Riyadh Resonance — Phoenix Contact Ignites Industrial Transformation

A Bold Entry into Saudi Arabia

Phoenix Contact is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming Industrial Transformation Exhibition, powered by Hannover Messe, taking place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center. This premier event brings together global leaders in industrial automation, electrification, and digitalization to shape the future of smart manufacturing. At Hall 1, Stand 1-349, Phoenix Contact will present its latest innovations designed to empower industries across the Kingdom. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore live demonstrations, engage with technical experts, and discover how Phoenix Contact's solutions support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its industrial transformation.

Moreover, "Our presence at this exhibition reflects our long-term commitment to the region," said Fahad Alotaibi, Managing Director at Phoenix Contact Trading LLC. From modular terminal blocks to open control systems and Ethernet-based automation, our portfolio is tailored to meet the evolving needs of installers, operators, and developers in Saudi Arabia. Phoenix Contact's participation is further strengthened by the recent establishment of Phoenix Contact Trading LLC in Riyadh, a strategic move to deepen local engagement and deliver customized solutions for infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing sectors.

Local Roots, Global Expertise

Phoenix Contact, a global leader in industrial automation and connectivity solutions, has established Phoenix Contact Trading LLC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a pivotal step in its strategic expansion across the Middle East. Founded in 2024, the new entity reinforces Phoenix Contact's commitment to supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and its broader economic and industrial transformation. Consequently, companies across Riyadh and beyond now gain faster access to tailored automation solutions and on-the-ground expertise.

Event Details: Location: Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center Dates: 1–3 December 2025 Opening Ceremony: December 1, 2025: 04:00 p.m. - 09:30 p.m. (Subject to change) Show Opening Hours: December 02 - 03: 01:00 p.m. - 09.30 p.m. (Subject to change) Stand: Hall 1, Stand 1-349. For more information and to register, visit Phoenix Contact Saudi Arabia. Finally, attendees should plan to visit the stand early, because hands-on demos and expert dialogue will fill each day.

Anchoring Ambitions: JBR’s Bold Expansion into Dubai's Maritime Future

Setting Sail into New Horizons

Amid a rapidly evolving M&A and corporate finance landscape, JBR is charting a bold course forward with the opening of a new office in the **United Arab Emirates (UAE)**. Nestled in the heart of **Dubai**, this strategic expansion comes through a partnership with industry veteran **Martin Helweg** of the Helweg Group. Helweg will serve as Partner of **JBR UAE**, guiding its local strategy and connecting it to global possibilities.  

This exciting move marks a new chapter in the growth of **JBR's Maritime & Offshore cluster**. As Dubai’s skyline continues to symbolize ambition and opportunity, its position as a global maritime hub becomes increasingly vital. The UAE is now a bridge between East and West, making it the perfect anchor for JBR’s expansion. With the Dubai office, JBR strengthens its global presence while positioning itself to serve clients at the forefront of maritime trade, offshore operations, and sustainable energy investments. 

Building Bridges Across Oceans

“Many of our clients are turning their focus to the Middle East and Asia,” says **Ronald van Rijn**, Managing Partner of JBR. This observation reflects a growing shift in global business dynamics. At the same time, interest from these regions towards Europe creates a strong flow of opportunities in both directions. By establishing its Dubai office, JBR is cementing itself as a trusted advisor capable of navigating these cross-market currents.  

Rick ter Maat, Partner and Head of the Maritime & Offshore cluster, emphasizes the rapid evolution of the M&A market in the region. JBR’s team is already advising on significant transactions such as the successful process between **Seacontractors** and **Jifmar**. Operating from Dubai allows JBR to offer local expertise on strategic decisions, mergers and acquisitions, and vessel financing — all while forging fresh partnerships in the region’s vibrant maritime sector.  

A Wave of Global Collaboration

Martin Helweg sees the Dubai expansion as more than a physical move; it’s a powerful step toward sustainable value creation in an ever-changing world. By blending JBR’s international experience with deep-rooted maritime insights, the UAE office becomes an epicenter of innovation.  

Furthermore, the Dubai team will work closely with JBR’s Netherlands and Belgium offices. This combination of headquarters-led expertise and on-the-ground presence ensures a seamless connection across continents. Several colleagues will relocate to Dubai to strengthen collaboration, ensuring that clients across Maritime & Offshore and Ports & Terminals feel the full impact of JBR’s commitment. 

With its bold leap into Dubai, JBR is not just opening a new office — it’s opening doors to limitless maritime and offshore opportunities. This move signals resilience, foresight, and a commitment to creating sustainable value worldwide.  

Steel Meets Sunshine: Bahrain’s Bold Leap into the Future

A Vision Forged in Light

In **MANAMA, Bahrain**, a new chapter in industrial history unfolds. **Foulath Holding**, the powerhouse behind **Bahrain Steel** and **SULB**, has joined forces with **Yellow Door Energy**, the Middle East and Africa's leading sustainable energy developer, for a truly groundbreaking sustainability initiative. Together, they are set to develop a massive **123-Megawatt-Peak (MWp)** solar project under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) — one of the largest of its kind in the world.  

At the heart of this monumental feat is the **world’s largest single-site rooftop solar power plant**, boasting an impressive **50 MWp** capacity. Imagine **77,000 gleaming solar panels** stretched across a sprawling **262,000-square-meter stockyard shed**, turning steel production into a cleaner, greener process. This visionary project was proudly announced at the **Gateway Gulf Forum**, hosted by the **Bahrain Economic Development Board** at the Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain Bay — a gathering of global industrial innovators, policymakers, and investors.  

More Than Power: A Commitment to the Planet

This initiative is not just about energy — it’s about responsibility 🌍. **H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif**, Minister of Sustainable Development, emphasized Bahrain’s leadership in clean technology, highlighting the nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its ambitious **Net Zero 2060 target**. Her remarks capture the spirit of a country determined to merge innovation with sustainability.  

For **Foulath Holding’s Chairman, Meshary Al-Judaimi**, the solar project continues a long-standing pledge, backed by USD 250 million invested in sustainability projects over recent years. The move aligns industrial ambitions with environmental protection, setting a precedent for steelmakers worldwide. As **Sherif ElKholy** of **Actis** noted, this initiative proves that cost-competitive clean energy is not just possible — it’s transformative, and it’s capable of decarbonizing even the most energy-intensive industries.  

Ripples of Change Across the Gulf

In its first year, the solar plant will generate **200 million kilowatt-hours (kWh)** of clean electricity, reducing **90,000 metric tons** of carbon emissions — a remarkable stride toward a greener Bahrain. With over **189,900 high-efficiency panels** spanning more than **707,000 square meters**, this engineering marvel will inspire similar initiatives across the Gulf and beyond.  

From rooftop solar arrays to ground-mounted installations, the project stands as a beacon for future industrial sustainability. It’s more than an achievement; it’s a clear signal that Bahrain, driven by innovators like Foulath Holding and Yellow Door Energy, is ready to redefine the very fabric of its industrial identity.