DMB underscored its contribution to critical infrastructure development

Ducab Metals Business (DMB) highlighted its manufacturing strength and commitment to innovation at the 49th edition of Middle East Energy (MEE) in Dubai, showcasing a portfolio of high-performance, sustainable solutions.

At the event, DMB underscored its contribution to critical infrastructure development, offering cutting-edge products that improve efficiency and reliability across key sectors. The company is taking strategic steps to expand its distribution network, making its materials more accessible to global partners.

This move aims to enhance delivery speed and responsiveness, helping customers meet their project timelines and operational goals more effectively.

Beyond its manufacturing capabilities, DMB continues to invest in advanced technologies and R&D to stay ahead of market trends. This approach not only addresses current industrial needs but anticipates future challenges, keeping the company aligned with international benchmarks and regional sustainability objectives.

As the UAE accelerates its shift toward renewable energy, DMB’s materials will play a vital role in supporting the country's infrastructure upgrades. From power and utilities to automotive, healthcare, and packaging, the company remains a key contributor to industrial growth both locally and globally.

Mohamed Al Ahmedi, Chief Executive Officer of DMB, said, "We are focused on providing solutions that support the region's electrification and enhance the reliability and capacity of power transmission networks. Our expanded manufacturing capabilities will enable us to deliver high-quality products essential for meeting the growing global demand for sustainable infrastructure. By increasing ACSS conductor production, DMB is strengthening its role as a key contributor to power networks worldwide. This expansion, in hand with our sustained investment in regional supply chains, not only reinforces our market presence but also fuels our ambition for regional growth and innovation."

The exhibition will showcase a diverse range of industries

The fourth edition of Make It in the Emirates Forum, the UAE’s premier industrial gathering, has opened visitor and media registration.

Scheduled to take place from 19-22 May at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, this year’s event is set to be the largest to date, bringing together industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to drive economic diversification and industrial growth.

Organised by ADNEC Group and led by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the UAE Ministry of Culture, and ADNOC, the event underscores the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its industrial sector.

It plays a key role in supporting the country’s Operation 300 Billion strategy, which aims to expand the UAE’s manufacturing and industrial capabilities. According to MoIAT, the UAE’s industrial sector contributed AED 205 billion to the national GDP by the end of 2023.

A central feature of Make It in the Emirates 2025 is the forum and exhibition, which will provide companies with valuable insights, strategic partnerships, and direct access to procurement commitments from major UAE entities.

This year’s edition is expected to surpass previous years in both scale and investment opportunities, offering a platform for business leaders to explore pre-approved industrial projects in high-growth sectors.

Facilitating growth

The exhibition will showcase a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, renewable energy, advanced technology, and logistics.

It will also highlight heritage crafts and cutting-edge innovations, reflecting the UAE’s balanced approach to industrial development—blending tradition with technological advancement.

The event aligns with the UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for industry and innovation, leveraging its regulatory framework and world-class infrastructure to attract investment.

By highlighting discussions on sustainability, industrial advancements, and future opportunities, Make It in the Emirates 2025 reinforces the country’s position as a leader in economic transformation.

HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said in an earlier press statement, “This forum and its accompanying exhibitions have evolved into a regional and international platform, capitalising on vast investment opportunities in smart manufacturing, sustainable industrialisation and advanced technologies. In collaboration with its partners, the ministry is implementing a new strategy to enhance the event’s leadership both regionally and globally. This strategy aims to attract innovators and emerging industries, support national goals around sustainable economic development, and establish robust local and international partnerships.

“The fourth edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum will be characterised by collaboration between the public and private sectors, including the partnership between MoIAT and ADNEC, benefitting from both sectors’ logistical capabilities, financial solutions, and incentives to enhance the forum’s impact. This edition will create promising opportunities for investors to establish and expand their businesses, helping them to access key markets and boost their products’ competitiveness regionally and globally. It contributed in increasing the growth of manufacturing facilities within the country by 10% annually. The forum will transcend borders, unveiling international agreements and opportunities worth billions of dirhams, offering diverse job opportunities, showcasing success stories from international companies operating in the UAE, and emphasising innovation and manufacturing.”

Also read: How are Gulf nations developing a circular economy?

The GCC is steering toward zero landfill as part of its ambitious net-zero targets.

Fadi Al-Shihabi, partner, sustainability solutions leader at KPMG Middle East, pens a piece on how the fossil fuel legacy can used as a blueprint for developing a circular economy. 

Transforming manufacturing is the key to reducing waste and energy consumption, promoting responsible consumption and reducing environmental impact.

In this context, the evolution of the Gulf's manufacturing sector is a testament to the region's adaptability and foresight. We are also seeing the enhancement of value chains in the region through the production of more raw materials locally, fostering cross-sector synergies to boost industrial localisation efforts.

By leveraging their expertise in energy production and their significant financial resources, GCC nations are not only keeping pace with global sustainability trends but are setting new standards in socio-economic development.

Making the circular economy a reality in the GCC

The GCC is steering toward zero landfill as part of its ambitious net-zero targets. Key efforts include waste-to-energy projects and increased recycling, both of which are reshaping the manufacturing sector, by promoting green, circular economy practices and advancing sustainable development across the region.

Additionally, research continues to drive innovation, particularly in advanced waste conversion technologies. The UAE introduced a circular economy policy in 2021, which implements resource efficiency, minimises waste, and fosters economic value from materials traditionally considered waste.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's bold recycling initiative aims to recycle 95% of its waste, contributing US$31.99bn to GDP, creating 100,000 jobs, and positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in sustainability by 2040 through advanced waste management strategies.

Another neighbour, Qatar's Ministry of Municipality plans to build an engineered landfill in Al Khor, adhering to the highest international standards, and operating a plant for recycling materials.

In Saudi Arabia, Clorox's Dammam and Jeddah plants have already achieved 100% zero waste to landfill. Additionally, KAUST startup Edama Organic Solutions has opened the Kingdom's first organic waste recycling facility at the KAUST Research. Oman too is launching its first Waste-to-Energy (WTE) project, which is expected to cut landfill carbon emissions by 50 million tons over 35 years.

Each of these projects exemplify the shift to a circular economy, with resource efficiency principles woven into national economic and environmental strategies. The approach goes beyond just waste reduction, aiming to extract value from it instead.

An example is the ambitious e-waste recycling project in Salalah, the largest in Oman. This initiative tackles the rising issue of electronic waste while creating new economic opportunities, solidifying Oman’s position as a leader in sustainable waste management and resource efficiency.

Overcoming obstacles

There is no doubt that the shift towards sustainability is opening new markets and driving demand for eco-friendly products and services. Companies that prioritise sustainability are finding themselves at a competitive advantage, fostering both environmentally conscious consumers and investors.

Despite notable progress, several hurdles still impede the full implementation of effective waste management systems. With robust regulations still being in the works, and high initial costs, particularly for advanced technologies, remain a significant barrier. Additionally, on a wider scale, limited recycling infrastructure restricts broader adoption.

Additionally, greater public awareness and engagement are needed to drive meaningful behavioral change. These challenges also offer opportunities for innovation, investment, and policy reform. By addressing these issues, the region could unlock more cost-effective solutions, foster new partnerships, and pave the way for sustainable and efficient waste management practices.

Gulf nations are also tapping into their energy production expertise to drive waste-to-energy initiatives, marking a decisive move toward sustainable development. This niche area of expertise that had traditionally been utilised in oil wealthy nations but has been rare to find globally, is an essential piece of the puzzle to extend the reach of renewable energy and its accessibility.

The road ahead

The road to a circular economy and waste reduction is set to positively impact the employment market, as the Middle East invests around US$1 trillion in clean energy over the next decade, marking a transformative shift in the region’s economic landscape. This substantial investment is projected to generate around 300,000 new jobs by 2030 and inject an additional US$100bn into the regional economy, underscoring the Gulf's growing commitment to sustainable growth and energy diversification.

Also read: Can AI truly revolutionise manufacturing efficiency?

Riverbed’s survey highlights AI’s impact on manufacturing, revealing benefits in efficiency, automation, and data-driven decision-making. (Image source: Riverbed)

Riverbed, a leader in AIOps for Observability, has unveiled the Manufacturing sector findings from its Global AI & Digital Experience Survey

The study highlights strong enthusiasm for AI, with 92% of surveyed manufacturing executives identifying AI as a top C-Suite priority and agreeing it offers a competitive edge. However, only 32% of manufacturers are currently fully prepared to implement AI projects—5% below the overall industry average. Challenges such as data quality and scalability are key hurdles preventing manufacturers from unlocking AI’s full potential. As AI evolves, the industry is poised to benefit from improved efficiency, enhanced product quality, optimised inventory management, and more data-driven decision-making, all of which contribute to a superior customer experience.

The next three years are expected to bring rapid AI expansion as businesses seek practical AI solutions. By 2027, 83% of manufacturing leaders anticipate being fully prepared for AI implementation. AI’s role is also expected to shift significantly, from primarily driving operational efficiencies (58% today) to becoming a key growth driver (65%) by 2027. This shift represents one of the most notable transformations across all industries in the study.

Millennials and Gen Z viewed as AI leaders

As AI reshapes the manufacturing sector, enthusiasm spans the C-Suite, younger employees, and organizations as a whole:

• 97% agree AI will enhance digital experiences for end users.
• 62% say their company’s sentiment toward AI is positive, with 32% neutral and only 6% skeptical.
• While Gen Z is often seen as the AI-savvy generation, manufacturing leaders view Millennials (45%) as equally adept, followed by Gen X (10%).

Most manufacturers have moved beyond the experimental phase, with 56% accelerating AI initiatives by investing in infrastructure and talent. Meanwhile, 29% have reached the transformative stage, where AI is fully integrated into operations.

AI driving workflow automation in manufacturing

Manufacturing leaders foresee AI delivering significant benefits, with 89% recognising AI automation as key to improving IT efficiency and digital experiences. Over the next three years, AI will be used in IT operations for:

• Workflow automation (80%)
• Automated remediation (69%)
• 24/7 support availability via chatbots (63%)
• Data-driven insights (60%)
• Anomaly detection (59%)

Gaps hindering AI adoption in manufacturing

Despite strong AI adoption momentum, the study identified three critical challenges preventing manufacturers from maximising AI’s benefits:

• Reality Gap: While 77% of manufacturers believe they are ahead of peers in AI adoption (including 25% who say they are significantly ahead), only 7% admit to lagging behind. This discrepancy suggests an overestimation of progress.
• Readiness Gap: Only 32% of manufacturing leaders say their company is fully prepared for AI adoption, ranking them behind most other sectors. Additionally, 67% cite AI’s immaturity as a barrier to scalable implementation.
• Data Gap: Although 87% recognize high-quality data as crucial for AI success, 69% are concerned about their data’s effectiveness, and only 42% rate their data as excellent in terms of completeness and accuracy. Furthermore, 42% see poor data quality as a hindrance to further AI investments. 

Addressing AI-related security and confidentiality risks

With 92% of manufacturing leaders concerned that AI could expose proprietary data in the public domain, data security remains a significant issue. The industry’s reliance on legacy systems makes it particularly vulnerable to breaches, reinforcing the need for robust cybersecurity strategies.

Overcoming AI challenges in manufacturing

Salman Ali, senior manager – Solution Engineering, GCC, at Riverbed, explained, “AI is transforming the manufacturing industry, offering significant benefits in terms of operational efficiencies, reducing costs, and the ability to innovate at a faster pace to maintain a competitive edge. However, for manufacturers to deliver substantial performance improvements and improve their AIOps initiatives, they must focus on the quality of their data. Our recent study reveals that 42% of manufacturing leaders are concerned about the effectiveness of their organization’s data for AI purposes. At Riverbed, we’re helping customers in this industry overcome this data challenge with our open, AI-powered observability platform, which provides practical AI that works and scales, enabling organizations to automate and drive efficiencies across their IT operations and achieve significant ROI from their IT investments and AIOps efforts.”