Construction

All models support Volvo Dig Assist, an optional intelligent machine control system that enhances excavation accuracy and efficiency. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has introduced a new lineup of excavators tailored for Africa and the Middle East

The six advanced models—EC210, EC220, EC230, EC260, EC300, and EC360—offer a combination of state-of-the-art technology, durability, and efficiency, catering to diverse industrial applications.

These excavators integrate engine-pump optimisation technology, improving fuel efficiency by up to 15% over previous models. Designed for higher productivity and lower emissions, they provide significant cost savings while maintaining superior performance. A redesigned cab enhances operator comfort and usability.

“These new generation excavators can deliver premium quality and heavy-duty performance,” commented Olle Watz, excavator product manager at Volvo CE Region International. “They mark another way Volvo CE is continuing to understand and adapt to the unique needs of customers and end-users by providing superior, highly productive options.”

How do they excel?

Suitable for sectors such as agriculture, roadwork, construction, trenching, and quarrying, the six excavator models offer reliability and efficiency. Built on decades of engineering expertise, they incorporate intelligent machine control and a strong legacy in the region.

“These machines have been developed with a focus on reliability and adaptability, ensuring they excel in varying conditions, offer best-in-class fuel efficiency, and deliver value to operators worldwide,” added Olle.

The EC210, EC220, and EC230 models handle heavy loads and rough terrain with ease, while the EC260, EC300, and EC360 provide higher capacity for demanding tasks.

A newly designed, ROPS-certified cab enhances ergonomics, streamlines controls, and features an advanced human-machine interface (HMI). Operators benefit from improved visibility, noise reduction, and an efficient HVAC system.

“With the cab, it’s a totally new design with a more intuitive layout,” explained Olle. “Whilst we’ve prioritised productivity and power, it’s not to the expense of operator comfort.”

All models support Volvo Dig Assist, an optional intelligent machine control system that enhances excavation accuracy and efficiency. Features such as real-time weighing, automated digging, and 360° machine visibility through Volvo Smart View improve on-site safety and performance. Operators can also set depth, height, and swing limits for added control.

Powered by Volvo’s trusted engines and advanced hydraulics, these machines ensure smooth, precise movements and reduced cycle times. Lower engine RPM decreases fuel consumption and carbon emissions, delivering sustainability without compromising power.

“The new generation of Volvo excavators are built to meet the evolving demands of the industrial landscape,” concluded Olle. “Volvo CE is once again helping customers have the right tools for their specific needs.”

Also read: Revolutionising hauling with next-gen Volvo models

The event brought together industry leaders. (Image source: Kanoo)

Kanoo Machinery, a leading provider of industrial machinery and solutions in the region, successfully hosted its Open Day on 11 February 2025 at its Jeddah facility.

The event brought together industry leaders, business partners, and customers for an exclusive showcase of cutting-edge equipment from its global partners.

Attendees experienced live demonstrations of newly launched machines, including the Grove TMC Crane, while handover ceremonies were held for recently acquired equipment. The event provided a platform for clients to explore Kanoo Machinery’s latest solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency across industries.

Strengthening portfolio

A major highlight was the signing of a strategic agreement between Kanoo Machinery and Wacker Neuson, a globally recognised manufacturer of construction and compact equipment. Through this partnership, Kanoo Machinery will distribute Wacker Neuson's light construction equipment across Saudi Arabia, strengthening its portfolio and market presence.

With Saudi Arabia’s Western region experiencing significant infrastructure growth—driven by mega-projects such as NEOM and developments in Makkah, Madinah, and Jizan—Kanoo Machinery remains committed to supporting these initiatives. Its extensive after-market services, spare parts showrooms, and dedicated customer service centers across the Kingdom ensure seamless support for evolving industry demands.

Ahmed Fawzi Kanoo, Board Member Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo, commented, “The Open Day event opened doors to enhanced collaborations and new partnerships with stakeholders across the value chain, while showcasing our future-ready offerings in the machinery space. We remain committed to staying at the forefront in offering high-quality, reliable, and customer-centric services to meet the evolving needs of the construction industrial sectors in KSA and the GCC region”

Manoj Tripathy, CEO of Kanoo Industrial & Energy added, “It was a pleasure hosting the Kanoo Machinery Open Day at our Jeddah facility, which provided us with valued interactions with our esteemed clients, suppliers, and industry professionals. The event highlights our emphasis on providing excellent service and building long-term relationships with our diverse client base”

LINQ has created a demonstration unit for a five-star hotel room. (Image source: LINQ)

By the end of the decade, the GCC's hotel room stock is expected to have roughly doubled, putting pressure on the industry to adopt new and creative approaches to building hotels as quickly, effectively, and economically as possible.

In response to this potential, ALEC's modular construction division, LINQ, has made investments to increase its manufacturing capacity and can currently produce up to 1,900 completely furnished luxury rooms annually.

LINQ is positioned to become the premier modular construction partner for luxury serviced apartments, boutique hotels and regional resorts since it was the first firm to obtain a modular construction licence from the Dubai Municipality to pioneer G+6 structures.

Crucially, the company is able to achieve a remarkably low material waste rate—estimated by the Waste & Resources Action Program (WRAP) to be up to 90% less than traditional construction techniques—by producing its "plug-and-play" 3- to 5-star hotel rooms entirely offsite within the highly optimised and tightly controlled settings of its expansive production facility in Dubai.

Modular challenges

“When talking about 400,000 new hotel rooms being built over the next six years, every fraction counts. So, the efficiencies made possible by modular construction techniques quickly cascade to offer tremendous benefit. Paired with the potential for enhanced quality, and speed of delivery – made possible by factory-controlled production – this paradigm has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the GCC’s unprecedented demand for hotel room stock,” said Graham Petty, operations manager at LINQ.

Through the successful fabrication and installation of 218 serviced apartments at Sindalah, the region's most famous island resort, LINQ proved the viability and advantages of modular construction for the hotel industry through 2024. The company's efforts to develop sustainable materials that improve sustainability, durability, and efficiency were crucial to the project's success.

“We’re challenging misconceptions around build quality and acoustic performance that relate to dry walling and other traditional techniques. By introducing a lightweight cellular concrete infill to the regional market, we can offer rooms with industry-benchmarked acoustic, thermal and fire performance,” said Petty.

LINQ has created a demonstration unit for a five-star hotel room that will be on display at the next Project Control Expo in the United Arab Emirates in an effort to educate the market about this new building paradigm. This demo unit features a 50mm thick lightweight concrete floor, natural marble, and opulent craftsmanship. It also comes with the DigiValet independent guest room management system.

“We’re demonstrating that modular rooms can be every bit as high-quality, luxurious, and feature packed as their traditionally built counterparts. With global leading hospitality chains now signing on to adopt this approach for their properties in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, we’re at a critical inflection point. At LINQ, we’re primed for the opportunity and are excited to see this segment go from strength to strength,” concluded Petty.

This year’s event saw 442 exhibitors from 34 countries. (Image source: Messe Frankfurt)

The 18th edition of Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, concluded last week at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

This year’s event saw 442 exhibitors from 34 countries showcase the latest advancements in lighting, smart home solutions, and building automation technologies.

The event’s theme, 'Building Commonality Through Community, Creativity, and Culture,' set the tone for a series of groundbreaking product launches, international collaborations, and thought-provoking discussions.

Among the standout innovations was Spectrum Lighting’s new wireless-powered technology, which promises to revolutionise efficiency and sustainability in the lighting industry.

Another significant launch came from the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers, which unveiled its Methodology For Calculating Embodied Carbon In Building Services. This new guideline is expected to play a crucial role in redefining sustainability practices in the region.

Global Collaboration

The event also hosted the Global Associations Meet, a high-profile networking event that brought together over 100 industry leaders and representatives from major global lighting associations, including the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), and the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL).

Workshops led by the IES and SLL explored unified lighting standards and methodologies, fostering a global dialogue on best practices. Additionally, a dedicated designers' gallery showcased the work of top lighting design studios from the UAE, offering visitors a glimpse into the latest trends and innovations in lighting design.

In a unique initiative to support the next generation of industry professionals, students from the University of Sharjah presented innovative luminaire designs, demonstrating fresh perspectives and creative solutions in lighting technology. Art and technology also took centre stage with The Moving Hues 2.0, an immersive light art installation. It captivated audiences with its dynamic interplay of light, motion, and translucent layers, evoking the organic beauty of nature.

The Light Middle East Awards, now in its 11th edition, celebrated the best in regional and international lighting projects, products, and designers. The awards ceremony, the largest to date, brought together 550 global industry leaders who are shaping the future of lighting design and technology.

The 19th edition of the event is already in the works, scheduled to take place from 12–14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Abdul Muhsin, show director for Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, said, “This year’s event has been our most successful yet, with a hattrick of achievements, including increases in exhibitor and visitor numbers and exhibition space growth as a result of this demand. The show's continued growth underscores the Middle East’s rising influence in the global lighting and building technology landscape, driven by increased investment in smart cities, sustainable design, and cutting-edge innovation.

“We’re delighted to see the continued evolvement of the event into a global hub where professionals, designers, and technology leaders come together to shape the future of lighting, smart home and building automation solutions.”