The Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s (ADDED) arm to develop and regulate the industrial sector, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with XMILE Group to establish a first-of-its-kind processing facility in the Middle East & Africa region for the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions.

The cooperation with XMILE Group, a global company with over two decades of experience producing enzyme-based fuel additives, will be a major addition to the local initiatives implemented for propelling sustainable industrial development in Abu Dhabi’s industrial sector and an advancement towards collaborative programs across public and private sectors, focused on raising awareness and driving widespread adoption of sustainable low-carbon fuels throughout the fuel supply chain.

Dr. Thani Al-Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Gerard Paul Marie Hubert Steeghs, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UAE, and Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED, witnessed the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), underscoring the significance of this collaboration in supporting UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic objectives.

The MoU, signed by Eng. Arafat Al Yafei, Executive Director of Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), and Boudewijn Hugo Sanders, Chief Executive Officer of XMILE Group Ltd, on the sidelines of COP28 in the United Arab Emirates.

It is a significant step in Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy’s (ADIS) efforts to strengthen the Emirate as the region’s most competitive industrial hub, driving the ‘Green Falcon Economy’ and setting an example as a global leader in addressing climate change and promoting sustainability in the industrial sector.

Eng. Arafat Al Yafei, Executive Director of the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), said: “Our collaboration with XMILE Group is part of IDB’s commitment to promoting sustainability in the industry. This partnership aligns with the ADDED “Circular Economy Policy” framework, which aims to drive the transition towards an innovative and sustainable economy by empowering industries to prioritise responsible production and consumption.”

Al Yafei added: “We believe that the industrial sector has great potential for implementing innovative solutions and is crucial in diversifying Abu Dhabi’s economy and leading the way towards a more sustainable future. “ Boudewijn Hugo Sanders, Chief Executive Officer of XMILE Group, emphasised, “the significance of collaborating with ADDED for achieving implementation of the local facility and leading the transition towards sustainable fuels.

He highlighted that this partnership is a testament to the shared vision and dedication towards promoting industries in Abu Dhabi to combat climate change. As the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties takes place in the UAE, this joint effort will contribute to the global agenda of creating a greener future.”

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the catalyst for economic growth and diversification, regulates the business sector in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and leads economic initiatives to achieve a knowledge-based, diversified, and sustainable economy.

ADDED adopts best policies and practices based on the latest research and statistics, devotes its efforts to elevate the development across various sectors, and prepares strategic programs and plans by adopting the best economic and administrative practices, applying the latest technology, and drawing on global expertise.

ADDED strives to improve the investment ecosystem in the emirate by enhancing prospects for cooperation with strategic partners, and ensure principles of innovation, transparency, and knowledge-sharing are followed to strengthen the business ecosystem, enhancing Abu Dhabi as preferred destination for talent, businesses, and investments.

ADDED proposes the best policies based on the latest research and statistical data from local, regional, and global indicators, to drive growth and diversity across various sectors that advance Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.

The Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi works on realising its strategic goals by utilising key drivers.

He is the Chairman of the Department of Economic Development - Abu Dhabi heads a number of government entities that are concerned with supporting and empowering the private sector.

The Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) was established to regulate and develop the industrial sector in Abu Dhabi.

As per the Law No. (8) of 2013, the IDB acts as a regulatory body for the industrial sector in Abu Dhabi.

It is a specialised body to meet the needs of industrial investors, plan and implement the requirements and enable the growth of the industrial sector, and elevate Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness as a destination for industrial investment.