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Fossil fuel operations in the Middle East and North Africa emitted around 20 Mt of methane in 2024, nearly all from oil and gas operations, with Iraq, Iran and Algeria accounting for more than 30% of the flared volumes and related methane emissions, according to the IEA’s latest Global Methane Tracker 2025

The annually updated Global Methane Tracker presents the IEA’s latest sector-wide emissions estimates – based on the most recent data from satellites and measurement campaigns – and discusses the various abatement options.

Flaring is a leading source of the MENA region’s emissions, accounting for around 25% of the total. Performance varies greatly, with Libya, Algeria and Iran having upstream methane intensities that are two to six times higher than Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates – all of which perform better than the global industry average.

Satellites made more than 800 methane emission observations over Algeria, 400 in Iran, and 165 in Iraq, with incomplete combustion from burning pits identified as the leading source of emissions in Algeria and Egypt, followed by gas lift system vents and equipment venting. A previous campaign in Iraq found flaring and direct venting as major sources. The IEA is working alongside the Clean Air Task Force and CCAC to support Iraq’s oil and gas mitigation efforts.

Many of the region’s national oil companies have joined the OGDC (Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter) or OGMP 2.0 (Oil & Gas Methane Partnership), including the UAE’s ADNOC, Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), Saudi Arabia’s Aramco, Bahrain’s Bapco Energies and Petroleum Development Oman. All countries in the region participate in the Global Methane Pledge except for Algeria, Iran and Syria, with many also taking part in the World Bank’s Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative. However fewer countries have developed regulations focused on limiting oil and gas methane emissions. Flaring and venting restrictions are common in most countries, but flared volumes have increased by over 50% since 2010.

Global methane emissions remain stubbornly high

Globally, the fossil fuel sector is responsible for nearly one-third of methane emissions from human activity. Record production of oil, gas and coal, combined with limited mitigation efforts, has kept emissions above 120 million tonnes (Mt) annually.

Abandoned wells and mines – included in this year’s Global Methane Tracker for the first time – contributed around 8 Mt to these emissions in 2024. Closure plans should include measures to mitigate methane emissions, the IEA says, noting that timely action is critical for effective mitigation as most emissions result from mines and wells that have recently been abandoned.

A further 20 Mt of methane arises from bioenergy production and consumption.

According to the Tracker, around 70% of annual methane emissions from the energy sector could be avoided with existing technologies such as leak detection and replacing faulty equipment. The IEA points out the cost-effectiveness of such measures, since the gas that is captured can be resold.

The Tracker finds that methane abatement could have made around 100 billion cubic metres of natural gas available to markets in 2024. A further 150 billion cubic metres of natural gas is flared globally each year, the majority of which is part of routine practices and can be avoided.

IEA analysis finds a huge range in methane emissions intensities across different countries and companies. Raising awareness and spreading best practices are essential to narrow this gap, it notes.

Satellites are bringing increased transparency, with satellite-detected emissions from super-emitting methane events at oil and gas facilities rising to a record high in 2024.

While current methane pledges by companies and countries cover 80% of global oil and gas production, only around 5% of global oil and gas output demonstrably meets a near-zero methane emissions standard. The focus should now be on turning pledges into action, the IEA says, with strong action needed to prevent a 0.1% C rise in global temperatures by 2050.

“Tackling methane leaks and flaring offers a double dividend: it alleviates pressure on tight gas markets in many parts of the world, enhancing energy security – and lowers emissions at the same time,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol. “However, the latest data indicates that implementation on methane has continued to fall short of ambitions. The IEA is working to ensure that governments and industry have the tools and knowledge they need to deliver on pledges and achieve the goals they have set.”

The National Water Company (NWC) has begun a slew of wastewater treatment projects in Saudi Arabia, focusing on Jeddah and the country's northern borders.

It is launching 15 major development projects worth more than US$613mn (SAR 2.3bn) in Jeddah, aimed at enhancing wastewater services and operational efficiency for more than 1.3 million residents.

These initiatives form part of NWC’s wider strategy to expand infrastructure and improve service quality across key urban areas.

One of the flagship projects underway is the Eastern Tunnel Project in Jeddah, which involves constructing a sewage pipeline from areas east of Haramain Road to Lift Station 2 at the airport.

Valued at over US$206mn (SAR 774mn), the project will use advanced tunnelling technologies that minimise surface disruption, preserving traffic flow and existing services.

The 14 km transmission line will serve as a vital conduit for improving environmental systems in districts such as Braiman, Al Manar, Al Ajwad, and others, benefiting approximately 1.1 million people.

Additionally, NWC is developing a sewage lifting station at the airport with a daily capacity of 611,000 m³, at a cost exceeding US$244mn (SAR 915mn), to support pollution reduction and network expansion.

In the Samer districts, more than 17.8 km of new sewerage lines are being laid in a US$14.4mn (SAR 54mn) project, targeting 20,000 beneficiaries.

The company has also launched ten feeder line projects across several Jeddah districts and two surface water reduction initiatives in Bahra and Kilo 14, collectively valued at US$165.33mn (SAR 620mn).

In total, the Jeddah projects cover over 238 km and serve more than 184,000 people.

Supporting the northern residents

Through the company's Northern Cluster, NWC has also commenced work on two major sanitation projects in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, with a combined investment exceeding US$107mn (SAR 400mn).

The first project involves the construction of a tertiary wastewater treatment plant in Arar, designed to handle up to 40,000 m³ per day, alongside a lifting station with a capacity of 72,000 m³ per day.

This initiative alone is valued at more than US$91mn (SAR 341mn).

The second project focuses on expanding sewage infrastructure in Rafhaa Governorate, where over 74 km of sewage pipelines will be laid, and a lifting station with a 22,000 m³ daily capacity will be built at a cost of more than US$15.7mn(SAR 59mn).

NWC stated that these projects align with its broader strategy to meet rising demand for water and sanitation services, while also contributing to improved quality of life and supporting the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. 

The company added that these developments aim to accelerate development and to increase the percentage of services in unserved districts to increase operational efficiency in the water and wastewater sector.

The eighth edition of the Construction Technology ConFex (CTF) and Property Technology ConFex (PTF) concluded on 1 May, with a major focus in advancing digital transformation across the built environment.

Held in Dubai with the backing of the Dubai Land Department and Dubai Municipality, the event attracted more than 1,000 participants, including developers, contractors, consultants, tech innovators and government officials. Delegates from across the region and beyond convened to discuss the latest developments in construction and property technologies, with a strong focus on sustainability, efficiency and smarter building practices.

Organised by Ventures Connect, this year’s edition featured over 160 expert speakers and 40 exhibitors. More than 550 business-to-business meetings took place during the event, fostering knowledge exchange and opening doors to new partnerships across the sector.

Key themes

The four main pillars of the conference agenda—Tech for Climate, Tech for the Social Agenda, Tech for Competitive Edge, and Tech for Productivity and Performance—all reflected the pressing need to meet national decarbonisation targets and speed up digital adoption.

Contech and Proptech's increasing convergence, which showed how the two historically distinct industries are developing into a single, tech-driven ecosystem, was a major theme. The presenters stressed that connecting these domains creates new efficiencies, promotes sustainability, and permits flexible spaces that can adapt to shifting user experiences and occupancy requirements.

AI and IoT, contemporary building techniques, robotics, common data environments, digital twins, and cybersecurity were among the technology focus areas. Additionally, the conference examined advancements in super applications, data centre infrastructure, and tech-enabled urban life.

Alec, Damac Properties, Masdar City, Group, Emaar, and Sobha Realty exchanged case studies, perspectives, and joint future aspirations. High-value networking opportunities and practical information aimed at enhancing capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational efficiency (OpEx) across the asset lifespan were advantageous to attendees.

The Construction Technology Awards 2025 honoured exceptional people, companies, and initiatives that demonstrated leadership in sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation. The awards, which received more than 300 nominations in 24 categories, raised industry standards and attracted regional attention.

Aisha Ali, COO, Premier Construction Software, headline sponsor of the event, said, “As a leader in the AI-powered construction ERP space, Premier Construction Software was thrilled to connect with fellow industry thought leaders at the 8th Annual Construction Technology Confex UAE 2025. This event allowed us to showcase how accounting software is transforming the way general contractors and developers operate. CTF is an ideal stage to champion innovation and advance the digital transformation conversation.”

“This was our biggest CTF and PTF to date, and the positive feedback from speakers, sponsors, and attendees underlines the growing importance of understanding how digitalisation and technology are transforming the built environment,” said Katie Briggs, director, CTF. “Contech and Proptech are evolving into a seamless ecosystem bound by technology, driving smarter, more efficient, and sustainable construction and real estate practices.”

In the high-pressure world of mining, quarrying, and construction, fuel efficiency is a make-or-break factor for both profitability and environmental impact.

Garry Moore, a veteran customer support manager at Rokbak, a Scottish manufacturer of articulated dump trucks (ADTs), has spent nearly 20 years refining strategies to optimise heavy equipment performance.

Here, Moore unveils seven expert tips for harnessing Rokbak’s Haul Track telematics system to slash fuel expenses, curb carbon emissions, and boost site productivity.

Here are seven ways to achieve it

1. Keep engines in top shape for fuel savings

A neglected engine burns more fuel and pumps out excess emissions. Haul Track’s real-time diagnostics alert managers to issues like blocked filters or suboptimal fuel systems, enabling quick fixes. By acting on these email notifications, operators ensure ADTs run lean, saving fuel and reducing environmental harm.

2. Spot and fix delays with idling insights

Trucks idling in queues waste fuel and stall progress. Using Haul Track’s GPS and idle-time tracking, managers can identify bottlenecks where ADTs wait for loaders. Moore suggests rebalancing fleet setups—adjusting loader or hauler sizes—to keep operations moving, cutting fuel use and CO₂ output while ramping up efficiency.

3. Maximise loads with precision weighing

Half-empty trucks force extra trips, inflating fuel costs and equipment wear. Rokbak’s On-Board Weigh, synced with Haul Track, provides live load data, empowering operators to fill trucks to capacity every time. This approach boosts output, conserves fuel, and keeps production targets on track.

4. Redesign sites for shorter, smarter routes

Inefficient haul roads and traffic snarls sap fuel economy. Haul Track’s movement tracking, combined with fuel and idle reports, works across all equipment brands to highlight trouble spots. By streamlining routes and easing congestion, managers can trim fuel bills, lower emissions, and extend machine life.

5. Coach operators for smoother driving

Aggressive driving habits, like rapid acceleration or sudden stops, can inflate fuel consumption. Haul Track’s fuel usage comparisons reveal when specific trucks burn more than peers on similar tasks. Moore advocates using these insights for constructive training, helping drivers adopt smoother techniques to save fuel.

6. Protect tyres, save fuel

Underinflated tyres increase drag, forcing engines to work harder and wear out faster. Haul Track’s real-time tyre pressure monitoring catches issues early, allowing quick corrections. Proper inflation optimises fuel use, prolongs tyre durability, and enhances site safety.

7. Drive progress with clear performance goals

Haul Track’s robust data lets managers set fuel efficiency targets and monitor results over time. By analyzing trends and sharing feedback, teams stay motivated to improve. This data-driven approach fosters smarter decisions and a culture of continuous progress.

Moore’s strategies show that Haul Track is more than a data tool. It is a  game-changer for cost-conscious, eco-aware operations. With these seven tactics, site leaders and operators can transform insights into action, driving down costs and emissions while keeping their sites running at peak performance.

EMSTEEL, one of the biggest publicly traded producers of steel and construction materials in the region, has announced the introduction of its first Green Finance Framework.

By putting EMSTEEL at the forefront of sustainable finance in the area, this initiative represents a significant step in coordinating the Group's financial strategy with its long-term sustainability and decarbonisation objectives.

Through the Framework, EMSTEEL and its affiliates can offer a range of green finance products in different currencies, such as green bonds, loans, commercial papers, and medium-term notes (MTNs).

Only suitable green projects that satisfy strict environmental requirements will be financed or refinanced with the proceeds.

Supporting new tech

These initiatives include the manufacturing of low-carbon cement and steel, energy-efficient technology, decarbonisation-promoting inventions, and renewable energy installations like solar photovoltaic systems.

The Framework, which was created in compliance with globally accepted best practices, guarantees a strong and open approach to the issuance, administration, and reporting of green finance instruments.

Investor trust in EMSTEEL's sustainability-focused capital strategy has increased as a result of Moody's Ratings' Second Party Opinion (SPO), which gave the Framework a Sustainability Quality Score of SQS2 (Very Good).

Strong regional collaboration in advancing sustainable finance is demonstrated by the Framework's development, which was supported by important partners such as First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) as Sustainability Structuring Bank and ING as Lead Sustainability Structuring Bank.

Commenting on the launch, Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, group CEO of EMSTEEL, stated, “Our Green Finance Framework is more than a financial tool – it is a strategic lever to accelerate our transition towards a low-carbon future. It reflects our commitment to aligning our fund raising activities with internationally recognised market standards for green financing and channelling funds toward environmentally responsible projects. Through this initiative, we aim to support the decarbonisation of our operations, foster innovation in low-carbon steelmaking and create long-term value for our shareholders, society, and the planet.”

Mark Tonkens, group chief financial officer, said, “The launch of our Green Finance Framework marks a pivotal step in reinforcing EMSTEEL’s commitment to sustainability. Aligning our financial strategy with global green finance standards enables us to secure funding for high-impact projects and positions us as a leader in the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy."

France’s top mobility innovators converged in the UAE for the UAE-France Rail & Mobility Days 2025, held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on 23-24 April. The event, spearheaded by Business France, showcased cutting-edge French expertise in rail and sustainable transport, while deepening strategic cooperation with the UAE.

As the UAE ramps up investment in next-generation transport infrastructure, the event offered a platform for French companies to engage directly with Emirati stakeholders. Major developments include:

• A US$13.6bn share in the GCC-wide 2,117 km rail network.

• A high-speed rail line linking Dubai and Abu Dhabi, expected to be completed by 2030.

• Dubai Metro’s expansion, aiming to serve 200,000 passengers daily by 2030, with construction underway and a total investment of US$4.9bn.

• Abu Dhabi’s US$6.8bn investment in 155 transport projects, targeting a doubling of public transport use by 2028.

• A national goal to reach 50% electric vehicle adoption by 2050.

In this context, Rail & Mobility Days 2025 was designed to match French innovation with the UAE’s ambitious infrastructure and sustainability goals.

High-level meetings and industry engagement

In Abu Dhabi, the French delegation was welcomed by H.E. Nicolas Niemtchinow, French Ambassador to the UAE, before engaging with key stakeholders such as Etihad Rail, Hafeet Rail, Abu Dhabi Mobility, and the Abu Dhabi Transport Company. Delegates also toured the Etihad Rail Al-Faya depot and attended the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit to explore opportunities in the EV space.

The Dubai leg of the programme featured opening remarks by H.E. Jean-Christophe Paris, followed by panel sessions with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), DEWA, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Al Naboodah Transport, and others. Discussions spanned metro and tram development, electric mobility, and the broader energy transition.

French capabilities on display

French companies demonstrated their leadership in transport innovation. Dassault Systèmes, the event’s gold sponsor, presented its advanced 3D design and virtual simulation tools for mobility planning. Other major players included VINCI Construction Grands Projets, specialists in large-scale infrastructure; and RATP Dev, experts in public transport operations.

SMEs also had a strong presence, including Apave, ATEIS, ATM Internationale, CBM Company, Codra, MPH Experts, OXYSIGN, MIPI, Manquillet Parizel, and Saarstahl Rail—each offering niche expertise in areas such as infrastructure safety, maintenance, digital engineering, signage, and railway metallurgy.

The initiative was organised by Business France, with support from Terracotta Manpower, reinforcing France’s long-term commitment to supporting the UAE’s infrastructure evolution.