Various key activities have picked up a rapid pace for the development of the USD6-billion world class Abu Dhabi smelter complex. The project is being jointly developed by Mubadala Development Company and Dubai Aluminium Company (DUBAL).

A six square km plot of land adjacent to the Al Taweelah power stations complex in the north east of the heavy industry zone of Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone has been allocated by the Abu Dhabi Ports Company for the giant smelter project.

The Mubadala-DUBAL alliance enjoys the unlimited support of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Chairman of Mubadala Development, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, the UAE Minister for Finance and Industry and Chairman of DUBAL.

“The Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone offers the ability to share the proposed infrastructure being developed at the site with future planned industrial developments. Additionally, the selected site will allow future co-location of related down-stream processing industries which will use aluminium as a feed-stock to their processes,” said HE Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Mubadala Development.

“The site was chosen after careful consideration of various economic factors including proximity to the sea and suitable environmental conditions. The site, being close to the Al Taweelah power stations complex, will also facilitate the opportunity for power supply from ADWEA during the start up of the project,” said Mr Abdulla Jasim bin Kalban, CEO DUBAL.

“The development of the aluminium smelter will be one of the major milestones for the success of the new Industrial Area,” said Mr Ahmed Saeed Al Calily, Abu Dhabi Ports Company’s Managing Director.

“We are very happy to welcome the Mubadala-DUBAL JV as our first anchor tenant, and we look forward to working together on this significant undertaking.” He added.

The first phase of the project will be operational in 2010. After completion of all phases, the project will have up to 1.4 million tons per annum capacity, making it the largest single site aluminium smelter in the world.

In order to insure progress in the project development, three working committees staffed with representatives from both shareholders – a Steering Committee, a Technical Committee and a Financial Committee – have already been active to oversee all detailed aspects of the massive development. The Steering Committee, chaired by the CEOs of both organizations, oversees, monitors and directs the overall progress of the project.

The land allocation will allow the Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Assessment to use the solid base of environmental data which already exists for the allocated area. Additionally, it will allow for the start of geotechnical work, site planning, and civil work for the project.

The ownership of the project, according to the Joint Protocol signed by DUBAL and Mubadala Development in February this year, is to be shared equally. Under the same Protocol, DUBAL will provide technology and resource management to the project.

The strategic alliance between DUBAL and Mubadala will result in the creation of more than 4,000 job opportunities for UAE nationals and expatriates, besides adding value to the local energy and industrial sectors, and pave the way for further processing and new downstream industries.

For further information please call:

Mr Abdulla Khouri
Senior Manager
Communications & Administration Department
Mubadala Development Company
971 2 6160100

Mr Khalid Essa Buhumaid
General Manager, Corporate Relations and International Affairs
Dubai Aluminium Company Limited
050 5582822