WET: Energy Transition forecasts significant change and investments in the energy supply chain, from all sides, up to downstream. And optimizing fossil fuels and ensuring that producing countries and companies plan diligently towards the transition. UAE already has set its goal of Carbon Net Zero by 2050, whilst ADNOC did an ambitious 2045 target. How does a global company like NMDC Group strategically diversify, innovate, and financially prepare itself to support both the UAE and its stakeholders, keeping in mind the objectives of Carbon Net Zero?
Dr. Yasser: We see this as an opportunity. At NMDC Group, we fully embrace the UAE’s vision for Carbon Net Zero, and we recognize that the energy transition is not just an environmental imperative but an economic and technological opportunity. Our approach is anchored in strategic diversification, cutting-edge innovation, and long-term financial preparedness.
To support this transition, we are expanding our portfolio beyond traditional energy projects into renewables, offshore wind, and sustainable infrastructure development. Our investments in carbon capture technologies, energy-efficient dredging solutions, and sustainable marine construction demonstrate our commitment to operational sustainability.
From a financial standpoint, we are ensuring agile capital allocation towards low-carbon projects and forming strategic alliances with key partners who share our vision. We are not just preparing for the transition; we are shaping it, ensuring that NMDC Group remains a trusted partner in the region’s ambitious sustainability goals.
WET: Technology has a major role to play in the decarbonization effort. NMDC Group’s investment in services and technology for the industry marks its commitment to the transition. Where is NMDC Group focusing its efforts in this respect?
Dr. Yasser: Technology is the backbone of a successful energy transition.We are embedding digitalization and advanced engineering solutions across our operations to drive efficiency and sustainability.Our focus areas include:
• AI-driven predictive analytics to optimize fuel consumption and reduce emissions across our fleet.
• Automation in dredging and marine construction, ensuring precision, efficiency, and minimal environmental impact.
• Hydrogen-ready infrastructure, aligning with the UAE’s leadership in hydrogen energy.
• Offshore wind and renewable energy integration, reinforcing our ability to deliver sustainable offshore projects.
Through these initiatives, NMDC Group is turning the vision of the future into reality.
WET: The UAE already has an integrated strategy, both on the federal and local levels, with different Emirates and their own energy strategies working in line with the national target. How does NMDC Group collaborate with different national entities for further synergy across the country?
Dr. Yasser: Collaboration is at the core of NMDC Group’s strategy. As a national leader with a global footprint, we are closely aligned with federal and emirate-level strategies to ensure seamless execution of key energy and infrastructure projects.
We work hand-in-hand with ADNOC and other local entities to contribute expertise in marine engineering, offshore services, and sustainable project execution. Our role is to ensure that the UAE’s sustainability targets are not just met, but exceeded through cross-sector partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and integrated project delivery.
This commitment also extends to strengthening the national economy. Our business unit, NMDC Energy, has reinjected AED 17 billion into the UAE’s economy through partnerships with local suppliers and SMEs, reinforcing our pledge to prioritize local resources and create greater opportunities for homegrown businesses.
Moreover, we are fostering public-private collaborations to accelerate the deployment of next-generation technologies that will define the UAE’s energy future.
WET: International collaboration across industry and other key stakeholders will be central to success. How are partnerships helping NMDC Group to make a statement globally?
Dr. Yasser: NMDC Group is not just a national leader but a global force in sustainable infrastructure and energy solutions. Our international partnerships are instrumental in scaling our expertise, expanding our technological capabilities, and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global sustainability champion.
We have strategic alliances with leading offshore and renewable energy firms, enabling technology transfer and access to global best practices. Our joint ventures in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East allow us to contribute to major decarbonization projects while strengthening the UAE’s global energy influence.
This global reach is already delivering tangible results. NMDC Energy recently secured a USD 1.14 billion EPC contract with Taiwan Power Company for the Tung-Hsiao Power Plant 2nd Stage Renewal Project, which involves the design and installation of 111 kilometres of subsea pipeline, shore approach works, and six million cubic metres of dredging. The project strengthens Taiwan’s energy transition by enabling the delivery of 2.3 million tonnes of natural gas annually, while also reinforcing NMDC Group’s position as a global leader in integrated EPC and marine engineering solutions.
WET: Where do you see the largest amount of collaboration for the transition in the UAE and globally with the role the country can play in marking its stance in global change?
Dr. Yasser: The UAE has positioned itself as a global hub for energy transition and climate action, and NMDC Group plays a vital role in this ecosystem. Collaboration is strongest in areas where innovation and scale intersect. With the UAE’s ambitious investments creating vast opportunities for international partnerships. Carbon capture and storage is another, where synergies between public and private sector players are critical to scaling solutions that can make a meaningful global impact.
Equally important is sustainable offshore development. With our deep expertise in marine infrastructure, NMDC Group is contributing to renewable energy projects that extend far beyond the UAE’s shores. And as the energy sector embraces digital transformation, we see smart marine logistics, powered by AI, IoT, and automation, as a frontier where collaboration can unlock new levels of efficiency and sustainability.
Through multilateral engagement and bold investments in next-generation infrastructure, the UAE is not just contributing to the energy transition, it is setting new benchmarks for how nations can lead, and we are proud to play our part in this change.
