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In a statement posted on the Dubai Financial Market website in response to ongoing regional events, ALEC Holdings (ALEC) reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding its workforce and delivering on the best interests of its clients.

Following regional escalations, the company confirmed it had implemented a temporary work-from-home policy across its operations in the UAE. It also said its operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remained fully operational during this period.

“Our priority is, and always will be, the safety and security of our workforce. We are immensely grateful to our clients for their steadfast support during this period. That trust has been built over decades of delivering on our promises, and it is something we value deeply. We remain focused on transparency and close collaboration, working hand in hand with our clients and partners to safeguard everyone’s best interests and ensure safety across all our sites and offices,” stated Barry Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of ALEC Holdings.

ALEC said it resumed on-site and in-office operations across its UAE projects from Wednesday 4 March, in close coordination with clients to ensure a prompt and safe return to full-scale activity.

In addition, the company said it is committed to holding its first Annual General Assembly Meeting post listing as intended on Tuesday 24 March, 2026, in line with regulatory guidelines.

Lewis added, “Our significant investments in digital collaboration platforms, workforce management systems and enhanced security protocols have been tried and tested across our operations. These capabilities continue to play a pivotal role in keeping our projects on track while protecting our people. We remain confident in the resilience of our operations and in our ability to adapt responsibly to changing circumstances.”

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A fire broke out in Fujairah’s Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) early on 3 March, which was caused by debris falling due to drone interceptions by the UAE’s air defenses.

The Media Office responded to concerns about loud sounds heard across various parts of the city, and stated that relevant authorities had responded to the blaze and brought it under control.

No injuries were reported during the incident, and normal operations in the affected area have since resumed, the Media Office said.

The authorities also urged the public to seek information from official state sources and to refrain from spreading rumors or unverified information. Meanwhile, relevant teams are continuing to monitor the situation and taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

This is the first such incident reported in Fujairah. Ras Al Khaimah authorities also reported a drone debris falling incident in a residential area for the first time on 2 March.

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Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) data centre in the UAE reported an interruption in services from 1 March, after debris from an aerial interception struck the facility and started a fire.

The company said on their health dashboard at 5:19pm UAE time on 1 Marh that connectivity and power issues had affected APIs and instances in a single Availability Zone (mec1-az2) in the ME-CENTRAL-1 Region due to a power issue.

According to a report, in an update at 9:41pm UAE time, they then said, “At around 4:30am PST (4:30pm UAE time), one of our Availability Zones (mec1-az2) was impacted by objects that struck the data centre, creating sparks and fire. The fire department shut off power to the facility and generators as they worked to put out the fire.”

“We are still awaiting permission to turn the power back on, and once we have, we will ensure we restore power and connectivity safely. It will take several hours to restore connectivity to the impacted AZ. The other AZs in the region are functioning normally,” AWS explained.

In their next update, AWS said, “We are aware that some customers are experiencing errors when calling EC2 APIs, specifically networking related APIs (AllocateAddress, AssociateAddress, DescribeRouteTable, DescribeNetworkInterfaces). We are actively working on multiple paths to mitigate these issues.”

At 6:01am UAE time on 2 March, the company said, “For customers that can, we recommend using alternate Availability Zones or other AWS Regions where applicable.”

Their 2 March 9:59am UAE time update then stated, “We are investigating additional connectivity issues and error rates in the ME-CENTRAL-1 Region.”

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PureHealth and Yellow Door Energy have signed a master lease agreement to bring clean electricity to its network of hospitals and clinics in the UAE.

The 25-year agreement strengthens operational efficiency, improves long-term cost predictability and embeds sustainability into long-term asset planning. The on-site solar power plants are expected to generate approximately 23.5mn kWh of clean electricity annually – equal to reducing carbon emissions by 7,200t – to further align with the UAE’s national Net Zero by 2050 Strategy.

Leya Al Damani, Chief Sustainability Officer at PureHealth said, “This partnership sets a new benchmark for sustainable healthcare and reflects our responsibility to reduce the healthcare sector’s environmental footprint. By combining resilient infrastructure and reliable power we’re making our hospitals and clinics more operationally efficient to deliver uninterrupted, high-quality patient care. As we work towards Net Zero by 2040, this project forms a core component of the Smart Facilities and Operations pillar, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing cleaner, more resilient energy systems.”

Jeremy Crane, Group CEO of Yellow Door Energy said, “We are honoured to partner with PureHealth to bring clean electricity to its extensive network of hospitals and clinics across the UAE. Healthcare plays a vital role in societal well-being, and powering these essential facilities with clean energy supports both environmental sustainability and long-term operational resilience. With more than 1.1TWh of clean electricity generated from our operating projects, Yellow Door Energy has the expertise to deliver multi-site solutions under master lease agreements. We look forward to supporting PureHealth in accelerating its Net Zero by 2040 commitment and contributing to the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy.”

Under the master lease agreement, Yellow Door Energy is responsible for financing, designing, constructing, commissioning, operating, and maintaining the solar power plants across PureHealth’s UAE healthcare assets. The solar leasing model enables PureHealth to benefit from clean energy and advance its Net Zero by 2040 ambition and reinforces the group’s commitment to building a smarter, more sustainable healthcare system aligned with the UAE’s national priorities for energy efficiency, digital transformation and climate action.

This partnership reflects a broader shift toward integrated sustainability in healthcare, where clean energy, operational efficiency, and patient-centric care come together to support healthier communities and a more sustainable future, the statement concluded.

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ACWA has announced the appointment of Dr. Samir J. Serhan as CEO effective 1 March 2026. The Board of Directors of the Saudi-listed company made this appointment as part of a planned and structured leadership transition and succession process overseen by the company’s Board Nomination and Remuneration Committee.

The Board and the former CEO Marco Arcelli agreed to implement the planned succession process to ensure continuity and stability. The company’s long-term direction remains unchanged, said a statement.

Since joining ACWA last year as President of Saudi Arabia and Middle East, Dr. Serhan has worked closely with the leadership team and is fully prepared to assume this new responsibility. Previously Dr. Serhan was COO of the US-based company Air Products where he had global responsibility for the company’s operational business and project execution with P&L accountability for the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India. He also led functions including technology, global engineering, manufacturing, and equipment at Air Products. Earlier in his career he was President, Hydrogen for Praxair.

For 14 years prior, he worked for the Linde Group in leadership positions in the US and Germany, culminating in his role as MD, Linde Engineering. Dr. Serhan brings more than 3 decades of global leadership experience across large-scale industrial and infrastructure organisations, with a strong track record in driving operational transformation, strengthening institutional capability, and delivering disciplined and profitable growth in complex, capital-intensive environments.

Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ACWA said, “ACWA stands today as a Saudi national champion and a global leader in renewable energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen, and our position continues to strengthen. We are grateful for Marco’s leadership in advancing ACWA’s strategy and accelerating our growth trajectory. This structured leadership transition reflects the strength of our governance and the maturity of our business platform. Our strategic direction remains clear and unchanged. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Samir Serhan to his new role as CEO of ACWA.”

Dr. Serhan noted, “Everyday affords us new opportunities to help our customers and meet pressing energy and water needs around the world. I’m honored to lead ACWA at a pivotal moment as the company accelerates profitable global growth in renewable energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen solutions – including advancing green hydrogen to decarbonise heavy industries — to deliver scalable, sustainable impact worldwide. I look forward to working with our talented ACWA teams around the globe to build on the progress we have achieved and shape the next chapter of our journey.”

Marco Arcelli, the outgoing CEO of ACWA concluded, “Over the past 3 years, ACWA’s portfolio has doubled in size, and we are on track to double it again by 2030, scaling both our footprint and our impact. ACWA now produces around 25% of the world’s desalinated seawater. We have expanded into new markets, including Azerbaijan, China, Kuwait, and Senegal, while advancing energy export opportunities from Saudi Arabia, and cementing our leadership in green molecules. What we have achieved reflects the scale of our ambition, the discipline of our execution, the dedication of our people, and the trust of our partners.”

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DP World has confirmed that all of its terminals at Jebel Ali Port are fully functional, after there was a temporary suspension due to ongoing developments in the region.

The statement follows a report from Bloomberg that stated operations at the Dubai port had been halted briefly as a safety measure.

A spokesperson from DP World confirmed all operations have resumed across all terminals following the temporary halt.

Previously there was a fire due to falling debris from an interception. According to DP World, Civil Defence quickly contained the blaze, and the port returned to functioning normally soon after.

Jebel Ali Port is a key trade gateway for Dubai and the Middle East. It handles millions of containers annually and is a critical part of the global supply chain, DP World said.

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The RTA has awarded a contract for Phase II of the Hessa Street development project. The project spans the 3km corridor between Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. It includes upgrading 3 major intersections by constructing bridges extending 8,835m and a 480m tunnel, as well as improvements to entry and exit points along several connecting roads.

The project will increase Hessa Street’s capacity by 100%, from 4,000 vehicles per hour to 8,000 vehicles per hour. It will serve 10 residential and development areas and benefit approximately 650,000 residents, while reducing journey time from 24 minutes to 5 minutes.

The RTA said it will open Phase I of the Hessa Street Development in April, including completed bridges, upgraded intersections, and dedicated cycling tracks.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA said, “Phase II of Hessa Street Development complements Phase I, which will be fully completed in the first quarter of 2026.”

He explained, “Phase II extends along Hessa Street from Al Khail Road to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and includes upgrading Al Khail Road–Hessa Street interchange through expanding Hessa Street from 2-lanes to 4-lanes in each direction. The scope also includes constructing grade-separated collector roads to accommodate loop movements, a 2-lane second-level direct ramp serving traffic from Hessa Street to Al Khail Road towards Abu Dhabi, and a third-level 2-lane flyover facilitating traffic from Al Khail Road to Hessa Street in the direction of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.”

“The total length of bridges reaches 2,215m, with the upgraded interchange expected to accommodate 18,200 vehicles per hour. The project further provides for a 525m, 2-lane braided ramp to eliminate traffic overlap between Al Khail Road and Al Khamila Street. The ramp will accommodate about 2,800 vehicles per hour.”

He further commented, “The project also includes upgrading Al Khamila Street junction with Al Khail Road and Al Asayel Street. Works comprise a 1,650m second-level directional ramp serving traffic from Al Khamila Street to Al Khail Road towards Sharjah, with a 2-lane capacity.”

“Works include constructing a 780m bridge providing entry to and exit from Al Khamila Street to Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), with 3-lanes in each direction, in addition to elevated link ramps extending 1,050m to serve traffic movements from Al Khamila Street to Al Khail Road towards Abu Dhabi. The upgraded junction will accommodate approximately 16,800 vehicles per hour.”

“The scope also includes a 885m long direct elevated ramp with a 2-lane capacity serving traffic from Hessa Street to Al Barsha South 1. In addition, a 1,050m second-level direct directional 2-lane ramp facilitates traffic from JVC towards Al Barsha South. The upgraded intersection will accommodate approximately 11,200 vehicles per hour. A 680m directional 2-lane ramp from JVC to Hessa Street in the direction of Al Khail Road will generate a capacity of 16,800 vehicles per hour,” Al Tayer added.

“Works also include constructing a 480m, 2-lane tunnel serving traffic from JVC towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and widening Al Hadaeq Street from its intersection with Hessa Street to its junction at the entrance of Dubai Science Park, extending 2.5km. The corridor will be upgraded to a dual carriageway with 3-lanes in each direction. All existing roundabouts will be converted into signalised intersections with an estimated capacity of 4,400 vehicles per hour.”

The project also covers a 10.4km cycling and e-scooter track linking Dubai Hills and Dubai Motor City, serving several residential and development areas, including Al Barsha South, Arjan, Dubai Science Park, and Motor City.

Al Tayer continued, “The roads covered under Phase II of Hessa Street Development currently accommodate approximately half a million trips per day. The upgrade works increase road capacity by 100%, from 4,000 vehicles per hour in each direction to 8,000 vehicles per hour in each direction, while reducing journey time from 24 minutes to 5 minutes. The project serves 10 key residential and development areas, including JVC, Arjan, Dubai Science Park, Al Barsha South, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Jumeirah Islands, Barsha Heights, The Greens, and Emirates Hills. The total number of beneficiaries is estimated at approximately 650,000 residents.”

Phase I of Hessa Street Development included the upgrade of 4 major intersections along Hessa Street, namely at Sheikh Zayed Road, First Al Khail Street, Al Asayel Street, and Al Khail Road. Hessa Street expanded from 2-lanes to 4-lanes in each direction, doubling the capacity to 8,000 vehicles per hour, in addition to a 13.5km cycling track.

In December 2024, RTA opened a key 2-lane bridge extending 1,000m as part of Phase I. The structure serves traffic movements from Hessa Street to Al Khail Road, providing free-flow connectivity towards the city centre and Dubai International Airport, reducing travel time between the 2 corridors from 15 minutes to 3 minutes.

Works are currently underway at Hessa Street–First Al Khail Street intersection, including widening the existing Hessa Street bridge from 3-lanes to 4-lanes in each direction, alongside traffic enhancements at the signalised at-grade junction.

In parallel, works continue at Hessa Street – Al Asayel Street intersection, where the existing bridge is being expanded from 2-lanes in each direction to 4-lanes in each direction along Hessa Street. The scope also includes traffic upgrades to the signal-controlled at-grade junction.

Phase I also delivers a 13.5km dedicated cycling and e-scooter track along Hessa Street, linking Al Sufouh and Dubai Hills. The corridor serves several residential districts, including Al Barsha and Barsha Heights, and enhances first- and last-mile connectivity through integration with Dubai Internet City Metro Station, in addition to surrounding commercial and service destinations.

The track features two architecturally distinctive cycling and pedestrian bridges. The first spans Sheikh Zayed Road, while the second crosses Al Khail Road. Each bridge has a width of 5m, comprising 3m for cycling and e-scooter use and 2m for pedestrian movement.

The project enhances first- and last-mile connectivity through integration with Dubai Internet City Metro Station and nearby commercial and service destinations. The track has an estimated capacity of approximately 5,200 users per hour.

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AD Ports Group has confirmed that all operations across its clusters continue as normal in light of current regional developments.

As a precautionary measure, the group says it has activated its crisis management and business continuity protocols, in coordination with the concerned authorities in the UAE to safeguard its workforce, partners and stakeholders, while ensuring uninterrupted services to customers.

All UAE ports and terminals managed and operated by the group’s Ports Cluster, in addition to related services remain fully operational. 

As traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has declined, a corresponding reduction in vessel calls at Khalifa Port is anticipated. However, services at Khalifa Port will remain fully operational and uninterrupted. The group said it expects increased volumes across its diversified global maritime network as a result of shifting trading routes due to the evolving regional developments. 

Across the group’s Maritime and Shipping Cluster, the majority of its 122 shipping vessels including container, bulk, Ro-Ro, and multipurpose vessels are operating outside the Strait of Hormuz. Those currently within the Strait continue to operate intra-Gulf services. Overall, the impact on the Maritime and Shipping Cluster is expected to be limited. The group’s Economic Cities and Free Zones and Logistics Clusters are likewise expected to experience limited impact. 

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, MD and Group CEO of AD Ports Group said, “Global trade has historically demonstrated resilience during periods of geopolitical tension. Through disciplined execution, operational excellence and proactive risk management, AD Ports Group remains well positioned to support supply chain stability and uphold its commitments to customers across its global network, in line with vision with our wise leadership.”

As a diversified global trade enabler with an integrated international portfolio, AD Ports Group continues to closely monitor geopolitical developments and assess any potential implications for maritime routes, supply chains, and global trade flows. The group said it will provide further market updates as the situation evolves.

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Etihad Rail said that it has operated a special passenger train, as part of its trial runs on the route connecting Al Ghuwaifat station on the Saudi border and Al Faya station in Abu Dhabi. Over 350 passengers were transported ahead of the passenger services’ official launch, in light of flight suspensions due to the ongoing regional developments and its impact on air travel.

The passenger service was due to officially launch later in 2026 with the company saying that journey times between Dubai and Abu Dhabi were expected to be 57 minutes, while the time to travel between Abu Dhabi and Ruwais and Abu Dhabi and Fujairah would be 70 minutes and 105 minutes respectively. When fully launched the passenger service would connect 11 cities with trains travelling up to 200km/h, with each train able to carry 400 passengers.

The trial run was said to demonstrate the continuity of vital services and provides safe, reliable transport alternatives, guided by continuous risk assessment and evolving circumstances, said Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network.

Additional services are said to have been scheduled and operations will continue as required until air traffic resumes and flights return to normal schedules, according to a report.

According to Etihad Rail, the move is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen preparedness and enhance response efficiency in light of the current regional situation, and in direct coordination with the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC).

Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, Director-General of ADCMC, emphasised that the development and readiness of transport options are a key component of the comprehensive response ecosystem. He noted all developments are managed within clear governance frameworks and integrated coordination mechanisms across vital sectors, ensuring rapid adaptation and the efficient use of resources.

He added the flexibility of the transport sector is vital to societal stability, as it is directly linked to the continuity of essential services. He affirmed that the centre will continue to monitor developments and analyse relevant indicators around the clock to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s preparedness and reinforce public confidence in the effectiveness of the response ecosystem.

According to Etihad Rail, the link between the two stations is strategically significant, as it enhances the geographical connection between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and supports the smooth flow of movement to and from key ports. It facilitates mobility for both nationals and residents and enables the relevant authorities to activate alternative routes in line with approved response plans.

The operation of this route is part of a broader package of operational and proactive measures implemented in coordination between the centre and the relevant authorities. These measures are designed to ensure the integration of roles and to strengthen logistical security, in line with business continuity plans and multi-scenario risk management frameworks, it added.

Eng. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail said, “The operation of passenger services between Al Ghuwaifat and Al Faya as part of the trial demonstrates the readiness and flexibility of the UAE’s national railway network, which is designed to ensure the continuity of vital services in all circumstances. This initiative follows the directives of our wise leadership to strengthen the national transport ecosystem and enhance its strategic role in supporting society, under the ongoing guidance of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail.”

He continued, “We are proud to support the joint response efforts led by the relevant authorities, providing safe, reliable, and well-organised transport solutions at a time when the continuity of the national transport ecosystem is crucial. Our teams continue to work closely with government partners to maintain sustainable operations and deliver dependable transport services, enhancing traffic flow and supporting the readiness of the national transport ecosystem.”

Etihad Rail said the operation of the route reflects a proactive institutional approach based on advance planning and the timely activation of alternative options when required. This strengthens infrastructure resilience and enhances the emirate’s ability to respond effectively to changing circumstances. The operation of the route is also said to demonstrate that Abu Dhabi’s response framework goes beyond preventive measures and field coordination. It includes timely operational decisions that enhance service efficiency and ensure the smooth flow of movement in different circumstances.

This step illustrates how risk assessments are translated into practical solutions that support vital sectors. It also strengthens Abu Dhabi’s ability to manage developments effectively, maintain service continuity, and reinforce infrastructure readiness, said the company.

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