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As the Middle East and Africa (MEA) advances toward a more sustainable future, air conditioning stands at a critical crossroads.

With soaring urbanisation rates, extreme climatic conditions, and year-round cooling demands, HVAC systems are not just amenities — they are lifelines.

But they are also among the largest consumers of electricity and contributors to carbon emissions.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), most air-conditioning units currently in use are typically two to three times less efficient than top-performing models.

This can have profound implications for national energy strategies and climate goals, particularly in a region where space cooling accounts for up to 70% of residential electricity consumption.

The challenge is not hypothetical. The MEA region is projected to experience some of the fastest growth in cooling demand globally, driven by demographic expansion, urban sprawl and rising temperatures.

If the HVAC sector continues on its current trajectory — relying heavily on outdated, energy-hungry units — it could impact even the most ambitious net-zero roadmaps.

To pivot toward sustainability, two parallel transformations are important: new technology adoption and behavioural change.

First, the deployment of high-efficiency air-conditioning systems needs to be accelerated.

These units, designed to deliver the same cooling output using significantly less energy, are not only viable but increasingly accessible.

Their adoption can drastically reduce power demand during peak periods, cut carbon emissions, and lessen the burden on national grids already under strain.

Second, awareness and capacity-building across the built environment sector must keep pace. Engineers, developers, and facilities managers need more than equipment — they need knowledge and expertise.

Using data for efficiency 

Optimising HVAC performance requires understanding system integration, smart controls, passive cooling strategies, and proper maintenance practices.

Without this, even the most advanced unit can miss out on its efficiency potential.

This is particularly urgent in MEA countries implementing green building regulations or upgrading infrastructure.

Too often, HVAC is treated as a compliance checkbox rather than a central pillar of sustainability planning.

Yet the data is clear: without significant improvements in cooling efficiency, countries will struggle to meet national targets under the Paris Agreement or regional net-zero pledges.

Beyond energy metrics, the implications of efficient HVAC stretch into public health, productivity, and resilience.

In education and healthcare facilities, for instance, reliable and energy-efficient cooling can improve learning outcomes and patient recovery.

In industry, it can enhance operational stability and reduce lifecycle costs. For vulnerable populations, it can be a matter of safety during heatwaves.

The path forward requires cross-sector collaboration. Policymakers, developers, suppliers, and training institutions all have roles to play in mainstreaming efficient HVAC solutions.

This means aligning incentives, mandating performance standards, and investing in professional training programs that raise the bar across the board.

Ultimately, cooling in the MEA region is not optional — but how we cool is a choice.

Choosing top-performing HVAC systems is not just a technical upgrade; it's a strategic imperative for any nation or business serious about sustainability.

If net-zero is the destination, high-efficiency cooling is one of the most important vehicles to get us there.

This piece was written by Ahmed Aqel, general manager, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning, MEA

Global law firm White & Case LLP has released a new report, Currents of Capital 2025, revealing strong investment momentum in water infrastructure, technology and services throughout 2024, with capital deployment set to rise further in 2025.

The findings are based on a survey of over 300 senior leaders from across the water value chain, including utilities, multinational corporations, investment funds, engineering firms and technology providers in more than 20 countries.

According to the report, 30% of respondents invested over US$500mn in the water sector in 2024, with 15% allocating more than US$1bn.

Infrastructure funds led this activity, deploying an average of US$1.3bn each, nearly matching the average US$1.5bn from public sector entities.

Multinational corporations accounted for much of the remaining investment.

Looking ahead, 72% of organisations expect to increase their water-sector spending by up to 50% in 2025, while 4% anticipate even steeper increases.

This signals rising confidence in the sector, underscoring growing awareness of water’s importance to both economic security and sustainable development.

Investment priorities are shifting, with 40% of respondents now viewing water as their top investment focus and 33% targeting portfolio growth, moving away from maintenance-driven spending towards strategic expansion.

Technology is seen as a central enabler of this shift, with more than 60% citing AI as the most likely driver of transformation in the sector.

While Western Europe and North America remain the top destinations for capital deployment, geographic diversification is picking up pace.

Asian investors are expanding into Western markets to tap advanced water management technologies, while 29% of all respondents are exploring new regional opportunities.

Growth in MENA

Notably, 40% of infrastructure funds identified the Middle East as a major growth opportunity, suggesting that they are taking a targeted yet calculated approach to broadening their investment horizons.

While just over one in three infrastructure funds believe the Middle East offers their company the greatest growth potential, private equity funds and multinational firms are increasingly turning to Asia for expansion.

The trend is being driven by infrastructure funds, technology providers, and international organisations, but the survey data indicates that only 29% of respondents are actively considering global diversification.

Transatlantic investment flows between North America and Europe remain strong, reinforcing a deepening relationship that facilitates both capital movement and knowledge exchange.

However, challenges persist. Water scarcity topped the list of sector concerns, with 88% of respondents ranking it as important or very important.

The high cost of technology solutions was also flagged, with 81% noting this as a significant barrier to progress.

WakeCap, the sensor-powered project intelligence and controls platform trusted by major construction and oil and gas programmes, has raised US$28mn in a Series A round to accelerate its mission of making jobsites safer and more efficient.

The funding round was led by UP.Partners, with participation from Graphene Ventures and strategic investors across the US, Saudi Arabia, and Asia.

At the core of WakeCap’s platform is a commitment to safety. By providing live, site-wide visibility into workforce activity, safety risks, and incident response, WakeCap helps transform construction sites into safer, smarter workplaces. With over 150 million labour hours tracked and deployments on US$80bn worth of projects including Aramco, NEOM, Qiddiya, and King Salman Park.

WakeCap has proven its ability to reduce safety issues by 91% and improve incident response times by 70%.

"WakeCap's ability to capture and act on real-time jobsite data is critical for high-performing project controls,” said Dr. Hassan Albalawi, CEO and founder of WakeCap. “This round fuels our next stage of growth as we expand our global footprint, increasing the value we deliver to customers through richer insights, faster reporting, and greater operational efficiency. It will allow us to deepen integrations with key ecosystem partners such as Oracle and OpenSpace. We’re proud to be building a platform that puts workers first, makes jobsites safer, and brings clarity to the world’s most complex construction efforts.”

Increasing efficiency

By combining rugged, wearable hardware with enterprise-ready software, WakeCap ensures real-time visibility across critical jobsite functions, from worker access and equipment tracking to hazard alerts and compliance reporting. Unlike traditional systems, WakeCap’s non-intrusive technology works without disrupting operations, helping safety teams respond proactively rather than reactively.

“WakeCap sits at the intersection of two massive forces – the scale of global infrastructure investment and the digitisation of construction,” said Adam Grosser, chairman and managing Partner at UP.Partners. “As governments and developers undertake trillion-dollar initiatives, WakeCap’s platform brings truth, transparency, and trust to the field. We are thrilled to back Hassan and the team as they scale globally and lead the transformation of this critical industry.”

WakeCap’s rapid growth reflects a wider shift in how safety and digital transformation are converging in construction. As one of the first Saudi-founded startups to acquire a Silicon Valley tech company, the firm now operates across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Japan, and the US, with a team of professionals from 34 nationalities.

“WakeCap exemplifies what the future of construction looks like: intelligent, connected, and global,” said Nabil Borhanu, founder and managing partner at Graphene Ventures. “We continue to support WakeCap because they are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation, with a proven platform, a mission-driven culture, and deep partnerships across public and private sectors.”

The newly raised capital will be directed toward expanding WakeCap’s presence in strategic markets, enhancing its safety-focused capabilities, and integrating with leading industry platforms. The company is also scaling its workforce across engineering, product, and customer success teams.

In the high-pressure world of mining, quarrying, and construction, fuel efficiency is a make-or-break factor for both profitability and environmental impact.

Garry Moore, a veteran customer support manager at Rokbak, a Scottish manufacturer of articulated dump trucks (ADTs), has spent nearly 20 years refining strategies to optimise heavy equipment performance.

Here, Moore unveils seven expert tips for harnessing Rokbak’s Haul Track telematics system to slash fuel expenses, curb carbon emissions, and boost site productivity.

Here are seven ways to achieve it

1. Keep engines in top shape for fuel savings

A neglected engine burns more fuel and pumps out excess emissions. Haul Track’s real-time diagnostics alert managers to issues like blocked filters or suboptimal fuel systems, enabling quick fixes. By acting on these email notifications, operators ensure ADTs run lean, saving fuel and reducing environmental harm.

2. Spot and fix delays with idling insights

Trucks idling in queues waste fuel and stall progress. Using Haul Track’s GPS and idle-time tracking, managers can identify bottlenecks where ADTs wait for loaders. Moore suggests rebalancing fleet setups—adjusting loader or hauler sizes—to keep operations moving, cutting fuel use and CO₂ output while ramping up efficiency.

3. Maximise loads with precision weighing

Half-empty trucks force extra trips, inflating fuel costs and equipment wear. Rokbak’s On-Board Weigh, synced with Haul Track, provides live load data, empowering operators to fill trucks to capacity every time. This approach boosts output, conserves fuel, and keeps production targets on track.

4. Redesign sites for shorter, smarter routes

Inefficient haul roads and traffic snarls sap fuel economy. Haul Track’s movement tracking, combined with fuel and idle reports, works across all equipment brands to highlight trouble spots. By streamlining routes and easing congestion, managers can trim fuel bills, lower emissions, and extend machine life.

5. Coach operators for smoother driving

Aggressive driving habits, like rapid acceleration or sudden stops, can inflate fuel consumption. Haul Track’s fuel usage comparisons reveal when specific trucks burn more than peers on similar tasks. Moore advocates using these insights for constructive training, helping drivers adopt smoother techniques to save fuel.

6. Protect tyres, save fuel

Underinflated tyres increase drag, forcing engines to work harder and wear out faster. Haul Track’s real-time tyre pressure monitoring catches issues early, allowing quick corrections. Proper inflation optimises fuel use, prolongs tyre durability, and enhances site safety.

7. Drive progress with clear performance goals

Haul Track’s robust data lets managers set fuel efficiency targets and monitor results over time. By analyzing trends and sharing feedback, teams stay motivated to improve. This data-driven approach fosters smarter decisions and a culture of continuous progress.

Moore’s strategies show that Haul Track is more than a data tool. It is a  game-changer for cost-conscious, eco-aware operations. With these seven tactics, site leaders and operators can transform insights into action, driving down costs and emissions while keeping their sites running at peak performance.

Tawazun Council, aerospace and defence company RTX, and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) have signed an MoU to establish EGA as a new producer of gallium, a critical mineral essential to global supply chains.

The agreement will enable the extraction and refining of gallium at EGA’s alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi, elevating the UAE to the position of the world’s second-largest gallium producer.

Gallium plays a vital role in numerous industries, from semiconductors and electric vehicles to medical devices and telecom infrastructure. In the defence sector, it is particularly significant due to its use in advanced radar systems.

The new partnership will ensure a stable and secure supply of gallium for companies such as RTX.

Tawazun Council is leading this initiative through its Tawazun Economic Programme, a national strategy focused on attracting advanced technologies, promoting knowledge transfer, and building resilient industrial capabilities.

The programme underpins the UAE’s industrial security and ensures the defence sector’s competitiveness on a global scale.

Operation 300bn

H.E. Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of Tawazun Council, highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Council’s new 2025–2028 strategy, which emphasises strengthening the national industrial base and developing state-of-the-art infrastructure to secure technological and industrial self-sufficiency. He noted the importance of attracting high-quality investments, broadening international and local partnerships, and empowering Emirati talent.

He described the project as a key milestone in advancing the UAE’s strategic industries, and a major step in positioning the country as a global hub for gallium production a rare and strategically vital metal. Dr. Al Nuaimi underscored the project’s role in enhancing production and export capabilities, supporting the creation of a sovereign national supply base, and reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in industrial innovation.

“The aerospace and defence industry relies on stable access to rare earth elements,” said Paolo Dal Cin, senior vice president for operations and supply chain at RTX. “Today’s agreement puts us on a path towards a reliable supply of gallium, needed for production of critical aerospace and defence solutions.”

As part of the agreement, EGA and RTX plan to conduct a feasibility study for a high-purity gallium facility at EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery.

This refinery converts bauxite into alumina, which is the essential raw material for aluminium production.

Gallium is naturally present in bauxite in trace amounts, and while it is considered an impurity in aluminium, it must be carefully managed to meet stringent quality requirements for advanced applications.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, chief executive officer of EGA, said, “Gallium is an important metal for the most advanced electronics systems but remains commercially challenging to produce. This agreement between Tawazun Council, EGA, and RTX makes the development of a new source of gallium in the UAE feasible, creating an additional revenue stream for EGA and a new industrial capability for the UAE in line with our nation’s industrial growth strategy Operation 300bn. We look forward to making progress on this project with our partners.”

Electric vehicles (EVs) are poised to represent more than 40% of global car sales by 2030 as prices continue to fall and adoption expands across markets, according to the International Energy Agency’s latest Global EV Outlook.

The report highlights that, despite economic uncertainties, EV sales have maintained strong momentum worldwide, surpassing key milestones and reshaping the automotive industry.

Global electric car sales are on course to exceed 20 million in 2025, accounting for more than a quarter of all cars sold. In 2024, EV sales reached over 17 million, pushing their global market share above 20% for the first time, as previously forecasted by the IEA. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, sales rose 35% year-on-year, with major and emerging markets recording record-breaking performances.

China remains the global leader, with electric cars comprising nearly half of all new car sales in 2024. The country sold more than 11 million electric cars, equal to the worldwide total in 2022. Other fast-growing markets include Asia and Latin America, where sales surged over 60% in 2024.

In the United States, EV sales rose by around 10%, with battery-powered models making up over one in ten new cars. Meanwhile, Europe’s growth plateaued due to the phaseout of subsidies and support schemes, although the region’s EV market share remained stable at around 20%.

Affordability is key

“Our data shows that, despite significant uncertainties, electric cars remain on a strong growth trajectory globally. Sales continue to set new records, with major implications for the international auto industry,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol. “This year, we expect more than one in four cars sold worldwide to be electric, with growth accelerating in many emerging economies. By the end of this decade, it is set to be more than two in five cars as EVs become increasingly affordable.”

According to the report, affordability remains a key driver of adoption. The global average price of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) declined in 2024 due to increased competition and falling battery costs. In China, two-thirds of EVs sold were cheaper than their petrol or diesel counterparts, even without subsidies. However, the price gap persists elsewhere, BEVs were on average 20% more expensive than conventional vehicles in Germany and 30% higher in the United States.

Operating costs, however, continue to favour EVs. Even if oil prices dropped to US$40 per barrel, charging an electric car at home in Europe would still cost about half as much as fuelling a petrol or diesel car, based on current energy prices.

The report notes that nearly one-fifth of electric cars sold globally are imported, with China exporting around 1.25 million units in 2024, many to emerging markets where these imports have driven down retail prices.

A special section of the report focuses on electric trucks, which saw global sales rise by 80% last year, reaching nearly 2% of total truck sales. This growth was led by China, where cost-competitive heavy-duty electric trucks are gaining traction thanks to lower lifetime operating costs, despite higher upfront prices.