owners and operators create dynamic, future-ready workplaces for a more sustainable tomorrow,” commented Prem Rodrigues, vice-president sales and marketing for India, the Middle East and Africa at Siemon.

Wirtgen machinery at work in Tanzania. (Image source: Wirtgen)

The Wirtgen Group has announced the appointment of Panafrican Equipment Group as its new authorised dealer, expanding access to its complete line of products and technologies across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi in East Africa, as well as Ghana and Sierra Leone in West Africa

In Nigeria, the partnership will specifically cover the group’s minerals and soil compaction portfolio.

A long-standing partner across Africa

For decades, the Wirtgen Group has maintained a strong presence on the continent. Its six specialist brands – Wirtgen, Vögele, Hamm, Kleemann, Benninghoven and Ciber – work in synergy to meet the specific requirements of customers across diverse sectors. Together, they bring proven expertise and extensive industry knowledge to African markets. “With the innovative road construction and mineral solutions, the Wirtgen Group is well equipped to meet future challenges”, says Jerry Muchiri, Manager Regional Business and Dealer Development East Africa and Nigeria at Wirtgen International GmbH.

Panafrican’s strong after-sales commitment

Panafrican’s established footprint and its commitment to high-quality service delivery will further strengthen access to Wirtgen Group’s technologies throughout the region. “As authorised dealer, Panafrican provides complete support for all construction and mineral processing needs, combining our service expertise with Wirtgen Group's innovative portfolio and applications know how,” commented Scott McCaw, CEO and managing director Panafrican Group.

The collaboration positions both companies to deliver enhanced customer support and reinforces their shared dedication to innovation, quality and customer-centric service.

.The museum stands as a profound tribute to the life, leadership, and legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.(Image source: EMSTEEL)

EMSTEEL has announced its pivotal contribution to the construction of the iconic Zayed National Museum—the newest cultural beacon in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District.

Officially inaugurated by the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and attended by Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, the opening formed part of the nation’s celebrations for the 54th Eid Al Etihad. The museum stands as a profound tribute to the life, leadership, and legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, embodying the UAE’s unity, heritage, and ambitious future.

Throughout the museum’s development, EMSTEEL played a central role by supplying the structural backbone of this architectural masterpiece. Across three years, the Group delivered approximately 24,000 tonnes of rebar, up to 25,000 direct block units, and around 100,000 tonnes of bulk cement. These critical materials underpinned the engineering integrity of the project, enabling the creation of a landmark that will serve as a cultural touchstone for generations to come.

Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, group CEO of EMSTEEL, said,“The opening of the Zayed National Museum on the 54th Eid Al Etihad is a defining moment for our nation. It reflects the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the unity that shaped the UAE’s extraordinary journey of progress. As a national industrial champion, we are honoured that our steel and building materials contributed to a landmark of such cultural and historic significance. This project reflects our role in supporting the UAE’s long-term development and our commitment to fostering an industrial sector that continues to strengthen the nation’s future.”

EMSTEEL’s involvement in the Zayed National Museum adds to its impressive legacy of supporting the UAE’s most celebrated cultural and architectural undertakings. From Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi to the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, along with national treasures such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Dubai’s Museum of the Future, the Group has become synonymous with high-impact, visionary development.

These landmark contributions underline EMSTEEL’s position as a trusted partner in national progress. With an unwavering focus on sustainability, low-carbon manufacturing, and resilient local supply chains, EMSTEEL continues to bolster the UAE’s industrial strength while helping shape its cultural and architectural legacy.

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

Mohamed Amer, managing director of ICC MENA, highlights how GCC nations are integrating transparency, verification, and sustainability across construction, materials, and urban development.

Across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), from the dynamic skylines of Riyadh and Dubai to the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s ambitious net-zero strategies, the region is constructing a future-oriented built environment while setting global benchmarks

As governments, developers, and manufacturers embrace more responsible building practices, one principle is becoming increasingly critical: transparency is emerging as the cornerstone for credible sustainability initiatives.

In a region where development is rapid and ambitions are vast, this shift toward transparent sustainability is both timely and necessary.

From vision to verification

National strategies such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy place environmental stewardship at the centre of economic transformation. These are not mere symbolic gestures but structural commitments aimed at securing a sustainable future.

Governments and designated demand drivers are establishing measurable, time-bound targets. For instance, the UAE’s Federal Decree Law requires companies emitting 500,000 tons or more of carbon dioxide annually to monitor and report greenhouse gas emissions. These metrics ensure accountability through verified progress, with commitments being evidenced and enforced.

Construction firms and other stakeholders are expected to substantiate sustainability goals with certifications, lifecycle assessments, and emissions data. Authorities are increasingly mandating environmental product declarations and embodied carbon thresholds, aiming to confirm that buildings are efficient and resilient. Embedding transparency throughout the construction lifecycle—from design and procurement to operation and decommissioning, enhances accountability and ensures tangible results.

Sustainable construction requires measurable change

According to a PwC report, sustainable technologies in the built environment could reduce lifecycle emissions by more than 50% across the MENA region. Meeting this challenge demands a fundamental transformation in how buildings are designed, sourced, constructed, and operated.

Material selection is therefore crucial, and maintaining traceability throughout the supply chain is a top priority. While low-carbon concrete, recycled steel, and bio-based alternatives are increasingly accessible, independently verified data is essential to ensure that these choices achieve the intended outcomes.

The International Code Council (ICC) supports the creation of compliance ecosystems grounded in science, transparency, verifiability, and enforceability. The International Codes® (I-Codes) assist jurisdictions in adopting actionable sustainability frameworks that provide enforceable standards, clear guidance, and measurable results. The ICC’s solutions ranging from training and certification to product testing, accreditation services, and digital compliance tools offer a comprehensive pathway to help stakeholders implement sustainability objectives effectively. A robust compliance ecosystem ensures that materials, systems, and processes meet regulatory requirements while remaining safe, high-performing, and sustainable throughout their lifecycle.

Conformity assessment organisations, including the ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), play a key role by providing independent verification of product performance, structural integrity, fire ratings, and sustainability claims. ICC-ES enhances transparency and verifiability through Evaluation Reports (ESR), Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), and Verification of Attributes Reports (VAR).

An opportunity for the GCC to demonstrate regional leadership

The GCC is uniquely positioned to lead in transparent sustainability. Rapid urbanisation, iconic megaprojects, and growing international influence mean that today’s construction decisions will shape the region’s environmental legacy for generations.

The UAE has established energy efficiency standards for buildings, while Saudi Arabia invests in net-zero cities such as NEOM. Oman, collaborating with ICC, is developing national building codes aligned with global best practices and adapted to local requirements.

The I-Codes remain central, providing rigorous frameworks for material performance, energy conservation, water efficiency, and more. This integrated approach fosters a cohesive system that encourages the highest standards of safety, quality, and innovation across the construction industry.

As Mohamed Amer said, “The buildings we construct today will stand for decades. It is important that transparent sustainability is embedded in the entire regulatory ecosystem that governs construction.” Achieving this requires up-to-date building codes, certified product evaluations, inspections, training, and continuous professional development to ensure lasting impact.