Latest news with #ZawyaProjects
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
'Arab clean energy shift is creating major opportunities for agile players'
The Arab world is undergoing a transition toward clean energy, driven by rising demand, climate commitments, and global decarbonisation trends, according to Heba Korra, Vice President of Egypt-headquartered Korra for Energy & Investment Projects. 'Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt are spearheading this transformation with ambitious clean energy targets, supported by a wave of strategic projects in solar, wind, and green hydrogen,' Korra said in an interview with Zawya Projects. She noted that high solar irradiance, consistent wind patterns, and abundant land combined with an increasingly skilled workforce and technological maturity support the region's clean energy ambitions. But success, she continued, depends on public-private collaboration, stable policy frameworks, investor-friendly incentives, streamlined permitting processes, and investment in local skills and capacity. 'If these challenges are addressed holistically, the region can emerge as a global clean energy hub,' said Korra. She said the Arab world will see two major shifts by 2030: first, the reconfiguration of economic and energy alliances between East and West amid shifting geopolitical dynamics will see the region becoming a strategic node in global energy flows not only due to fossil resources but also clean energy investments and geography. Second, Arab countries themselves are modernising their power plants and grids, investing in cross-border interconnections, creating smart logistics corridors linking ports and industrial zones, and restructuring industries for greater water and energy efficiency. 'These developments create strong opportunities for agile, technically capable firms,' Korra said, noting that the company's track record in Egypt has positioned it to scale from a national to a regional leader through smart expansion, specialised services, and strategic project execution. Excerpts from the interview: What role does Korra for Energy & Investment Projects play in this energy transition? We are deeply committed to advancing the shift toward clean energy through an integrated strategy that places sustainability at the heart of everything we do — seamlessly linking economic efficiency with environmental responsibility. Our contribution has expanded to cover key areas that are now the backbone of the energy transformation in Egypt and the wider region: High-efficiency energy projects: We deploy hybrid energy systems and smart technologies that reduce emissions in industrial and commercial sectors. Our projects have helped cut over 600,000 tonnes of CO2 annually- equivalent to removing 375,000 cars from the road. Facility energy optimisation: We provide end-to-end energy performance upgrades across industrial, commercial, and hospitality sectors. By analysing loads and optimising consumption, we help clients improve productivity and reduce waste. Technology partnerships: As exclusive partners to global leaders in energy efficiency, we bring advanced solutions to the Egyptian market with high added value. Digital energy management: We are developing advanced digital systems to monitor and analyse energy consumption in real time. These platforms enable organisations to make informed, data-driven decisions, achieve significant cost savings, and minimise energy losses. Investment in renewables: We are actively expanding our footprint in solar energy, developing projects with regional and international partners to build long-term sustainable infrastructure. How is digitalisation shaping the energy sector, and how is Korra embracing it? Digitalisation has become central to energy transformation. Real-time data analytics allow for continuous monitoring and precise adjustments that boost efficiency and minimise waste. With artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), companies can now detect and diagnose potential faults before they occur, intervene proactively to prevent losses, and optimise asset maintenance. Additionally, the integration with smart grids has created an interactive operational environment where power plants, consumers, and distribution networks work together in a seamless, intelligent system. At Korra, we are fully embracing this shift by implementing smart energy management platforms within industrial and commercial facilities to control loads and optimise performance through precise analytics and flexible operating scenarios. We have already begun integrating AI into our project design and execution processes, enabling us to deliver predictive solutions that respond dynamically to environmental and climatic shifts. What are Korra's strategies for regional and international expansion? Our expansion strategy is both geographic and qualitative. We take a targeted, research-driven approach to entering new markets, analysing regulatory landscapes, local needs, and partnership opportunities. Our focus is on providing tailored, integrated solutions in renewable and conventional energy, sustainability, and infrastructure development. The company's growth roadmap revolves around two main pillars. The first is smart geographic expansion - currently, we are prioritising entry into Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and select North and East African countries. The second pillar is the deployment of state-of-the-art technologies across our product and service offerings, from energy efficiency systems to advanced power technologies that enhance operational reliability, environmental performance, and long-term value creation. In parallel, we are restructuring from a traditional family-owned business into an institutional enterprise to support this growth. This includes strengthening governance, attracting strategic investors, and developing scalable operating models that allow for effective localisation across markets. How do your projects support sustainable development goals and the green economy? Sustainability is embedded in everything we do. Across all our projects — from conventional systems to energy efficiency solutions and renewable energy — we strive to minimise carbon footprints, optimise resource efficiency, and implement comprehensive clean energy solutions. We align our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Whether through energy efficiency upgrades, solar deployment, or digital integration, our aim is to support a resilient, low-emission future. Are there any new products or services under development? Yes. On the product side, we are completing a comprehensive portfolio of integrated energy solutions, including advanced central cooling systems, next-generation power generation technologies, and products that complement the energy efficiency solutions and system performance provided. On the service side, we have already begun developing advanced facility management (FM) solutions - a natural extension of our engineering and technical services - which offer real added value to clients across industries by boosting operational efficiency, cutting costs, and supporting sustainability goals. We are also entering new markets with a phased approach, ensuring tailored entry strategies in high-potential countries. Strategic partnerships with regional and local players are key to this effort, helping us build resilient, impactful operations wherever we go. (Reporting by Marwa Abo Almajd; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
24-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's Westway Developments to launch $61mln mixed-use project in West Cairo
Egyptian real estate company Westway Developments is preparing to launch a new mixed-use project in 6th of October City, West Cairo, with investments of 3 billion Egyptian pounds ($61 million), the company's CEO Mohamed Fawzy told Zawya Projects. Spread across 15,000 square metres (sqm), the upcoming development will include commercial units, office space, clinics, and serviced apartments. Fawzy said the company expects to generate EGP 7 billion ($142 million) in total sales from the project. 'We are planning to deliver the project within three years and aim to sell 40 percent of the units by the fourth quarter of 2025,' he noted. Westway is currently working on six projects that span commercial, residential, medical, and hospitality segments. The company is targeting EGP 4 billion in sales revenue across its portfolio in 2025. (1 US Dollar = 49.08 Egyptian pounds) (Reporting by Eman Hamed; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi's NWC expected to award Rabigh sewage infrastructure project in Q3
Saudi Arabia's National Water Company (NWC)is expected to award the tender for the Rabigh Sewage Network and Pumping Stations Extension Project, located in Rabigh in Makkah province towards the end of the third quarter of 2025. The tender was released on 22 May 2025 with a bid submission deadline of 26 June 2025. "The construction contract award is scheduled for September 2025 with project completion targeted for the third quarter of 2027," a source aware of the details told Zawya Projects. The scope includes 36 kilometres of sewage slope networks, with pipe diameters ranging from 200mm to 800mm, and all required civil, mechanical, and electrical works to complete three lifting stations. (Reporting by Deva Palanisamy; Editing by Anoop Menon) ( Subscribe to our Projects' PULSE newsletter that brings you trustworthy news, updates and insights on project activities, developments, and partnerships across sectors in the Middle East and Africa.
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait expected to award sustainable consultancy contract for power and water project in Q4
Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity and Water and Renewable Energy (MEWRE) is expected to award the sustainable engineering consultancy contract for Subiya Power and Water Distillation Plant Phase 2 in the fourth quarter of 2025. The tender was issued on 27 April 2025 with a bid submission deadline of 20 July 2025. 'The consultancy contract award is expected in October 2025,' a source aware of the details said. The consultant will support the supply, installation, operation and maintenance project to convert the 250 megawatts (MW) second phase of Subiya power station from open cycle gas turbines (OCGT) to combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT). 'The project completion is targeted for the second quarter of 2027,' the source added. Last month, Zawya Projects had reported that MEWRE is expected to award the consultancy contract for the 900MW Subiya power plant expansion project in the third quarter. Subiya [or Sabiya] Power and Water Distillation Station is the largest power and water plant in Kuwait with a power generation capacity of 7046.7 MW, accounting for 35 percent of the installed capacity and water desalination capacity of 100 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD). (Reporting by Deva Palanisamy; Editing by Anoop Menon)
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EXCLUSIVE: RAK's Falcon Brews secures term loan from Indian bank for $65mln brewery and bottling project
Falcon Brews, the GCC's first licensed brewery and spirits blending and bottling project, has secured a $25 million term loan facility with the Middle East subsidiary of an international Indian bank, a senior company official confirmed to Zawya Projects. Refuting market rumours about the project being on hold, the company official, who did not wish to be named, disclosed that the loan has been structured against India-based assets as collateral. The $65 million project, located in Ras Al Khaimah, is being developed in two phases with approximately $45 million allocated to the brewery and $20 million to the spirits bottling plant. 'We are taking a loan only for Phase 1, which will cost us $35 million and we have secured $25 million from the bank as part of our 70:30 debt equity model,' he said. The official said disbursements to contractors and suppliers will be milestone-based, with the remaining facility potentially converted into working capital upon project completion. As first reported by Zawya Projects in May 2024, Falcon's funding structure involves 30 percent promoter equity and 70 percent debt. The company has held discussions with both UAE-based and international banks as well as a few global brewers to finance the debt portion. Construction work starts 'We started construction on the project as planned but experienced delays due to a gas pipeline running through the plot. That issue has been sorted,' he said, adding that construction will start simultaneously on both the plants. He said the spirits bottling line, initially slated for completion by end-2025, is now expected to be ready by January 2026, while the brewery is targeted for completion by end-2026. 'We have also finalised the MoU with the brewery and plan to sign the final agreement by end July,' the official said. The official said that the project has received considerable interest from Indian investors as well as non-resident Indian investors of African-origin based in UAE. 'Maybe, three years down the line, we may consider them in case of early closure of our loan,' he said. 'We will then look at the funding for Phase 2 and may not take a loan at that time. Depending on our financial position, we could look at bringing in an equity investor at that time." The May 2024 Zawya Projects report had also noted that the promoters are targeting regional and African markets through strategic manufacturing partnerships. According to a report by the UAE's state news agency WAM in April 2025, the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect on 1 May 2022, has significantly boosted investment and trade flows between the two countries. It stated that India ranked as the UAE's second-largest foreign investor, accounting for a 6.3 percent share of total FDI as of the end of 2022. (Reporting by Sona Nambiar; Editing by Anoop Menon)
