UAE's First High-Temperature Materials Research Initiative Launched By Mubadala, EGA, Partners

Mubadala Investment Company, together with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the leading industrial entity in the UAE, Strata Manufacturing Company, and Khalifa University of Science and Technology, have embarked on a pioneering journey to establish the nation's inaugural national laboratory and research initiative focusing on high-temperature materials.

This collaborative effort aims to create a hub for both academic and industrial research within the UAE, eliminating the need to conduct such studies abroad. This initiative is not only a step towards enhancing the country's research capabilities but also aligns with the broader vision of fostering innovation and technological advancement.

Located at the main campus of Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, this cutting-edge facility is set to significantly bolster research on high-temperature materials within the UAE. The initiative underscores a commitment to developing strategic partnerships between academia and industry, focusing on collaborative and multidisciplinary research and development efforts.

The laboratory is poised to serve various practical applications across industries, with EGA anticipating the use of the facility for research into refractories, carbon-based materials, anode baking furnaces, and waste management.

With ambitions to harness and recycle heat energy from industrial processes, EGA's research will concentrate on enhancing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In the aluminium smelting sector, a substantial portion of energy, approximately half, is lost as waste heat, highlighting the significance of this research.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, emphasizes the project's role in propelling the UAE's industrial technology development forward and its contribution to the nation's industrial growth strategy, Operation 300bn. He expressed anticipation for groundbreaking results that would bolster local research capabilities and address challenges within the UAE.

Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, expressed enthusiasm about the continued collaboration with key industrial partners, emphasizing the university's role in offering localized solutions to unique industrial challenges. This initiative represents a milestone in over a decade of cooperation, positioning Khalifa University as a leader in advanced and applied research. Prof. Al Hajri looks forward to the impact of localized research and innovation on industries both regionally and globally.

In alignment with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, EGA is dedicated to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, working diligently to decarbonize its operations. This commitment is part of a broader strategy that includes finding productive uses for by-products of aluminium production. Over the past decade, EGA has successfully developed applications for various waste streams, including bauxite residue and spent pot lining, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, EGA's technology and development team maintains robust partnerships with academic institutions both within the UAE and internationally. Collaborations include Khalifa University, the American University of Sharjah, and several universities abroad, such as the University of Auckland and MIT. These partnerships underscore EGA's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and research excellence.

Mubadala Investment Company's dedication to launching advanced R&D programs aims at nurturing a pool of talented UAE scientists, technologists, and innovators prepared for careers in research and development. By focusing on areas of national importance and critical technical need, the company seeks to contribute significantly to the UAE's knowledge economy and technological advancement.

The establishment of the UAE's first national laboratory and research program for high-temperature materials represents a significant leap towards strengthening the nation's research and development landscape. Through this collaborative effort between leading industrial companies and academic institutions, the UAE is poised to enhance its capabilities in industrial technology and innovation, furthering its position as a leader in global industrial technology development.