Dubai Aluminium Company releases history book to commemorate 25 years of its business success story

Set up by late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Father of Modern Dubai, DUBAL is now the single largest non-oil contributor to Dubai's economy.

'This great achievement would not have been possible without the support and guidance from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister for Finance and Industry and Chairman of DUBAL, the key role played by the senior management team and contribution by its dedicated and committed employees,' said Mr. Khalid Buhumaid, General Manager, Corporate Relations and International Affairs, DUBAL.

The book traces the historic beginning of Dubai's modern development and the momentous decision by late Sheikh Rashid to set up an aluminium smelter near Jebel Ali village on May 22, 1975. The first reduction cell (pot) was started in October 1979 and the entire planned production of 135,000 tonnes was sold in advance to Alcan (Canada) and Southwire of the US. DUBAL sold its first metal in May 1980.

DUBAL's history book not only gives an insight into the early beginning of the company but delves deeper into the emirate's overall growth plan initiated by late Sheikh Rashid. Along with DUBAL, the plan also included the Jebel Ali Port, and Dugas, which helped bring about infrastructure that in turn helped DUBAL and Dubai as a whole.

'We are moving ahead with our 10-year future growth strategy and I am sure DUBAL will reach many more milestones in the years ahead. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to know about the commitment and the vision of Dubai's leadership, which made DUBAL operations an exceptional achievement,'

remarked Mr. Buhumaid.

At present, the aluminium giant's multi-billion dollar state-of-the-art complex comprises a 761,000-tonne capacity primary aluminium smelter, a 1,750 MW power station, a large carbon plant, three casthouses, a 30-million gallon per day desalination plant, laboratories and research facilities, a sea port, storage facilities, maintenance areas and administration buildings.

DUBAL has embarked on a 100,000-tonne expansion plan for its current smelter to meet the demand for its high-quality metal. It will use its own D20 technology for the expansion and will add 128 cells to the recently completed Potline 7. The expansion project, which will increase the smelter capacity to 861,000 tonnes per annum, is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

'Today DUBAL serves 240 customers in 44 countries worldwide and employs 3,100 skilled professionals, a good proportion of who are UAE nationals. The company's total workforce now has over 20% UAE nationals. UAE Nationals already account for over 60% of senior management positions,' Mr. Buhumaid added.

The company's Employee Suggestion Scheme, started in 1981, has grown from strength to strength and has brought accolades in the form of global recognition and awards from renowned organizations such as IdeasUK and US-based Employee Involvement Association (EIA-US).

'The employees have played a significant role in making DUBAL such a big business success story. Their valuable contribution to the company all through the years will always be cherished and remembered,' said Mr. Buhumaid.

DUBAL has continuously laid emphasis on Environmental, Health and Safety parameters by investing heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and implementing global best practices. Following such measures, the company has now been benchmarked as one of the top companies worldwide to have the best environmental standards at their sprawling complex.