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2023 could be a challenging year for the cement industry according to World Cement Association (WCA) Director, Emir Adiguzel. He made the comments as part of his Outlook for 2023 presentation.

Reflecting on the past two years of high demand post pandemic, Adiguzel said that several issues including tighter monetary policies, increased sea freight rates, and high fluctuations in the cost of energy may gradually exert pressure on cement producers to establish higher cement prices.

In addition, Adiguzel stated that major multinational cement companies will continue to divest cement assets in emerging markets, creating a unique opportunity for players in such markets, including China, to enlarge their portfolios in positive growth markets by acquiring the cheapest European cement assets. He also added that mid-size European cement producers may benefit from recent de-cementation policies of global multinational cement producers to enlarge their portfolio.

In early November 2022, Partanna Bahamas and the Government of the Bahamas inked a deal to develop the “world’s first carbon-negative affordable housing development” and, in early December 2022, VTT said that its electric kiln advances environmentally friendly cement and paper production.

He commented, “While we do not expect global cement volumes to increase, we expect prices to surge to double digits in 2023, as higher energy prices will have a serious impact on cement production costs.”

The comments were made on the back of the sixth General Assembly of the WCA, which took place virtually on 12 January. The International Cement Conference on Globe Trade 2023 will seek to answer these questions when it takes place from 23rd – 24th May 2023, at the Hilton Bomonti, Istanbul, Turkey.

The conference is being jointly organised by the WCA and the World Cement Network (WCN).

In mid January 2023, the ACI established a new centre of excellence for concrete industry productivity.

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In an effort to boost commercial, economic and technical collaboration in energy and water efficiency, sustainability and conservation, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). The MoU is said to align with both organisations’ endeavours to achieve Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic development goals.

The MoU outlines enhanced cooperation and the exchange of information and expertise between the DoE and NYUAD in capability development. It calls for scientific, technical, technological, legislative, and administrative cooperation in energy and water efficiency, sustainability, and conservation.

The MoU was signed by Eng. Ahmed Al Falasi, Acting Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Sector and NYUAD Director of Sustainability and Stewardship Antonios Vouloudis, in the presence of dignitaries from both parties. The MoU will have a duration of three years and is governed by the laws of the UAE.

“This agreement is in line with our goal of promoting energy and water efficiencies by encouraging new technologies and methodologies while nurturing consumer education and behavioural change.” He added: We are delighted to formalise our partnership with NYUAD and exchange knowledge and experiences to further develop advanced policies for the clean energy and water value chain. This is the first step in our joint efforts to enhance energy and water efficiency and aid our prevailing DSM and Energy Rationalisation Strategy 2030 and reduce consumption. It will further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for sustainability,” said Eng. Ahmed Al Falasi, Acting Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Sector.

In early November 2022, Abu Dhabi environment and energy agencies unveiled a 60% clean electricity plan for emirate by 2035.

The collaboration will also see the firms jointly identify opportunities in Demand Side Management (DSM), energy and water efficiency, behavioural change, end-use consumption measurement, renewable energy, carbon footprint assessment, retrofits, energy and water resource issues, and clean energy certification.

Mariët Westermann, Vice Chancellor of NYUAD, added: “The MoU between NYU Abu Dhabi and the Department of Energy underscores the strength of our relationship and our shared commitment to making meaningful and lasting contributions to the energy sector as we work together to develop innovative solutions and research to meet the future energy needs of the UAE and the world. It will enable us to collaborate closely on research and projects that will help advance the energy transition in the region, while also providing our students with valuable educational opportunities that will prepare them for a successful career in the evolving energy sector. We are grateful for the support of the Department of Energy and look forward to a productive and successful partnership.”

NYUAD Director of Sustainability and Stewardship Antonios Vouloudis remarked, “This MoU is a fantastic opportunity for NYUAD to collaborate closely with the Department of Energy on various energy and environmental-related initiatives including demand-side management, energy and water efficiency, behavioral change, among others. This partnership is key towards our efforts to achieve the vision of transforming the NYUAD campus into one of the most sustainable in the region.”

The DoE and NYUAD also said they will share and mutually verify studies, data, and statistics on energy and water efficiencies and DSM, for their energy balance models and other analyses.

In early December 2022, MOCCAE said it was looking at waste management to accelerate the UAE’s transition to Net Zero.

In addition, they will promote training and capacity building, conduct pilot studies, and share data and models in the areas of behavioural change at the individual and societal levels to better implement program and policy development. They will peer-review documents in energy and water strategy, nudging, technology roadmaps and long-term scenarios. They will also design and implement training programs and exchange information about emerging opportunities, the statement concluded.

In late January 2023, Abu Dhabi’s DMT inked a MoU to promote the use of low-carbon hydrogen in public transportation.

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Dubai Municipality has launched the ‘3D Infrastructure and Service Lines Map’ project, which aims to position the emirate as a fully smart model that provides cutting-edge services, in line with various international and innovative standards across all its key sectors.

Several contemporary technologies will be used to provide a 3D scan of underground service lines, guaranteeing delivery of all relevant data and the accuracy of the geospatial database. The data includes details on all services, such as the irrigation, sewage, and rainwater lines maintained by Dubai Municipality, along with road lighting lines and power and water lines data as held by the Roads and Transport Authority, the organisation stated.

These underground service lines will be further scanned, processed, and delivered to the data-owning organisations to update them, it added.

In mid September 2022, Dubai Municipality said it had completed 85% of construction work on the world’s largest waste-to-energy plant.

These sets of data are said to be essential to achieving the municipality’s goals of digital twinning, which include facilitating and speeding up operations that use 3D infrastructure data, including NOCs and infrastructure projects for relevant buildings and projects.

Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the project will undertake a comprehensive study on choosing advanced technologies to build a 3D model, and an inclusive map of geospatial data on hidden infrastructure and service lines. Once underway, it will integrate all the diverse details within a single source of information.

He added, “The study will further explore recent technological innovations in preparing underground infrastructure maps, including the ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology, and choose the best option to guarantee sustainable viability of data collection all over Dubai, keeping up with the latest information.”

In early October 2022, Dubai Municipality said that it had made significant progress on its beach rehabilitation project.

Acting CEO of Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency Mariam Al Muhairi said this project will be carried out in two phases, with the first phase involving analysis of available technology across the globe, assuring its quality, efficacy, and availability in order to provide it to the specialised team; and then training the team to use it effectively.

In mid October 2022, the Department of Municipalities and Transport unveiled the Abu Dhabi Digital Twin project.

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Chicago-based engineering consultancy, Patrick Engineering, has been acquired by multinational inspection, certification and engineering firm, RINA. The acquisition is said to be aligned with RINA’s strategy to grow organically and via acquisitions, in a bid to further strengthen its geographic footprint.

According to RINA, Patrick Engineering will be fully integrated into RINA Consulting, the subsidiary of the RINA Group operating in the engineering sector. Patrick Engineering is involved in infrastructure, transport and renewable energy, and is said to have a turnover of approximately US $82mn and employees 340 staff in 19 offices mainly spread across the North-East of the United States.

“The acquisition of Patrick Engineering and the combined expertise of the new organisation represents a unique opportunity for expansion and growth in the thriving North American infrastructure market. It establishes an excellent platform not only in this sector, but also to grow all RINA’s businesses to make the US one of RINA’s main hubs. RINA will gain leverage to export its highly specialised competencies in materials, lab testing and innovative technology,” said Ugo Salerno, Chairman and CEO at RINA.

As well as adding competencies to its business, the continued international expansion is said to represent a further step in the implementation of RINA’s plan, and positions the group to better support international and local clients in large overseas projects, the firm said.

In late December 2022, ALEC said it would acquire 100% of TARGET Engineering.

Daniel Patrick Dietzler, Founder of Patrick Engineering added, “Our companies complement one another, and our clients and staff will benefit from this acquisition. We will accelerate our growth in new sectors and broaden our expertise. We have a strong client portfolio split between the government and the private sector including transit agencies in major cities and investor-owned utilities and heavy industries across North America. Through RINA’s international network we will gain expertise, particularly in offshore wind, high speed rail and other emerging areas of experience our clients are asking for.”

Patrick Engineering will remain as a brand part of the RINA Group, has a strong American presence, high-quality service portfolio, and respected technical capabilities. The firm, which was founded in 1979, offers a full spectrum of services, and competes successfully on its ability to perform work in a timely and efficient manner in the sectors it serves, which include renewables, infrastructures and transport, RINA noted.

With the acquisition, the service portfolio as a whole will be stronger and position the company as a significant player in the engineering sector in North America, RINA explained.

“Patrick Engineering’s prominent position in the US energy, infrastructure and transportation sectors, combined with RINA’s strong multi-sectorial expertise, particularly in sustainability and energy transition, presents an ideal opportunity to make a significant contribution to projects facilitated by the current bipartisan US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” remarked Salerno.

In early January 2023, DeSimone acquires Dowco Group’s global detailing and BIM business.

Global Strategy worked with RINA during the acquisition serving as M&A advisor, in collaboration with AMA International of New York. RINA was also supported by PwC Italia, which assisted the firm with the commercial, technological, financial and tax due diligence, as well as in the finalisation of the deal. Mayer Brown acted as legal counsel to RINA in connection with the transaction, the statement from RINA concluded.

In late January 2023, Trackunit acquired contracting services provider Flexcavo.

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Abu Dhabi-based real estate developer Modon Properties has announced the opening of its new fish market in Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed district, in collaboration with the DMT.

In a statement, the developer said the new fish market is poised to be a distinct destination in Abu Dhabi’s portfolio of historic landmarks. It explained that the project follows the best international standards for developing community markets and provides the best services and facilities for shop owners.

The new market aims to offer a unique shopping experience, with the design incorporating themes associated to the legacy of Abu Dhabi’s fishing trade, while also preserving the fish market’s history of more than forty years.

Dr. Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Operations Affairs at the Department of Municipalities and Transport said, “The new venue reflects the legacy of Abu Dhabi’s fish trading and fishing industry, which is well-known in the region. DMT considers the preservation of cultural elements to be an integral part of the emirate’s urban development strategy to achieve sustainable development.”

In early November 2020, the second phase of the Mina Zayed renovation project was launched by DMT.

He continued, “The newly opened fish market will undoubtedly be a significant attraction for the residents and visitors of the emirate due to its design, apart from contributing to the growth of businesses related to the fish market.”

The new market features eight restaurants and 44 fish cleaning stations, and commercial spaces and services. In addition to a supermarket with a variety of services, there are 104 fresh fish stalls, eight dry fish stalls, four fruits and vegetables stalls, and three commercial kiosks.

Ahmed Al Sheikh Al Zaabi, Director of Delivery at Modon Properties added, “Construction at the Mina Zayed re-development project is proceeding in full swing, and the project is expected to be completed within the specified timeframe.”

“A key part of Modon’s real estate strategy is to integrate advanced architectural techniques in all of its projects and align with Abu Dhabi’s sustainable development goals. We will continue to deliver modern experiences tailored to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors in Abu Dhabi and help bolster its reputation as the best place to live, work, and visit.”

In late November 2020, Modon Properties set a new Guinness World Record with the demolition of the Mina Plaza towers in Abu Dhabi.

The Mina Zayed redevelopment project includes renovating the markets and commercial spaces. In addition to revamping the fishers’ port, the project includes the renovation of the fish market, fruit and vegetable market, meat market, carpet market, dates market, and the wholesale market.

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, approved development plans for the Mina Zayed Fisherman’s Wharf project during a tour of the area that included a visit to the newly opened Fish Market.

His Highness inspected the facilities and amenities of the new project, which are part of a larger development plan for the Mina Zayed area and reflect Abu Dhabi’s heritage as a port city. During his visit, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed reviewed the project’s masterplan which includes a new plant, fruit and vegetable market, specialised markets for meat, carpets, dates, spices, antiques, books, food and beverage outlets, and a wholesale market.

During the tour of the newly opened Fish Market, he was briefed on the project’s adherence to the highest standards of modern construction and the implementation of world-class services and facilities for shop owners, fishermen and customers. He also received updates on how the interior design incorporates themes associated with the Abu Dhabi’s fishing trade and preserves the identity and authenticity of the original fish market’s history of more than 40 years.

In early January 2023, Modon Properties launched a new desert destination in Liwa, Abu Dhabi.

The Mina Zayed redevelopment project is being led by Modon Properties, and the revitalisation of Mina Zayed – one of the emirate’s most historic landmarks – is said to be a reflection of Abu Dhabi’s ongoing economic diversification strategy. It will bolster the socio-economic progress of the emirate and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s global position as a key destination for trade and commerce, the developer concluded.

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened the Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street improvement project, which extends three kilometres from the intersection with the Dubai-Al Ain Road up to the Academic City Roundabout.

In a statement, the RTA said that it has also opened two 120m bridges at the intersection of Dubai Silicon Oasis, which comprise of four lanes in each direction. The improvements will raise the capacity to 14,400 vehicles per hour in both directions, while also ensuring the smooth traffic flow on both directions of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street.

The project serves Dubai Silicon Oasis, over 25 universities and colleges, and a student population of 27,500 in addition to the surrounding development projects. In the future, the RTA said it plans to improve the Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street in the sector from the Academic City to the intersection with Al Awir Street.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said, “Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street Improvement Project has been undertaken in response to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to accelerate the completion of road and transportation projects to keep pace with the ongoing development across Dubai.”

In late November 2022, the RTA announced the completion of improvements on Al Manama Street.

The project is said to be part of the RTA’s masterplan to improve roads, bridges, crossings, and tunnels to accommodate the growing traffic volumes and ease mobility across the emirate. It is also in line with RTA’s strategic plan for developing the infrastructure of Dubai’s roads and public transport networks and developing integrated solutions for roads and marine networks that are safe for users, capable of matching the development plans and demographic growth, as well as encouraging the development and investment in the emirate.

The project works included improving the entrances and exits of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street by connecting with the intersection of Dubai-Al Ain Road, widening the Street to four lanes in each direction in a sector extending three kilometres, and constructing two 120m bridges at the intersection of the Dubai Silicon Oasis, comprised of four lanes in each direction.

In addition, the works included the construction of a signalised intersection beneath the two bridges that serve 20 lanes in all directions with a capacity of 8,000 vehicles per hour to ensure a seamless traffic flow to Dubai Silicon Oasis and Zayed University. It also encompasses traffic improvements at the Academic City Roundabout and highway street lighting services.

“The improvement of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street eastward in the direction of Al Awir complements RTA’s efforts that started with the widening of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street to four lanes in each direction over a 25km stretch from the intersection of Dubai-Al Ain Road to the existing roundabout on Al Yalayes Street,” explained Al Tayer.

In early December 2022, the RTA awarded contracts for three all-inclusive truck rest stops in Dubai.

He added, “Works involved constructing several intersections with roads in the area, including a flyover at the intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with Latifa Bint Hamdan Road nearby the entrance of the Global Village for traffic inbound from Emirates Road, signalised Round-About at the intersection with Al Qudra Road, and a signalised surface junction with Hessa Road.”

He concluded, “The traffic solutions undertaken are temporary and will be upgraded in the future with an array of final traffic solutions.”

In late December 2022, the RTA stated that Phase I of the Sheikh Rashid Corridor project was open.

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The nation’s first recycling plant for end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries is set to take shape, following the signing of a joint collaboration agreement comprising Beeah Recycling (a subsidiary of Beeah), the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) and the American University of Sharjah (AUS).

According to Beeah, the EV battery recycling facility will be added to Beeah Recycling’s integrated waste management complex. The facility is said to already have ten specialised waste processing and material recovery facilities that have contributed to a 76% waste diversion rate in Sharjah, which is claimed to be the highest in the Middle East.

As per the deal, Beeah Recycling will join the ministry and AUS to identify world-class technologies for the EV battery recycling facility, it stated.

Group CEO Khaled Al Huraimel was joined by Beeah Recycling CEO Daker El Rabaya to sign the agreement with Sharif Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of Energy and Petroleum Affairs, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and Prof. Juan Sanchez, the Provost of American University of Sharjah, at the 2023 World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.

In early March 2022, BEEAH Energy and Chinook Sciences said they had started development of the region’s first Waste-to-Hydrogen Plant.

“Combining the material recovery expertise from Beeah Recycling, the national vision and foresight of the ministry and cutting-edge research from AUS, we will be able to formulate the ideal, future-ready strategy,” said Al Huraimel.

The addition of an EV battery recycling facility will help further increase landfill waste diversion in the future as more batteries from EVs approach end-of-life, said Beeah.

The UAE has witnessed a rising number of people switching from traditional vehicles to electric vehicles. In a 2022 study, over 30% of UAE people were considering switching to electric vehicles; projections show the EV market will grow at a CAGR of 30 percent between 2022 and 2028, the statement pointed out.

“Ultimately, our efforts will realise the sustainable, zero-waste and Net Zero growth of the EV market, which aligns with the national, regional and global sustainability agenda,” he noted.

In late July 2022, EWEC and Tadweer issued a RFP for an Abu Dhabi Waste-to-Energy IPP.

Commenting on the agreement, El Rabaya remarked, “At Beeah Recycling, we embody a zero-waste strategy to support the creation of a circular economy across industries. We want to advance our contributions to circularity and material recovery within the EV industry, which is critical to achieving Net Zero emissions in the UAE and beyond.”

Al Olama added that ensuring future readiness and preparedness for the electric vehicle market ties closely with the ministry’s objective on enhancing energy and infrastructure for the UAE.

He concluded, “Leveraging the intelligence from Beeah Recycling and the latest research from AUS, we look forward to identifying the right solution to support green mobility in our sustainable cities and communities. Our exploration will also be aligned with the national and global sustainability agenda, which prioritises achieving net-zero emissions, diverting waste from landfill and creating a circular economy.”

In late January 2023, Emirates Global Aluminium announced the Aluminium Recycling Coalition.

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Saudi-based Jinko Power Technology Co subsidiary – Al Ghazala Energy Company – has begun construction of its Saad Solar PV project in the Kingdom, following the project’s financial close.

Engineering and construction firm Elsewedy Electric for Transmission and Distribution of Energy (EET&D) has been selected as the EPC contractor. The scope of the full-wrap EPC contract covers design, supply, construction, warranty, initial operation and maintenance of the project.

The project is located near the town of Saad, and is part of the Category B projects under the third round of competitive tenders of the Kingdom’s National Renewable Energy Programme (NREP). The 300MW power project is scheduled for commissioning in Q4 2024, the firm stated.

A consortium of three leading lenders is providing long-term, non-recourse project financing to Ghazala. The project debt facilities comprises both Islamic and structured senior tranches, the statement explained.

In mid December 2022, Dubai’s AMEA Power was awarded a 120MW solar project in South Africa.

“The financial closing of the Saad Project during tumultuous times for the world and the solar industry specifically is a testament of Jinko Power’s commitment to the renewable industry in Saudi Arabia, and its capabilities to develop and execute projects with professionally experienced teams spanning across technical, supply chain, finance, legal and project management. We remain committed to the kingdom and to successful completion and operation of the project,” commented Charles Bai, President of Jinko Power International Business.

With the achievement of the project’s financial close and approval from the off-taker, Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC), to commence construction, Ghazala said it has begun the mobilisation of its manpower and the EPC contractor on site.

Senior Managing Director of Jinko Power, Mothana Qteishat added, “A great start to the year 2023. The closing of the Saad Project underpins our commitment towards Prince Mohammad bin Salman and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This adds very well to our track record in the region with the world’s largest single-site solar plant under operation (the 1.2GW Sweihan Project in Abu Dhabi), and the world’s largest single-site plant under construction (2.1GW Dhafra Project in Abu Dhabi).

“We are glad to have elected Elsewedy Electric as our partner/EPC contractor for our first project in the Kingdom, who brings their regional know-how,” Qteishat remarked.

In early January 2023, SPPC said that it planned to re-tender two IPPs in Saudi Arabia.

A 25-year power purchase agreement was signed in March 2022 with SPPC.

In late January 2023, EWEC launched bidding for an Abu Dhabi solar plant project.

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