Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world’s largest producer of premium aluminium, and Sunstone, the world’s largest independent pre-baked anode producer, have announced that construction of a new anode manufacturing plant in the UAE will commence in 2026.

The facility will have an annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes of anodes, marking a significant step towards the UAE’s industrial ambitions under the Make it in the Emirates and Operation 300bn strategies. Once operational, the plant will replace the majority of EGA’s current anode imports and position the UAE among a select group of countries capable of exporting anodes globally. First anode production is anticipated as early as 2028.

EGA and Sunstone formalised the project through a Joint Venture Agreement, with EGA holding a 45 per cent stake and Sunstone 55 per cent. The partners plan to invest approximately US$300 million, proportionate to their respective shareholdings, to develop the new plant. Sunstone will be responsible for building the facility on behalf of the joint venture, with EGA acting as a financial investor and off-taker.

New UAE facility

Anodes are a critical input in aluminium smelting. EGA currently produces around 1.35 million tonnes of anodes annually at its Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah plants, with the remainder of its requirements sourced through imports. The new UAE-based facility will significantly strengthen EGA’s long-term security of supply while supporting domestic industrial growth and export potential.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, said, “This project creates additional export opportunities for the UAE, further increases EGA’s local procurement and our contribution to UAE economic growth, and supports EGA’s long-term security of anode supply. We are pleased to partner with Sunstone, combining our decades of anode manufacturing experience to establish their first plant outside China in the UAE. This project is Make it in the Emirates and Operation 300bn in action – leveraging UAE industrial demand to build new manufacturing in the UAE to meet local needs and expand exports.”

Lang Guanghui, Chairman of Sunstone, added, “We are honoured to establish our first overseas foothold in the UAE and partner with a benchmark enterprise like EGA, which carries half a century of industry heritage and a mission to shape the future of aluminium. This collaboration represents a substantive move by both parties to respond to the green transformation of global manufacturing. We will go all out to set new benchmarks in efficiency and lay a solid foundation for future sustainable operations.”

EGA and Sunstone have been collaborating through a series of early-stage agreements during project development, most recently signing a joint development agreement at the Make it in the Emirates Forum in May 2025, underscoring their commitment to advancing the UAE’s industrial and export capabilities.

From 1 January 2026, the UAE will expand its restrictions on single-use plastics, banning plastic beverage cups, lids, cutlery, food containers and straws when manufactured from conventional plastic materials.

The move forms part of the country’s wider environmental policy framework aimed at reducing pollution and limiting the long-term environmental impact of disposable products. According to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), products made from plant-based Polylactic Acid (PLA) are recognised as viable alternatives and are excluded from the ban.

The measures stem from Ministerial Decision No. 380 of 2022, which regulates single-use products across the UAE and prohibits the import, production and distribution of specified plastic items. Earlier phases of the regulation already introduced bans on products such as plastic straws, stirrers and single-use shopping bags.

The scope of the regulation will broaden to include additional items such as beverage cups, lids, forks, spoons, chop sticks and food containers when made from plastic. The expanded ban reflects the UAE’s commitment to addressing plastic pollution while encouraging the adoption of more sustainable material alternatives.

PLA applications

PLA, a plant-based material that is compostable and biodegradable, remains exempt from the regulation. Derived from renewable resources, PLA is widely used in applications where hygiene, safety and convenience are essential. Its suitability for both cold and hot drink cups, food containers, straws and cutlery positions it as a practical alternative for sectors such as food service, hospitality and events, where single-use items are still sometimes necessary.

François de Bie, Emirates Biotech CCO, stated that “it’s best to stop using single use products as much as possible and consider reuseable alternatives. But in those cases where reuseable alternatives are not available it is important to recognise that PLA, being a plant-based material, falls outside the scope of the prohibited materials. PLA, like paper, wood and recycled plastics is exempted.” His comments underline the regulatory distinction being made between conventional plastics and materials derived from renewable sources.

Valentina Olabi, Public Affairs Manager of Emirates Biotech, added, “PLA will play a critical role in advancing landfill diversion and circular economy targets. The decision demonstrates constructive collaboration between government, industry and environmental stakeholders. We welcome this recognition of PLA as a practical enabler of the UAE’s sustainability agenda.”

As the UAE continues to strengthen its environmental regulations, the recognition of PLA provides clarity for manufacturers, importers and end users navigating the transition away from conventional plastics. Emirates Biotech has reiterated its commitment to supporting local businesses as they adapt to the new requirements, helping ensure a smooth shift towards compliant, plant-based alternatives that align with the country’s broader sustainability goals.

The new drive system delivers 20% higher torque than the original design, significantly enhancing the mill’s aluminum processing capabilities. (Image source: SMS Group)

SMS group has successfully completed a major modernisation project at Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill B.S.C. (GARMCO), a leading aluminum producer based in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, upgrading the motors and drives in the one-stand reversing hot rolling mill

Originally built by a third-party supplier, the mill has now been restored to full operational capacity and equipped to meet future demands in aluminum processing.

The upgrade replaced outdated DC motors with three-phase AC motors and advanced drive technology, including variable frequency drive systems powered by active front ends and new transformers. The new drive system delivers 20% higher torque than the original design, significantly enhancing the mill’s aluminum processing capabilities.

“The completion of this modernisation project is a testament to our commitment to maintaining world-class operational standards. SMS group’s expertise and advanced technological solutions have provided us with greater reliability and efficiency in our hot mill operations,” said Ebrahim Khalil, executive manager Operations at GARMCO.

The project scope was comprehensive, covering plant engineering, electrics and automation, equipment procurement and manufacturing, as well as installation and commissioning supervision. At the heart of the modernisation was SMS’s innovative twin-motor drive train equipment, featuring a custom gearbox to combine two electric motors with a rated power of 2150 KWs each, paired with two SMS giant torque spindles. The design offers high power capability, reduces space requirements, lowers investment costs, and provides some operational redundancy.

Additional equipment included the X-Pact Drive low-voltage frequency converter for the entry and exit coilers, a medium-voltage converter operated in load share mode, and transformers to supply the new systems. The equipment was tailored to GARMCO’s demanding operations, which include producing aluminum coils, tread plates, slit coils, and foils for industrial applications such as packaging and heat exchange systems.

The modernisation strengthens the collaboration between GARMCO and SMS group. This is the first joint project of this scale, reflecting SMS’s reputation for high-performance, reliable solutions with optimised technical features and superior power efficiency. The new drive system provides enhanced torque across the full speed range, a critical factor for rolling operations requiring high torque at elevated speeds.

“The project highlights the strong partnership between both companies and demonstrates how innovative solutions can elevate operational efficiency,” the SMS team noted.

Having previously supported GARMCO with technical services for its scalper machine, SMS group has built a foundation of trust and collaboration. With the hot rolling mill now modernized, GARMCO is well-positioned to deliver sustained operational excellence and produce high-quality aluminum products for its global customers.

Local manufacturing zone to power Kingdom’s water sector. (Image source: Rockwell Automation)

Rockwell Automation has announced a strategic partnership with alfanar, a prominent Saudi Arabian energy and infrastructure solutions provider, to create a dedicated manufacturing zone within alfanar’s facility in Riyadh’s Industrial City

The initiative represents a key step in advancing industrial innovation and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The newly established manufacturing zone will focus on assembling advanced automation panels utilising Rockwell Automation’s latest technologies, including a broad range of intelligent devices, software, and control and process automation solutions. These panels will be deployed in major infrastructure and utility projects, initially prioritising the Saudi Water Authority (SWA).

Ahmad Haydar, Rockwell Automation’s country leader for Saudi Arabia, said, “This collaboration between alfanar, Rockwell Automation and the Saudi Water Authority represents a pivotal step in advancing Saudi Arabia’s localisation agenda. We are enabling the local assembly of advanced automation technologies and reinforcing SWA’s commitment to building resilient, high-performance infrastructure through Saudi talent and innovation. This initiative directly supports our priority to localise critical industrial capabilities, ensuring that the Kingdom’s water sector is empowered with solutions that are made in Saudi Arabia for Saudi Arabia.”

The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony at Automation Fair, Rockwell Automation’s global event recently held in Chicago.

Eng. Sharekh Ibrahim AlSharekh, vice-president for technical affairs and projects at the Saudi Water Authority, added, “Spearheaded by the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), this initiative constitutes a pivotal milestone in advancing the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly with respect to developing and deepening local content in the water sector. By nurturing national capabilities and maximising in-Kingdom value creation, the initiative directly supports the Kingdom’s strategic objectives of sustainable economic diversification and reduced dependence on external sources.

“Through this programme, SWA is reinforcing strategic international and domestic partnerships, cultivating a more attractive and competitive investment environment and driving the standardisation of technical and engineering requirements for operational assets. Together, these efforts enhance the security, reliability and long-term resilience of the Kingdom’s water infrastructure, positioning the water sector as a fundamental pillar of national development and a model for Vision 2030–aligned transformation.”

By combining alfanar’s expertise in local manufacturing with Rockwell Automation’s advanced solutions, the partnership aims to deliver high-performance, digitally enabled systems customised for industrial operators across the Kingdom. The manufacturing zone will also include Rockwell Automation demonstration walls, highlighting the full spectrum of its automation and control technologies. This initiative aligns with alfanar’s strategic vision, which considers automation a core enabler of its solutions portfolio.

Pascal Hoerter, president of alfanar group, remarked, “Our partnership with Rockwell Automation marks a transformative moment for alfanar and for Saudi Arabia’s industrial future. By combining Rockwell’s global leadership in automation with our deep-rooted expertise in local manufacturing, we are creating a powerful platform for innovation, knowledge transfer, and sustainable growth.”