KEZAD Group And NMDC Energy To Establish Dh367 Million Manufacturing Hub In Abu Dhabi

In a landmark deal poised to significantly bolster the UAE's marine and industrial sectors, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group and NMDC Energy, a subsidiary of National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC), have inked a 50-year lease agreement. This collaboration is set to usher in the establishment of a new Dh367 million ($100 million) manufacturing facility within KEZAD, sprawling across 224,000 square meters and dedicated to modular fabrication. This strategic move is anticipated to infuse the regional oil and gas sector with numerous advantages, including cutting-edge engineering, procurement, project management, and commissioning services.

According to Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO of KEZAD Group, this venture aligns with the UAE's ambitious objectives to enhance its energy, logistics, and marine engineering services. It underscores KEZAD's commitment to propelling the growth of the nation's marine sector and the expansion of national assets like NMDC in Abu Dhabi. Ahmed Al Dhaheri, CEO of NMDC Energy, highlighted the partnership as a pivotal step towards reinforcing the UAE's industrial expansion and innovation, reflecting the nation's vision to emerge as a leading global industrial hub.

The introduction of this facility not only promises to deliver world-class services to project owners and operators but is also expected to generate approximately 3,000 new jobs, significantly contributing to the UAE's economic development. NMDC Energy is no stranger to the industrial scene in Abu Dhabi, currently operating advanced fabrication facilities capable of producing up to 100,000 tonnes of structural steel annually over a 1.3 million square meter area. Furthermore, the company is enhancing its capabilities with a new fabrication yard in Ras Al Khair Port, Saudi Arabia. This new yard, covering 450,000 square metres, aims to boost its capacity by 60,000 tonnes per year by 2026.

The partnership between KEZAD Group and NMDC Energy not only signifies a substantial investment in the UAE's industrial infrastructure but also showcases the nation's dedication to advancing its sectoral capabilities. NMDC's fleet of 22 offshore vessels, equipped with facilities to support both shallow and deep-water operations, exemplifies the technical excellence and operational capacity that this new venture will further cultivate. Capable of lifting structures up to 4,200 tonnes and laying subsea cables and pipelines up to 66 inches in diameter in depths ranging from 10 to 2,000 metres, NMDC's operational prowess is set to be significantly amplified by the establishment of this new facility in KEZAD, marking a new era of industrial and maritime development in the UAE.