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While the Gulf states dominate headlines with their giga-scale renewable projects, other countries across the Middle East are also making decisive strides in solar deployment, says Sania Aziz.

From Iraq’s urgent energy recovery plans to Jordan’s pioneering policy frameworks, and even Syria’s reliance on decentralised solar for essential services, these markets illustrate both the diversity of approaches and the pressing need for clean energy outside the Gulf.

Iraq: turning crisis into opportunity

Iraq’s fragile electricity system has long been defined by chronic shortages, blackouts, and reliance on ageing thermal plants. With grid losses and limited connectivity compounding the problem, solar energy has emerged as a critical tool in the country’s recovery strategy. The government has set a target of 10 GW of solar by 2030, with more than 2 GW already under signed agreements.

International partnerships are at the heart of this growth. Masdar is spearheading a 1 GW solar framework, while TotalEnergies is pursuing similar-scale projects across multiple governorates. Smaller hybrid systems, combining solar with diesel generation, are being rolled out in remote areas and displaced communities to improve reliability and reduce dependence on costly fuel imports. Rooftop solar is also gaining traction in Baghdad, Erbil, and Basra, where businesses and households seek backup power.

Jordan: a regional solar leader

Jordan stands out as one of the most mature solar markets outside the Gulf, having embraced renewables early with a strong mix of policy and private sector participation. The country has installed over 2.1 GW of solar capacity to date, supported by successful net metering and wheeling programmes that empower both households and industries to self-generate clean power.

Flagship projects such as the Baynouna Solar Park and the Quweira PV plant have established Jordan as a hub for international investors. In parallel, Jordan has taken a leadership role in deploying solar in humanitarian contexts, with the Zaatari refugee camp powered by a large solar facility that cuts costs while ensuring reliable supply for vulnerable populations. As solar penetration deepens, battery storage pilots are being tested to reduce curtailment and enhance grid resilience.

Syria: decentralised lifelines in conflict zones

Years of conflict and international sanctions have left Syria’s energy infrastructure severely weakened. In this context, solar has become less a matter of policy and more of necessity. Small-scale, off-grid systems, often supported by NGOs and international agencies, are supplying critical power to rural communities, schools, and medical centres.

While Syria possesses strong solar potential thanks to its climate and geography, large-scale projects remain unlikely in the near term due to financing and investment barriers. For now, decentralised solar-battery kits provide lifelines for basic services such as water pumping, lighting, and mobile charging. These deployments, though small in scale, demonstrate the essential role solar can play in humanitarian and recovery contexts.

The non-GCC markets highlight the diversity of solar adoption in the Middle East. Iraq is harnessing solar to stabilise its grid, Jordan is refining innovative policy mechanisms, and Syria is deploying solar as a humanitarian tool. Each country faces unique barriers, whether political, financial, or infrastructural, but all share a recognition that solar must underpin their future energy strategies.

For investors, technology providers, and policymakers, these markets present both risk and reward. While the Gulf may dominate with scale, non-GCC nations demonstrate the versatility of solar, from powering refugee camps to rebuilding fragile energy systems. Together, they remind us that the Middle East’s clean energy transition is not only about mega-projects, but also about how renewable power can be adapted to diverse national realities.

KROHNE, a global leader in precision instrumentation and measurement solutions, will showcase its latest innovations for the water and wastewater sector at the Global Water Expo 2025, taking place from 2-4 September 2025 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre.

Exhibiting within the Germany Pavilion, the company will present advanced flow, level, pressure, and analytical instrumentation designed to enhance efficiency and resilience in Saudi Arabia’s water infrastructure.

“KROHNE’s participation in Global Water Expo 2025 affirms our commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s bold vision for sustainable water infrastructure,” said Jay Gadhavi, general manager, KROHNE Middle East. “We bring decades of expertise in precision measurement, allied with a determination to co-create resilient, energy-efficient solutions that align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of innovation, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure modernisation.”

Key features

Among the highlights will be the Modular Water Analysis Panel, a flexible multi-parameter system for measuring dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, pH, and ORP; the Water-Industry Planning Tool, an online platform for configuring devices and generating tender specifications; and a web-based flow tracking service for monitoring non-revenue water, detecting leaks, and identifying usage patterns.

Other featured solutions include the FOCUS-1 Smart Meter Valve, which combines multiple measurement and control functions into a single device; the TIDALFLUX 2300 Electromagnetic Flowmeter for accurate readings in partially filled pipes; and the WATERFLUX 3070 District Metering Solution, designed for potable water and custody transfer applications with integrated leak detection.

Reflecting its commitment to sustainable water management, KROHNE will demonstrate how these solutions can improve energy efficiency, support regulatory compliance, and strengthen long-term infrastructure performance. Visitors can engage with both regional and international experts at the Germany Pavilion to explore how these technologies can help shape the Kingdom’s future water ecosystem.

Also read: Water diplomacy: how UAE supports island nations' water security

Komatsu has announced a strategic technology collaboration with Applied Intuition, a Silicon Valley-based leader in vehicle intelligence, to accelerate the development of its next-generation mining equipment

The partnership is focused on equipping Komatsu’s machinery with advanced technologies and real-time adaptability, enabling customers to achieve higher productivity, minimise downtime, and operate with greater precision.

By combining Applied Intuition’s expertise in vehicle operating systems, autonomy stacks, and AI-powered tools with Komatsu’s extensive background in off-highway autonomy and mining applications, the two companies will jointly create a unified software-defined vehicle (SDV) and autonomy platform. This platform will serve as the central intelligence of Komatsu’s future mining machines. Considered one of Komatsu’s most significant technology undertakings, the initiative signals a decisive move toward increasingly autonomous, software-driven mining operations.

“Komatsu is committed to creating value together with our customers, and this collaboration represents a step change in how we bring innovative, high-performance technology to their operations,” said Peter Salditt, president, mining business division, Komatsu and CEO, Komatsu Mining Technologies. “By combining Komatsu’s deep mining expertise with Applied Intuition’s cutting-edge AI and SDV solutions, we’re enabling a future where our equipment continuously evolves to meet customers’ unique mine site needs.”

The platform will deliver advanced machine intelligence through several core features:

• A software-defined vehicle architecture that supports continuous feature delivery over the machine’s lifecycle, with built-in data management, cybersecurity, and connected support.

• Scalable autonomy capabilities ranging from operator-assist functions to full autonomy on a single adaptable platform, suitable for diverse fleets, commodities, and operational conditions.

• Embedded AI and machine learning to enhance functionality and enable continuous adaptation to site-specific requirements as environments change.

With these innovations, mining companies are expected to see improved equipment performance, lower downtime, and higher return on investment. The architecture also aims to accelerate deployment, simplify support, and provide scalability across mines of varying sizes and locations—an important advantage for an industry navigating labor shortages, difficult environments, and growing global demand.

“In a world where autonomy is becoming the norm, our goal is to ensure our customers don’t just keep up—they lead,” said Qasar Younis, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition. “The mining industry is one of the most regulated in the world, and as the bar keeps rising around emissions, human safety and geopolitics, Applied Intuition and Komatsu plan to build the next generation of mining products and redefine modern software product development. The team is looking forward to breaking new ground and digging into the future.”

This collaboration strengthens Komatsu’s long-term vision of fully autonomous mining operations while also addressing urgent industry challenges. As demand for minerals accelerates and fewer skilled workers enter the sector, autonomy becomes increasingly vital for safe, efficient, and scalable mining.

Together, Komatsu and Applied Intuition are setting the stage for mining machines that can think, learn, and evolve—helping operators worldwide enhance efficiency, unlock more value, and build a more sustainable mining future.

Mining and investment ties between the UAE and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) gained significant momentum in 2025 with the signing of a series of strategic agreements.

As the world’s leading producer of cobalt, accounting for over 70% of global output, as well as a major tin supplier and Africa’s top copper producer, the DRC is drawing growing interest from UAE investors looking to secure critical minerals for energy transition and high-tech industries.

With an estimated US$24 trillion in untapped mineral reserves, the DRC is seeking to attract long-term UAE investments to unlock greater value across its mining value chain. African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, one of the continent’s flagship mining events, is expected to provide a key platform for strengthening bilateral cooperation. It will be held in October. 

A dedicated Middle East-Africa Roundtable will convene high-level stakeholders, including UAE investors, DRC policymakers, and regional mining operators, to explore investment-ready projects and policy alignment.

Increased global demand for minerals central to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems has encouraged the UAE to expand its footprint in the DRC’s extractive industries. Recent investments signal a deeper commitment to supporting local beneficiation while securing reliable supply chains.

In July 2025, Congolese mining firm Buenassa entered a partnership with UAE-based NG9 Holding to establish the country’s first integrated copper-cobalt refinery.

Key Africa investments

The facility will produce 30,000 tonnes of copper cathodes and 5,000 tonnes of cobalt sulphate per year, supporting the DRC’s efforts to move up the value chain and capture more revenue from its mineral wealth.

A month earlier, Abu Dhabi’s International Resources Holding (IRH) finalised a US$366mn deal to acquire a majority stake in Alphamin Resources, gaining access to the Bisie Tin Complex, one of the world’s largest and highest-grade tin deposits.

Tin from Bisie currently accounts for about 6% of global supply, and demand is projected to rise 20% by 2035. At AMW, IRH’s investment will feature in a panel discussion titled Cobalt Opportunity: DRC’s Strategic Position in the EV Revolution, aimed at connecting Gulf capital with African resources.

Beyond mining, UAE players are also investing in the DRC’s power infrastructure. NG9 Holding signed an agreement with local utility Kipay Energy to co-develop a 46 MW hydropower plant in Haut-Katanga, contributing to a planned 166 MW capacity.

These developments underscore how UAE-DRC cooperation is expanding across both mining and energy, with AMW 2025 expected to catalyse further deals and partnerships.

The UAE continues to strengthen its footprint in Africa’s mining industry, with a series of strategic investments aimed at boosting production, infrastructure, and energy security across key markets.

Just this February, investment fund Ambrosia Investment Holding acquired a 50% stake in Canadian company Allied Gold’s mining projects in Ethiopia and Mali.

The deal includes a US$375mn capital injection to accelerate project development, increasing gold output in Ethiopia by 290,000 ounces per year by mid-2026 and in Mali by 400,000 ounces per year by 2028.

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the UAE’s largest industrial company and the world’s biggest producer of “premium aluminium”, has completed a debottlenecking expansion at its Al Taweelah alumina refinery, boosting production capacity by up to 50,000 tonnes of alumina per year.

The project centred on the installation of a third ball mill, strengthening operational resilience and paving the way for future output growth at the UAE’s only alumina refinery. Ball mills grind bauxite ore into fine particles for chemical processing into alumina. The additional unit enhances throughput, reduces the risk of unplanned outages, and improves overall availability alongside the two existing mills.

Executed entirely by EGA’s in-house teams, from engineering and project management to construction and commissioning, the project was completed in under two and a half years, recording over 650,000 work hours without a single Lost Time Injury.

Since its commissioning in 2019, Al Taweelah alumina refinery has consistently operated above its nameplate capacity of 2mn tonnes per year. In 2024, the facility supplied 49% of EGA’s total alumina needs, underscoring its strategic role in the company’s integrated value chain.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said, “This expansion is a key step forward for Al Taweelah alumina refinery, unlocking additional production capacity as we reorient our bauxite supply chain beyond Guinea. It further strengthens our operational resilience and unlocks capacity growth. I thank every member of the team who contributed to this success.”

UAE-based SolitAir, the country’s dedicated cargo airline, has announced the launch of a scheduled service connecting Dubai World Central (DWC) with Kuwait International Airport (KWI).

The move marks a strategic step in strengthening the carrier’s presence in the Gulf and enhancing its role as a logistics partner for freight forwarders, integrator airlines, and e-commerce platforms across the Middle East and wider Global South.

The new service will cater to Kuwait’s growing demand for fast, reliable cargo transport. SolitAir already carries a diverse range of shipments into and out of the country, including perishables, electronics, courier packages, dangerous goods, and general freight.

The expansion underlines the airline’s ability to handle complex and sensitive cargo with efficiency while maintaining high safety and service standards.

To support the Kuwait operations, SolitAir has appointed Al Hayat International for Air Shipping as its General Sales Agent (GSA). With its local market knowledge and proven air freight expertise, Al Hayat will strengthen the airline’s customer reach and service delivery in the country.

MENA growth

The route is the latest addition to SolitAir’s expanding network, which now covers 26 destinations across the Global South, from the GCC to Africa, Asia and Central Asia.

The airline, which recently secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, currently operates five Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters. It has ambitious growth plans, aiming to increase its fleet to as many as 20 aircraft by 2027.

Operating from its 220,000 sq ft logistics hub at DWC, SolitAir is investing heavily in regional connectivity. Its freighters are equipped to carry a wide variety of specialised shipments, including temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, hazardous materials and e-commerce goods, ensuring secure, reliable, and timely deliveries.

The Kuwait service represents another milestone in the airline’s mission to link high-yield trade lanes across the Global South, consolidating its position as a trusted partner in the region’s fast-growing logistics sector.

Talal Al Jeri, CEO of Al Jeri Holdings and Owner of Al Hayat International for Air Shipping, the GSA for SolitAir in Kuwait, said, “We are delighted to partner with SolitAir. Their commitment to speed, reliability and specialised cargo solutions aligns perfectly with the needs of the Kuwaiti market. This partnership will create new opportunities for Kuwaiti businesses to transport goods quickly and efficiently.”

Hamdi Osman, founder & CEO of SolitAir, said, “The launch of our scheduled service to Kuwait comes at a pivotal time, as the ambitious Air Cargo City project at Kuwait International Airport receives the green light to move forward. This initiative is poised to establish Kuwait as a leading logistics hub in the Middle East and North Africa. With cutting-edge facilities and a strategic focus on sustainable growth, this project aligns perfectly with SolitAir’s mission to provide reliable and efficient cargo solutions. With our expanded fleet and the appointment of a strong GSA partner in Al Hayat International, we are committed to supporting Kuwaiti businesses in seizing new opportunities and driving regional trade forward.”

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