From EcoWASTE to sustainability: Tadweer Group’s Ali Al Dhaheri talks about creating value

Tadweer Group, the driving force behind waste management innovation in Abu Dhabi, is leading the charge towards a sustainable and circular economy.

With ambitious goals to divert 80 per cent of waste from landfills by 2030, the group is committed to transforming waste into valuable resources through cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships. 

Under the leadership of Ali Al Dhaheri, Tadweer Group has already launched several high-impact projects, from the region’s first greenfield material recovery facility (MRF) to collaborations on waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies and sustainable aviation fuel.

As the UAE continues its journey towards Net Zero 2050, the group’s initiatives are paving the way for an environmentally and economically sustainable future.

In this interview, the MD and CEO of the group talks about Tadweer’s key projects and initiatives in support of Abu Dhabi’s ambitious environmental targets, such as diverting 80 per cent of waste from landfills by 2030, and the role that technology plays in making this a reality. 

What steps is Tadweer Group taking to achieve its ambitious goal of diverting 80 per cent of waste from Abu Dhabi’s landfills by 2030? 

Tadweer Group is at the forefront of revolutionising waste management in Abu Dhabi, aiming to divert 80 per cent of waste from landfills by 2030. We are taking a multi-faceted approach, with a strong focus on leveraging advanced technologies, building strategic partnerships, and engaging the community in recycling efforts.

One of the cornerstones of this initiative is the development of Abu Dhabi’s first greenfield material recovery facility (MRF), which will be capable of processing 1.3 million metric tonnes of waste per year.

Located in Al Mafraq Industrial area, the MRF will be one of the largest in the region, covering an area of over 90,000 square metres. 

Additionally, we have rolled out 25 Tadweer reverse vending machines (RVMs) across high-traffic areas in Abu Dhabi, including key locations like the Ministry of Finance and Rabdan Park. These machines, coupled with our Tadweer Rewards app, incentivise the public to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans, creating a more engaged and responsible community. 

Our collaboration with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) on the development of a waste-to-energy (WtE) plant near the Al Dhafra landfill is another pivotal step. This plant will process 900,000 tonnes of waste annually, generating enough electricity to power 52,500 homes in the UAE.

Technology is central to this transformation, and we believe that the adoption of these innovative technologies, from advanced waste sorting to energy conversion, will drive us closer to our target of 80 per cent waste diversion by 2030. 

Tell us about the group’s approach to the circular economy and how your partnerships complement this strategy. 

Tadweer Group’s approach to the circular economy revolves around maximising the value of waste, transforming it into valuable resources that can benefit both the environment and the economy. We aim to shift public perception of waste, viewing it not as something to be discarded, but as a resource that can be harnessed for positive environmental and economic outcomes. 

Our global partnerships are key to this mission. For instance, the Waste to Zero initiative, which we launched at COP28, has gained international traction. This initiative aims to decarbonise the waste sector and has already been endorsed by over 50 global institutions.

Our collaboration with the Japanese consortium to develop a waste-to-energy plant in Al Dhafra and our joint development agreement with Uzbekistan to build a similar facility in the Navoi and Bukhara regions are just some examples of how we are exporting our expertise and learning from global best practices.

Additionally, our partnership with UK-based Levidian, to bring their LOOP technology to Abu Dhabi, is helping us to turn waste methane into hydrogen and carbon-negative graphene, providing a new, sustainable way to utilise waste materials.

By exploring such innovative technologies and building international partnerships, we are enhancing our ability to contribute to the global circular economy, reducing emissions, and generating new economic opportunities. 

How does the group’s work align with Abu Dhabi’s broader environmental and economic objectives, and what role do you see for waste management in the UAE’s sustainability vision?

Tadweer’s initiatives are directly aligned with both Abu Dhabi’s environmental and economic objectives. Our efforts to divert waste from landfills and reduce emissions through advanced waste-to-energy technologies are crucial in helping the UAE achieve its Net Zero 2050 goals.

The development of large-scale waste-to-resource plants, such as the greenfield MRF and WtE plants, is contributing to the country’s push for renewable energy alternatives and resource efficiency.  

From an economic standpoint, Tadweer Group is helping to build a green economy by creating new job opportunities in the waste management and recycling sectors.

Our initiatives are fostering a new ecosystem for sustainable practices that will benefit local industries and drive innovation, which in turn promotes new business models, creates employment opportunities, and boosts investment in the sustainability sector.

The circular economy is not just about recycling; it’s about rethinking how we use resources and how we can continually derive value from them.

The group is committed to this vision and to supporting the UAE’s broader sustainability goals by turning waste from an environmental challenge into an economic opportunity. 

Are there any new projects Tadweer will announce at the upcoming EcoWASTE event, and what impact do you anticipate these will have on your overall mission? 

At the EcoWASTE exhibition, Tadweer is highlighting several new advancements and strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating the UAE’s waste management transformation. We will showcase our cutting-edge waste-to-energy technologies and discuss our collaborative efforts with international partners.  

A key highlight will be our focus on ‘waste-to-plus’ industries, where we explore the added value that can be derived from waste, such as the conversion of waste into hydrogen or sustainable aviation fuel. 

Tadweer will also present new business opportunities in the circular economy and promote best practices for sustainable waste management. We plan to make important announcements during the event, which will further solidify our role as a leader in waste management and circular economy solutions in the region. 

Moreover, the group will continue to host its Sustainable Stand Awards, encouraging exhibitors to build their stands from sustainable materials and facilitate networking opportunities at our EcoMajlis Lounge.

We look forward to inspiring more businesses and individuals to join us in driving forward a sustainable future, where waste is not just discarded but is given a new life as a valuable resource. 

Through these initiatives and partnerships, the group is not just contributing to the UAE’s sustainability vision but is helping to set new benchmarks for waste management and circular economy practices on the global stage.