Emirates Global Aluminium posted record aluminium sales and higher EBITDA despite Guinea-related losses and operational disruptions from Iranian attacks.
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), one of the world's largest "premium aluminium" producers and the largest industrial company in the UAE outside oil and gas, demonstrated strong underlying financial performance and record sales in 2025, despite facing significant challenges. The company reported underlying Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) of AED 9.28 billion (2.53 billion) in 2025, arise from AED 8.69 billion (2.37 billion) in 2024, driven by higher average realised aluminium prices, ongoing operational improvements, and increased sales. Underlying revenue also climbed by 14% to AED 31.98 billion ($8.71 billion).
However, EGA's reported net profit, including the full impact of events in Guinea, fell to AED 2.12 billion (578 million) in 2025, down from AED 2.62 billion (715 million) in 2024. This decline was primarily attributed to the revocation of mining rights for the Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), resulting in a substantial charge of AED 2.81 billion (765 million) in 2025, compared to AED 1.64 billion (447 million) in 2024. Excluding GAC, the underlying net profit increased by 16% to AED 4.93 billion ($1.34 billion). EGA sold a record 2.83 million tonnes of cast metal to over 400 customers in more than 50 countries in 2025.
Strategically, EGA is actively expanding its global footprint and recycling capabilities. The company inaugurated an expanded aluminium recycling facility, EGA Spectro Alloys, in Minnesota, USA, in 2025, significantly boosting its secondary billet production capacity. This expansion is part of a broader plan to meet the growing demand for low-carbon aluminium and includes the construction of the UAE's largest aluminium recycling plant in Al Taweelah, set to commence production in the first half of 2026. EGA also acquired a majority stake in a German speciality foundry, Leichtmetall, and is planning a new primary aluminium smelter in the United States in partnership with Century Aluminum, marking the first such facility in the US in decades. Additionally, EGA is reportedly negotiating to acquire a stake in Oman's Sohar Aluminium to deepen its regional and global presence.
A core focus for EGA is sustainability and decarbonisation. The company has a roadmap commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Initiatives include the introduction of a green financing framework to fund decarbonisation projects, and a landmark agreement with TAQA, DUBAL Holding, and EWEC to decarbonise its aluminium production in Abu Dhabi by leveraging renewable and clean energy sources. EGA is increasing the production of its solar-powered CelestiAL and nuclear-powered MinimAL low-carbon aluminium, aiming for these products to constitute nearly half of its primary production by the end of 2028.
Geopolitical events have also impacted EGA. Recent Iranian missile and drone attacks caused significant damage to EGA's Al Taweelah site in Abu Dhabi, including the smelter, casthouse, power plant, alumina refinery, and recycling plant. Full restoration of primary aluminium production is projected to take up to 12 months, which could impact global aluminium supply. The company also noted that US import tariffs on aluminium, while increasing the local price in the US, have not significantly impacted EGA's overall exports to the region due to its competitive positioning.
Economically, EGA's performance reflects strong secular tailwinds in the aluminium market, driven by increasing demand from industries focused on sustainability, electrification (e.g., electric vehicles), and long-term infrastructure renewal. As the second-largest made-in-the-UAE export after oil and gas, EGA plays a crucial role in the UAE's economy, supporting over 56,000 jobs in the broader aluminium sector. The company continues to invest in technology and operational improvements, with its "Najah" program and the upcoming "Najah 2.0" targeting further efficiency gains and cost optimisation.
