Tadweer Group announced plans to develop Abu Dhabi’s first greenfield Material Recovery Facility (MRF), marking a significant step in the Emirate’s waste management efforts. The facility, with an initial processing capacity of 1.3 million metric tonnes of waste per year, aimed to recover valuable recyclable materials such as metals and plastics from municipal solid waste. The project was part of Tadweer’s broader strategy to divert 80% of Abu Dhabi’s waste from landfills by 2030.
The MRF was intended to play a critical role in Tadweer Group’s circular cluster, a series of facilities designed to promote a circular economy in the region. By preparing feedstock for the Abu Dhabi Waste to Energy facility, the MRF was expected to enhance recycling efforts and contribute to the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other waste-derived products.
Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer Group, described the project as “a key milestone” in the organization’s journey towards revolutionizing waste management in Abu Dhabi. “The development of this facility aligns with our strategic vision to harness technology for a sustainable future and supports our long-term ambitions of waste conversion and landfill diversion,” Al Dhaheri added.
The facility, covering over 90,000 square meters in the Al Mafraq Industrial area, 36 kilometers from central Abu Dhabi, was expected to be one of the largest MRFs in the region. The project was also designed to attract local and foreign private sector investment while creating employment and training opportunities for UAE nationals.
The bidding process for the development of the facility was set to begin as a closed tender, with the contract and engineering, procurement, and construction works expected to commence by the end of 2024. Operations were targeted to begin by the end of 2026.
Tadweer Group continued to expand its portfolio in collaboration with organizations focused on promoting a circular economy and enhancing environmental sustainability.