Amid the rapid economic transitions occurring within the mining sector regionally, Fujairah emerges as a leading model for transforming its natural resources into effective drivers of economic growth under a comprehensive developmental vision. Engineer Ali Qassim, Director General of the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation, shared insights indicating that the mining sector in the emirate has experienced significant qualitative growth recently, highlighted by the inauguration of four new factories and the awarding of fifteen mining contracts. This progress has boosted economic activity and increased industrial investment in the emirate.
Qassim emphasized that this expansion is not merely numerical; it is rooted in a strategic economic plan aimed at enhancing the efficiency of operational facilities and increasing their production capacity. He noted that the activation of new factories has invigorated economic activity and opened wider avenues for mining-related investments, further enhancing the sector’s contribution to the emirate’s GDP and translating natural resources into tangible economic value.
Advanced Digital Transformation
Regarding institutional digital transformation, the Director of the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation highlighted that the adoption of advanced digital processes has significantly reduced operational costs and expedited business cycles, ultimately elevating the emirate’s competitiveness and investment appeal. He mentioned that the corporation has made remarkable progress in this area, with around 92% of operations now automated, alongside the availability of 12 electronic services covering sector transactions, creating a more efficient and flexible working environment aligned with sustainable economic growth in the emirate.
Regulatory Requirements
In terms of compliance and governance, Qassim noted that the corporation achieved high compliance rates with regulatory and environmental standards, reaching 96%, along with a 95% adherence to occupational safety standards. He confirmed that this level of performance reflects a mature regulatory framework and enhances investor confidence. Moreover, the emirate has established its regional and international presence by successfully hosting ten consecutive sessions of the Fujairah International Mining Conference, reflecting its status as a key hub for mining activities within the country and the region.
Mining Expansion
Qassim indicated that organizational and developmental efforts in the mining sector have created new investment opportunities, improved facility efficiency, and increased industrial production volume. He affirmed that the stable regulatory environment and effective environmental oversight have become crucial factors in attracting high-quality projects that add value to the local economy, emphasizing that the growth in the number of factories and mining contracts is essential for the emirate’s economic foundation.
New Projects
Qassim revealed that the year 2025 will see the launch of four strategic factories, including “Asia White” for the production of clinker and white cement, with an annual production capacity of 265,000 tons, “Apex Chemical Industries,” which specializes in calcium carbonate production with a capacity of 200,000 tons per year, and “Power International,” the first facility producing quicklime with a total output of 240,000 tons annually. Additionally, the Arab Basalt Fibers Company will open as the largest facility of its kind in the Middle East.
In closing, Engineer Ali Qassim emphasized that the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation currently oversees nearly seventy mining facilities and continues to adopt a proactive approach that balances economic development with environmental protection through investments in innovation and advanced monitoring technologies. He stressed that these efforts are fundamental in establishing Fujairah as a leading center for sustainable mining both nationally and regionally.