Event News

Schneider Electric is set to host the second edition of the Innovation Summit Middle East & Africa in Abu Dhabi in September 2026.

Schneider Electric is set to host the second edition of the Innovation Summit Middle East & Africa in Abu Dhabi in September 2026.

This gathering will convene global technology leaders, energy executives, and government officials to chart a sustainable course for the region’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The timing of the event is critical. Industry forecasts indicate that global electricity demand will experience a compound annual growth rate of 3.6 per cent between 2026 and 2030. Concurrently, the exponential rise in global AI workloads is projected to trigger a staggering 160 per cent surge in data centre power requirements by the end of the decade. These global trends are distinctly magnified in the Middle East and Africa, where rapid urban development, extensive desalination projects, and the rollout of ambitious national giga-projects are radically altering consumption patterns.

Walid Sheta, Zone President for the Middle East and Africa at Schneider Electric, articulated the sheer scale of this regional transformation. "With electricity consumption in the Middle East and North Africa having tripled since 2000 and on course to grow at an incremental 3-4% every year to register a whopping 50% by 2035 – driven by surging cooling, desalination, and urbanization demands, the region is at an inflection point," he stated.

Recognising that reliable power is no longer merely a utility but a fundamental pillar of economic stability, Sheta added, "Energy today is the foundation of national resilience and competitiveness," framing the core ethos of the upcoming September summit.

The selection of the United Arab Emirates capital as the host city is a deliberate nod to the nation’s proactive stance on sustainability and technological integration. "Abu Dhabi's emergence as a regional hub for energy transition, digital infrastructure, and innovation makes it an ideal fit for the Summit. The UAE's net-zero ambitions and large-scale investments in power and digital infrastructure highlight the scale of the challenge and the opportunity to embed energy intelligence into the region's next wave of growth," explained Sheta.

Throughout the event, attendees will explore how to integrate electrification, automation, and digital intelligence across industrial applications, commercial buildings, and power grids. The summit will heavily feature an immersive 3,000-square-foot Innovation Hub Experience. This space will provide tailored customer experiences, guided tours, and live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies engineered to modernise grid infrastructure and maximise energy efficiency.

A prominent highlight of the two-day schedule is the exclusive, invitation-only CEO Forum, held in partnership with Forbes Middle East. This closed-door session will gather over one hundred C-suite executives to foster strategic partnerships and formulate actionable public-private collaborations.

Moreover, the summit will spotlight regional benchmarks and real-world success stories drawn from over eighty countries. Showcases will include groundbreaking operational improvements, such as the deployment of EcoStruxure Power & Grid for Senegal’s National Electricity Company, which successfully slashed network recovery times from three hours to a mere three minutes. Additionally, discussions will highlight sustainability milestones, such as the total elimination of SF6 greenhouse gases and comprehensive carbon footprint reductions achieved by agricultural producers in South Africa.

Schneider Electric aims to utilise these case studies to demonstrate that intelligent energy management can seamlessly align with both operational excellence and environmental stewardship.

"Innovation Summit Middle East & Africa underscores our dedication to accelerating energy technology innovation and powering energy intelligence throughout the region. This edition will emphasize our emergence as the trusted energy technology partner guiding the region's next phase of transformation," Sheta affirmed.

As cloud computing and high-performance technologies become increasingly intertwined with national success, the summit promises to deliver vital strategies for a resilient future. By bridging the gap between ambition and actionable technology, the event will empower stakeholders to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world. Summarising the broader vision of the gathering, Sheta concluded, "This Summit offers a roadmap of what's next as we continue to redefine the relationship between energy and digital capability."

Iraq has successfully secured a series of landmark energy agreements with the United States.

Iraq has successfully secured a series of landmark energy agreements with the United States.

During a highly significant diplomatic visit to Washington by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, the Iraqi government cemented deals estimated to be worth US$200bn. These comprehensive contracts are set to revitalise the country’s foundational oil and gas industries. According to Iraqi Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair, who detailed the outcomes of the talks, this massive injection of capital will serve as the cornerstone of Iraq's strategic vision. The scale of this international commitment underscores a renewed focus on expanding a sector that remains the lifeblood of the Iraqi economy. This historic bilateral alignment is expected to reshape the trajectory of the nation's economic recovery.

Expanding Production and International Co-operation

The newly minted partnership encompasses seven key agreements designed to upgrade Iraq's extraction and processing capabilities. Minister Khudair noted that these deals will substantially increase the nation's oil and gas reserves while boosting day-to-day production. At present, Iraq’s total oil production capacity has already surpassed 4.8 million barrels per day. The administration views this capacity as a robust foundation upon which the new US agreements will build.

Furthermore, Iraqi oil fields are already a hub of global enterprise, with 22 international companies currently operating within the country. The presence of these foreign entities demonstrates the vast, untapped potential still present within the region. The integration of the Washington-backed agreements will harmonise with these operations, creating a more dynamic extraction environment. By expanding capacity through these frameworks, Iraq aims to solidify its position as a global energy supplier.

Advancing Towards Domestic Self-Sufficiency

While exports remain a primary focus, the government is equally dedicated to fulfilling domestic energy requirements. Minister Khudair highlighted that Iraq is firmly on track to achieve complete self-sufficiency in natural gas by the year 2030. This ambitious target represents a critical shift for the nation, which has historically faced complexities in capturing its own gas resources.

Remarkable progress has already been recorded in other areas. Iraq has successfully achieved full self-sufficiency in the provision of gas oil, commonly known as diesel, and kerosene. Additionally, domestic facilities are generating approximately 30 million litres of gasoline daily to meet local demand. However, the minister acknowledged that the journey is not without hurdles. Despite the impressive production figures, persistent challenges remain within the country’s fuel distribution mechanisms. Addressing these logistical distribution roadblocks is essential to ensure that this newly harnessed energy reliably reaches consumers across all provinces.

Catalysing Socio-Economic Growth

Beyond the immediate metrics of barrels and litres, the US$200bn investment strategy is heavily oriented towards generating tangible benefits for the Iraqi populace. The government anticipates that the revitalisation of the energy sector will serve as a massive engine for job creation, offering new employment avenues for a growing workforce.

These contracts are also structured to deliver broader social benefits that extend into the educational sphere. Notably, the agreements include provisions for scholarship opportunities, linking industrial growth directly with human capital development. By investing in education, Iraq is laying the groundwork for a future where its own professionals can lead the management of the nation's infrastructure.

Navigating OPEC Quotas and Looking Ahead

As production capacities expand, the Iraqi government is simultaneously addressing the diplomatic complexities of global oil markets. Minister Khudair revealed that officials are engaged in serious and constructive dialogue with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The primary objective of these talks is to negotiate an increase in the country’s official oil export quota, allowing Iraq to capitalise on its enhanced capabilities.

Addressing the historical context of these negotiations, the oil minister was explicit about the nation's stance. "The government remains committed to securing the export share Iraq deserves, while taking into account the exceptional circumstances the country has endured as a result of wars and the destruction of its infrastructure," he said. Through massive international investment and assertive diplomacy, Iraq is charting a highly resilient energy future.

Oman Shell recently concluded its highly anticipated participation in two major industry events: Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) and the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show (OPES) 2026.

Oman Shell recently concluded its highly anticipated participation in two major industry events: Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) and the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show (OPES) 2026.

Held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), the company's strong presence served as a comprehensive showcase of its ongoing dedication to innovation, environmental stewardship, and practical sustainability.

As the Strategic Partner for Oman Sustainability Week and Gold Sponsor for the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show, Oman Shell created an immersive booth experience that welcomed numerous visitors throughout the event. The custom-designed space provided a platform to explore crucial contemporary themes, spanning across liquefied natural gas (LNG), artificial intelligence-driven technologies, advanced energy solutions, and the critical area of future mobility. Over the three-day event, public interest remained consistently high, with attendees actively exploring interactive technology showcases and live demonstrations. These immersive experiences successfully highlighted the company's focus on delivering practical, scalable energy solutions designed to meet modern demands.

A particularly standout moment during Oman Shell's participation was the dedicated “Insights into LNG” session. This highly informative event was jointly hosted by Cedric Cremers, Integrated Gas President and Executive Committee Member at Shell, alongside Tom Summers, the Executive Vice President of LNG, Marketing & Trading. The session offered deep explorations into the latest developments currently shaping global LNG markets. The two executives discussed the evolving role of LNG in supporting energy security, navigating the energy transition, and examining key trends influencing the future of the sector.

In addition to the interactive booth and the “Insights into LNG” session, Oman Shell played an exceptionally active role in the wider conference programme. Company representatives participated in various keynote sessions and detailed panel discussions across both OPES and OSW. These Shell experts contributed valuable insights and deep industry knowledge on a wide array of vital topics. The discussions covered the future of energy, sustainability practices, effective carbon management, continuous innovation, and the ongoing transformation of the industry. By sharing this expertise, Oman Shell reinforced its pivotal role in supporting constructive, forward-looking dialogue regarding the energy transition and the future of the energy sector, both within Oman and on a global scale.

As part of its comprehensive participation during the busy week, Oman Shell also took the opportunity to host the official graduation ceremony for the fifth batch of the Shell Nawafidh programme at the OCEC. This ceremony formally recognised the achievements of the participating students, highlighting the programme's vital role in empowering young Omani talent through targeted education, applied innovation, and future-focused learning opportunities.

Furthermore, on the evening of 20 May, Oman Shell organised an exclusive site visit for a select number of key OPES and OSW participants. The destination was Oman's first hydrogen refuelling station, proudly designated as Shell's sixth “Gift to the Nation”. This unique visit offered attendees the rare opportunity to explore the pioneering station firsthand and gain practical insights into the vital role that hydrogen is expected to play in supporting future mobility solutions and aligning with Oman's broader energy transition ambitions.

Behind these showcases lies Shell's history as a dedicated partner in Oman's development over several decades. The company remains deeply active across the Omani oil and gas industry, participating in joint ventures and independent activities that range from research, development, exploration, and production, through to trading, retail, and new energies. Shell also implements an extensive social investment programme that contributes heavily to the sustainable development of the country, whilst holding significant interests in Petroleum Development Oman (34%), Oman LNG (30%), and Shell Oman Marketing Company (49%).

In January 2023, Oman Shell started producing gas from the Mabrouk North East field in Block 10. Shell holds a 53.45% working interest, with OQ and Marsa Liquefied Natural Gas LLC holding 13.36% and 33.19% respectively. Through these substantial investments and its recent participation in OSW and OPES 2026, Oman Shell reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Oman's sustainable development journey by combining global expertise, technology, collaboration, and innovation to help shape a balanced and practical energy future.

EGA has officially announced the restart of alumina production at its Al Taweelah alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi.

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), recognised globally as the largest producer of premium aluminium, has officially announced the restart of alumina production at its Al Taweelah alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi.

The announcement, made on 10 July 2026, marks a critical step in restoring the facility's output following a temporary halt. Production at the refinery was previously suspended on 28 March due to Iranian attacks on the Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi. However, the facility successfully began producing hydrate, which serves as the essential precursor product to alumina, on 24 June.

The company expects alumina production to ramp up to 50 per cent of the plant's total capacity within a matter of days. Looking further ahead, EGA projects that it will possess the technical capability to return to full alumina production by the end of this year. The exact timing for this complete production ramp-up at the Al Taweelah alumina refinery will be determined by supply chain dynamics and the ongoing optimisation of EGA's broader alumina sourcing strategy. It is important to note that the ramp-up of primary aluminium production at the adjacent Al Taweelah smelter does not strictly depend on a full ramp-up at the alumina refinery itself.

Strategic Importance and Executive Perspective

Alumina is the fundamental feedstock required for aluminium smelters. Before the recent disruption, the Al Taweelah alumina refinery played a crucial role in EGA's supply chain. In 2025, the facility produced 2.4 million tonnes of alumina, which successfully met 46 per cent of EGA's total alumina needs. The refinery originally began production in April 2019, standing as the first alumina refinery in the United Arab Emirates and only the second across the entire Middle East. This strategic project significantly reduces the nation's reliance on imported alumina.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, noted the significance of this operational resumption. He stated: "First alumina production from Al Taweelah alumina refinery is another big milestone in our journey to restore EGA's Al Taweelah site to its position as one of the most important aluminium production complexes in the world. The dedication and agility of the team at Al Taweelah alumina refinery has enabled us to reach this milestone safely and quickly."

The refinery is strategically located directly next to the Al Taweelah smelter. Alumina is efficiently transferred to storage facilities and subsequently into the smelter via an extensive system of conveyor belts.

Emirates Global Aluminium's Global Standing

The successful restart of the Al Taweelah alumina refinery highlights EGA's resilience as an industrial powerhouse. Founded originally as Dubai Aluminium in 1975, EGA has grown into the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside of the oil and gas sector. The organisation is equally owned by the Mubadala Investment Company of Abu Dhabi and the Investment Corporation of Dubai.

EGA operates as a fully integrated aluminium producer, managing operations that span from alumina refining to the casting of primary aluminium and subsequent recycling. The company's vast infrastructure includes smelters in Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah, alongside recycling plants in Al Taweelah and the United States, as well as a speciality foundry in Germany. In 2025 alone, EGA successfully sold 2.84 million tonnes of cast metal, with value-added products accounting for 81 per cent of these sales.

A Commitment to Sustainable Industry

Beyond its immense scale, EGA has continually focused on technological advancement and sustainable operations. In 2017, EGA became the first company headquartered in the Middle East to join the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, a global programme designed to foster greater sustainability within the industry. The company has also utilised its own proprietary technology for every smelter expansion since the 1990s and has retrofitted all of its older production lines. Furthermore, in 2021, EGA achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first company globally to produce aluminium commercially using solar power.

The Al Taweelah site itself is a testament to the vast scale of EGA's operations. Covering six square kilometres, the facility is five times larger than Al Maryah Island. The ongoing restoration of operations at this massive industrial complex ensures that EGA remains a vital economic contributor, supporting a broader sector that sustains more than 56,000 jobs across the UAE.