Latest news with #ArabianPostStaff
Arabian Post
7 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Bechtel Secures Major Role in Riyadh's Airport Expansion
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Bechtel Corporation has been appointed as the delivery partner for three new terminals at King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, marking a significant advancement in one of the world's most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects. The agreement, formalised during a high-profile visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia, entrusts the U.S.-based engineering firm with managing the development of a terminal for commercial airlines, Terminal 6 for low-cost carriers, and a private aviation terminal complete with hangars. This collaboration underscores the strengthening infrastructure ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia. ADVERTISEMENT KSIA is poised to become the world's largest airport upon completion, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the nation's economy and enhancing global connectivity. The airport is designed to handle an anticipated capacity of 185 million passengers and 3.5 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2050. It will feature six parallel runways and encompass an area of 57 square kilometres, integrating advanced sustainable practices to achieve LEED Platinum certification across all terminals. Darren Mort, President of Bechtel's Infrastructure Business, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, 'The King Salman International Airport is a landmark project that will reshape Riyadh and enhance the lives and communities it serves.' He highlighted Bechtel's extensive experience in delivering complex airport projects globally, including Hamad International Airport in Qatar, Dubai International Airport in the UAE, and London City Airport in the UK. Marco Mejia, Acting CEO of the King Salman International Airport Development Company, emphasized the project's commitment to innovation and sustainability. He noted that the selection of Bechtel as the delivery partner reflects the project's dedication to elevating aviation infrastructure standards through collaboration with a company possessing over 120 years of global experience. The new terminals are expected to replace existing facilities at King Khalid International Airport, enhancing Riyadh's status as a global hub for transportation, tourism, and trade. The development aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader goals of economic diversification and infrastructure modernization. Bechtel's role in the KSIA project builds upon its longstanding presence in Saudi Arabia, where it has completed over 300 projects, including the recently inaugurated Riyadh Metro. The company's involvement in KSIA signifies a continued commitment to supporting the kingdom's transformative infrastructure initiatives.
Arabian Post
9 hours ago
- Science
- Arabian Post
Innovative Technologies Revolutionising River Pollution Control
Arabian Post Staff Rivers across the globe are receiving new attention with a wave of innovative technologies designed to tackle plastic and other pollutants more efficiently than ever before. These emerging systems focus on smart, targeted solutions rather than brute-force methods, achieving significant gains in waste removal while minimising harm to aquatic ecosystems. Four technologies stand out for their unique approaches and effectiveness in various water environments. The Bubble Barrier system is transforming river pollution management by creating a subtle yet effective method for directing floating debris. Rather than installing physical barriers that can harm fish and disrupt natural flow, this system releases a curtain of fine bubbles along the riverbed. These bubbles generate an upward current that gently pushes plastic waste toward the riverbank, where it can be collected safely. Designed with marine life preservation as a priority, the Bubble Barrier operates quietly and with minimal energy, making it sustainable and scalable. Its implementation in European waterways has demonstrated substantial reductions in plastic load downstream, underscoring the potential for global application. ADVERTISEMENT Another breakthrough is the WasteShark drone, an autonomous surface vehicle designed to seek out and collect plastic waste and biomass. Powered entirely by electric batteries, WasteShark operates silently and emission-free, making it suitable for sensitive environmental zones. Its shark-inspired design allows for agile manoeuvrability in narrow or complex waterways where traditional clean-up vessels cannot reach. This technology continuously scans the water surface, collecting debris into its internal storage, which is then offloaded for proper disposal or recycling. Trials conducted in urban canals and small rivers show WasteShark's capacity to reduce floating waste accumulation significantly, while also cutting labour costs associated with manual cleaning. Seabin technology complements these innovations with a more stationary but highly effective approach. Installed in harbours and marinas, Seabins function as water intake devices that draw water inward using low-energy pumps. As water passes through, floating debris, oil residues, microplastics, and even some suspended particles are trapped inside the device's netting system. This process mimics a natural whirlpool, preventing contaminants from drifting into open water bodies. The adaptability of Seabins to different aquatic environments and their ease of installation have led to their adoption in various coastal cities worldwide, where they provide crucial filtration services in high-traffic zones vulnerable to pollution. The Collec'Thor system offers a robust solution designed for the most heavily polluted and challenging river environments. This high-capacity waste collection unit operates continuously, 24 hours a day, removing massive quantities of surface waste that traditional methods struggle to handle. Engineered to withstand strong currents and debris-heavy waters, Collec'Thor is deployed in industrial zones and urban river stretches prone to significant contamination. Its capacity to extract large volumes of waste ensures that less pollution travels downstream, mitigating environmental and public health risks. Recent installations in Southeast Asian waterways demonstrate the system's efficacy in reducing plastic and other pollutants during monsoon seasons, when river pollution typically spikes. Together, these four technologies form a comprehensive, multi-tiered approach to river cleaning that addresses different types of pollution and environmental challenges. While each system excels in its particular niche, their combined deployment creates an interconnected network capable of targeting plastic pollution throughout a river's course, from upstream sources to estuaries. Experts emphasise the significance of moving away from heavy machinery and static nets, which can cause collateral damage to river ecosystems and are limited in reach. Instead, the focus has shifted towards solutions that work in harmony with natural water dynamics and biodiversity. Environmental engineers highlight that intelligent design in waste management systems, such as bubble curtains or autonomous drones, reduces disturbance to aquatic life while enhancing efficiency. Despite their promise, challenges remain. Scaling these technologies to cover entire river systems requires substantial investment and coordination among multiple stakeholders, including governments, environmental groups, and private enterprises. Maintenance and proper waste disposal infrastructure are critical to ensure collected materials do not re-enter waterways or cause secondary pollution. Additionally, the effectiveness of each technology depends on local conditions such as river size, flow rates, and pollution types, necessitating customised deployment strategies.
Arabian Post
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Kuwait and EDGE Ink Record-Breaking Naval Defence Deal
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai EDGE, the United Arab Emirates' premier defence technology conglomerate, has secured a landmark AED 9 billion contract with the Kuwait Ministry of Defence for the supply of eight FALAJ-3 class missile boats. This agreement represents the largest naval shipbuilding export in the Middle East and ranks among the highest-value naval export deals globally. Under the terms of the contract, EDGE will serve as the prime contractor, overseeing the design, construction, trials, and delivery of the 62-metre vessels. The agreement also encompasses integrated logistics support and in-service support, with EDGE providing ammunition for the ships. Abu Dhabi Ship Building , EDGE's naval subsidiary, has been designated as the build subcontractor for the programme. ADVERTISEMENT Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, described the deal as a significant milestone that deepens long-term defence ties between the UAE and Kuwait. He emphasised that the agreement brings a proven class of advanced vessels into regional service and reinforces EDGE's position as a trusted international partner. Al Marar highlighted the rapid industrial and engineering progress achieved by EDGE, noting the company's ability to design, build, and deliver complex naval platforms at scale. The FALAJ-3 class missile boats are designed for high performance and advanced combat capabilities, tailored to meet Kuwait's operational requirements. These vessels are equipped for littoral defence operations, featuring advanced combat systems and enhanced capabilities to safeguard Kuwait's maritime interests. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence stated that the acquisition of these vessels will contribute to raising the level of combat readiness, enhancing maritime security, and protecting the vital and strategic maritime interests of the State of Kuwait. The ministry highlighted that the contract aligns with Kuwait's strategic objectives to bolster its naval capabilities and ensure the security of its territorial waters. The FALAJ-3 class has also been adopted by the UAE Navy, with the first vessel, ALTAF, commissioned into service in February 2025. This operational deployment underscores the vessel's proven capability and performance in regional waters. The signing ceremony was attended by Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Meshal Mubarak Al Sabah, Undersecretary of the Kuwait Ministry of Defence; Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, UAE Ambassador to Kuwait; Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE; and Omar Al Zaabi, President of Trading and Mission Support at EDGE. This contract is not the first collaboration between EDGE and Kuwait. Previously, EDGE subsidiary ADSB delivered eight landing craft to Kuwait and provided maintenance, repair, and overhaul services to the Kuwaiti Coast Guard. The current agreement further solidifies the defence partnership between the two nations and demonstrates EDGE's commitment to delivering comprehensive defence solutions. The FALAJ-3 class vessels are based on the Fearless-class ships originally designed by Singapore's ST Engineering for the Republic of Singapore Navy. EDGE has adapted and enhanced these designs to meet the specific needs of regional clients, offering a versatile platform capable of operating in both littoral and blue waters. The vessels can be equipped with a range of weapons, including missiles, rockets, and medium-calibre guns, providing robust defensive capabilities against various threats.
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai's Innovation Engine Secures $1.65bn, Fuels 190 Startups
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai Future District Fund has reported securing over $1.65 billion in capital commitments and supporting more than 190 startups, marking a significant milestone in its mission to bolster the emirate's innovation ecosystem. Anchored by the Dubai International Financial Centre and the Dubai Future Foundation , DFDF unveiled these achievements at its Annual General Meeting, reflecting its alignment with Dubai's economic vision and commitment to fostering a resilient innovation landscape. ADVERTISEMENT In 2024, DFDF expanded its portfolio through direct investments and 12 Fund of Funds initiatives, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda to advance technology, talent, and venture capital in the region. His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Chairman of DFDF's Board and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, emphasized the fund's role in driving the growth of Dubai's digital economy, highlighting its focus on innovation and future technologies across key sectors. Beyond capital allocation, DFDF engaged in strategic partnerships with entities like Dubai Land Department and Dubai Health, exploring innovation collaborations that align government priorities with startup-driven solutions. Nader Albastaki, Managing Director at DFDF, noted that 2024 was pivotal for the fund, scaling investments and supporting innovators driving meaningful change. He expressed enthusiasm for 2025, designated as the Year of the Community, focusing on deeper collaboration and ecosystem resilience. DFDF's investment strategy involves deploying capital into venture capital funds with a local focus and directly into startups, aiming to boost venture capital investing and business activity in Dubai and the region. The fund's commitment to sustainability was underscored by allocating up to 20% of its AED 1 billion fund to climate technology and innovation, aligning with the UAE's broader vision for economic diversification and sustainable development. Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority and DFDF Board Member, highlighted the fund's dedication to driving growth and supporting sustainability-focused tech ventures, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in cultivating innovation. DFDF's efforts contribute to Dubai's ambition to establish itself as a global technology and innovation hub, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for global talent and entrepreneurship.
Arabian Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Aldar Launches Dhs40bn Coastal Development on Fahid Island
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Aldar Properties has unveiled a Dhs40 billion mixed-use development on Fahid Island, a 3.4 million square metre natural island situated between Yas and Saadiyat Islands in Abu Dhabi. The project aims to transform the island into a premier coastal wellness destination, featuring over 4,000 residential units, retail outlets, hospitality venues, and community facilities. The first phase, Fahid Beach Residences, will comprise seven beachfront buildings, each housing 65 residences, offering a blend of apartments, townhouses, and ultra-luxury beach and mangrove villas. The development capitalises on the island's 11 km of waterfront, including 4.6 km of pristine beaches and iconic mangroves, providing residents with prime sea views and direct beach access. ADVERTISEMENT Aldar acquired the island for AED 2.5 billion, with the acquisition consideration to be paid over five years. The gross development value of the project stands at AED 26 billion. The development will include a school, retail and hospitality offerings, and a wide array of community facilities, aiming to create a vibrant and integrated community. The project emphasises sustainability, with eco-friendly construction practices and measures to protect local wildlife and preserve natural resources. The lush mangroves surrounding the island are to be preserved, enhancing the area's natural ecosystem. Aldar's CEO, Talal Al Dhiyebi, stated that the acquisition solidifies the company's presence on the Yas-Saadiyat corridor and strengthens its ability to deliver sustainable value to Abu Dhabi and its communities. Jonathan Emery, CEO at Aldar Development, noted that Al Fahid Island presents a robust pipeline of development activity, catering to the strong appetite for ultra-luxury products in Abu Dhabi's premier locations.
