UAE Launches First National Lab for High Temperature Materials Research

In a landmark collaboration, Mubadala Investment Company, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), Strata Manufacturing, and Khalifa University of Science and Technology have signed an agreement to establish the UAE’s first national laboratory for high-temperature materials research.

The state-of-the-art facility, to be located at Khalifa University’s main campus in Abu Dhabi, aims to advance both academic and industrial research in this critical field.

Currently, UAE institutions and industries rely on overseas research capabilities for high-temperature materials. This initiative will localize such efforts, enabling practical applications in areas like refractories, carbon-based materials, and energy-efficient industrial processes. EGA plans to focus on reducing energy loss from aluminium smelting, where nearly half of energy is lost as waste heat, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

EGA CEO Abdulnasser Bin Kalban emphasized the significance of the project, stating,

“This laboratory strengthens the UAE's leadership in industrial technology and supports our Operation 300bn strategy. It will enhance our ability to conduct innovative research locally, solving challenges and boosting UAE’s research capabilities.”

Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, highlighted the decade-long collaboration with industrial partners, adding,

“This achievement underscores our commitment to delivering tailored, localized solutions for the UAE’s unique challenges while building industrial capacity.”

Mubadala’s investment in advanced R&D aims to address national priorities while fostering UAE talent in science and technology. The laboratory is expected to not only support innovation but also drive sustainable practices in line with the UAE’s decarbonization roadmap.

EGA’s extensive academic partnerships, including collaborations with Khalifa University and other global institutions, further underscore its commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

News Source: Emirates News Agency