NEOM Investment Fund Ventures into Automated Robotic Technology for Construction Projects

The agreement aims to accelerate the delivery of the region’s expansive capital project program through the use of construction robotics - SPA
The agreement aims to accelerate the delivery of the region’s expansive capital project program through the use of construction robotics - SPA
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NEOM Investment Fund Ventures into Automated Robotic Technology for Construction Projects

The agreement aims to accelerate the delivery of the region’s expansive capital project program through the use of construction robotics - SPA
The agreement aims to accelerate the delivery of the region’s expansive capital project program through the use of construction robotics - SPA

NEOM has signed a landmark investment agreement with GMT Robotics, one of Europe’s emerging innovators in advanced construction technology.
Spearheaded by the NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), NEOM’s strategic investment arm, the agreement aims to accelerate the delivery of the region’s expansive capital project program through the use of construction robotics. The initiative underscores NEOM’s position as a pioneer in modern construction techniques, including automation, SPA reported.
NEOM Investment Fund CEO Majid Mufti commented that “our investment in GMT Robotics reflects NEOM’s commitment to driving transformative technologies that will unlock next-generation industries. By localizing this advanced technology, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable development, high-skilled jobs, and the growth of commercially viable sectors. It is through partnerships like these that NIF will turn visionary goals into reality and establish NEOM as a global hub for innovation.”
Bandar Ashrour, Sector Head of Design and Construction at NEOM, emphasized the importance of the collaboration by saying: “Enabling construction technology start-ups to align with NEOM’s ambitions is fundamental to what we do. GMT’s agility and expertise in harnessing robotics for construction bring unparalleled efficiency, consistency, and sustainability. We look forward to a dynamic collaboration that paves the way for a safer and more sustainable next generation of NEOM-built assets.”
GMT Robotics, based in Copenhagen, specializes in robotic technology tailored specifically to the rebar market. The company’s robotic rebar cage assembly and handling systems deliver significant advancements in efficiency and workplace safety for the construction industry. By reducing onsite workforce requirements by an average of 90% through offsite prefabrication, GMT Robotics enhances productivity while maintaining high safety standards.
The partnership will localize this technology, with rebar cages produced in NEOM-based factories. It also opens new opportunities for Saudi engineers to leverage robotics in other construction applications.
With the global construction robotics market valued at $168.2 million in 2022 and expected to reach $774.6 million by 2032—a growth of over 360% in 10 years—the benefits of robotics applications within the construction sector are extensive. These include enhanced task efficiency, reduced operating costs, improved health and safety, and greater design flexibility.
The partnership marks another milestone in NIF’s series of strategic investments. It reflects the Fund’s commitment to supporting NEOM’s sector strategy by enabling innovative technologies, establishing new businesses, and creating job opportunities to support NEOM’s growing economy.



Meta Adds Three Board Members Including UFC Boss Dana White, Key Figure in Trump's Orbit

Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship gestures as he speaks during a rally for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, in New York, U.S., October 27, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship gestures as he speaks during a rally for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, in New York, U.S., October 27, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
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Meta Adds Three Board Members Including UFC Boss Dana White, Key Figure in Trump's Orbit

Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship gestures as he speaks during a rally for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, in New York, U.S., October 27, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship gestures as he speaks during a rally for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, in New York, U.S., October 27, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo

Meta has appointed three new members to its board of directors, including Dana White, the president and CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship and a key figure in the orbit of incoming President Donald Trump.

The social media company, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, is also adding auto tycoon John Elkann and tech investor Charlie Songhurst, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a Facebook post late Monday.

White's ties with Trump date back to 2001, when White hosted a UFC at the Republican's former casino-hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the Trump Taj Mahal. Trump has also appeared with White at UFC matches over the years, especially in his 2024 campaign as part of efforts to appeal to younger male voters.

White, in turn, has had speaking roles at the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Republican conventions and appeared on stage at Trump’s election victory party in November, even speaking briefly to the crowd.

White has built UFC “into one of the most valuable, fastest growing, and most popular sports enterprises in the world,” Zuckerberg said. “I’ve admired him as an entrepreneur and his ability to build such a beloved brand.”

Zuckerberg is also active in mixed martial arts. Zuckerberg and fellow billionaire Elon Musk seemingly agreed to fight in a “cage match” in 2023, but it never happened.

Elkann, another person joining Meta's board, is the CEO of Exor, a Netherlands-based investment company, and chairman of its two auto companies, Stellantis and Ferrari.

Zuckerberg said Elkann has "deep experience running large global businesses and he brings an international perspective to our board."

Songhurst previously worked at Microsoft and joined began advising Meta last year on artificial intelligence.