Abu Dhabi’s NMDC Group, a leading construction and dredging services provider, announced on Thursday that it has secured a $1.14bn offshore pipeline contract in Taiwan, marking the first time a Middle Eastern company has undertaken a project of this scale in the country’s energy and marine sector.

Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) awarded the contract to NMDC Energy and NMDC Dredging and Marine – the subsidiaries of NMDC Group. The two entities will collaborate on the design, construction, and installation of offshore pipelines in waters 10 to 55 meters deep, connecting Taichung and Tongxiao on Taiwan’s western coast.

The project involves extensive dredging, amounting to approximately 6 million cubic meters. The contract also includes connecting the pipeline from the shoreline to the offshore area, with an onshore section of approximately 1,000 meters.

NMDC expects the project to substantially boost its revenue and solidify its leadership in executing mega-projects both within and outside the UAE.

The group reported a 68 per cent increase in revenues and a 45 per cent rise in net profits for the nine months ending September 30, 2024, driven by a robust project pipeline, strategic and operational expansion across the group’s divisions, and NMDC Energy’s initial public offering on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.

Revenues rose to Dhs18.5bn compared to Dhs11bn for the same period a year ago, while its profit surged by 45 per cent to Dhs2.2bn.

Meanwhile, NMDC launched a new logistics and technical services business unit in December to manage and operate the group’s extensive marine support craft, technical expertise, and equipment. NMDC LTS aims to expand the group’s services further beyond supporting NMDC Group’s business units and reaching into the broader construction and industrial sectors.

Read: NMDC Group, Vingroup partner for coastal protection in Vietnam

Earlier this week at CES 2025, Nvidia unveiled a desktop computer called Project DIGITS.

The machine uses Nvidia‘s latest “Blackwell” AI chip and will cost $3,000. It contains a new central processor, or CPU, which Nvidia and MediaTek worked to create.

And Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang said on Tuesday that MediaTek will be able to sell the desktop central processor chip the two companies unveiled this week and that Nvidia has undisclosed plans for the chip.

Responding to an analyst’s question during an investor presentation, Huang said Nvidia tapped MediaTek to co-design an energy-efficient CPU that could be sold more widely.

“Now they could provide that to us, and they could keep that for themselves and serve the market. And so it was a great win-win,” Huang said.

Previously, Reuters reported that Nvidia was working on a CPU for personal computers to challenge the consumer and business computer market dominance of Intel, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Qualcomm.

The Project DIGITS computer is not yet a mass-market device. It runs a Linux-based operating system from Nvidia that is used by AI developers, and Huang told analysts those developers are Nvidia‘s target market with Project DIGITS.

But Huang said Nvidia has further plans for its desktop CPU but said he would “wait to tell you” what they are. “You know, obviously we have plans.”

Later in the question session, Huang said Nvidia believes it can bridge the gap between the Linux operating system that most AI developers use and Microsoft’s Windows, which is widely used by consumers, by using a Microsoft technology called Windows Subsystem for Linux that allows a single computer to use both systems.

“We’re going to make that a mainstream product,” Huang said. “We’ll support it with all the things that we do to support professional and high-quality software, and the PC (manufacturers) will make it available to end users.”

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the emirate’s position as a global aviation hub by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Keeta Drones.

The agreement focuses on advancing drone-based delivery services in Dubai, with an emphasis on ensuring the highest levels of safety and security in the skies, in line with local laws, regulations, and international standards.

The MoU was signed by Mohammed Abdullah Lengawi, director general of DCAA, and Dr Yinian Mao, chairman of Keeta Drones.

The collaboration will focus on three key areas: evaluating infrastructure requirements for designated drone operation zones, reviewing airspace needs, and addressing safety and security considerations to support efficient and secure drone deliveries across the city.

Lengawi highlighted the importance of the partnership in supporting Dubai’s ambitious vision for the future of aviation.

He stated, “This collaboration underscores DCAA’s commitment to realising Dubai’s leadership vision by enabling drone-based delivery services and providing innovative infrastructure that allows companies to test their solutions in a safe and model environment.”

He further emphasised the authority’s focus on creating a regulatory framework that enhances safety and security while promoting operational efficiency and investment.

Lengawi added, “The authority is dedicated to elevating airspace security and safety standards across Dubai, while creating a business-friendly environment that attracts foreign investments. Our goal is to leave a lasting impact on the future of the aviation industry, positioning Dubai as a leader in cutting-edge technologies.”

Keeta Drones will help expedite drone delivery routes

Dr Mao expressed enthusiasm about the long-term nature of the partnership, noting that the collaboration will help accelerate the company’s expansion in Dubai. “With DCAA’s support, Keeta Drones will be able to expedite the establishment of drone delivery routes across Dubai, expand our services, and explore innovative initiatives,” Mao said.

The MoU also emphasises the importance of joint coordination between DCAA and Keeta Drones to ensure the safe integration of drone operations within Dubai’s airspace.

Keeta Drones will operate within designated zones and adhere to all regulatory requirements set forth by the DCAA.

The authority will also support the company by facilitating communication with relevant government entities to establish new drone flight paths, helping to grow the low-altitude aviation sector in the emirate.

The collaboration further solidifies DCAA’s ongoing efforts to regulate drone operations in Dubai, contributing to the emirate’s broader goal of fostering innovative and secure transportation solutions.

Riyadh-headquartered The Arab Energy Fund (TAEF), formerly known as APICORP, has successfully led a consortium to acquire a 100 per cent stake in Metito Utilities, a global leader in sustainable water management solutions.

This acquisition underscores TAEF’s strategic commitment to advancing energy security, and sustainability and addressing water scarcity challenges across emerging markets.

The acquisition, which also includes growth capital for Metito, was completed in partnership with Zamil Group Investment Company and the Ghandour family.

This landmark deal enhances TAEF’s leadership in energy infrastructure and sustainable water solutions, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Metito Utilities, a pioneer in the water sector since 1958, specialises in the investment, development, operation, and maintenance of water and wastewater concessions, with a track record spanning over 35 successful projects globally.

Metito’s expertise includes first-of-their-kind public-private partnerships (PPPs) in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Rwanda, Serbia, and Qatar, among others.

The company’s continued focus on sustainability has positioned it as a key player in addressing the global water crisis.

Strategic milestone for TAEF

Khalid Ali Al-Ruwaigh, CEO of TAEF, described the acquisition as a pivotal moment in the fund’s mission to support sustainable infrastructure and energy value chains. “Water and energy are deeply interconnected,” he said. “This collaboration with Zamil Group Investment Company, the Ghandour family, and Metito’s team enables us to strengthen regional leadership in addressing water scarcity while delivering long-term value.”

TAEF’s acquisition further accelerates its push to address infrastructure challenges in water and wastewater management and expands its role as a leading impact investor in the region.

Abdullrahman K Al Zamil, president of Zamil Group Investment Company, emphasised the alignment between the acquisition and the group’s broader vision for business excellence with a meaningful impact. “Water security is fundamental to the future of our region,” he said. “This partnership with Metito Utilities reinforces our commitment to sustainable development and delivering proven water solutions to the communities and industries that need them most.”

Sustainable growth

Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities, reflected on the significance of the new partnership, which he believes marks the beginning of a new era for the company. “Our legacy of delivering innovative water solutions continues,” he said. “With the support of our new partners, we are poised to expand our impact and further drive water efficiency across emerging markets.”

The acquisition represents a significant step forward for Metito Utilities, ensuring continued growth and innovation in water management, while further enhancing its capacity to provide tailored, sustainable solutions to address global water insecurity.

The acquisition aligns with TAEF’s broader strategy to drive sustainable infrastructure development and measurable impact in the MENA region. The fund’s continued focus on energy and energy-adjacent sectors highlights its role as a preeminent impact investor, advancing both economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.

Under its new ownership, Metito Utilities is well-positioned to build on its legacy, pioneering new water solutions that promise to improve water access and efficiency across emerging markets worldwide.

The UAE is set to experience a shift in weather conditions, with rainfall, a drop in temperatures, and increased humidity forecast for Thursday and Friday.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), parts of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and other northern, eastern, and coastal areas can expect light to moderate rain, along with the formation of convective clouds.

Already, light rain was reported over parts of Abu Dhabi on Wednesday evening, including areas north of Razeen. Authorities have urged motorists to drive cautiously owing to slippery roads and to adhere to adjusted speed limits in rainy conditions.

Cooler weather and possible fog

The temperature is set to decline gradually across the country. The lowest temperature recorded early this morning was 6.1°C in Raknah, Al Ain, at 3:15am, while the highest reached 27°C at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport at 3pm.

Humidity is expected to rise overnight and into Friday morning, increasing the likelihood of mist or fog formation in some coastal and internal areas. The NCM has advised residents to be prepared for reduced visibility, especially during the early morning hours.

Winds and sea conditions

Northwesterly winds will persist, ranging between 10 to 25 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 40 km/h in exposed areas. These conditions may lead to dust and reduced visibility in some regions.

Mariners have been advised to exercise caution as sea conditions will be moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf by night, while the Oman Sea will remain slight to moderate.