ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC – SPC (ALEC), part of ALEC Holdings PJSC (ALEC Holdings) has signed an agreement with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) to support a first-of-its-kind mangrove hydrological restoration pilot in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The three-year project will explore whether restoring the natural hydrological conditions of a mangrove area in need of restoration can help the ecosystem return to long-term ecological health. In doing so, the initiative will examine the underlying conditions required to secure the future health and resilience of Abu Dhabi’s mangrove habitats.

EAD will lead the scientific planning and implementation of the project, including site selection, ecological and hydrological assessments, identification of the required restoration interventions, and the monitoring and reporting of project outcomes.

The pilot will establish baseline information for the selected site and track progress against defined restoration and biodiversity indicators. Its findings are expected to strengthen scientific understanding of mangrove hydrology in Abu Dhabi and help inform the planning of future ecosystem restoration initiatives.

The project supports the science-led restoration objectives of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative and complements the UAE’s national climate and biodiversity targets. By examining the conditions needed for mangrove habitats to recover and thrive, it will contribute to a broader understanding of how protection, hydrological restoration and long-term monitoring can work together to deliver durable ecological outcomes.

Earlier in 2026, ALEC signed the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative Partners Pledge, committing to support the conservation and restoration of mangroves and other blue carbon ecosystems, advance science-based restoration, and reduce its impact on nature.

 This partnership marks ALEC’s first flagship nature restoration investment with measurable biodiversity outcomes and forms part of ALEC’s broader commitment to integrating biodiversity considerations into its sustainability strategy and contributing to nature-positive outcomes in the regions where it operates.

Maitha Mohamed Al Hameli, Acting Executive Director, Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said, “We welcome ALEC’s support for this pilot, which reflects the kind of long-term, science-based commitment the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative was established to encourage. The findings will strengthen our understanding of how mangrove sites respond to restored hydrological conditions and will inform how we plan future restoration in the emirate. Through this pilot, we aim to build the scientific evidence needed for long-term solutions that safeguard Abu Dhabi’s mangroves, a defining feature of the emirate’s natural heritage.”

Sean McQue, Managing Director – ALEC, said, “Abu Dhabi is a capital defined by extraordinary ambition, creating next-generation cultural and visitor experiences while protecting the natural heritage that gives the emirate its identity. For ALEC, this partnership is an important step in turning our commitment to nature into tangible action. As our first biodiversity restoration investment, the project enables us to contribute directly to the protection and restoration of Abu Dhabi’s mangrove ecosystems, while supporting a science-led approach that will generate measurable biodiversity outcomes. Through this pilot, we are supporting the development of the knowledge, evidence and practical understanding needed to help these vital ecosystems recover and thrive. In doing so, we are proud to support Abu Dhabi’s ambition to protect its natural heritage and contribute to a more resilient future for the emirate.”

As a company whose activities interact with land, water and ecosystems across the built environment value chain, ALEC recognises the importance of supporting the protection and enhancement of natural habitats. Through this partnership, the company will support the collection of ecological baseline data, monitoring of biodiversity indicators and conservation of a priority coastal ecosystem.

The collaboration will also create opportunities for employees across the ALEC Holdings group to participate in environmental awareness, education and structured volunteering activities associated with the project. These are expected to include citizen-science monitoring and other forms of community engagement.

The signing follows the fourth annual Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative Partners Meeting, which took place on 8 October 2026 at Rixos Saadiyat Hotel in Abu Dhabi. ALEC participated in the meeting, which brought partners together to review their collective impact and consider future opportunities to support the health and resilience of the emirate’s mangroves.

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Photo Caption: (R) Maitha Mohammed Al Hameli, Acting Executive Director – Terrestrial & Marine Biodiversity at Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and (L) Sean McQue, Managing Director at ALEC

About the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi

About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)

Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.

About ALEC Holdings PJSC  

ALEC Holdings PJSC (“ALEC Holdings”), part of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, is a leading diversified engineering and construction group operating in the UAE and KSA. The Company builds and provides construction solutions that set industry benchmarks for innovation, quality, reliability and operational excellence. 

ALEC Holdings offers its clients complete turnkey solutions in construction, MEP, fitout, marine, oil & gas, modular construction, energy efficiency and solar projects, heavy equipment rental, technology systems and asset maintenance. With these capabilities, the Company successfully serves a diverse range of sectors including airports, data centers, retail, hotels & resorts, high-rise buildings, and themed projects. 

For more information, please visit https://alec.ae/.  

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced that the limited-edition ROG XBOX Ally X20 Bundle is now available in the UAE for AED 10,999 through the ASUS UAE eShop and participating retailers. Celebrating two decades of ROG, the collection brings together an upgraded gaming handheld, a wearable virtual display and coordinated protective accessories in a complete setup designed to move from home to wherever players choose to game.

A new chapter for an anniversary handheld

The ROG XBOX Ally X20 combines a translucent black chassis with gold-accented internal details and an exclusive 20th anniversary badge. The design offers a glimpse inside the device while giving the collection a distinctive identity for ROG enthusiasts and collectors.

A 7.4-inch ROG Nebula HDR OLED display delivers rich contrast, a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,400 nits of peak HDR brightness. Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, with 24GB of memory and 1TB of storage, the handheld brings PC gaming into a portable format. TMR joysticks designed to resist drift, a transforming D-pad and refined face buttons provide greater flexibility and control across different game styles.

A big screen experience that travels with you

The included ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 Gaming AR Glasses connect directly to the handheld through a single USB-C cable, creating a virtual screen of up to 171 inches viewed from four metres away. Micro-OLED displays and sound by Bose bring games closer, whether players are relaxing at home or travelling. The glasses support a 240Hz refresh rate with Frame Rate Boost enabled, while Follow Mode and Anchor Mode allow the virtual screen to move with the player’s head or remain fixed in place.

Matching black-and-gold accents connect the glasses to the anniversary design, while Command Center integration provides convenient access to their settings from the handheld.

Designed to carry the whole experience

The custom dbrand Killswitch adds everyday protection, a kickstand, ROG-branded joystick grips and an exclusive skin featuring a circuit pattern inspired by the handheld’s internals. A custom Pelican Protector Case, finished with ROG-red latches and a 20th anniversary badge, keeps the device and accessories together during travel. A 68W adapter completes the bundle.

Availability and pricing

The limited-edition ROG XBOX Ally X20 Bundle is available now for AED 10,999 through the ASUS UAE eShop and participating retailers including Geekay, Virgin Megastore, Sharaf DG, Amazon UAE, Emax, Jumbo and Carrefour. Stock and availability may vary by retailer.

UAE gamers can also join the ROG Elite Program to take part in activities, earn points and explore rewards while staying connected to the ROG community.

The Middle East’s unparalleled influence on global energy security, investment and industrial development will take centre stage at ADIPEC 2026, as Abu Dhabi welcomes regional and international energy leaders from 2-5 November.

Long established as a cornerstone of global energy supply, the region will help shape the next phase of energy development through major investments in infrastructure, technology and industrial capacity. Against a backdrop of rising energy demand and geopolitical uncertainty, ADIPEC will connect this regional strength with international expertise, capital and markets to advance the partnerships and decisions needed to secure energy today and power future growth.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and hosted by ADNOC, ADIPEC 2026 will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, with an expected 239,000 attendees from more than 170 countries, over 2,250 exhibiting companies, 1,800 speakers and 30 country pavilions.

Reflecting the continued growth of the event and strong demand for exhibition space, this year’s Opening Ceremony will be held at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, creating additional exhibition capacity at the ADNEC Centre while providing a dedicated forum for ADIPEC’s opening leadership programme.

Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy, Chair of ADIPEC, said: “This year’s ADIPEC comes at a defining moment for the global energy industry. We face the challenge of a more disrupted and exposed system, meeting a more energy intensive economy. But, while shocks and conflicts disrupt the system, the world needs more energy, in more forms, delivered more reliably to meet rising demand. And we need the investment, advanced technology and partnerships to make that happen. That is the agenda for action at ADIPEC 2026.

“The continued growth of ADIPEC also reflects confidence in Abu Dhabi as a trusted destination for business, investment and international engagement. At a time when uncertainty is creating challenges across markets, bringing people together to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships build partnerships and conduct business has never been more important.”

Confirmed regional government and institutional speakers, at ADIPEC 2026, include H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; H.E. Eng. Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; H.E. Saleh Kharabsheh, Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources; H.E. Dr Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Bahrain’s Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs; H.E. Joseph Al-Saadi, Lebanon’s Minister of Energy; H.E. Dr Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek, Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas; and H.E. Jassim Alshirawi, Secretary General of the International Energy Forum. They join ministers from around the world, including HE Katharina Reiche, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Germany; HE Dr Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Türkiye; and HE Takagi Kei, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan.

The region’s energy and industrial leadership will also be represented by major companies including ADNOC, XRG, Masdar, TAQA, Mubadala Energy, AIQ, Borouge, Fertiglobe, and Bapco Energies. They will join international organisations including Shell, bp, TotalEnergies, Eni, Equinor, SLB, Baker Hughes, Siemens Energy, GE Vernova and Microsoft.

Advancing investment and energy security

The UAE’s expanding international energy investments reflect the region’s important role. Through companies such as ADNOC, XRG, Masdar and Mubadala Energy, the country is extending its global reach across natural gas, chemicals, renewable energy and energy infrastructure, strengthening international partnerships and developing projects that connect regional capabilities with global demand.

As energy security becomes increasingly central to economic stability and industrial competitiveness, sustained investment will be essential to strengthen reliability, expand capacity and build the energy systems needed for future growth.

Mohamed Al Aryani, President, International Gas at XRG, said: “Building secure, resilient energy systems takes more than capital. It requires partnerships that connect resources, infrastructure and customers across markets and geographies. At XRG, we bring financial discipline, long-term capital and deep energy expertise to investments across gas, chemicals and energy infrastructure, working alongside experienced local and international partners. That is why ADIPEC is more important than ever as a forum for the industry to unlock investment and forge the partnerships needed to strengthen energy security and support global growth.”

On the exhibition floor, ADIPEC’s expanded AI Zone, co-hosted by AIQ, will showcase how artificial intelligence, robotics and digital technologies are moving from concept to commercial deployment across the energy sector. 

Bringing together technology innovators, energy operators and project owners, the Zone will feature real-world applications spanning reservoir modelling, autonomous upstream operations, infrastructure inspection, grid management and subsea robotics. Exhibitors including Honeywell, EY, Gecko Robotics, Stone Ridge Technology and Sinaha will demonstrate how intelligent technologies are helping improve operational performance, enhance reliability, optimise asset management and accelerate decision-making. 

Strong global participation ahead of ADIPEC 2026

Thomas Löffler, Executive Vice President, dmg events, said: “ADIPEC brings together a unique combination of energy producers, investors, technology leaders and industrial companies at a scale few events globally can match. At a time of rising demand and significant investment requirements, those conversations and partnerships have never been more important. 

“The level of industry participation this year shows just how important ADIPEC has become as a global platform for energy. We’re seeing strong commitment from across the Middle East and internationally, with leaders coming to Abu Dhabi to discuss shared priorities, explore new opportunities and build partnerships. That’s what makes ADIPEC so valuable, particularly at a time when the industry needs to work more closely together.”

Across 13 conference programmes and more than 380 sessions, ADIPEC will address priorities including energy security and resilience, investment, infrastructure, natural gas and LNG, AI and advanced technologies, and industrial growth.

The exhibition will span 16 halls and four specialised industry zones, providing a global marketplace for technology, projects and commercial partnerships.