The tech-focused branch of MAIRE Group has inaugurated a new regional office in Abu Dhabi, signalling a strategic push to support decarbonisation efforts across the Middle East, notably through collaboration on flagship projects like ADNOC’s Hail and Ghasha development.
NEXTCHEM, the tech-focused branch of the MAIRE Group, which is dedicated to pushing forward sustainable industrial solutions, has recently expanded its footprint in the Middle East by opening a new regional office in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This move is quite a significant milestone for the company as it advances its strategic growth in a region that is increasingly committed to energy transition and reducing carbon emissions.
The MAIRE Group has a long-standing presence in the Gulf area—having been active through its engineering and construction division, TECNIMONT, since the late 1990s. TECNIMONT played a key role in delivering projects that are vital to the region’s economic and social progress. Building on this solid background, the new Abu Dhabi office for NEXTCHEM will now offer its cutting-edge array of technologies to support local stakeholders in meeting their decarbonisation targets.
Currently, the company is collaborating closely with TECNIMONT on one of the world’s most ambitious projects aimed at decarbonising gas processing: ADNOC’s Hail and Ghasha onshore development. This massive USD 8.7 billion contract, awarded to TECNIMONT for the onshore processing facilities, forms part of a broader project worth around $17 billion. The Hail and Ghasha fields are strategic assets for the UAE’s efforts to diversify its energy sources and are designed to operate with net-zero CO₂ emissions, thanks to advanced carbon capture and recovery technology.
TECNIMONT’s scope covers the construction of two gas processing units, sulphur recovery facilities, utilities, offsite infrastructure, and export pipelines. Meanwhile, MAIRE’s Sustainable Technology Solutions division—led by NEXTCHEM—supplies innovative digital solutions aimed at reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency, ultimately enhancing the operational flow within this landmark project. Engineering and procurement activities span several regions, including Europe, India, and the UAE itself, with MAIRE’s Milan-based team managing procurement, particularly emphasizing local suppliers through its UAE hub.
The grand opening event for NEXTCHEM’s new Abu Dhabi office saw attendance from top executives of MAIRE and NEXTCHEM, as well as notable guests including Hazeem Al Suwaidi, CEO of BOROUGE Group, ADNOC officials, the Italian Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Lorenzo Fanara, and Mr. Youssef Al Nowais, a key industrial partner and shareholder of MAIRE.
Mohammed Nafid, Vice President of MAIRE’s Sustainable Technology Solutions in the Middle East, underscored why this expansion is so important: “The opening of NEXTCHEM’s regional offices really highlights our long-term commitment to the UAE and the broader Middle East. Building on more than twenty years of trusted engineering experience through TECNIMONT, we’re now bringing NEXTCHEM’s technology lineup to help our clients reach their decarbonisation goals.” He also pointed out that partnering with companies that can deliver both reliable project execution and innovative, cost-effective tech is essential for propelling the region’s energy transition forward.
Beyond the significant Hail and Ghasha project, NEXTCHEM’s operations in the Middle East extend to other countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. The company is involved in various strategic initiatives supporting sustainable fertilizers, nitrogen-based fuels, low-carbon energy carriers, as well as circular economy solutions and sustainable materials. Such a broad approach underlines the company’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive shift toward sustainability across the Gulf’s energy and materials sectors.
Speaking of the Hail and Ghasha project, Alessandro Bernini, CEO of MAIRE Group, described it as a milestone: “This is the largest contract in MAIRE’s history—really, a big achievement for us—and it’s a true recognition of Made in Italy engineering.” Bernini highlighted that this project not only demonstrates MAIRE’s engineering prowess but also underscores the crucial role Italian technology is playing in pioneering carbon-neutral industrial solutions. He also mentioned that this contract significantly supports MAIRE’s 10-year strategic plan with a leading global energy company, strengthening its capabilities in sulphur recovery and gas treatment plants.
This project aligns with the UAE’s broader goal of ramping up natural gas production within a low-carbon framework—an essential move to meet rising global energy demands while reducing environmental impacts. Early engineering and procurement contracts, valued at about $80 million, have already gone to consortiums including TECNIMONT, Technip Energies, and Samsung Engineering, setting the stage for full-scale development.
At the same time, the offshore component of the Hail and Ghasha project, estimated at roughly $8.2 billion, has been awarded to a consortium led by Abu Dhabi’s National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC) and the Italian firm Saipem. This offshore segment involves building drilling rigs, artificial islands, and over 300 kilometers of subsea pipelines—making it the largest natural gas offshore project in ADNOC’s history.
What’s particularly notable here is how this combined onshore and offshore development is more than just increasing oil and gas output. It reflects the UAE’s strong determination to embed decarbonisation technologies and sustainable practices into its hydrocarbon sector. Including carbon capture and storage (CCUS) tech positions the Hail and Ghasha project as a pioneer—showing how fossil fuel resources can be managed responsibly and with an eye towards minimizing environmental impact.
The new Abu Dhabi office for NEXTCHEM is strategically situated to work closely with regional partners, helping to drive energy transition initiatives that sync with the UAE’s Net Zero targets and the broader Middle East sustainability agenda. As more investment pours into green tech and circular economy projects in the region, having a local presence and direct engagement becomes crucial—especially for navigating local regulations, supply chain logistics, and market opportunities.
All in all, the expansion of NEXTCHEM reflects the wider global and regional push towards integrating sustainability and innovation into energy infrastructure. Supported by MAIRE’s strong engineering legacy and Italian technological expertise, the company is well-positioned to make a meaningful contribution to the energy transition in the UAE and across the Middle East—building partnerships and delivering projects that aim for both economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/the-environment/24092025/nextchem-opens-new-regional-office-in-abu-dhabi/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/the-environment/24092025/nextchem-opens-new-regional-office-in-abu-dhabi/ – NEXTCHEM, part of the MAIRE Group, has inaugurated a new regional office in Abu Dhabi, UAE, marking a significant step in its Middle East expansion. The company has been active in the UAE since the late 1990s through its engineering and construction business unit, TECNIMONT, executing several strategic projects in the Gulf area to support its economic and social development. Both TECNIMONT and NEXTCHEM are currently collaborating on ADNOC’s Hail and Ghasha onshore development, a major initiative aimed at decarbonising the gas processing industry. The Group is also active in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, with other strategic initiatives. NEXTCHEM, leading MAIRE’s Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) business unit, is now strengthening its regional presence with a portfolio of technologies and innovative solutions supporting decarbonisation across three business lines: Sustainable Fertilisers & Nitrogen-Based Fuels, Low-Carbon Energy Vectors, and Sustainable Materials and Circular Solutions. The opening event was attended by members of MAIRE’s Board of Directors, senior executives of NEXTCHEM, the CEO of BOROUGE Group, Hazeem Al Suwaidi, ADNOC officials, H.E. Lorenzo Fanara, the Italian Ambassador to the UAE, and Mr. Youssef Al Nowais, MAIRE’s long-term industrial partner and shareholder. Mohammed Nafid, Middle East STS Region Vice President, stated, “The opening of NEXTCHEM’s regional offices underscores our long-term commitment to the UAE and the wider Middle East region.”
- https://www.tecnimont.com/en/newsroom/news/maire-awarded-usd-87-billion-contract-by-adnoc-for-the-onshore-portion-of-the-hail-and-ghasha-development-project-in-abu-dhabi-the-largest-award-ever-for-the-group/ – MAIRE has announced that Tecnimont, part of its Integrated E&C Solutions business unit, has signed a Letter of Award with ADNOC for the onshore processing plant of the Hail and Ghasha Development Project. The award was signed at ADIPEC, the world’s largest energy summit. The Hail and Ghasha project is aimed to operate with net zero CO₂ emissions, in part due to the facility’s CO₂ carbon capture and recovery units, which will allow the capture and storage of CO₂. The overall EPC contract value is approximately USD 8.7 billion, and project completion is expected during 2028. The scope of work includes two gas processing units, three sulphur recovery sections, the associated utilities and offsites, as well as export pipelines. Tecnimont will also leverage the competences of MAIRE’s Sustainable Technology Solutions division to develop innovative digital solutions aimed at reducing emissions and optimizing energy consumption, allowing a significant efficiency of the plant in terms of opex and capex. The engineering and procurement activities will be executed by several dedicated teams in Europe, India, and the UAE, under the central coordination of MAIRE’s Milan headquarters. In particular, MAIRE’s UAE procurement hub will ensure the maximization of the local suppliers’ involvement, aimed at providing significant value to the local economy. Alessandro Bernini, MAIRE Group CEO, commented: “Today we have been awarded the largest contract ever for the MAIRE Group, a multi-billion-dollar project which will significantly boost the delivery of our 10-year strategic plan. We are honored to have achieved this great result with a leading global player such as ADNOC, as it represents further evidence of the strength of our long-lasting and fruitful relationship. This award, a landmark recognition of Made in Italy Engineering, is a demonstration not only of our leadership in sulphur recovery and in gas treatment plants but, more broadly, of our undisputed execution capabilities as well as our technological expertise in designing carbon-free industrial solutions.”
- https://www.groupmaire.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/detail/nextchem-opens-a-new-regional-office-in-abu-dhabi-to-advance-energy-transition-in-the-middle-east-with-its-portfolio-of-sustainable-technologies/ – NEXTCHEM (MAIRE), a leader in technological solutions to industrialise the energy transition, has announced the opening of its new regional office in Abu Dhabi, marking a major milestone in the company’s strategic expansion across the Middle East. NEXTCHEM, part of MAIRE Group, a multinational engineering player in the downstream energy services with solid Italian roots, is present in 50 countries with more than 10,200 people and a track record of over 1,500 projects completed worldwide. MAIRE has been active in the UAE since the late 1990s through its engineering & construction business unit TECNIMONT, with several strategic projects executed in the Gulf area to support its economic and social development. TECNIMONT and NEXTCHEM are both currently working on ADNOC’s Hail and Ghasha onshore development, which is one of the most important initiatives globally to decarbonise the gas processing industry. The Group is also active in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman with other several strategic initiatives. NEXTCHEM, which heads MAIRE’s Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) business unit, is now strengthening its footprint in the region with its cutting-edge portfolio of technologies and innovative solutions supporting decarbonisation across three business lines: Sustainable Fertilisers & Nitrogen-Based Fuels, Low-Carbon Energy Vectors, and Sustainable Materials and Circular Solutions. The opening event was attended by the Members of MAIRE’s Board of Directors together with senior executives of NEXTCHEM, as well as the CEO of BOROUGE Group Mr. Hazeem Al Suwaidi and other ADNOC officials, H.E. Lorenzo Fanara, the Italian Ambassador to the UAE, and Mr. Youssef Al Nowais, MAIRE’s long-term industrial partner and shareholder. “The opening of NEXTCHEM’s regional offices underscores our long-term commitment to the UAE and the wider Middle East region,” said Mohammed Nafid, Middle East STS Region Vice President. “Building on two decades of trusted engineering know-how through TECNIMONT, we are now bringing NEXTCHEM’s technology portfolio to support the decarbonisation objectives of our clients. Customers are looking for partners that can combine proven project delivery with innovative, competitive, economically viable technological solutions,” added Nafid. “Our Abu Dhabi base will allow us to work even more closely with stakeholders to reinforce the region’s global leadership in the energy transition —project by project.”
- https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/approfondimenti/2023/10/eau-maire-tecnimont-e-saipem-firmano-contratti-record-per-lo-sviluppo-dei-giacimenti-di-gas-di-hail-e-ghasha/ – Maire Tecnimont and Saipem have signed letters of award with ADNOC for the development of the Hail and Ghasha natural gas fields offshore Abu Dhabi. The contracts are worth USD 17 billion in total, with the two Italian companies receiving USD 13 billion. ADNOC holds the majority stake (55 per cent) in the Hail and Ghasha field concession, with ENI also participating with 25 per cent. The onshore part of the contract, awarded entirely to Maire for USD 8.7 billion, entails the development of natural gas processing units, pipelines, and support facilities. The offshore component, awarded to a consortium including Saipem and the Emirates company NPCC, provides for the construction of drilling rigs, artificial islands and over 300 kilometres of subsea pipelines. The total value of the offshore deal amounts to USD 8.2 billion, half of which for Saipem. Overall, this is the largest natural gas contract ever awarded by ADNOC and the largest contract ever awarded to Maire Tecnimont. The development of the Hail and Ghasha fields is strategic for the UAE in order to diversify the national energy sector. Once completed in 2028, the aim is to operate with zero CO₂ emissions, using advanced carbon capture and recovery technologies. The award represents a historic achievement for the Italian companies, not only due to the unprecedented sums involved, but also because it recognises the value of Italian technology in a strategic sector for the region.
- https://www.oilandgasmiddleeast.com/news/adnoc-awards-80-million-contract-for-hail-and-ghasha-gas-development – ADNOC has awarded an early engineering and procurement works contract worth $80 million for the onshore facilities of the Hail and Ghasha development project to a JV composed of Tecnimont, Technip Energies, and Samsung Engineering. The scope of work also includes the preparation of an Open Book Estimate for the full project delivery scope, which will be considered as part of the Client’s Final Investment Decision. The awards come as ADNOC accelerates gas expansion, as part of its low carbon growth strategy to continue meeting global energy needs. Alessandro Bernini, Maire Tecnimont Group CEO, commented: “We are honoured to keep on supporting ADNOC in accelerating its gas growth plans, where Maire Tecnimont has been involved in its energy transformation industry since the late 90s, with the first polyolefin complex (Borouge 1) completed in 2001. This award confirms Maire Tecnimont’s commitment to creating value in the UAE thanks to its technology-driven unparalleled skills and distinctive competences.”
- https://www.meed.com/adnoc-awards-17bn-epc-contracts-for-hail-and-ghasha – Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has awarded $16.94bn-worth of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts for its Hail and Ghasha offshore sour gas field development project. A consortium of Abu Dhabi’s National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC) and Italian contractor Saipem has been awarded the offshore EPC package. The value of the offshore contract is $8.2bn. The scope of work broadly involves EPC of offshore facilities, including facilities on artificial islands and subsea pipelines. Italy-headquartered Tecnimont has been awarded the onshore EPC contract. The $8.74bn contract relates to the EPC of onshore facilities, including carbon dioxide (CO₂) and sulphur recovery and handling.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is fresh, with no prior publications found. The article is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is September 24, 2025.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes were identified in the provided text, indicating potential originality or exclusivity. The absence of earlier matches for direct quotes suggests the content is original.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Hydrocarbon Engineering, a reputable publication in the industry. However, the article is behind a paywall, limiting full access to the content.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about NEXTCHEM’s expansion and involvement in ADNOC’s Hail and Ghasha project align with known industry activities. The UAE’s commitment to energy transition and decarbonisation supports the plausibility of the narrative.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh and original, with no prior publications found. The absence of direct quotes suggests potential exclusivity. The source is reputable, though access is limited due to the paywall. The claims are plausible and align with known industry activities. No significant credibility risks were identified.
