The role of Emirati females in the Phase 2 expansion of Emirates Aluminium (Emal) was a central feature of a ceremony to celebrate the latest landmark - the First Hot Metal. Once completed, Emal will have a total production capacity of 1.3 million tonnes.

From procurement to energising the pots, Emal’s female engineers and managers have been integral to the company reaching the milestone of First Hot Metal and an example of Emirati excellence.

Commenting on the role of Emirati women at Emal, president and CEO Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei said before the ceremony: "Female Emirati engineers and managers have been leading the way at Emal as we expand into one of the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelters. It is only right that they are recognised for the vital contribution they are making to our success and helping to shape the economic development of the UAE. We want to maximise the participation of women in the workforce and are empowering them through exciting employment opportunities and career development. We are proud that the start-up of Phase 2 is being led by a female engineer, a first in the Gulf region."

Senior Manager for engineering and asset management Najeeba Al Jabri energised what will be the longest single potline in the world. Al Jabri is responsible for testing the technological parameters on all pots so that they operate efficiently with a high production rate of 3.2 tonnes per pot, a current efficiency above 95 per cent and a metal purity of over 99.9 per cent aluminium without compromising safety or environment.

Development engineer Nadia

Ensuring the first pot is ready for start-up, Emal’s senior engineer for process control Shaikha Al Shehhi was responsible for checking and monitoring the preparation of the pot as per the technological standards of the Dubal developed DX+ reduction cell technology. Monitoring temperature and electrical connectivity during testing, Al Shehhi’s work provides sustainability of the pot to extend its productivity, as well as security to prevent leakage or cracks.

Working in technology development and transfer, Dubal development engineer Nadia Ahmad has worked with Emal to monitor, assess and align pot performance with the procedures and technological requirements of the DX+ Reduction Cell technology. She will ensure that the pot performs at high efficiency and effectiveness until normalisation reaches stable production 35 days after start-up.

Emal project procurement manager Nadera Abdulla Al Marzouqi acquired only the highest quality materials from suppliers to meet the pot standards to safeguard reliability, quality and time to reach the cut in pot. With all materials delivered to the project’s technical team, Al Marzouqi’s efforts helped the project start up three months ahead of schedule establishing Emal’s Phase II as the fastest potline ever built.

Emal senior project engineer Inaam Al Marzouqi manages the project’s EPCM contractors to meet the high standards of completion as per the requirements for operations project work. Daily monitoring and supervision of all contractors on-site ensures the schedule is met safely, procurement material is being delivered on time and the quality is up to standard.