Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, have attended a celebration hosted by Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to mark its 50th anniversary and a decade since Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) and Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) merged to form the company.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the historical significance of EGA's formation, noting how the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum established Dubai Aluminium, which laid the foundation for the UAE's industrial transformation and economic diversification. He acknowledged the critical role that the merger of DUBAL and EMAL played in creating a national industrial powerhouse, which now produces over two million tonnes a year and contributes approximately AED23 billion to the national economy.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan praised EGA's advancements in technology and sustainability, emphasizing its status as the world's first producer of solar aluminium and its development of low-carbon products. He underlined that global leadership is achieved through ambition, innovation, and determination, values that reflect the spirit of the Union.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan remarked on the UAE's industrial sector as a cornerstone of the national economy. He stated that Emirates Global Aluminium exemplifies the nation's industrial achievements and has significantly contributed to the UAE's growth and diversification for over five decades.
He further highlighted the UAE's commitment to innovation and sustainability, driven by a vision of industrial excellence that ensures future-ready development and prosperity for coming generations.
EGA is recognized as the world's largest producer of premium aluminium, which is the UAE's most significant export after oil and gas, reaching customers in over 50 countries. With global aluminium demand projected to increase by 50-80 percent by 2050, EGA is expanding to meet this demand and strengthen its position as a global industrial leader.
Abdulnasser bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, expressed the honor of Their Highnesses' visit, affirming EGA's role in supporting the UAE's future prosperity and economic transformation. He reiterated the company's commitment to becoming a smart, sustainable, and globally competitive industrial champion.
EGA's journey began in 1975 as Dubai Aluminium, founded by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. From its initial production in Jebel Ali, the company has grown into a global enterprise, recently surpassing 50 million tonnes of cast metal since its inception. The Jebel Ali plant has undergone multiple expansions, demonstrating EGA's continuous growth and ambition.
Emirates Aluminium, established in Al Taweelah in 2007, was the world's largest single-site aluminium smelter at that time. The merger of EMAL and DUBAL in 2014 under the direction of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan formed Emirates Global Aluminium.
Over the past decade, EGA has expanded internationally, with operations across the value chain from alumina refining and aluminium production to recycling in the UAE, Europe, and the United States. The company is progressing plans to develop a new primary aluminium plant in the United States and expand its recycling capabilities globally.
EGA has been at the forefront of developing its own smelting technology and has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as an Industry 4.0 Global Lighthouse. The company also boasts one of the highest Emiratisation rates and plans to increase UAE National hires significantly by 2027.