Ducab aims to boost both production efficiency and the competitiveness. (Image source: Ducab)

Ducab Group, a leading UAE-based energy solutions provider, has acquired Oman’s National Cable Factory (NCF) in Salalah, marking a key step in the company’s regional expansion.

The acquisition combines Omani manufacturing expertise with the UAE’s industrial capabilities, aiming to enhance local value creation, elevate quality standards, and support Oman’s economic growth.

The deal is expected to strengthen Oman’s energy infrastructure by focusing on high-value exports and adherence to international standards.

By integrating NCF into its operations, Ducab aims to boost both production efficiency and the competitiveness of the Sultanate’s industrial sector.

Analysts note the move could further enhance non-oil trade between the UAE and Oman. Oman remains the UAE’s second-largest GCC trading partner, with non-oil trade reaching AED56bn (US$15.3bn) in 2024, a 9.8% rise from 2023 and a 32.4% increase since 2020.

GCC growth

The UAE continues to be Oman’s largest global trading partner, supplying over 40% of the Sultanate’s imports and facilitating around 20% of its exports to international markets.

This acquisition highlights Ducab’s strategy to expand its regional footprint while supporting industrial development and strengthening trade ties between the UAE and Oman.

Gert Hoefman, CEO of Ducab Group, said, “Ducab Group’s investment in Oman is a testament to the shared vision of both nations to build resilient, diversified economies through industrial innovation and seamlessly aligns with the Group’s broader strategy to expand its international roadmap while deepening regional integration.”

“For Ducab Group, this synergy confirms our evolution into a global industrial leader and strengthens our strategic international footprint. We believe economic lifelines grow nations and this collaboration reflects our shared vision for industrial excellence, faster delivery, greater customisation, and more resilient supply chains.”

Charles Edouard Mellagui, CEO, Ducab Cables Business, said, "With bilateral trade between the UAE and Oman poised to reach new heights, our acquisition of National Cable Factory marks a strategic milestone and a proud moment for the industrial sectors of both nations. This step reinforces Ducab’s commitment to deepening regional ties while driving industrial growth and innovation across the Gulf.

“Our partnership with NCF goes far beyond geographic expansion. It reflects our shared focus on pioneering industrial innovation and seamless regional integration. By joining forces, we are delivering a new generation of advanced solutions, empowering our customers, and strengthening the energy and infrastructure backbone of our rapidly growing markets. We are confident that this collaboration will not only elevate the Gulf’s global competitiveness but also unlock fresh opportunities for sustainable growth in non-oil sectors.”

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The awards highlight employees whose ideas have delivered measurable improvements through EGA’s Suggestion Scheme. (Image source: EGA)

Emirates Global Aluminium, the UAE’s largest industrial company outside the oil and gas sector, has recognised 50 employees for their contributions to innovation and continuous improvement at the company’s annual Rashid Awards.

The awards highlight employees whose ideas have delivered measurable improvements through EGA’s Suggestion Scheme and Tamayaz programme in areas including safety, cost optimisation, environmental performance, and operational efficiency. These contributions enhance EGA’s global competitiveness and support its long-term sustainability.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Innovation and continuous improvement have powered EGA’s progress for decades. Our success depends on our people turning great ideas into improvements, every day and everywhere in our operations. I congratulate this year’s Rashid Award winners and thank every colleague who is helping us innovate for a better future.”

EGA’s Suggestion Scheme, established in 1981, is one of the longest-running structured suggestion programmes globally. Employees have submitted more than half a million suggestions since its inception. Since the last Rashid Awards in 2024, over 35,000 ideas were submitted, with more than 30,000 implemented. The scheme has delivered over AED 18.4 million in savings in the past year alone and more than AED 520 million since launch.

Introduced in 2016, the Tamayaz programme enables mid-level managers and their teams to identify solutions to overlooked issues by analysing work processes and outputs. In 2024, the programme generated audited savings exceeding AED 87 million.

For decades, EGA has promoted a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging employees at all levels to contribute ideas. The company also engages school and university engineering students through programmes designed to develop the UAE’s future industrial innovation capabilities.

By rewarding employees for creativity and problem-solving, EGA continues to strengthen its operational excellence while fostering a culture where innovation drives sustainable growth across the UAE’s industrial sector.

SteelFab 2026 will focus on the latest cutting-edge technologies transforming the global iron and steel industries.

Expo Centre Sharjah is set to host the 21st edition of SteelFab, the Middle East’s leading event for the metalworking, metal manufacturing, and steel fabrication industry, from 12-15 January, 2026

The exhibition is expected to see strong participation from regional and international companies and manufacturers, featuring more than 650 major global brands from 38 countries showcasing their latest technologies, machinery, and innovations in the metalworking sector.

Active international participation and strong local presence

SteelFab 2026 will bring together top local and international players in the iron and steel industry to present state-of-the-art machinery, equipment, and tools related to Sheet metal industries, welding and cutting, pipe manufacturing, robotics, and other advanced technologies.

Participants will include leading companies from the UK, Germany, India, Taiwan, China, Italy, Turkey, and the UAE, in addition to the most prominent local manufacturers and distributors.

Strengthening Sharjah’s role as a regional metal production hub

H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, emphasised that SteelFab remains the region’s premier platform for the metal-manufacturing and steel fabrication industry. He noted that the exhibition continues to play a pivotal role in enabling manufacturers and companies to showcase their latest products and services, while connecting with potential clients and strategic partners.

He added that SteelFab’s remarkable success over the past two decades is reflected in consistently high participation levels. The 2026 edition is expected to draw over 300+ international companies and 180 local firms, marking an increase compared to previous editions. A surge in visitor turnout is also anticipated, with attendees representing a wide range of industrial sectors.

Advanced Modern Technologies

SteelFab 2026 will focus on the latest cutting-edge technologies transforming the global iron and steel industries. This edition will once again feature metal cutting, metal forming, welding, power tools, innovation trends, market analysis, automation, 3D printing and the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on manufacturing processes.

To foster greater connectivity, SteelFab 2026 will host an expanded Buyers Program, providing exclusive networking opportunities between exhibitors and more than 250 key industry leaders.

The exhibition will also spotlight the newest technologies in laser cutting, welding, robotics, CNC machining, machine tools, plate and pipe bending and cutting, 3D printing and precision metal fabrication. In addition, it will feature the 5th edition of the Best Welder Competition, offering a platform to showcase talent, recognise excellence, and celebrate innovation in welding practices.