Energy

Vertiv experts also engaged attendees in discussions about emerging 2025 data centre trends.

Vertiv recently participated in the inaugural Data Center Nation event in Riyadh, which brought together leading innovators, key stakeholders, and industry experts.

A key highlight of Vertiv’s involvement was a panel discussion titled “Cooling the AI Era,” led by Piergiorgio Tagliapietra, director of application engineering thermal management for EMEA at Vertiv. The session explored the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on data centre infrastructure, particularly the increasing demand for high-performance computing (HPC). With AI adoption driving rack densities beyond 100 kW per rack, the discussion focused on the transition from traditional cooling systems to advanced solutions such as direct-to-chip liquid cooling and rear-door heat exchangers.

Visitors to Vertiv’s booth experienced the cutting-edge Vertiv 360AI platform, an integrated cooling solution combining liquid and air-cooling technologies. Capable of handling high-density deployments of up to 132 kW per rack, the platform ensures exceptional heat management, operational efficiency, and scalability to meet future requirements.

Vertiv experts also engaged attendees in discussions about emerging 2025 data centre trends. These included strategies for managing power and cooling demands, improving energy efficiency, implementing sustainable practices, and addressing cybersecurity challenges. Additionally, the conversations emphasised the importance of AI Factory roadmaps, integrating IT with infrastructure, and navigating evolving regulatory frameworks surrounding AI technologies and their environmental impact.

The fabrication yard will form part of a wider maritime and offshore cluster which designed to support the energy industry. (Image source: NMDC Energy)

Abu Dhabi-based NMDC Energy has inaugurated an advanced fabrication yard in Ras Al Khair, Saudi Arabia, which will provide offshore facilities fabrication as well as onshore modularisation

The 400,000 sq m facility incorporates the latest fabrication processes, and is equipped with the latest features in automation and digitalisation. The fabrication yard will form part of a wider maritime and offshore cluster which is designed to support the energy industry. It is hoped that it will encourage industry by boosting growth, investment, trade, and employment within the Ras Al Khair region and beyond.

The yard was officially inaugurated at the iktva Forum & Exhibition 2025, which took place at the Dhahran Expo between 13 and 16 January 2025. The event showcased the Kingdom’s progress in localisation and saw the signature of 145 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) valued at around US$9bn, which are expected to advance the localisation of goods and services in Saudi Arabia, boosting local content in the supply chain and fostering collaboration.

Important market

Saudi Arabia is an important market for NMDC Energy, accounting for 38% of its total revenue. The company has made a significant contribution to the Kingdom’s localisation efforts, entering into a long-term agreement for offshore development with Aramco in 2016, which includes a commitment to Saudi workforce development. The company plans to continue its support for localisation efforts to raise its iktva score of 39% in 2025 to 51% by 2028.

NMDC Energy H.E. Mohamed Hamad Ghanem Hamad Almehairi, chairman of NMDC Energy, said, “The inauguration of Ras Al Khair represents a bold and exciting new chapter for energy cooperation for both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which will bring vast tangible benefits to both nations. We’re proud that NMDC Energy will serve as an engine of economic development by powering priority industries, enabling businesses, and advancing solutions across the energy value chain. We foresee vast opportunities to collaborate and to pursue projects in areas that will maximise the value of the resources in both our nations, as well as ensure that the UAE and KSA remain leaders in the regional energy transition.”

Eng. Yasser Zaghloul, CEO of NMDC Group, added, “Saudi Arabia is pushing forward at a relentless speed to develop efficient, competitive, and responsive port and manufacturing ecosystems that will enhance the nation’s economic growth to ensure it keeps pace with global developments. At NMDC, we’re playing a pivotal role in these efforts, and we’re helping to strengthen UAE-KSA collaboration across vital sectors.”

The congress will delve into crucial aviation topics. (Image source: Canva)

The Sustainable Aviation Futures MENA Congress is set to take place from 10 - 12 February 2025 at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi.

This event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to explore advancements in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and aviation decarbonisation within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

A key highlight of the congress is its collaboration with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to launch the Global Sustainable Aviation Markets (GSAM).

This initiative aims to serve as a global platform to promote aviation decarbonisation and the scaling of SAF production worldwide.

Delegates can expect panel discussions, keynote addresses, and fireside chats delivered by over 100 expert speakers, alongside extensive networking opportunities with professionals in aviation, energy, and policymaking.

The congress will delve into crucial topics, such as the potential of Power-to-Liquid (PtL) and eFuels, the role of low-carbon aviation fuels (LCAF), and sustainable aviation fuels in advancing the energy transition.

It will also explore policies and incentives for sustainable fuel production in the MENA region, corporate sustainability strategies, and innovations in aircraft design and operations aimed at reducing emissions.

Eaton will feature its DualGuard System. (Image source: Canva)

Eaton will participate in Intersec Dubai 2025 from 14-16 January, spotlighting its advanced safety solutions tailored for sectors like commercial real estate, oil and gas, utilities, and industrial facilities.

Eaton will present its flagship Building Safety Management System (BSMS), an integrated platform for real-time monitoring and centralised control of emergency lighting and fire detection systems.

Designed to meet global safety standards such as BS 5266 and EN 1838, the BSMS enhances operational efficiency and optimises emergency response.

Additionally, Eaton will feature its DualGuard System, engineered for the region's harsh conditions, and adaptive evacuation systems, which use real-time hazard data to dynamically adjust escape routes during emergencies.

With the Middle East's construction market projected to grow from US$298bn in 2023 to US$401.17bn by 2030, and the regional fire safety equipment market expected to reach US$6.93bn by 2030, Eaton’s solutions aim to meet the escalating demand for safety and reliability in critical applications.

“Eaton has been a trusted partner in the Middle East for many years, providing life safety solutions that are built to perform under the toughest conditions,” said Qasem Noureddin, managing director, Eaton Middle East. “Our participation at Intersec Dubai reflects our ongoing commitment to helping our customers ensure the safety of their people and assets."

“We are proud to support the region’s infrastructure growth by offering solutions that deliver long-term value and protection,” added Qasem Noureddin. “Intersec Dubai is a key platform for us to engage with industry professionals and demonstrate how our products contribute to safer, more resilient buildings.”