Emirates Aluminium leads diversification towards Abu Dhabi 2030 economic vision
The journey towards fulfilment of the Abu Dhabi 2030 economic vision is focused, with many targets along the way that require commitment from the public and private sectors. Recognising economic diversification as a fundamental driver in shaping its future, Abu Dhabi finds new champions in local businesses that showcase the emirate's strength in non-oil industries.
Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) has risen among the strongest industrial projects of the economic vision, representing the metals sector that the government foresees playing a leading role in Abu Dhabi's transformation. EMAL is a collaborative effort between Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL), one of the world's largest aluminium smelters, and Mubadala Development Company, owned by the Abu Dhabi government. Positioned as a key component for diversification and industrialisation, it is an important strategic initiative not only for Abu Dhabi but also for Dubai and the entire United Arab Emirates.
The company is focusing on aluminium in response to the surging demand for the metal, which has strong, lightweight and recyclable characteristics that make it indispensable. From cars to aircraft, windows to medical equipment, aluminium is an integral part of everyday lives. Therefore, it is expected to be one of the most sought-after metals within the next decade, when global demand is forecast to exceed 70 million metric tonnes. The UAE contributed a major portion of the 3.6 million tonnes produced by Gulf smelters last year. This figure is projected to reach 5 million tonnes over the next three years.
EMAL's product portfolio includes pure ingots for remelting; high-purity ingots mainly used in electronics; extrusion billets for construction and transportation applications; foundry ingots used in the automotive sector; and sheet ingots that are primarily destined for the packaging industry, lithographic sheets and the automotive industry.
"EMAL is proud of the role it plays in supporting the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision," says president and CEO Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei. "We optimise the UAE's natural resources to produce primary aluminium that is used by companies globally. We create jobs and encourage the professional development and education of our people."
The EMAL aluminium smelter complex has been producing 750,000 tonnes of aluminium annually since it completed the first phase of its two-phase project in 2010. It supplies more than 200 customers in 36 countries with high-quality ISO 9000-certified aluminium, which is available as sow, standard ingots, sheet ingots, extrusion billets and foundry ingots.
