Tadweer’s facility at Warsan is one of the first of its kind in the region to handle a large variety of municipal waste. Increasing levels of waste in Dubai and the expected revenues from managing and processing it justifies the firm’s involvement in the BOOT scheme.

The depth of state involvement in the strategic running of the company is clear. Tadweer is a privately-run and registered company, yet its stated objectives to educate and change popular perceptions of how to manage and recycle waste is a priority for Dubai Municipality – its strategic partner.

The company is now heavily involved in awareness campaigns. The recent decision by Tadweer to collaborate with UCD and create a Dubai-based college providing environmental studies programmes should be seen in this light. 

Unlike other firms, which concentrate on niche sectors of the waste management market such as recycling plastic bottles or medical waste, Tadweer is involved in new areas, which are likely to see significant growth in the future as the state develops.

One of the more interesting materials produced by the Warsan plant is compost. It provides large mixed-use real estate developers in the UAE with much-needed soil for landscaping, which cuts down costs on importing the material. Another area likely to see future growth is the production of RDF to be used in the cement sector.

One of the main obstacles to Tadweer’s growth is the lack of awareness of recycling among the local population. However, this risk is mitigated by the strong state backing as part of the BOOT scheme. Awareness campaigns on recycling will only continue to increase and extend across the country.