logo
Fabtech and France's Groupe M sign agreement to develop equipment and services for UAE's nuclear energy sector from Dubai Industrial City

Fabtech and France's Groupe M sign agreement to develop equipment and services for UAE's nuclear energy sector from Dubai Industrial City

Zawya18-03-2025

The agreement reaffirms the contributions by Dubai Industrial City's community towards the long-term goals of Operation 300bn, Make it in the Emirates, UAE Energy Strategy 2050, and Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33'
Dubai, UAE: Fabtech Engineering, a steel fabrication specialist based at Dubai Industrial City, has entered a strategic agreement with French industrial leader Groupe M to accelerate innovation and sustainable development in the UAE's nuclear and sustainable energies sectors.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of the French Republic to the UAE; Anouar Mekkas, Nuclear and Renewable Energy Adviser at the French Ambassy in Saudi Arabia and the UAE; and, on behalf of Dubai Industrial City, Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President of Industrial at TECOM Group PJSC. Fabtech Engineering's Chairman, Dr. Harry Moraes, and Vice President Business Development, Fabien Jeoffroy, signed the agreement with Groupe M's Chairman, Julien Monteiro, and Deputy CEO Pierre-Laurent Buch. Also in attendance were representatives from the French Nuclear Strategic Committee, Business France, Trouvay Cauvin, and the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in UAE.
Fabtech is active in the heavy manufacturing segment in the GCC and global markets, and will expand its nuclear sector offering through the partnership with Groupe M by offering its 'Made in UAE' products to both local and international customers. The companies will develop comprehensive engineering, manufacturing, and on-site products and solutions to support the nuclear and sustainable energies sector, contributing to the long-term goals of UAE Energy Strategy 2050.
Pierre-Laurent Buch, Deputy CEO at Groupe M, said: 'This landmark agreement opens doors to exciting new opportunities in the Middle East and builds upon the robust ties between the UAE and France. Fabtech's strong presence in Dubai Industrial City, coupled with its expertise, aligns with Groupe M's growth strategy. We anticipate significant expansion in the region, particularly within the nuclear and new energy sectors, and will leverage our combined expertise to deliver high-value solutions to a broader client base.'
Fabien Jeoffroy, Vice President at Fabtech, said: 'This milestone partnership with Groupe M represents a pivotal moment in our growth strategy. Dubai Industrial City's world-class infrastructure, including an excellent road network designed for efficient transport of large-scale components, will be instrumental in our expansion journey. We are focused on innovation, particularly within the burgeoning low-carbon nuclear energy sector and aim to continue supporting environmentally responsible industrial growth through this partnership.'
Fabtech's collaboration with Groupe M will help address demand for locally sourced solutions and expedite site support operations. As part of the agreement, Fabtech will also upgrade its existing 2.1 million sq.ft. facility at Dubai Industrial City, in line with its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
'Nurturing homegrown knowledge is crucial for creating a vibrant and sustainable industrial sector,' said Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President of Industrial at TECOM Group PJSC, on behalf of Dubai Industrial City. 'Our ecosystem is geared to support innovators and encourage collaborations such as this partnership between Fabtech and Groupe M. By fostering such strategic alliances, Dubai Industrial City's ecosystem is contributing towards the visions of Operation 300bn, Make it in the Emirates, UAE Energy Strategy 2050, and Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33', reaffirming Dubai's and the UAE's leadership in the clean energy sector.'
The agreement builds on strong economic ties between the UAE and France, with bilateral trade exchange between the countries growing 16.8% to reach AED 29.4 billion in 2022. During the 16th session of the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue held in May 2024, senior officials from both countries reflected on successful partnerships and industrial cooperation in areas including renewables and nuclear energy, and explored ways to further expand their cooperation in areas such as new builds and small nuclear reactors.
Fabtech Engineering was established in 2010 at Dubai Industrial City to serve heavy engineering demand in sectors including energy, utilities, food and beverage, and chemicals. Its strategic alliance with Groupe M is expected to accelerate its growth following successful collaborations with energy sector partners.
Dubai Industrial City is home to more than 1,100 local, regional, and international customers as well as 350 operational factories, including industry leaders such as A.P. Moeller-Maersk, Patchi, and Al Barakah Dates. Strategically located close to Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port, an Etihad Rail freight terminal, and key regional roadways, the district features an intelligent masterplan with six sector-specific zones to nurture the circular economy.
Dubai Industrial City is part of TECOM Group's portfolio of business districts that include Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Design District (d3), and Dubai Science Park.
About Dubai Industrial City
Dubai Industrial City is the enabler of regional industrial and logistics excellence established by TECOM Group PJSC in 2004. An interconnected community of more than 1,100 local, regional, and international customers and over 350 operational factories, Dubai Industrial City has contributed to the regional economy for more than 20 years by strengthening homegrown value chains and amplifying the Made in UAE brandmark around the world. A cohesive community offering world-class offices, industrial lands, and storage and logistics spaces, Dubai Industrial City's intelligent masterplan contributes to a robust circular economy across dedicated zones for the metals, machinery, minerals, food and beverage, transport, and chemicals sectors.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Insights: Gulf ports face new security challenges as trade ambitions accelerate
Insights: Gulf ports face new security challenges as trade ambitions accelerate

Gulf Business

time10 hours ago

  • Gulf Business

Insights: Gulf ports face new security challenges as trade ambitions accelerate

Image: Supplied Ports have evolved beyond their role as trade gateways. Today, they stand as critical pillars of national resilience and economic continuity. In the modern-world, where over 80 per cent of global trade moves by sea and the Gulf plays a central role in global energy and logistics, port security should not be viewed as a cost or a compliance exercise. It must be treated as a vital economic enabler. Without strong and modern security, the Gulf's ambitions to lead in manufacturing, trade, and supply chain integration will remain a challenge. At the recent 'Make it in the Emirates' forum, the UAE laid out a bold industrial vision. Officials highlighted that local manufacturers can now access a global market of 2.5 billion people. Free zones, re-export hubs, and logistics corridors powered by ports including The threat landscape is escalating Port security has moved far beyond fences and surveillance cameras. Today, it involves tackling everything from phishing attempts and cyber intrusions to insider threats and the growing risk posed by smuggling, irregular migration, modern-day slavery and autonomous drones. According to the Center for Internet Security, malware-based attacks rose by 30 per cent in the first half of 2024, with a staggering 92 per cent increase recorded in May alone. These figures are not abstract. They represent very real risks that port operators face daily while trying to maintain efficient operations. Rising geopolitical tensions, from unrest in the Red Sea to broader regional flashpoints, are putting new pressure on Gulf ports. Ensuring their resilience is no longer just about protecting trade. It is now central to national security and regional stability. Compliance is the starting line, not the finish Most Gulf ports meet the basic international security standards under the ISPS Code. But that is not enough. Compliance provides a framework, not a solution. Too often, operators treat it as a checklist rather than a foundation. True resilience requires a different mindset. Port security should not be seen as an obstacle to trade but as a core pillar of competitiveness.. Jebel Ali Port is a leading example. Its global reputation was not earned by simply meeting minimum standards. Its success is the result of ongoing risk assessments, continuous training, and a proactive approach to every aspect of security – particularly in its adoption of technology and its integration into its production primacy approach. This is a model that other ports in the region can learn from and adapt. Integration is the future of security Modern ports function as complex ecosystems. They bring together free zones, logistics providers, customs authorities, and digital infrastructure into a single operational environment. Within this space, security must be fully integrated. Physical access control, cybersecurity protocols, intelligent surveillance, and emergency response planning all need to work together as one. Technology plays a critical role. From biometric access systems to artificial intelligence for threat detection, there are advanced tools that can help enhance security. However, these tools are only effective when guided by skilled professionals with the right training. As Bill Gates once noted, automation applied to an inefficient operation only magnifies the inefficiency. Without strong processes and capable people, even the best technology will fall short. The Gulf's advantage must be used wisely The Gulf has already demonstrated that it can deliver world-class infrastructure. The next frontier is building secure infrastructure that can adapt and evolve with emerging risks. This will require moving beyond paper-based plans and embracing real-world testing. Scenario-based exercises and crisis simulations should become standard practice. Security cannot be a one-time investment. It must be embedded into the daily culture of port operations. Governments and private sector operators must also collaborate more closely. Intelligence sharing, regional coordination, and the development of Gulf-specific security standards can raise the overall r At the heart of this transformation is human capital. The region must invest in developing a new generation of trained and trusted security professionals who understand both physical and digital threats. Security is an investment in growth A single breach at a Gulf port would do more than delay containers. It could disrupt entire supply chains, shake investor confidence, and damage the region's reputation as a dependable trade partner. In a global economy driven by trust, security is no longer optional. It is a non-negotiable investment in sustainable growth. One of the Gulf's strengths lies in its ability to build with foresight. Unlike older ports that are burdened with legacy systems, Gulf ports can design modern security architecture from day one. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman have already begun this journey by introducing smart surveillance systems, AI-driven monitoring, and integrated command centers. These are promising steps, but more must be done. A final question for the region Port security should not be treated as a side function or a technical afterthought. It is central to growth, to national strength, and to the region's future as a global trade and industrial hub. The Gulf can lead not just in port development but in redefining what secure, resilient trade infrastructure looks like for the rest of the world. As the region accelerates toward a more industrial and interconnected future, one question must be asked. Are we just expanding our ports, or are we securing our prosperity? The answer will determine how far and how smart, secure, and geen the Gulf travels on the path to economic leadership. The writer is the CEO at Neptune P2P Group.

UAE SMEs remain optimistic amid economic pressures, reveals RAKBANK index
UAE SMEs remain optimistic amid economic pressures, reveals RAKBANK index

Gulf Business

time2 days ago

  • Gulf Business

UAE SMEs remain optimistic amid economic pressures, reveals RAKBANK index

Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE are maintaining a steady sense of optimism despite rising costs and economic headwinds, according to RAKBANK's latest SME Confidence Index. The 2025 report, compiled in partnership with RFI Global, reflects a confidence score of 57, signalling continued resilience in the sector. The findings are based on responses from over 1,200 SMEs across the UAE, surveyed between October and December 2024. While the Index score has declined from 61 in 2023 to 57 in 2024, it remains above the base level of 50, pointing to overall positive sentiment. Also, 68 per cent of SMEs view the future business environment as favourable, and over 60 per cent reported revenue growth in the past two years. 'Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of every thriving economy, and in the UAE, they play a central role in driving diversification and sustainable development,' said Raheel Ahmed, group CEO of Ahmed added that the bank launched the SME Confidence Index in 2024 to capture sentiment, challenges and growth outlook. In a major move to support the SME ecosystem, RAKBANK and Emirates Development Bank announced a strategic Dhs1bn co-financing partnership during the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum, under the patronage of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. Sector trends and challenges for SMEs Consumer and Retail Services emerged as the highest-performing sector, achieving a confidence score of 60, supported by increased consumer spending and expansion into new business channels. Construction and Manufacturing, Transport, and Trading sectors scored 57, 57, and 58 respectively, showing stable sentiment. However, confidence in Public Services and Professional Services dipped to 56, largely due to higher operating costs and concerns over debt servicing. While more than three in five SMEs recorded revenue increases over the past two years, over two-thirds experienced rising operational expenses. Only 39 per cent expressed confidence in meeting debt obligations, down from the previous year. The report found that smaller SMEs (with revenues up to Dhs30m) had a higher confidence score of 58, while larger SMEs (with revenues between Dhs30–100m) registered a lower score of 55. Digital and sustainable growth in focus Digital transformation continues to gain ground among UAE SMEs. Some 22 per cent now sell products or services online, while 45 per cent use digital banking channels monthly. In parallel, sustainability is becoming a growing priority, with 55 per cent of While navigating ongoing challenges — including the corporate tax regime introduced in 2024, demand for credit, and operational pressures — many SMEs are investing in technology, talent and market expansion to strengthen their competitive edge. 'The sector's forward-looking mindset is especially encouraging,' Ahmed noted. 'We're seeing increased focus on entering new markets, investing in talent, and modernising payment infrastructure. We see our role as a partner in that journey, providing not just financial solutions but also the advisory support needed to help them grow with confidence.'

Majority of British people support arms embargo on Israel
Majority of British people support arms embargo on Israel

Middle East Eye

time3 days ago

  • Middle East Eye

Majority of British people support arms embargo on Israel

A majority of British people support a full arms embargo on Israel, according to a new poll commissioned by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. The poll, conducted by Opinium Research between 30 May and 2 June, found that 57 percent of people think the UK should impose a full arms embargo, with only 13 percent opposed. The poll also found 53 percent of people think Israel should be expelled from the United Nations, while 50 percent said Israeli products in supermarkets should be boycotted. Fifty-four percent backed sanctioning far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has been a staunch supporter of Israel's total blockade of the Gaza Strip that has left over 93 percent of the population suffering from acute food insecurity. Increasing numbers of public figures in the UK are speaking out against Israel's war on Gaza, which has killed at least 54,607 Palestinians and wounded 125,341 since 7 October 2023. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Last week, more than 300 artists signed an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling for an end to British arms sales to Israel. The new poll comes after a similar survey showed public support for Israel in European countries had fallen to its lowest recorded level. Support for Israel in Europe drops to record low, finds YouGov poll Read More » According to a survey by YouGov last month, fewer than a fifth of respondents in six countries held a favourable view of Israel. The poll was conducted between 12 and 26 May in Britain, France, Germany, Denmark, Spain and Italy. Middle East Eye revealed on Tuesday that the US has been pressuring the UK not to back a French proposal to recognise a Palestinian state. France is reportedly gearing up to unilaterally recognise Palestine at an upcoming UN conference. MEE understands that France has been lobbying Britain to do so as well. Prominent Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas told MEE this week that Macron's push to recognise Palestinian statehood 'is serious and has the backing of most of the European Union and Saudi Arabia'. French officials believe the British government is on board with the plan, according to French media.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store