EMDAD is an upstream and downstream integrated solutions provider in Abu Dhabi. Since its inception in 1979, the company has kept pace with the development of the region’s industrial landscape. Now, in accordance with the energy transition, EMDAD has branched into renewable energy too. Hannah Barnett spoke to COO Basil Al Ramahi to find out more.
into renewable energy, actively contributing to reducing our carbon footprint and addressing climate change, in parallel with the UAE’s vision.”
EMDAD has a significant market share within the energy sector. As a result, the company is continually re-investing into its facilities and therefore its ability to provide tailored solutions.
Adaptation is in EMDAD’s DNA. Over t he years, the company has evolved from trading, maintenance and repairs into a comprehensive solutions provider in the energy sector.
“We have diversified our capabilities, expanded into new markets and embraced emerging technologies by forming strategic partnerships and acquiring companies that complement our services and enhance our capabilities,” said COO Basil Al Ramahi. “These collaborations have enabled us to broaden our expertise, access new markets, and strengthen our position as a leading player in the industry to meet the changing needs of our clients. Now we are venturing
The company’s headquarters are located in the heart of Abu Dhabi city. The main facility of 90,000 square metres at an industrial complex in Abu Dhabi includes workshops for valve testing and maintenance/retrofit, well intervention fishing and milling services, cementing and coil tubing stimulation, asset integrity, cathodic protection, facility management, civil maintenance work, reinforced thermoplastic, turnaround shutdowns services, scaffolding, fabrication and manufacturing in addition to whipstock services. EMDAD also has a 121,000 square metre site in Habshan, strategically located close to oil fields. The site accommodates 250 personnel, 24 offices and hosts a plant designed to treat oil-based mud waste, among other operations.
“We have continuously invested in enhancing our production capacity to meet the growing demands of our clients,” said Mr Al Ramahi. “Our state-of-the-art facilities, advanced equipment and skilled workforce enable us to deliver products
and services in a timely and efficient manner. By maintaining a strong production capacity, we ensure that we can meet the diverse needs of our clients across various projects and sectors.”
Sustainability in the sector
Acknowledging the importance of the environment has become vital in the oil and gas sector. As a result, EMDAD has made significant strides in developing renewable energy options. The company formed EMDAD Energy in 2022.
“EMDAD Energy is a really exciting division of our company,” said Mr Al Ramahi. “We have made a strategic move into renewable energy, solar and wind power specifically. It reflects our commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.
“It also presents a tremendous business opportunity. The demand for clean energy solutions is rapidly growing. By offering solar power services, we are tapping
into this expanding market, diversifying our revenue stream and positioning ourselves as a leader in the renewable energy industry.”
By embracing renewable energy, the company hopes to showcase its commitment to staying ahead of the curve, remaining responsive to environmental concerns and changes in regulation. In addition, the company is implementing various measures to improve its own sustainability.
“We are actively working to reduce energy consumption across our operations,” explained Mr Al Ramahi. “This includes adopting energy efficient technologies and optimising our process. We are also implementing waste reduction and recycling programmes to minimise our environmental footprint.”
Though some green measures might be relatively new, EMDAD is well practiced in several other sustainable practices. For example, the company has a long-term
partnership with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), treating oil-based mud cuttings wastes.
“All the cuttings come from the ADNOC rigs to our central station,” explained Mr Al Ramahi, “We treat the cuttings and reuse them for filling the roads or construction. We have been doing this since 2007 and are proudly the only company delivering such unique service to date for ADNOC.”
ADIPEC
EMDAD will be showcasing its capabilities at ADIPEC 2023. The international platform and trade show promotes cross-sector partnerships and inspiring game-changing solutions, aiming to move towards a cleaner, more secure energy future. It takes place in Abu Dhabi in October.
“ADIPEC is a major platform for networking with industry professionals, potential clients and partners,” said Mr Al Ramahi, “allowing us to forge valuable connections and collaborations. Trade shows also offer the opportunity to showcase our products, services and innovations to targeted audiences, while raising awareness about our brands and generating leads. Additionally, I think participation in trade shows enables us to stay abreast of
industry trends, learn from the experts and gain insight into emerging technologies.”
This year’s theme is ‘decarbonising faster together’, which comes at an ideal time with the recent launch of EMDAD Energy. The company intends to highlight a range of innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector. This includes solar power, as well as wind, hydropower and bio energy, plus the benefits gained from the integration of AI technology and drones.
“I think our primary focus is to promote our expertise in renewable energy and showcase our commitment to sustainability,” said Mr Al Ramahi. “With our partners and our strategic principles, we can add significant value to ADIPEC.”
Partnerships and services
Alongside renewables, EMDAD is very successful in upstream and downstream services. The company leverages its expertise to provide cutting-edge technologies and solutions that drive the exploration, production and extraction of conventional and renewable energy resources. Through this comprehensive range of services, EMDAD empowers its clients to optimise operations, enhance efficiency and maximise yields.
“Upstream, we provide worldwide global partners with the latest technology,” explained Mr Al Ramahi. “And we have our own services, like through our sister company Emjel, which provides cementing and coil tubing stimulation services. We also have services for fishing, milling, whipstock and rental directional drilling, among others.”
In the downstream sector, the company delivers innovative solutions that facilitate refining, processing and distribution of energy products. Whether it's optimising refining processes, designing state-ofthe-art storage facilities or implementing efficient transportation networks, EMDAD excels at developing integrated solutions that enhance productivity, reliability and safety.
“We firmly believe in the transformative power of renewable energy,” continued Mr Al Ramahi. “By leveraging our
extensive industry experience and forward-thinking mindset, we are at the forefront of developing and implementing renewable energy solutions. From designing and constructing solar power plants to harnessing the force of wind and water, we embrace the full spectrum of renewable energy sources, providing clients with sustainable alternatives that align with their environmental objectives.
“Our approach is characterised by customisation and adaptability. We understand that each client’s needs and challenges are unique. Therefore, we work closely with our clients to deliver products and solutions that are specifically tailored to their requirements, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.”
Though recent years have posed challenges for the supply chain, the company
continues to prize close relationships with its partners, many of which stretch back decades.
“Our relationship with suppliers is built on trust and a mutually beneficial partnership,” said Mr Al Ramahi. “We conduct performance evaluations and continuous improvement initiatives. Our suppliers and partners are crucial to our success as they contribute to our supply chain efficiency, product quality and overall customer satisfaction.”
The company was also a proud collaborator in the Made in the UAE scheme, an open invitation to businesses and entrepreneurs to engage with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology for an investment into innovative product development. EMDAD contributed four products, fully designed and manufactured in the UAE.
With plans to elevate its Industry 4.0 capability and continue to drive sustainable growth in the energy sector, EMDAD looks set to continue to adapt, evolve and grow. and strive to be the favoured choice for talented Emiratis. For Mr Al Ramahi, it is being part of a well-established industry – while also pushing for change – that makes his job so fulfilling.
“ It is an honour to be part of a nation that is committed to tackling climate change and taking a leading role in driving the sustainability agenda,” he concluded.
“As the COO, I’m inspired by the potential we have to make a significant difference, from developing innovative renewable energy solutions, to implementing sustainable practices. Through our operations, we can actively contribute to the UAE’s sustainability goals and global efforts towards a more resilient and low-carbon future.” n
