SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) on Tuesday celebrated 30 years as a leading regional shipbuilder with a ceremony at its Abu Dhabi shipyard, attended by senior officers from the UAE Navy and Kuwait Naval Forces, along with EDGE Group leadership, partners and dignitaries.
The celebration highlighted ADSB’s evolution as a key player in advanced naval shipbuilding, underpinned by major export contracts, production of advanced UAE-designed vessels, and the operation of one of the Middle East’s most sophisticated shipyards.
The event also witnessed the launch of AL NOUKHITHA, the first Al-Dorra-class 62-metre vessel, built under a record-breaking deal subcontracted by EDGE Group to supply advanced missile boats to the Kuwait Ministry of Defence.
The project represents the largest naval export deal in the region’s history and marks a significant milestone in ADSB’s international growth.
Driven by a National VisionKhaled Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADSB, said: “ADSB represents one of the UAE’s greatest industrial achievements. Established just 25 years into the foundation of our nation, ADSB now competes and delivers at the highest level on the global stage.”
Al Zaabi added: “The growth we have witnessed over the past few years has been extraordinary – record revenues, landmark international contracts, and the commissioning of ships designed and built entirely in the UAE. This is a story of national vision and unwavering support from the UAE’s leadership to building sovereign capabilities that will serve our nation for generations to come.”
David Massey, CEO of ADSB, said: “When I joined six years ago, ADSB was an organisation with a rich history and a very exciting future ahead of it. What has unfolded since then has exceeded our expectations. With the strongest order book in our history and a growing pipeline spanning multiple continents, we are now also developing our own naval platforms through our dedicated technology office, marking a new era for ADSB.”
Founded in 1995, ADSB began as a maintenance, repair and overhaul provider for the UAE Navy before steadily expanding into full shipbuilding. Today, ADSB operates a 330,000-square-metre shipyard with around 1,500 employees, delivering complex naval programmes across the Middle East and beyond.Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the event, Massey emphasised that ADSB’s growth would not have been possible without long-term partnerships and trust, and the unwavering support of customers, including the UAE Navy and National Guard.
Commenting on the relationship between the UAE and Kuwait, Massey described it as one built on confidence and sustained cooperation. “ADSB has a long-standing relationship with Kuwait Naval Forces built on trust, close cooperation, and a proven record of delivery,” he said. “We have previously delivered landing craft and continue to provide MRO support.”
“The award of this landmark programme through EDGE reflects strong confidence in our capabilities and execution,” he added.
Massey said that AL NOUKHITHA is the first of eight vessels to be delivered under the contract as the programme moves from design and construction into phased delivery.