Dubai Recycling Park first to manage region's waste

"We plan to revolutionize the way the Middle East manages waste by establishing up to a dozen different recycling plants within the Dubai Industrial City," said Musaed Al-Saleh, Vice Chairman and CEO of National Projects Holding Co. "This will not only handle the in-flow of waste from the booming Dubai Industrial City from its green field commencement, but from across the Emirate of Dubai and the greater UAE as well."

The concept was developed from the message of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, which delivered that it is the responsibility of industrialised nations to safeguard the environment.

Most GCC countries rank in the top ten worldwide in terms of waste production per capita. Dubai's current construction boom ranks it fourth worldwide. Both these factors provided the compelling argument for Al-Saleh to approach Dubai Industrial City where he received an immediate welcome.

"This shows the vision and forward thinking that Dubai Industrial City and the Government of Dubai stands for," said Khalid Al Malik, Senior Vice President Industry and Knowledge, following the signing ceremony. "It is not common in our region that one plans ten years in advance, Dubai Industrial City and indeed all of Dubai is working hard to change this attitude and Dubai Recycling Park supports our vision."

Dubai Recycling Park will be developed on a site measuring 1,500,000 square feet with a 49 year lease agreement with Dubai Industrial City and a capital investment of up to USD150 million. Construction is planned to commence in mid-2007 and will be fully completed within 18 months.

The feasibility study, master plan and management of Dubai Recycling Park will be contracted to Remondis of Germany, the fourth largest waste management company in the world and arguably the world's leading company in waste management technology and know-how.
National Projects Holding Co. believes Dubai Recycling Park will be perhaps their most important project from a socially responsible stand point and that it should be replicated across the region.

"We expect Dubai Recycling Park will have a tangible impact on lowering CO2 emissions from the region," continued Al-Saleh. "This is our responsibility to society, each of the GCC nations, our children and their future."