2:41 pm - February 14, 2026
NEXTCHEM, a subsidiary of the Italian MAIRE Group, opens a new regional office in Abu Dhabi, bolstering its role in high-profile decarbonisation projects such as ADNOC’s hydrogen and CO₂ recovery initiatives, and advancing circular economy initiatives in the UAE.
NEXTCHEM, a subsidiary of the Italian MAIRE Group, has officially opened a new regional office in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This step marks a pretty significant milestone in the company’s broader plan to expand across the Middle East. The move basically consolidates their long-standing presence in the area, building on decades of activity through MAIRE’s engineering and construction division, TECNIMONT, which has been operating in the UAE since the late 1990s — so, they’re not newcomers by any means.
This expansion is happening amid NEXTCHEM’s active involvement in some of the Gulf region’s most high-profile decarbonisation projects. One of the notable efforts is their collaboration with ADNOC on the Hail and Ghasha onshore development. It’s a pretty groundbreaking initiative, aiming to radically reduce emissions in the gas processing sector. Specifically, NEXTCHEM Tech — part of NEXTCHEM — has been assigned as the technology design integrator for the project’s hydrogen and CO₂ recovery unit, which is designed to capture and store around 1.5 million tonnes of CO₂ every year. It’s a big deal because this project supports ADNOC’s broader goal of achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions — and, frankly, it’s one of the most strategically important projects worldwide in the energy transition sector.
Heading MAIRE’s Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) division, NEXTCHEM focuses on three main areas: sustainable fertilizers and nitrogen-based fuels, low-carbon energy vectors, and sustainable materials and circular solutions. These represent the core of their innovative offerings tackling the challenges of decarbonisation faced by energy and industrial sectors. Mohammed Nafid, the Vice President of STS for the Middle East, mentioned that opening the Abu Dhabi office really emphasizes NEXTCHEM’s long-term commitment to the UAE and the wider region. He highlighted the importance of having partners who can deliver proven project execution, but also bring innovative, cost-effective technologies to the table to meet the evolving demands for decarbonisation.
The opening event drew senior leaders from MAIRE, NEXTCHEM, ADNOC, and BOROUGE Group — another major UAE-based petrochemical company — along with the Italian Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Lorenzo Fanara, and Mr. Youssef Al Nowais, MAIRE’s industrial partner. The assembly of such notable figures really showed how important this development is, especially considering the collective effort underway in the region.
And it’s not just about consulting or tech integration locally. In a pioneering stride for circular economy advancement, the company, via its associate GCB Polymers, a joint venture between NEXTCHEM, P2 Polimeri, and Polyme General Trading, has launched a polymers re-processing and upcycling plant right in the Kezad Industrial Zone, Abu Dhabi. This facility recycles a wide range of polymer waste — both post-industrial and post-consumer — converting lower-quality polymers into higher-value materials. It aligns quite well with the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy by promoting sustainable material usage, reducing waste, and boosting resource efficiency. Fabrizio Di Amato, the Chairman of Maire Tecnimont, pointed out that the plant serves as a shining example of Italian tech export helping the UAE push energy transition strategies through innovative industrial solutions.
The energy and industrial sectors in the UAE are definitely experiencing a wave of investment, especially as the region shifts more toward sustainable development. For instance, Specialist Services — part of Centurion Middle East & North Africa — has recently unveiled a 50,000 square meter waterfront fabrication facility in Abu Dhabi. This new plant provides advanced engineering and manufacturing services, mainly targeting ADNOC and the wider MENA region. It’s all about boosting local supply chains and creating economic opportunities through improved manufacturing capabilities and jobs.
Likewise, other contractors, like MMEC Mannesmann GmbH, are also stepping up their regional efforts. They’re focusing on the rising demand for specialised oil, gas, chemical, and renewables services. Their strategy involves leveraging global expertise to deliver efficient and sustainable projects in both upstream and downstream sectors.
Overall, NEXTCHEM’s position in Abu Dhabi seems poised to strengthen regional partnerships, enabling closer collaboration with stakeholders and clients to help the UAE become a global leader in energy transition. Their combined approach — integrating TEKNIMONT’s engineering prowess with NEXTCHEM’s decarbonisation tech — reflects a noteworthy trend in the Middle East: using solid industrial expertise alongside innovative, environmentally-focused solutions to meet bold environmental targets.
Alessandro Bernini, the CEO of MAIRE, noted that the Hail and Ghasha project really showcases the strength of the group’s integrated capabilities, blending engineering execution with decarb solutions. He emphasized how delivering innovative approaches to cut emissions and optimize energy use can improve both operational costs and capital efficiency over time.
As the UAE continues its push to diversify its economy and cut emissions, this new office in Abu Dhabi signals a broader dedication to supporting the region’s energy transition. It’s a place where traditional hydrocarbons meet cutting-edge sustainability projects, from circular economy initiatives to advanced carbon capture technologies.
In the end, NEXTCHEM’s expansion in the UAE will probably help enable more local-driven responses to client needs, aiming to ensure that innovative tech and sustainability measures are central to the region’s industrial future. With a strong portfolio and a pipeline full of projects, the company seems well-positioned to play a key role as the Middle East navigates its journey toward a lower-carbon, more circular industrial landscape.
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, a subsidiary of MAIRE Group, has inaugurated a new regional office in Abu Dhabi, UAE, marking a significant step in its Middle East expansion. The company, active in the UAE since the late 1990s through its engineering and construction unit TECNIMONT, is collaborating with ADNOC on the Hail and Ghasha onshore development, a key project aimed at decarbonising the gas processing industry. NEXTCHEM’s Sustainable Technology Solutions business unit focuses on Sustainable Fertilizers & Nitrogen-Based Fuels, Low-Carbon Energy Vectors, and Sustainable Materials and Circular Solutions. The opening event was attended by MAIRE’s Board members, NEXTCHEM executives, BOROUGE CEO Hazeem Al Suwaidi, ADNOC officials, Italian Ambassador to the UAE H.E. Lorenzo Fanara, and MAIRE’s industrial partner Mr. Youssef Al Nowais. Mohammed Nafid, Middle East STS Region Vice President, emphasised the company’s commitment to the UAE and the Middle East, highlighting the importance of combining proven project delivery with innovative, competitive, and economically viable technological solutions to support clients’ decarbonisation objectives.
- https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/02112022/maire-tecnimont-inaugurates-polymers-re-processing-and-upcycling-plant-in-the-uae/ – Maire Tecnimont’s subsidiary, NextChem, through the associate company GCB Polymers, has inaugurated a new re-processing and upcycling plant for polymers in the Kezad Industrial Zone, Abu Dhabi. The plant processes a wide range of polymer products, including off-spec products, plant scraps, post-industrial and post-consumer waste, and recycled polymers. It aims to improve and upgrade lower-quality polymers and upcycle plastic waste into higher-value products, contributing to the development of a circular economy. Located in the largest industrial and free trade zone in the Middle East, the facility was built by GCB Polymers, a joint venture between NextChem, P2 Polimeri, and Polyme General Trading. GCB Polymers is a pioneer investor at the Kezad Polymer Park, supporting the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy and contributing to a new circular economy approach in the UAE. Fabrizio Di Amato, Maire Tecnimont Chairman, highlighted the plant as an example of Italian know-how developed domestically and now exported to help countries like the UAE develop a circular economy on an industrial scale. By converting lower-quality polymers into higher-value products and upcycling plastic waste, the plant industrialises an innovative and effective way to decisively implement circularity in the UAE, supporting the country’s vision in the energy transition with more energy produced and fewer emissions.
- https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/20062024/nextchem-tech-to-act-as-technology-design-integrator-for-hail-and-ghasha-project/ – MAIRE has announced that NextChem Tech will act as technology design integrator to develop the process design package (PDP) for the hydrogen and carbon dioxide recovery unit of the Hail and Ghasha gas development project. The project, awarded to Tecnimont (MAIRE’s Integrated E&C Solutions) by ADNOC in October 2023 for an overall value of US$8.7 billion, is one of the most strategic initiatives globally to decarbonise the energy processing industry. The project aims to operate with net-zero CO₂ emissions, thanks to the recovery units to be developed by NextChem Tech, which will allow the capture and storage of 1.5 million tonnes per year of CO₂, contributing to ADNOC’s commitment to decarbonising its operations. NextChem Tech’s scope of work encompasses the PDP for the raw gas compression station, the dehydration and separation unit, the CO₂ compression station, and other associated facilities based on quality technologies and solutions. Leveraging its decarbonisation expertise and capabilities, NextChem Tech will also support Tecnimont in supplying certain critical equipment and developing the detailed engineering design for the hydrogen and CO₂ recovery section. The overall value of the contract is approximately US$60 million. Alessandro Bernini, CEO of MAIRE, commented: “This project proves the strength of the group’s integrated approach, and how we can support customers on a broad spectrum of decarbonisation solutions. With its unique and distinctive competences, NEXTCHEM will integrate with Tecnimont working on one of the most innovative projects globally. In addition, we are offering and implementing innovative solutions aimed at reducing emissions and optimising energy consumption, allowing a significant efficiency in terms of OPEX and CAPEX.”
- https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/refining/22112018/mmec-mannesmann-opens-branch-in-abu-dhabi/ – MMEC Mannesmann GmbH (MMEC) has announced the opening of its branch office in Abu Dhabi, which will function as a regional headquarters to meet the growing demand for speciality services in oil and gas, chemicals, metals and mining, and renewables sectors in the Middle East region. The German engineering contractor is known for executing complex projects (upstream and downstream) for oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical industries, covering the entire cycle from early project development, feasibility studies, including hydraulic and case studies, conceptual and basic design, front-end engineering design (FEED) up to the implementation of turnkey projects. The company is currently working on a number of projects across the region, including the recently-won Sulphur Pipeline Project by ADNOC Sour Gas in Abu Dhabi. The large-scale engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) turnkey contract awarded earlier this year involves installing the entire pipeline system with a capacity to transport 10,000 tonnes per day of liquid sulfur to a sulfur granulation station via pipeline. Under the leadership of General Manager Anas Al Juaidi, the Abu Dhabi team will work closely with the existing office in Dubai and the headquarters in Germany towards strengthening the company’s presence in the region and leverage on the opportunities arising from the oil and gas, chemical and mining sectors. “On the back of oil price going up by more than 60% in the past two years, reaching today equivalent levels of 2015, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s economy is projected to grow at over 3% in 2019, and, according to the World Bank, is expected to remain strong for the next two years. This, along with various on-going policy and economic reforms, will continue to drive growth for key infrastructure, oil and gas, mining and renewables sectors,” said Oliver Apelt, CEO, MMEC Mannesmann. “We are excited to expand our presence in the UAE to develop new and deeper cooperation with local clients with whom we wish to achieve a common goal of delivering world-class projects in most smart, safe and sustainable manners, using our global expertise and technological know-how,” said Anas Aljuaidi, General Manager, MMEC Mannesmann.
- https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/product-news/09022024/specialist-services-expands-operations-with-new-fabrication-facility-in-abu-dhabi/ – Specialist Services, part of Centurion Middle East & North Africa, has announced the launch of a new state-of-the-art 50,000 m² waterfront fabrication facility with a Rental and Service Centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Featuring an extensive 25,000 tonnes waterfront load-out capacity, the facility offers open and covered fabrication spaces, ample storage facilities, and a modern office complex. The comprehensive range of services housed within the facility includes design, engineering, and fabrication of large technical modules, living quarters, and process packages, rig refurbishment, rebuild, technical buildings and accommodation refurbishment works, modular buildings rental, and a diverse range of support services. Chris Ridley, Vice President – Middle East & North Africa, commented: “Our substantial long-term investment in Abu Dhabi marks a strategic expansion, providing a robust fabrication, manufacturing, and service hub. This facility is poised to execute significant projects, enhancing the UAE’s and global markets’ access to world-class products that meet international standards. It’s a significant step towards positioning UAE companies at the forefront of global supply.” Specialist Services will produce a variety of ‘made in UAE’ field equipment and steel fabrication services at the new facility for ADNOC and other customers across the MENA region. Yaser Al Mazrouei, ADNOC Executive Director, People, Commercial and Corporate Support, said: “We are delighted to see Specialist Services expand their production line with the opening of this new facility in Abu Dhabi. We look forward to continuing our partnership with them to drive sustainable value across the UAE as we continue to enhance the resilience of our local value chain by maximising the use of local goods and services, encouraging local manufacturing and creating job opportunities for UAE Nationals in the private sector.”
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 the earliest known publication date being 23 September 2025. It has not appeared elsewhere, and there are no indications of recycled content. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Mohammed Nafid, Vice President of Middle East STS Region, are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating original content.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Hydrocarbon Engineering, a reputable industry publication. However, it is not as widely recognised as major outlets like the Financial Times or Reuters, which slightly lowers the reliability score.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about NEXTCHEM’s expansion and involvement in ADNOC’s Hail and Ghasha onshore development are plausible and align with known industry activities. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a minor concern. The language and tone are consistent with corporate communications, and there are no signs of excessive or off-topic detail.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and sourced from a reputable publication. The claims are plausible and consistent with known industry activities. Minor concerns include the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the slightly lower reliability score due to the source’s recognition level.
