19 February 2019, Abu Dhabi, UAE: Emirates Steel, the only integrated steel plant in the UAE and a subsidiary of the General Holding Corporation (SENAAT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Barij Munitions, an Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC). The MoU establishes a framework between the two companies for cooperation and collaboration in the development and manufacture of military products.
The MoU was signed at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference 2019 (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi by Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, CEO of Emirates Steel and Mr. Arafat Al Yafei, General Manager of Barij Munitions. The agreement is the result of the companies’ mutual interest in developing and delivering high quality military and defense products, in line with global manufacturing standards. In addition, both parties aim to exchange industrial expertise in line with their leading regional status.
Speaking after the signing, H.E. Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, CEO of Emirates Steel said: “This MoU reflects how keen national companies are to build strategic partnerships which strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global industrial hub, alongside contributing to government efforts to build a sustainable and diversified economy. This agreement looks to build cooperation in a variety of joint manufacturing and training programs, and drive the growth of local human capacity to further develop the local industrial sector.”
“Through the signing of this MoU, Emirates Steel seeks to exchange expertise with Barij Munitions in the area of reinforced steel and munitions manufacturing, as we look to develop our local production capacities in the defense sector to meet the current and future needs of the market. Through such activity, we hope to enhance our competitiveness against the largest companies in this sector, both regionally and internationally, in alignment with Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision,” added Eng. Al Remeithi.
Eng. Al. Remeithi also highlighted that IDEX was the ideal venue in which to sign this agreement, as it hosts the world’s leading defense and military companies. In addition, he expressed his pride in the signing of the MoU, as it reflects the continuing progress of the UAE’s defense sector.
Mr. Arafat Al Yafei, General Manager of Barij Munitions, said: “Through signing this MoU with Emirates Steel, we look forward to accessing the latest manufacturing technologies and methods to serve both the local and the international market. Through working with Emirates Steel, we will look to increase our future production capacity and expand our services in line with the needs of the market.”
Mr. Al Yafei also highlighted the importance of the growth of local and national companies in the UAE’s industrial defense sector. The success of the sector was emphasized by the wide participation of global defense companies at this year’s edition of IDEX in Abu Dhabi.
In line with the MoU framework, Emirates Steel and Barij Munitions will work together to determine the opportunities available within the military industrial sector, alongside anticipating the current and future needs of the local and international defense markets. Both companies will also work to share knowledge in the manufacture and development of products used in the military industry.
In addition, the companies will collaborate to develop training programs to enhance local expertise in a variety of manufacturing areas, especially related to the military, in order to elevate local manufacturing standards. Likewise, both companies are looking to collaborate in the development of joint products and investment opportunities to enhance the ability and productivity of the local market.