World Cement Association Annual Conference 2026 to Convene

02 Mar 2026 CW Team

Discussions will include regional outlooks across Asia and Europe, regulatory developments including carbon border adjustment mechanisms in Europe, progress in China's carbon trading system, and market dynamics across Thailand and South East Asia. Industry experts will outline practical decarbonisation pathways that preserve competitiveness, including the use of alternative fuels, next-generation supplementary cementitious materials and calcined clay developments. Sessions will examine AI-enabled kiln optimisation and manufacturing optimisation to improve performance while reducing emissions.

The second day will address overcapacity and industry restructuring, using case studies and regional perspectives to provide delegates with practical insights into unlocking performance while accelerating decarbonisation. Topics will cover digital maturity, AI-driven plant operations, sustainable building solutions and circular concrete models, as well as evolving customer requirements across the construction value chain. The event will also feature the WCA Awards Ceremony on 20 April, which aims to recognise excellence in sustainability, innovation, safety and leadership across the global cement sector.

Registration is now open and tickets include admission to all sessions, refreshments and lunch, exhibition access and the Awards Gala Dinner. Further information on the programme is available via the WCA Annual Conference 2026 Event Page and enquiries regarding sponsorship or exhibition can be directed to the events email and phone contact provided by the association. The WCA said the conference will bring together leaders to exchange practical solutions and strengthen collaboration, supporting the sector's transition towards a sustainable and resilient future.

The World Cement Association will hold its 2026 Annual Conference from 19–21 April at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. The two-day conference will convene global cement industry leaders, policymakers, technology providers and stakeholders under the theme Shaping a sustainable future through digitisation, innovation and performance. Delegates will examine strategic, operational and sustainability challenges that are shaping the sector's next phase of transformation. The programme will open with a comprehensive assessment of the global economic environment and its impact on cement markets. Discussions will include regional outlooks across Asia and Europe, regulatory developments including carbon border adjustment mechanisms in Europe, progress in China's carbon trading system, and market dynamics across Thailand and South East Asia. Industry experts will outline practical decarbonisation pathways that preserve competitiveness, including the use of alternative fuels, next-generation supplementary cementitious materials and calcined clay developments. Sessions will examine AI-enabled kiln optimisation and manufacturing optimisation to improve performance while reducing emissions. The second day will address overcapacity and industry restructuring, using case studies and regional perspectives to provide delegates with practical insights into unlocking performance while accelerating decarbonisation. Topics will cover digital maturity, AI-driven plant operations, sustainable building solutions and circular concrete models, as well as evolving customer requirements across the construction value chain. The event will also feature the WCA Awards Ceremony on 20 April, which aims to recognise excellence in sustainability, innovation, safety and leadership across the global cement sector. Registration is now open and tickets include admission to all sessions, refreshments and lunch, exhibition access and the Awards Gala Dinner. Further information on the programme is available via the WCA Annual Conference 2026 Event Page and enquiries regarding sponsorship or exhibition can be directed to the events email and phone contact provided by the association. The WCA said the conference will bring together leaders to exchange practical solutions and strengthen collaboration, supporting the sector's transition towards a sustainable and resilient future.

Real Estate

20 Apr 2026

Vestian reports 36% drop in construction activity in Q1

Vestian reported a 36 per cent quarter-on-quarter decline in new office completions to 9.7 million sq ft in Q1 2026, marking the lowest level in the past four quarters amid the West Asia crisis.The slowdown was led by cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai, where developers adopted a cautious approach. Hyderabad saw the steepest drop, with completions falling 95 per cent to 0.3 million sq ft from 6.0 million sq ft in the previous quarter.Despite constrained supply, office absorption rose 20 per cent year-on-year to 21.53 million sq ft, driven by sustained demand from global capability ..

Real Estate

20 Apr 2026

fäm Properties reports 95% sales in Dubai 2026 supply

Data from DXBinteract shows that 41,015 of 43,217 units due this year have already been sold. Across the 2026–2029 pipeline, 71.45 per cent of 426,182 units have been committed, indicating sustained absorption levels.The analysis highlights strong demand across leading developers, with several reporting near or full sell-outs. Emaar and Meraas have sold over 99 per cent of their 2026 inventory, while Dubai Holding and Meydan projects are fully sold.Commenting on the trend, Firas Al Msaddi, CEO, fam Properties, said, “Dubai continues to demonstrate a level of forward demand that is structur..

Equipment

20 Apr 2026

EKKI Pumps launches Hori-Max sump pump range

EKKI Pumps has launched its Hori-Max range of horizontal multistage sump submersible pumps at Plumbex 2026 in Bengaluru.The new range, comprising Hori-Max S, Hori-Max SVR and Hori-Max M series, is designed for water transfer and boosting applications across residential, commercial, infrastructure and agricultural segments.The pumps feature a multistage horizontal design with high-efficiency components, including FG 250 cast iron diffusers and stainless steel impellers, enabling consistent pressure and improved hydraulic performance. A key capability is operation in shallow water conditions, wi..