Maritime services to meet booming regional demand

UAE

Mohamed Al Rumaithi, chairman of Al Fattan Holding Investment, talks to The Energy Year about developing cutting-edge designs for the UAE Navy and providing maintenance services for the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. Al Fattan Holding Investment is a marine construction company specialising in navy and coast guard vessels, combat systems and offshore platforms.

What is Al Fattan Holding Investment’s approach to incorporating new technologies into its offerings?
At Al Fattan Holding Investment, we believe that success lies in striking the right balance between tradition and innovation. By embracing both, we drive forward progress while staying true to our industry’s core values.
Technology, scientific advancements and emerging industries have reshaped our landscape. Today, progress is driven by those who adopt and utilise cutting-edge technology. AI, in particular, is transforming industries, and companies that integrate it effectively are leading the way. Having employees with AI expertise is now a defining factor in industry leadership.
In the maritime industry, success requires both deep experience and advanced technology. At Al Fattan, we ensure that our technology is state-of-the-art, in alignment with the UAE’s 2030 strategy and its broader vision for development.
More than a decade ago, we began developing unmanned technology with a proprietary source code and building in-house capabilities. Today, our expertise extends across both marine and land-based unmanned vehicles. Our engineers are continuously encouraged and empowered to stay abreast of industry advancements. We actively participate in exhibitions, courses and seminars to assess emerging technologies and determine their relevance and benefits for the maritime industry.

Can you share details on some key projects that the company is currently working on?
Most of our work is with the UAE Navy, but we also serve ADNOC and have clients across the region, including in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Yemen. Our expertise lies in building fibre vessels and platforms tailored to meet various operational needs. We are setting global benchmarks in the realm of military fibre vessels, achieving record-breaking speeds in our waters.
I anticipate 2025 will be a standout year for us. The UAE economy has steadily climbed to new heights and demand for offshore projects is surging regionally and worldwide. In Abu Dhabi, in particular, there is a strong push to accelerate the completion of offshore projects, making this an exciting time for the industry.

What are the key elements of Al Fattan’s growth strategy?
Our strategy is closely aligned with the government’s vision. We stay informed about their projects and ensure our capabilities can meet the requirements of each phase. This alignment is the foundation of our plan for the next five years, and we are fully prepared to support projects as they arise and progress.
Expanding our international presence is also important. Our immediate priority is Saudi Arabia, and we have plans to extend into other markets in the Gulf as well.

What is Al Fattan’s involvement in the energy industry?
We were the first company to offer dedicated maintenance services for the Barakah Nuclear Plant. Two other companies competed with us for the role, but our capabilities are ahead of theirs, and we were the first to take on the mandate. We are working in partnership with KEPCO, a South Korean company. Our venture into nuclear began two years ago with small projects to support companies providing services at Barakah. Now, through our partnership with KEPCO, we are the sole maintenance contractor.
Our entry into the nuclear sector was motivated by the long-standing lack of a local company capable of maintaining Barakah. Looking ahead, we aim to build on this foundation to contribute to the UAE’s evolving energy landscape, and we are seeking partners for green energy projects.

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