Recent developments
AI-Energy Alignment
At the ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi, leaders outlined AI-driven energy demand and infrastructure priorities. Ahead of ADIPEC, ADNOC, Masdar, XRG, and Microsoft announced a strategic agreement to scale generative AI, upskilling, and innovation across ADNOC’s value chain. A separate report by ADNOC and Microsoft found 88% of leaders see AI as essential, with cybersecurity the top concern. The ENACT Majlis convening, hosted by ADNOC with government and supermajor leaders, preceded ADIPEC.
Robotics Deployment
ADNOC and Gecko Robotics signed three agreements to deploy inspection robots, AI analytics, and training, including AIQ’s multi‑year rollout of the Cantilever operating system at ADNOC Gas assets. The scope includes potential UAE manufacturing of robotic systems and talent programs with the ADNOC Technical Academy.
Industrial AI Solutions
Siemens and Capgemini committed to AI‑native solutions integrating industrial software, automation, and digital twins to address IT/OT convergence. Service providers refined operating models, with Worley creating a Chief AI and Enterprise Services Officer to centralize digital, transformation, and risk functions. Operational emissions monitoring advanced through Worley’s EmissionsView platform for gas and LNG clients, recognized in AFR’s innovation ranking.
Biotech And AI
Biotech-enabled sourcing gained traction as Symrise invested in Cellibre to access fermentation technologies for taste and cosmetic actives and bolster supply resilience. Scale and reliability in biologics manufacturing were highlighted by WuXi Biologics’ customer value leadership recognition, underscoring accelerated IND timelines and high success rates. AI in healthcare procedures expanded with Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s Polyphonic AI Fund for Surgery, supporting multimodal applications with NVIDIA and AWS partners.
Performance And Resets
Symrise reported 1.4% organic growth in Q3 and advanced its ONE SYM transformation, including cost savings and debt refinancing via an €800 million Eurobond. Kemira maintained a 20.0% EBITDA margin despite lower revenues, partnered with CuspAI on PFAS material discovery, acquired Water Engineering, Inc., and planned an activated carbon reactivation plant in Sweden. In dental materials, Kulzer reorganized to focus on EMEA and the Americas, consolidated artificial teeth production in Germany, and applied digital customer trend analysis to strengthen sales.
Materials Portfolio Moves
In building materials, Holcim agreed to acquire Xella to expand walling systems under its NextGen Growth 2030 strategy.