Abu Dhabi’s first greenfield Material Recovery Facility (MRF), a waste sorting plant designed to process 400,000 tonnes annually, has seen construction kick off under Tadweer Group’s oversight. The project, led by Urbaser, a global environmental services firm, is set to launch operations by 2028.
The facility will expand the emirate’s ability to recover resources from waste and help move Abu Dhabi towards a circular economy. Half of the yearly intake, 200,000 tonnes, will be municipal solid waste, while the other 200,000 tonnes will be commercial and industrial waste.
Facility Details
The facility is set to start operations in the second quarter of 2028. It will utilize automated sorting systems enhanced by artificial intelligence and advanced optical technologies, improving material separation, increasing recovery efficiency, and reducing landfill waste.
Etienne Petit, CEO of Tadweer Group, stated: “The start of construction on this facility is a significant milestone in turning Abu Dhabi’s circular economy goals into concrete infrastructure. By partnering with Urbaser, we are merging cutting-edge technology with global operational expertise to enhance resource recovery on a large scale.
This partnership is a key part of Tadweer Group’s commitment to building an integrated waste management system. They are working to get the most value out of what is thrown away, and the new facility is a major step forward in this effort.
Partnership and Construction
Urbaser won the engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the facility in July 2026.
Rafael Guinea, Waste Treatment General Director of Urbaser, said: “They are proud to partner with Tadweer Group in delivering this important infrastructure project for Abu Dhabi. The facility will bring together advanced sorting technologies and their international expertise in waste treatment and resource recovery to support a more efficient and sustainable waste management system.
Materials recovered at the facility will undergo further processing. This plant is part of a broader, integrated waste management system for the emirate, which also includes Abu Dhabi’s Waste-to-Energy infrastructure.
