Ras Al Khaimah Ruler inaugurates Sobha Modular Industries new manufacturing facility in the Emirate. (Image source: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone)

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, a member of the UAE Supreme Council and the sovereign of Ras Al Khaimah, has recently presided over the opening of the new Sobha Modular Industries manufacturing plant in Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah

Sobha Modular Industries, a branch of the Sobha Group, is engaged in the production of aluminium facades and bathroom pods, employing state-of-the-art AI-driven CNC machinery and robotics within its 250,000 m2 premises. The facility currently has a daily production capacity of 50 pods, with intentions to increase this number to 100 by the end of the year. It also has a daily output of 1,800 m2 in aluminium products, with significant enhancements on the agenda. Additionally, the establishment is poised to generate over 3,000 new jobs in the area, bolstering local employment prospects.

Sobha group founder and chairman PNC Menon said, “We are delighted to announce the inauguration of Sobha Modular Industries, our latest venture poised to revolutionise the regional manufacturing sector in UAE. The grand inaugural ceremony of Sobha Modular Industries was graced by the esteemed presence of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, which reflects the project’s vital role in bolstering the region’s economic and industrial capabilities. Moreover, it serves as a stellar exemplification of Sobha Group’s unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability.”

Ravi Menon, co-chairman of Sobha Group, remarked, “We are elated to announce the launch of Sobha Modular Industries, a world-class facility offering advanced production capabilities to positively transform the regional manufacturing landscape. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, for sharing his noble vision for the future and being a part of the inaugural ceremony. The innovative venture aims to facilitate ubiquitous development of local industries while augmenting the manufacturing landscape.”

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “We are thrilled to welcome Sobha Modular Industries to Ras Al Khaimah. This new facility is not just an expansion of our industrial capacity; it embodies our strategic vision to attract and nurture top-tier global enterprises within our emirate, where manufacturing makes up one-third of the overall GDP. The company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities and commitment to sustainability exemplify the innovation we aim to foster. Furthermore, it underscores Ras Al Khaimah’s role as a prime destination for innovative and sustainable industrial development. We are committed to supporting their growth and are confident that their success will inspire further industrial innovation in the region.”

Ras Al Khaimah offers an advantageous manufacturing environment, marked by strategic access to vital raw materials and a compelling cost-value investment proposition, making it an ideal setting for Sobha Group’s new venture to thrive.

Francis Alfred, the managing director of Sobha Realty, expressed, “With heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, for his support, we proudly inaugurate Sobha Modular Industries, a significant step towards innovation and excellence in construction. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to sustainability, Sobha Modular aims to revolutionise the construction sector. Our partnership with RAKEZ has been vital, and we appreciate their unwavering support. This step further reinforces our market presence and reaffirms our commitment to the highest quality and customer satisfaction. We aim to set new benchmarks for excellence in the manufacturing industry.”

Sobha Modular Industries has exciting expansion plans in Ras Al Khaimah not just to boost production capacities, but also support Sobha Group’s strategy for backward integration.

Emerson's AVENTICS 625 (Image source: Emerson)

The new valves, with a control deviation of less than 0.5%, are engineered for highly accurate electronic proportional pressure control, offering the flexibility needed for advanced pneumatic control engineering applications.

The Series 625 Sentronic valves include data acquisition software (DaS), enabling quick startup, monitoring, and control directly from a PC.

Available in four sizes ranging from 1 millimetre to 20 mm, these valves support flow rates from 55 to 4,700 litres per minute.

Specifications

They can handle pressures from vacuum levels up to 50 bar, potentially reducing the number of valves needed in a machine design. Housing materials include brass, aluminium, and stainless steel, with sealing options in nitrile (NBR) or fluoroelastomer (FKM). Connector options are M12 5-pin, M12 8-pin, and M16 7-pin.

With the trend toward shorter development and manufacturing phases, fast startup procedures and reliable, controllable manufacturing processes are increasingly critical. DaS software allows operators to diagnose, control, repair, and configure valves individually. It also supports cascade controls for applications requiring high precision and complex control loops. Enhanced diagnostic and monitoring functions include input pressure, commanded pressure, internal temperature, and ethernet communication.

“In high-precision equipment, such as that used for flame cutting and laser eye surgery, accuracy and control are critical,” said Nicolas Jacquet, director of product management for Emerson’s discrete automation business. “Series 625 Sentronic valves are engineered to precisely control pressure, flow rate, power, speed, distance, and angular positions. As part of the extensive AVENTICS portfolio of cylinders, valves, air preparation, and pressure regulators, the Series 625 Sentronic is a core technology for factory automation.”

The new target is part of ADNOC's expanding ICV programme. (Image source: ADNOC)

ADNOC has upped its local manufacturing target for critical industrial products in its procurement pipeline to AED90bn (US$24.5bn) by 2030, to strengthen the UAE’s industrial sector and boost local manufacturing capabilities

ADNOC’s previous 2027 target for local manufacturing of AED70bn (US$19bn) worth of products was delivered ahead of schedule following the award of two contracts for metal pipes and valves worth AED16.8bn (US$4.6bn) to local manufacturers.

Expanded ICV programme

The new target, announced at the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum, is part of ADNOC’s expanded In-Country Value (ICV) programme which aims to drive an additional AED178bn (US$49bn) back into the UAE economy by 2028.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, said, "Since the launch of ADNOC's In-Country Value programme in 2018, we have successfully collaborated with strategic partners to transform this initiative into an integrated national economic programme to boost the UAE’s economic development.

“This expanded initiative will support the UAE’s economic diversification, attract local and international investors, and provide high-skilled private sector jobs for UAE nationals. Additionally, it will stimulate entrepreneurial growth and drive sustainability in ADNOC’s supply chain. We invite local and international manufacturers to take advantage of our ICV programme and participate in the UAE’s industrial growth journey.”

ADNOC’s expanded ICV programme will provide an accelerator programme to enable small and medium sized Emirati companies to conduct business across ADNOC’s supply chain. The programme will also introduce incentives for the adoption of clean technologies and best-in-class environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, as well as accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in ADNOC’s supply chain.

Also announced at the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum was the award of a construction contract for TA’ZIZ’s 1 million tons per annum (mtpa) low-carbon ammonia production facility. The construction contract was awarded by Fertiglobe, a partner of TA’ZIZ, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and GS Energy Corporation, to Tecnimont S.p.A (MAIRE Group). Construction is set to begin in the third quarter of 2024, with operations scheduled to commence in 2027.

Loubna Tricha and Tuna Gulenc. (Image source: Daikin)

Daikin Middle East and Africa, a company known for its air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and refrigeration solutions, has signed an MoU with the Moroccan Office of Vocational Training and Employment Promotion (OFPPT) to build a skilled HVAC-R workforce in Morocco.

In its operations across Africa, Daikin prioritises sustainability by providing energy-efficient inverter R32 products and enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ).

The OFPPT, Morocco's primary public vocational training entity, focuses on improving the efficiency of industry partners by training employees to meet market demands. The training programmes are designed to align with the qualification needs and requirements of the labour market.

As Africa undergoes significant transformation, it presents immense growth opportunities for global and local businesses. Daikin has leveraged its global expertise to establish a strong presence in Africa, collaborating with local dealers, distributors, and technicians. The company has invested in the region by setting up brand shops and training centres and making its latest innovations accessible. Through its partnership with OFPPT, Daikin aims to develop top-tier talent for Morocco's HVAC-R industry.

Creating new opportunities

Daikin and OFPPT will work together to enhance Morocco's "Refrigeration and Thermal Engineering (FGT)" programme by creating advanced training courses, updating curricula, and developing exchange programmes. Additionally, young graduates will be offered internship opportunities within Daikin's network of partners.

Tuna Gulenc, vice president at Daikin Middle East and Africa, said, “For Daikin, innovation is a part of our DNA and local citizenship is how we operate. After successfully establishing training centres with the right partners in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, we now wish to share our expertise in Morocco.

“Partnering with institutions like OFPPT is not just our go-to-market strategy to advance the HVAC-R after-sales service, but with their solid network and our shared vision, we will penetrate the Moroccan HVAC-R industry to promote sustainable cooling practices that can only be met by educating the local market and its users. With this partnership, we aim to build a new generation of highly skilled workforce for the HVAC-R industry and mark our significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Morocco.”

Loubna Tricha, general director of the OFPPT, said, “Today, we have entered into a partnership with Daikin, a global leader in refrigeration and air conditioning, to develop professional training in these fields both in Morocco and Africa. This partnership will allow us to expand our training offerings through the introduction of new courses targeting emerging professions in the sector.

“It will also strengthen our collaboration in engineering to design advanced training programmes that incorporate the latest technological innovations and professional practices. The partnership between the OFPPT and Daikin will also provide us with the opportunity to enhance our teaching staff in newly identified disciplines and associated technologies through dedicated technical training sessions and immersive internships.”