Industry, Logistics & Shipping

AUS, Transgulf to boost industry-academia collaboration

American University of Sharjah (AUS) has formalised a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Transgulf Readymix Concrete Company as part of the AUS College Engineering’s (CEN) Al Nukhba Programme.
 
The MoA represents an important advancement in promoting collaboration between industry and academia, emphasising research, development, internships and hands-on training opportunities for AUS students, preparing them to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to their fields.
 
The collaboration with Transgulf will enable CEN students to acquire essential industry experience, meeting course requirements through internships and structured field excursions. These programmes aim to offer practical insight into Transgulf’s activities, allowing students to gain a more profound understanding of real-world applications in the cement products and construction industries, AUS said. 
 
Moreover, the partnership will include shared research and development initiatives focused on the design, manufacturing and supply of ready-mix concrete, tackling current issues within these sectors, it said.
 
“Our partnership with Transgulf Readymix reflects our ongoing commitment to connecting academic achievement with professional expertise,” stated Dr Fadi Aloul, Dean of CEN. “With this collaboration, we will provide our students with hands-on learning experiences that combine practical skills with theoretical instruction. Through internships, fieldwork and collaborative research, this partnership supports our mission to nurture skilled innovators who engage in applied projects, address real-world challenges and develop creative solutions that meet critical local needs while contributing to the UAE’s and GCC’s economic and industrial advancement. Together, we will enable our students to emerge as leaders in engineering and technology, in harmony with the country's vision for a sustainable, innovative future.”
 
“Transgulf is honoured to be part of the CEN Al Nukhba Programme, collaborating with faculty from the AUS College of Engineering to provide students with in-action opportunities to explore engineering applications in the ready-mix concrete industry and its critical role in construction delivery. Aligned with the UAE’s vision, we are committed to inspiring future engineers and transforming the construction industry through innovation and the adoption of sustainability initiatives and artificial intelligence. Transgulf’s internship programs go beyond civil and materials engineering, offering practical exposure to industrial fields including supply chain management, manpower planning, predictive maintenance, renewable energy, waste management and digital engineering. In this partnership, AUS and Transgulf are paving the way for the next generation of technical talent to build a brighter, smarter and more resilient future," said Yasar Abualrous, General Manager of Transgulf Readymix Concrete.
 
The CEN Al Nukhba Programme has consistently sought to improve student employability by fostering collaboration between academia and industry. By aligning its objectives with national priorities, the programme not only equips AUS students with vital skills for their careers but also supports the UAE’s wider ambitions in innovation and building a knowledge-driven economy, said AUS. - TradeArabia News Service

Industry, Logistics & Shipping

Bentley seeks nominations for the 2025 Going Digital Awards

Bentley Systems, Incorporated, the infrastructure engineering software company, today (February 18) announced that nominations were now open for the 2025 Going Digital Awards. 
 
This renowned global program recognizes the very best digital advancements in infrastructure delivery and performance. 
 
Independent jurors - consisting of thought leaders and experts in their field - will be selecting the winners from among the world’s most extraordinary infrastructure projects. The deadline for nominations is set at March 31, 2025.
 
Celebrating over 20 years, the awards program has recognized more than 5,250 of the world's most outstanding infrastructure projects. 
 
Bentley said this global programme was open to all its users and nominations are encouraged across a range of categories, encompassing all forms of infrastructure projects and stages—from design and construction to operations.
 
Three finalists will be chosen within each of the 12 award categories. And the finalists will attend Bentley’s Year in Infrastructure conference and Going Digital Awards program in Amsterdam from October 14 to 15 as guests of Bentley. 
 
In addition to the juried awards, Bentley’s founders will honour select projects representing organisations or individuals making meaningful contributions to infrastructure advancement. Winners will be announced on October 15 during the Going Digital Awards ceremony.
 
The 2025 Going Digital Awards categories include:
•Bridges and Tunnels
•Cities, Campuses, and Facilities 
•Construction
•Energy Production
•Geospatial and Reality Modeling
•Project Delivery
•Rail and Transit
•Roads and Highways
•Structural Engineering
•Subsurface Modeling and Analysis
•Transmission and Distribution
•Water and Wastewater
 
Going Digital Awards projects will also be profiled in Bentley’s Infrastructure Yearbook, which is distributed to an international audience comprised of government officials, industry influencers, media, industry analysts, and Bentley users.
 
As part of the conference, finalists will get to win a trip to the Year in Infrastructure and Going Digital Awards to present their projects before an independent jury of industry peers and key members of the press.-TradeArabia News Service

Industry, Logistics & Shipping

Ma'aden’s $7.4bn Phosphate 3 project construction work launched

Construction work on Ma'aden’s Phosphate 3 project, with investments estimated at SAR28 billion ($7.47 billion), was launched on Monday in Wa’ad Al Shamal Mining City by Northern Borders Region Governor Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz.
 
He also launched several development and investment projects at a ceremony attended by Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, Vice Minister for Mining Affairs Eng Khalid Al-Mudaifer, and several public and private sector officials, said a Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report.
 
Supported by the Shareek Program, Ma'aden’s Phosphate 3 project is one of the region's largest mining ventures and aims to increase Saudi Arabia's phosphate production capacity to 9 million tons annually, including 3 million tons each from the Phosphate 1 and 2 projects. 
 
This expansion will contribute to developing the industrial supply chain, creating more investment and employment opportunities.
 
The governor emphasised that these projects reflect the Saudi Vision 2030 goals of developing the mining sector and enhancing its contribution to the national economy. 
 
He stressed that Wa’ad Al Shamal has become a model for integrated industrial cities, combining major industries, logistics services, and modern residential communities, which enhances the region's appeal to both local and international investors.
 
The ceremony also included the inauguration of several industrial, logistical, and service projects led by the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon), with investments exceeding SAR550 million. 
 
The projects involve developing industrial infrastructure across 4.3 million sq m, constructing 32 ready-built units consisting of 20 factories and 12 support units totaling 45,000 sq m, establishing a 132kV power substation with a 200MVA capacity and overhead transmission lines, and building a 7-km international road link bridge. 
 
These initiatives will improve logistics services, enhance energy reliability, and create an attractive investment environment, particularly for transformative industries linked to phosphate production.
 
Furthermore, Prince Faisal inaugurated the expansion of Ma’aden’s residential complex in Wa’ad Al Shamal in the presence of Alkhorayef. The expansion includes three new buildings, each containing 32 residential units, totaling 96 units.