How are oil and gas companies in the GCC changing the way they inspect and maintain their equipment and infrastructure?

We see a stronger emphasis on equipment condition and the consequences of failure when operators plan inspection. Scheduled inspections remain important, alongside operating history, service conditions and the role each asset plays in the operation.

Two similar pieces of equipment may need different inspection plans because their service conditions, exposure or importance to the operation are different. A critical process line, for example, may require a different approach from a low-consequence utility line. The inspection method, coverage and timing should reflect those differences while meeting the applicable requirements.

Inspection history and equipment monitoring can help maintenance teams identify changes early enough to investigate and plan work. This is particularly useful offshore or where access depends on a shutdown, because arranging people, equipment and materials can take time.

At Megarme, we support this approach by providing condition information from the locations included in the inspection scope. Our findings help the operator and its engineering team decide what needs attention, what requires further assessment and what can be included in a planned maintenance campaign. We aim to make the findings clear enough to support those decisions.

What are the biggest challenges companies face when inspecting and maintaining offshore and onshore facilities, and how does Megarme help address them?

A practical challenge is obtaining a reliable assessment while working within the facility’s operating constraints. Access, process safety and inspection quality have to be planned together. The easiest location to reach may not be the one most likely to deteriorate.

Offshore, marine corrosion and possible fatigue at connections subject to repeated loading need attention. Weather windows, restricted deck space and transport arrangements also affect the work. Under-deck steelwork, derricks and flare structures can be demanding, particularly when inspection must be coordinated with lifting or other activities nearby.

Onshore, congested pipe racks, hot surfaces and operating process systems can restrict access. Isolation requirements and shutdown schedules often determine when work is possible. Entry into tanks or vessels introduces additional atmospheric and rescue considerations.

We help by planning the access and technical work together. An under-deck survey may require surface preparation, thickness measurements and weld examination before the engineering team can assess the findings and approve repairs. Identifying these dependencies early helps the operator prepare the work.

Our reports need to make inspection coverage and limitations clear. Work during operation is considered only where the process conditions, risk assessment, permits and required isolations allow it.

How does rope access help Megarme carry out inspection and maintenance work in hard-to-reach areas safely and efficiently?

Rope access allows us to position a qualified technician directly at the work location, including beneath a jetty, beside an elevated pipe support or at a derrick connection. For localised inspection and repair, it can reduce the access structures, material handling and space required.

We are an IRATA Operator and Trainer member. The normal rope access arrangement uses two independently anchored lines: a working line and a safety line. An IRATA Level 3 supervisor oversees the rope access safety arrangements, including equipment checks, rope protection, communication and a rescue plan suited to the location. Team size must support both the task and a potential rescue.

Our technicians also need the qualifications and authorisations for the work being performed. Rope access competence is separate from competence in NDT, welding or coating inspection. An ultrasonic examination carried out on ropes must meet the applicable inspection requirements, including calibration, surface preparation, probe positioning and coverage.

We select the access method around the task, duration, equipment loads and rescue requirements. Depending on the work, that may involve rope access alone or a combination of access arrangements. The practical benefit is being able to reach the required locations with a method suited to the inspection or repair.

How does Megarme use non-destructive testing (NDT) to identify corrosion, cracks and other damage before they become serious problems?

We use NDT to assess remaining wall thickness and look for indications of cracking or other damage. We select the method to suit the material, expected deterioration and inspection requirements.

For pipework corrosion, ultrasonic measurements establish wall thickness at the inspected locations. If we find an unusually low reading, we verify it, promptly raise any critical concern and extend the examination as required to establish the extent of the thinning. Corrosion mapping can provide more detailed coverage where localised attack is suspected. The lowest measured thickness and size of the affected area matter, because an average can conceal a severely thinned location.

Magnetic particle testing can reveal surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials, such as carbon steel. Penetrant testing can reveal discontinuities open to the surface in suitable nonporous materials. Ultrasonic testing, including phased array, and radiography can be used to examine welds for internal discontinuities. Selection depends on the expected damage, component geometry and applicable requirements; each method has limitations.

We record the component, examination location, coverage, measurements and relevant images or scan data. The findings support the responsible engineer’s decision on further assessment, monitoring or repair. Repaired welds are re-examined as required by the applicable procedure and acceptance criteria. Qualified personnel, suitable procedures and prompt reporting are essential to making the results useful.

How do extreme heat, humidity and salt exposure in the Gulf affect industrial equipment, and what can companies do to protect their assets?

In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, asset protection has to reflect the location. Offshore and coastal facilities face salt exposure and periods of high humidity alongside heat. Further inland, heat and dust become more prominent considerations. The protection system must suit both the local exposure and the equipment’s operating conditions.

We pay particular attention to pipe supports, bolted connections, undersides of structures and insulated pipework. Corrosion can develop in a small, critical area while the wider structure appears acceptable. Moisture entering through damaged insulation cladding can remain against the steel, making targeted inspection and repairs to water-entry points important.

Coating performance depends on preparation and application. Salt, dust and other contamination must be controlled to the specified cleanliness limits, with the required surface preparation and coating thickness verified. Steel temperatures in summer can exceed a product’s application limits. Cooler hours still require checks for humidity and condensation. Some specifications require the steel to remain at least 3°C above the dew point, alongside the product’s other temperature and humidity limits.

Our inspection, surface preparation, coating and repair work can help address deterioration and its causes. Metal loss needs assessment and, where required, an approved repair before protection is reinstated. Leaving a water trap or damaged insulation seal in place can expose the asset to the same problem again.

How does Megarme help oil and gas operators extend the life of their assets while maintaining safety standards?

We support asset life extension by gathering inspection evidence and carrying out approved maintenance or repairs. The starting point is understanding the condition of the equipment, the extent of any damage and its significance for continued operation.

For pipework, thickness measurements and corrosion mapping provide information for assessing metal loss. Our access capability helps reach components that would otherwise be difficult to examine or replace. The inspection scope needs to reflect the expected damage and provide the information required for the engineering assessment.

Our maintenance and repair scope can include surface preparation, coating, work on columns and piping, structural welding and composite repairs, where appropriate to the assessed condition and approved scope. Composite repairs require an engineered design approved for the specific damage and service conditions, controlled installation and the required inspection and verification. Completed work needs the specified quality records before acceptance.

Life extension also requires a plan beyond the immediate intervention. The operator needs to know what should be monitored, when further inspection is required and which operating limits apply. We contribute inspection data and execution capability. The responsible operator and engineering authority determine fitness for continued service and approve any extension of operating life.

What steps does Megarme take to protect workers when carrying out inspection and maintenance work in challenging environments?

We plan our work around a task risk assessment, competent supervision, personnel fit for the assigned work and the facility’s permit requirements. The controls must be confirmed at the worksite, and any change in scope or conditions requires reassessment.

At operating facilities, this includes verified energy isolation, atmospheric testing and monitoring as required, and controls for hazards such as hydrogen sulphide or flammable atmospheres. We seek to avoid confined-space entry where a suitable alternative exists. Where entry is necessary, the arrangements must address unsafe oxygen levels and other identified hazards, with suitable ventilation, communication and a rescue plan specific to that space.

At height, we consider the people below as well as the technicians. Tools need suitable retention and checked attachment points, with exclusion zones appropriate to the task. Heavy equipment requires its own handling and securing arrangements. Accounting for tools when work is complete helps prevent a later dropped-object hazard.

Our heat management arrangements need to reflect the site conditions, workload and protective clothing. The assessment guides acclimatisation, work and rest arrangements, hydration and access to shaded or cooled recovery areas.

We expect personnel to stop work when conditions are unsafe. Supervisors must respond to fatigue, changing weather and any condition that compromises the controls or rescue arrangements.

How are new technologies changing the way oil and gas companies inspect equipment and plan maintenance?

Technology can improve inspection coverage and the speed at which information reaches maintenance teams. Across the industry, drones can support visual surveys, robots can carry sensors across suitable surfaces, and permanent monitoring can identify changes between periodic inspections. Their suitability depends on the asset and the information required.

Encoded ultrasonic scanning is a practical example. It links measurements to their positions, allowing wall loss to be mapped and compared with later examinations when the scan locations and measurement conditions are comparable. Digital records can connect those results with the asset reference, earlier findings and repair history.

We assess a technology by the information it provides and the decision it supports. A visual image may identify an area for closer examination. Confirming wall loss or characterising a defect requires a method suited to that task. AI tools can assist with screening where their performance has been validated for the intended use, with qualified personnel reviewing the results.

Our priority is to select methods that suit the component and expected damage, and to produce clear, traceable records. We use inspection findings to plan any further examination and support the engineering assessment and approval of required repairs.

How can companies reduce maintenance costs and downtime without compromising safety or equipment reliability?

Better preparation and fewer repeat interventions can help control maintenance costs and downtime. The cost of a task includes access, mobilisation, materials, permits, isolation, production disruption and verification. These need to be considered together when comparing ways to execute the work.

Before a shutdown, available inspection findings should be used to define repair scopes, prepare materials and spare parts, agree procedures and secure the necessary personnel. Operations, engineering and maintenance teams need to resolve dependencies early. Discovering that a repair needs additional materials or approval after equipment has been shut down can put the programme under pressure.

We help by coordinating compatible activities within an access campaign. Elevated steelwork, for example, may need condition assessment, NDT, a dropped-object survey and authorised coating repairs. When safely sequenced, these activities can share access arrangements and reduce repeat mobilisation. Required approvals and inspection hold points still apply.

Prompt decisions on findings and investigation of recurring defects also help prevent delay and rework. Useful performance measures include total maintenance cost, unplanned downtime, repeat failures and closure of critical findings. Any cost-reduction plan must preserve required inspections and the maintenance and testing of safety-critical equipment.

What are the main inspection, maintenance and safety challenges you expect the GCC oil and gas industry to face over the next few years, and how is Megarme preparing for them?

We expect an important challenge to be balancing maintenance of operating assets with inspection needs during construction and commissioning. When shutdowns and project activities overlap, there can be pressure on the availability of experienced personnel and technical supervision.

Advanced NDT technicians, welding and coating inspectors, and rope access supervisors need the competence and approvals for each assignment. Our preparation includes attention to training, personnel allocation and the technical support available to site teams. Resources need to match the work being accepted.

The quality of records handed over from construction to operations is another priority. Traceable weld records, baseline thickness measurements and coating inspection results give maintenance teams a useful starting point. Consistent component identification helps later inspection results be compared with the correct earlier records.

For existing facilities, corrosion in difficult-to-access areas and beneath insulation will continue to require attention. On safety, overlapping inspection, lifting and hot work need careful coordination. Heat exposure and fatigue also need to be reflected in staffing and schedules.

We are focusing on consistent technical review, equipment readiness and clear reporting across our regional operations. Our aim is to keep the standard of execution consistent as workloads change, with appropriate supervision and follow-up on significant findings.

The appointment reflects SICO Capital’s continued investment in its technology and operating platforms. Mr. AlFaraj will oversee the firm’s infrastructure, business systems, technology implementations, and client platforms, with a focus on operational resilience and regulatory alignment.

A specialist in technology governance and implementation, Mr. AlFaraj has more than 12 years of experience in the banking and capital markets sectors across the GCC. Most recently, he was Head of Information Technology and Administration at GIB Capital, where he built the company’s IT function and led the launch of its brokerage and electronic trading platforms. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Bahrain, as well as relevant professional certifications.

“Technology is central to our ability to grow and deliver an increasingly seamless experience for our clients,” said Wissam Haddad, Chief Executive Officer of SICO Capital. “Ali brings extensive experience in technology leadership and the implementation of client-facing platforms within the financial sector. We are continuing to invest in our technology in Saudi Arabia with new and ongoing implementations including our order and asset management systems, client relationship management (CRM), and artificial intelligence platforms.”

Ali AlFaraj commented, “Technology plays a vital role in how SICO Capital serves its clients and continues to strengthen its presence in the Saudi market. I look forward to working alongside the team to further advance our technology infrastructure and digital capabilities, while upholding rigorous standards of reliability, security, and service excellence. It is a privilege to contribute to SICO Capital’s continued growth as the Kingdom’s financial sector evolves under Vision 2030.”

Building on the success of it’s flagship US conference, Data Center World Middle East, running from 17-18 November, follows the launch of events inAustralia, Latin America and Europe in 2026, reflecting rising global demand for digital infrastructuredriven by AI adoption, cloud growth and surging data consumption.

Organised by inD – an Informa/DWTC company – the event puts delegates in the same room as the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the UAE Ministry of Investment and the companies building and running Gulf capacity, including Khazna Data Centers, Core42 and Tabreed. Hyperscalers AWS, Google and Oracle, and AI computing leader NVIDIA, complete a line-up that pairing senior industry voices with deep technical expertise.

The event at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi coincides with a sharp rise in regional capacity. Omdia, the technology research and advisory group within Informa TechTarget, identifies the Middle East as the world’s next data centre hot spot. It estimates the region added 1GW of new IT capacity in 2025, with data centre IT capacity compounding at almost 25% a year.

Efficiency is also becoming a priority as capacity scales. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Khazna Data Centers have launched a pilot to cut energy use in data centers and district cooling systems, with the technology claimed to reduce cooling-related consumption by up to 40%.

Eng. Mozah Alnuaimi, Chief AI Officer, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, a speaker on the opening panel, said: “Every megawatt saved in cooling is a megawatt of compute the grid does not have to build for. In our climate, water efficiency and energy efficiency are the same discipline: liquid cooling, closed-loop systems, and clear intensity requirements. Through the Global Cooling Pledge and the Ministry’s planning tools, we are treating data centres as a national efficiency opportunity, not only a load, so growth in AI strengthens the system rather than strains it.”

The UAE is at the centre of that growth aiming to double the digital economy’s contribution to GDP, from 9.7% to 19.4%, within a decade. In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Government Enablement’s AED 13 billion digital strategy targets full migration to sovereign cloud on the way to an AI-native government by 2027, supported by a Unified Government Data Centre. Khazna, meanwhile, is building G42’s 1GW Stargate UAE cluster with partners including OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco and SoftBank.

Sean James, Distinguished Engineer – Energy Systems, NVIDIA, said: “AI load does not behave like the load utilities planned for. I watched other markets pay for that lesson. Hundreds of megawatts moving in seconds is a power quality problem before it is a capacity problem. Solve it inside your own fence, with storage and controls. The same batteries that smooth your load can hand the utility ride-through and voltage support back. Then the interconnection conversation shifts from whether to when.”

Tara Gibb, Senior Event Director for Data Center World, said: “Data Center World goes where the industry is building, and the Gulf is now one of its most important growth markets. For the first time in the region, the operators building Gulf capacity, the hyperscalers and two federal ministries share one programme. The programme moves from market outlook to closed-door technical workshops, so delegates leave with clear priorities and the right contacts to move their projects forward.”

Day one opens with a panel on the risks and realities of the Gulf’s 3GW target for AI, power and sovereign demand. A Market Outlook 2030 session will assess where growth is most investable across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain.

The programme runs across keynote, conference and technical tracks, with closed-door workshops on AI hall design, cooling and electrical design for AI loads, built for people running data centres in 50°C conditions

The headline sponsor is Midea Building Technologies, the building and data centre cooling division of Midea Group, with Marwan AlObaidi, Regional Director – Data Centers & Applied Systems, among the speakers. Enover and E-kerno are Gold Sponsors with Endress+Hauser as Silver Sponsors.

These updates reinforce Optro’s commitment to building a collaborative, high-value ecosystem that empowers partners to scale while providing customers with seamless GRC Intelligence.

Expanding the Ecosystem: New Program Tracks

• Technology Partner Track: Designed for independent software vendors and developers, this two-tiered track provides API tools, sandbox access, and dedicated support to co-develop integrated workflows with Optro. These validated integrations automate data movement, accelerating time to value for customers.
• Distributor Track: Tailored for large-scale aggregators, this track enables partners to anchor their catalogs with Optro’s GRC Intelligence Platform while leveraging their existing credit and billing infrastructure. It simplifies global enterprise procurement by allowing customers to buy through local partners in native currencies with accredited delivery support.

Fueling Investment and Innovation: Growth Funding & Annual Awards

• Optro Partner Connect Partner Growth Funding (PGF): To help partners scale capabilities and demand generation, Optro is co-investing capital directly into partner-led marketing, enablement, and practice-building initiatives linked to joint strategic business plans. Partners in qualifying tiers may submit proposals for Optro funding.
• Optro Partner Connect Awards: Launching in 2027, these annual awards will formally recognize partners driving exceptional growth, delivery excellence, and ecosystem innovation, celebrating top performers across Optro’s global channels.

“Being part of Optro’s technology partner track gives us the access and support needed for our integration,” said Frank Vukovits, Chief Security Scientist at Delinea Fastpath. “Now, critical IT general controls evidence, like segregation of duties analysis and user access reviews, flow directly from Delinea Fastpath into customer control libraries in Optro, so auditor requests can be answered directly from the platform.”

“Our partners are fundamental to our ability to solve complex GRC challenges for enterprises across the globe,” said Jim Sperduto, Chief Growth Officer at Optro. “These new program tracks and investments through Partner Growth Funding reflect our focus on providing the resources, financial co-investment, and technical support our partners need to build profitable, differentiated practices with Optro’s GRC Intelligence Platform.”

DTC and National Taxi will together make more than 7,700 taxis, excluding airport fleet, available for booking through Hala on the Careem app under the renewed agreement, further strengthening the platform’s scale with more than 26,000 Captains and 13,000 taxis. Since the partnership began, nearly 120 million trips across DTC and National Taxi have been booked through Hala, reflecting the platform’s role as one of the primary ways residents and visitors access Dubai’s taxi network today.

As a homegrown mobility solution, Hala pioneered a new model for e-hailing in the Middle East, bringing the Emirates’ taxi franchises onto a private-sector ride-hailing app at scale. Today, Hala is among the region’s longest-standing e-hailing platforms, combining DTC’s taxi management systems and experienced operational capabilities with Careem’s e-hailing technology, revolutionizing how customers book and access taxis across Dubai.

The five-year renewal underscores the strength of the model and the mutual value it has generated for both organisations. For DTC, the partnership has expanded access to its fleet beyond street-hailing, improved vehicle utilization, and connected its drivers to a growing base of app-based customers. The agreement reflects both DTC and Hala’s commitment to supporting the RTA’s directive to transition 80% of taxi trips to e-booking by 2030, a target the partnership has been instrumental in advancing since its inception.

For Hala, DTC’s fleet has been foundational to the platform’s scale and reliability, helping it maintain strong availability and shorter wait times across the emirate.

“This renewal marks an important next chapter in a partnership that has played a significant role in advancing the digital transformation of Dubai’s taxi sector,” said Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi, Group CEO, Dubai Taxi Company. “Together with Hala, we have expanded how customers access our fleet, strengthened the role of e-hailing across our operations, and created a more seamless and convenient mobility experience. Extending this agreement for another five years allows us to build on what we have achieved together, strengthen the integration between our services, and continue enhancing service quality and customer experience, while supporting Dubai’s ambitions for a more efficient and integrated mobility ecosystem.”

“Since 2019, Hala has grown from a pilot with a couple of thousand vehicles into one of the region’s most established e-hailing platforms, and DTC, along with our other partners, has been foundational to that journey,” said Khaled Nuseibeh, CEO of Hala. “This partnership has been instrumental in revolutionising how residents and visitors access public transportation through e-hailing, and this renewal means we keep raising the bar for our customers by giving them faster and more reliable access to Dubai’s taxi network and an even better experience through the Careem app. And of course, none of it would be possible without our Captains. This collaboration has given us real ways to support them and invest back in meaningful ways.”      

The agreement comes as part of DTC’s broader strategy to position itself as a comprehensive mobility provider across Dubai, integrating traditional taxi services with digital platforms, and as Hala continues to expand its role in the emirate’s wider transport ecosystem.

As Middle East enterprises advance digital transformation and adopt more AI-driven technologies, cybersecurity investment continues to grow. According to Mordor Intelligence, the regional cybersecurity market is estimated to reach USD 23.54 billion in 2026, growing at a CAGR of 14.55% through 2031. However, there are still challenges in developing the expertise needed to secure complex digital environments. PwC’s 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights: Middle East findings reveals that 53% of regional respondents identified lack of knowledge in applying AI to cyber defense as a major hurdle, highlighting the need for specialized cybersecurity training to keep pace with technological advancements.

As AI is integrated into business processes, cybersecurity expertise should go beyond traditional threat detection and response to securing AI systems themselves. For going through this shift, SANS Institute has developed the AI Security Maturity Model – Gulf Region. The framework provides a structured approach to evaluating AI security readiness, identifying gaps and prioritizing improvements across AI protection, utilization and governance. It offers a clearer path towards building stronger, more mature AI security practices, while reinforcing the need for continuous, hands-on training.

“The Middle East has seen remarkable progress in digital transformation, but the pace of adopting technologies must be matched by an equally strong investment in cybersecurity capabilities,” says Ned Baltagi, Managing Director, Middle East, Turkey and Africa at SANS Institute. “As businesses incorporate AI and interconnected systems, the challenge is ensuring that they have the specialized skills and practical experience to manage the risks that come with it. This calls for a shift from reactive skills development to continuous, forward-looking training that anticipates how threats and technologies are evolving. With SANS Gulf Region 2026, we are putting this approach into practice, focusing on the skills and real-world challenges that matter most to companies across the region.”

This year’s curriculum covers five key areas, including Cyber Defense, Offensive Operations, Industrial Control Systems, Cloud and AI Security, and Leadership. The program introduces SEC545: GenAI and LLM Application Security, a new course focused on securing generative AI applications and large language models. Also, there are major updates to LDR519: Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance. Six courses are focusing on AI, reflecting the growing importance of understanding and managing AI-related cybersecurity risks.

Other key training areas include network monitoring and threat detection, enterprise penetration testing, security automation for red, blue and purple teams, ICS/SCADA protection, and defensible security architecture built around Zero Trust principles. Together, these courses address a broad range of technical and strategic requirements, helping to strengthen capabilities across both traditional and new cybersecurity domains.

Complementing the training program, the event will feature two NetWars Core tournaments, giving participants an interactive environment to apply their skills to simulated cybersecurity challenges. This year’s AI-forward scenarios will explore areas like prompt injection, malware reverse engineering, MFA bypass, web application security and IoT vulnerabilities. Set within a fictional organization facing compromised systems and vulnerable AI models, attendees should investigate and respond to interconnected security threats.

The event will also host a series of evening community talks. Sessions will explore cybersecurity leadership, the role of AI in learning, and modern influence operations, with contributions from SANS experts including Mark Williams and Jeff McJunkin. The courses will be available in person and through online live sessions.

Through SANS Gulf Region 2026, SANS Institute continues its commitment to strengthening cybersecurity capabilities across the region, supporting businesses in developing the technical expertise, leadership skills and practical readiness needed to protect complex digital environments.

His Excellency Marwan Bin Ghalita, Director General, Dubai Municipality and Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director General, National Agriculture Centre, opened the show, before touring the exhibition floor and meeting exhibitors.

The opening builds on NAC’s partnership with Growtech Middle East, announced earlier this month, and reflects the direction set by the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051, under which the country continues to invest in advanced farming technologies, sustainable production systems and resilient food supply chains.

Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director General, National Agriculture Centre, said, “Farmers first – this is the principle that guides our work, shapes our partnerships, and defines our success.” He added, “Growtech Middle East brings together technologies and expertise that open up significant opportunities for the agriculture sector. Our role is to connect these capabilities with our farmers’ needs and translate knowledge into practical, economically viable solutions.”

Alan Kelly, Commercial & Strategy Director, inD Group, said, “Growtech Middle East brings international expertise and technology to the UAE’s agriculture and food security industry, and opening day has put global providers, government and buyers in the same room. With the UAE National Agriculture Centre as our Strategic Government Partner, we are creating a direct route for proven solutions to reach the UAE market.”

Day one: Setting the vision, farming for resilience and food sovereignty

The conference programme runs alongside the exhibition across three knowledge platforms: the Future of Food Resilience Summit, the MENA Regenerative Agriculture Summit and free CPD-certified technical seminars. Day one is themed “Setting the Vision: Farming for Resilience and Food Sovereignty” and is led by the Future Food Resilience Summit, which runs across Days 1 and 2.

The summit opened with remarks from Sultan Salem Al Shamsi on placing farmers at the heart of food resilience. Speaking about how NAC has worked with the sector, he said, “Through more than eighty meetings with stakeholders across the agriculture sector, we engaged with over four hundred farmers from across the UAE, listening to their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. We are committed to staying close to our farmers, understanding the realities of their daily work, and involving them in developing the programmes and services that support them.”

On the role of technology, Sultan Salem Al Shamsi said, “Artificial intelligence is undoubtedly no longer just a technology of the future. It is now a practical tool for advancing agriculture and enhancing the sector’s efficiency and sustainability. Data and smart technologies enable farmers to make more precise decisions, helping them improve the quality of their produce, increase productivity, and use resources, particularly water, more efficiently.”

He added that the Centre aims for thirty per cent of farms to adopt climate-smart solutions by 2030.

He then joined Dr Tarifa Ajeif AlZaabi, Director-General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), and Hassan Halaway, Group CEO, Elite Agro Holding, for a fireside chat on “The Future of Food Resilience: From Global Dependence to Regional Strength.” The discussion covered the role of UAE farms in national food resilience, getting arid-climate research into practice, and building trust in Emirati produce through UAE G.A.P.

The day’s sessions covered regional farming, farm data, agri-finance, AI-powered food systems and sustainable agriculture in arid regions. Free CPD-certified technical seminars also ran on day one, including a Food Landscape Think Tank led by The Waste Lab, a session from Khalifa University and a poultry production session with the Emirates Veterinary Association.

On the exhibition floor, exhibitors are showcasing greenhouse technologies, irrigation systems, plant nutrition, agriculture machinery, poultry, livestock, aquaculture and more, including international technology providers introducing their solutions to the UAE market, under the theme “Powering the Future of Agriculture Growth and Food Security in the Middle East.”

Engin Er, Exhibition Director, Growtech Events, said, “This is our first edition as Growtech Middle East, previously Agra ME, and the focus from here is growth: for our exhibitors, for our visitors and for the agriculture and food resilience industry across the region. We are pleased with the turnout on day one and thank our sponsors, exhibitors and visitors for making this edition possible.”

Looking ahead

The Future Food Resilience Summit continues tomorrow, and Growtech Middle East concludes on 28 October with the MENA Regenerative Agriculture Summit, created with Event Impact Partner Goumbook, focused on soil health, resource efficiency and climate resilience.

Growtech Middle East thanks its sponsors for their support: Nature for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions as Gold Sponsor; Enjaz Trading, Agricultural Technology Co. and Gulf Aquaculture as Silver Sponsors; and MONTEL as Associate Sponsor.

Building a smartphone with a larger battery is relatively straightforward. Making that battery fit into a slim device while reinforcing its structure against drops, water and everyday wear presents a more complex engineering challenge.

For the unbreakable HONOR X9e Pro, that challenge shapes the device from the inside out. From advanced battery chemistry and reinforced materials to specialized bonding techniques and rigorous durability testing, every element is designed to contribute to long-term reliability.

Engineering More Into Less Space

At the centre of the HONOR X9e Pro is a fourth-generation silicon-carbon battery. By increasing the silicon content in the battery anode, HONOR improves energy density, allowing greater capacity within limited internal space.

The result is an 11,000mAh typical battery – the largest in the industry – housed in a body measuring just 8.08mm thick and weighing 203g.

Accommodating this capacity required HONOR to optimize the mainboard, secondary board, display structure, back cover and mid-frame, creating additional internal space without significantly increasing the device’s dimensions.

For consumers, this means enjoying up to two to three days of typical use between charges, reducing charging interruptions without sacrificing portability. It’s worth noting that HONOR has designed the battery to deliver up to six years of reliable performance, offering greater longevity and long-term durability.

Materials Engineered for Impact Resistance

The materials surrounding the battery and core components play an equally important role in durability.

HONOR incorporates arch-shaped structures around the phone’s corners and perimeter, supported by high-strength metal reinforcement embedded within the mid-frame. Together, these elements help distribute impact forces, reducing pressure on sensitive components.

The display receives additional protection through PUR shear-resistant adhesive, creating a continuous three-dimensional bonding structure around its edges. According to HONOR laboratory testing, this delivers approximately ten times the shear resistance of conventional backing adhesive solutions.

For consumers, these reinforcements provide greater confidence when accidental drops occur, potentially reducing damage-related repairs and associated costs.

Protection Built into Every Layer

Water and dust resistance are addressed through a compartmentalized sealing architecture.

The display and mid-frame form one protected zone, while the mid-frame and back cover create another. Openings including the USB port, speakers, buttons and SIM tray receive dedicated protective treatments.

Continuous adhesive, localized seals and drainage channels provide additional barriers, helping prevent moisture from reaching sensitive internal components.

This construction supports IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings, covering dust protection, immersion and high-pressure water exposure and submersion in water at depths of up to 10 metres.

For consumers, these protections offer reassurance against accidental spills, dust and water exposure, although water resistance is not permanent.

Tested and Certified for Durability

Beyond material selection and structural design, HONOR validates the device through laboratory testing. The HONOR X9e Pro has received the five-star SGS Premium Performance Certification for Drop Resistance in Harsh Scenarios, providing independent recognition of its durability performance.

In separate HONOR laboratory tests, the device was evaluated against drops from multiple angles, including heights of up to 3 metres. Its water-protection system underwent 100,000 immersion cycles, alongside 24-hour salt-spray exposure testing. Battery endurance was also evaluated across temperatures ranging from -20°C to 50°C.

These results offer consumers greater confidence in everyday use, potentially reducing the inconvenience of accidental damage and premature replacement, although actual performance varies by conditions.

Engineering Beyond Durability

Reliability also extends to imaging. The device incorporates a 108MP main camera with CIPA 6.0-level optical image stabilization, helping reduce motion blur during handheld photography, particularly in low-light environments.

A Connected Approach to Manufacturing

The HONOR X9e Pro demonstrates how manufacturing decisions contribute to overall device reliability.

By integrating advanced materials, structural reinforcement, protective sealing and rigorous validation, HONOR aims to deliver a smartphone that offers fewer interruptions, greater peace of mind and dependable performance throughout everyday use.

Over four days, players, developers and investors from more than 25 countries will discuss how games, alongside animation, film and literature, are becoming part of the creative economy. The event will also provide a platform for new projects and partnerships.

International participants will be able to meet Russian studios and discuss opportunities to co-produce and promote content. This year’s theme, “Beyond the Industry,” explores how video games connect with animation, film, literature and other areas of the creative economy.

Opportunities for companies from Türkiye and the MENA region

The event will give companies from Türkiye, the Middle East and North Africa a chance to learn about the Russian market, showcase their projects and find partners. Expected delegates include a representative of Digital Dunes, a Qatari mobile game developer and publisher.

For companies from Türkiye and the MENA region, Moscow International Game Week will be an opportunity to connect with Russian developers, publishers and technology partners, discover new projects, and discuss collaboration in game development, localization and distribution.

Moscow is open to international cooperation, exchange of expertise and joint projects. The city is building an environment for the gaming and animation industries by bringing together support programs, technology, skilled professionals and access to new markets.

Moscow Game Hub provides companies with infrastructure for developing, producing and promoting projects. Moscow International Game Week will introduce international participants to these opportunities and serve as a working platform to showcase projects, find partners and discuss agreements. Guests can also look forward to an extensive business program.

International exhibition

More than 85 companies will take part in the exhibition. Brazil’s national stand will be presented by Brasilia Game Hub, while the India group stand will feature projects by BUZZEDMEN STUDIO, ABRACA DABRA SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS and Nilee Games. The exhibition will also include stands by Chingmu from China, BURNING SOUL and BEAR&SKUNK from the Republic of Korea, and Experimental Design Team (EDT) from Malaysia.

Visitors will discover projects from Russian publishers and gaming platforms. Independent developers will showcase their games in the indie alley, while the residents’ alley will feature studios from Moscow Game Hub. A marketplace for themed merchandise will also be open to visitors.

The exhibition will give the wider public a chance to experience the industry firsthand: play new projects, meet their creators and learn more about game and animation development.

International tournament

One of the highlights of Moscow International Game Week will be the LAN finals of the Moscow Cyber Games 2026, an international Counter-Strike 2 tournament. The finals will take place on October 31 and November 1 at Moscow Game Hub. A total of 956 teams from Europe and Asia took part in the open qualifiers.

Tournament results count toward the Valve Regional Standings, which are used to allocate invitations to CS2 tournaments. Holding the event at the end of the ranking cycle gives Russian teams an additional opportunity to earn points and improve their standings. Spectators will be able to watch the professional teams’ final matches online and at the venue.

The finals will be part of Moscow International Game Week’s international program and will showcase Moscow Game Hub’s capacity to host major esports events.

The launch targets rental maintenance within the UAE’s broader facilities management market, which was valued at USD 6.56 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach USD 10.95 billion by 2030, according to a TechSci Research report available through Research and Markets. Within this sector, Ally focuses on the coordination of rental repairs, connecting tenant requests, spending approvals, vendors and invoices.

A repair can involve a tenant, contractor, property manager and landlord before work even begins. Ally brings those exchanges into one process. Tenants report issues by text, photo or video. Ally classifies the request, checks the unit’s maintenance contract, estimates the cost and applies the property manager’s approval rules before dispatching a vendor. It then matches the invoice against the approved estimate, keeping the repair linked to the unit’s operating record.

Property managers set the rules for approvals and escalation. Routine coordination is automated within those rules, while decisions requiring judgment, higher spending or safety oversight are referred to people. Emergency requests are routed to the on-call vendor. Actions are logged with the rule applied and a timestamp, giving teams a record of how each request was handled.

“Our ambition is a rental unit that can collect its rent, renew its lease and arrange its repairs, with people retaining control over the decisions that matter,” said Rajneel Kumar, Co-Founder, Rentify. “Each completed job adds to the unit’s operating history. Connecting that history across collections, renewals and maintenance is how we build towards autonomous renting. Ally takes us another step in that direction.”

Ally is the fourth agent in the Earn AI workforce. According to Rentify, customer portfolios associated with Earn AI represent more than 180,000 units and USD 3.4 billion in annual rent roll. Ally adds maintenance coordination and repair costs to the platform’s wider view of rental operations.

“For a property manager, growth should not mean an equivalent increase in time spent chasing repairs,” said Rashed Hareb Al Mheiri, Co-Founder & CEO, Rentify. “We built Ally to reduce that coordination burden while keeping teams in control of spending and service decisions. For owners, it brings a clearer record of what was approved, what was charged and how maintenance costs build up across their portfolio.”

Landlords receive approval requests with photos, the quote and their share of the cost. A maintenance cost history for each unit helps them understand expenditure alongside rental income. Vendors receive structured job cards, while invoice matching helps property teams check charges against the approved work.

Ally is designed to work alongside existing property management systems and spreadsheet-based processes, with tenants interacting through WhatsApp. Deployment requirements depend on the customer’s systems, data and approval workflows.

The launch addresses a recurring operational need in a substantial rental market. Dubai recorded 1.38 million tenancy contracts worth AED 126.4 billion in 2025, according to the Dubai Land Department, spanning residential and commercial activity.