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.

Egypt stands to benefit most from investing in energy-efficient construction. (Image source: Exergio)

Investing in energy-efficient buildings could yield enormous economic benefits for countries across the MENA, according to new research from the BUILD_ME initiative.

The analysis, which focused on Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon, found that for every €1 spent on energy efficiency today, governments and consumers could see returns of up to €7 in the future.

The study identified 14 distinct co-benefits linked to energy-efficient buildings, including reduced energy bills, improved public health, job creation, and lower emissions.

Using just five indicators like energy cost reductions, healthcare savings, improved indoor comfort, lower public subsidies, and employment growth, the analysis projected significant macroeconomic gains.

Egypt stands to benefit most from investing in energy-efficient construction, with potential savings exceeding €18 billion.

These gains would stem from reduced electricity consumption, fewer pollution-related health issues, and greater productivity among workers.

Lebanon’s projected savings are even higher, at around €23 billion, driven largely by cutting energy bills in residential buildings, lowering emissions, and decreasing reliance on diesel generators.

Jordan, while showing more modest figures, could still save approximately €2.5 billion by reducing electricity demand and improving air quality in buildings.

“Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon offer a snapshot of a much larger trend unfolding across MENA,” according to Donatas Karčiauskas, CEO of Exergio, a company developing AI-powered tools for optimising energy use in commercial buildings.

“We see similar dynamics in Oman and other Gulf countries, where extreme temperatures, growing cities, and strained energy systems are forcing to rethink how buildings are designed, renovated, and managed.”

This growing focus on energy efficiency in the region is not just an environmental imperative, but also a strategic response to rising energy demand, extreme temperatures, and the mounting climate crisis, according to Karčiauskas.

Governments across the Middle East and North Africa are now backing these efforts with new policies that promote greener, more sustainable construction.

In Egypt, revised energy efficiency standards for common household appliances such as air conditioners and televisions came into effect in January 2024, signalling a shift toward stricter regulation.

Jordan has launched its Third National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2024–2026), building on previous efforts to reduce consumption across multiple sectors.

Lebanon, meanwhile, has introduced the Lebanon Green Building Council, which plays a key role in promoting sustainable building practices.

The urgency of this shift is clear. Buildings in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon are among the largest consumers of energy and contributors to carbon emissions, accounting for between 20% and 35% of each country’s total CO₂ output.

In addition, poor air quality stemming from inefficient housing continues to impose a heavy financial and health burden, costing governments and citizens billions every year.

But the opportunity is equally substantial. If just 30% to 50% of new residential and commercial complexes were constructed according to energy-efficient standards, the region could cut more than 80 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, save upwards of €20 billion in energy costs, and generate close to 200,000 jobs over the next 20 years. 

“The projected numbers mean that we need to scale energy-efficient construction rapidly and strategically. Prioritising digital retrofits can unlock immediate energy savings at lower costs, while targeted deep renovations should focus on the highest-impact buildings. For MENA, a hybrid approach will be needed, but eventually, all buildings will have to optimise energy using AI tools due to the amount of data,” said Karčiauskas.

One real-world example of how AI-driven solutions can accelerate energy efficiency comes from Exergio’s work with the Ozas shopping centre in Lithuania.

By analysing the building management system and integrating real-time HVAC controls with machine learning capabilities, Exergio was able to optimise the centre’s energy use. The result: a 29% drop in electricity consumption and a 36% reduction in heating demand, translating into nearly €1 million in cost savings.

According to Karčiauskas, this kind of outcome is only the beginning. 

"In MENA countries – where high temperatures, year-round cooling needs, and energy subsidies shape the market – the potential is even greater. Faster payback periods, higher baseline consumption, and a growing push for smart solutions make this region one of the most promising places for large-scale energy efficiency gains," said Karčiauskas.

More than 84,000 sqm of roads in Arafat use locally recycled materials. (Image source: Roads General Authority)

Saleh Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Roads General Authority, has launched the cooled pedestrian walkway project in Mecca, designed to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

The Roads General Authority reports that the cooled roads initiative has expanded by 82% since its 2023 launch.

More than 84,000 sqm of roads in Arafat have now been paved using locally recycled materials that reduce heat absorption.

These materials lower surface temperatures by approximately 12°C and reflect 30–40% more sunlight during morning hours, helping to mitigate urban heat islands, reduce energy use and air pollution, and create a more comfortable experience for pilgrims.

The use of flexible rubber roads has also increased by 33%, with the latest stretch extending from Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station, bringing the total flexible pavement area to 16,000 sqm.

Green materials

Designed to soften pedestrian areas, these rubberised surfaces provide enhanced comfort especially for older adults, according to studies by the Road Research Centre.

The initiative includes a green corridor project along the adaptable path, where trees have been planted across 1,200 m from Namira Mosque to the train station.

Air-cooling mist systems and water fountains, installed in collaboration with the Abdulrahman Fakieh Charitable Foundation, further improve air quality and comfort for pilgrims.

A key component of the project is a new accessibility initiative supporting individuals with disabilities.

A 4,000 m pedestrian path to Mount Arafat has been constructed using cooled paving materials engineered to reduce vibration and improve mobility for users and their companions.

These efforts are part of the Roads General Authority’s wider mission to raise the quality of Saudi Arabia’s roads to sixth globally by 2030 and reduce road fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people.

The Kingdom currently leads the world in intercity road connectivity, with a national network spanning more than 73,000 km.