U.A.E. to Become World’s Second Largest Gallium Producer under New Deal with RTX

U.A.E.’s government entity Tawazun Council, U.S. aerospace and defense firm RTX and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) signed a memorandum of understanding today to develop gallium production capabilities in the U.A.E., setting the stage for the country to become the world’s second largest gallium producer.

The initiative will center around EGA’s alumina refinery in Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi, where gallium will be extracted and refined from bauxite ore. The metal, found in trace amounts in bauxite and traditionally considered an impurity in aluminium production, is a critical component used across industries.

In the defense sector, gallium is vital for manufacturing systems such as advanced radar. The agreement would secure supply lines for companies like RTX, which relies on steady access to rare minerals for its aerospace and defense solutions.

The aerospace and defense industry relies on stable access to rare earth elements. Gallium is essential for sectors including semiconductors, military radar, electric vehicles, medical technology, and telecommunications.

EGA and RTX also plan to carry out a feasibility study for building a high-purity gallium production plant at the Al Taweelah site. This would create a new industrial capability within the U.A.E., aligning with the country’s Operation 300bn strategy to grow national manufacturing output.

Tawazun Council, which works closely with the U.A.E. Ministry of Defence to build a sustainable national defense industry, emphasized the strategic value of the partnership.

The new gallium capability is expected to attract investment, enhance national security through supply chain resilience, and expand the U.A.E.'s role in the global technology ecosystem.

The deal follows U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East visit, during which he secured €179 billion ($200 billion) in agreements with the U.A.E., including plans for the world’s largest AI campus in Abu Dhabi.