NMDC Group Expands Fleet with Inauguration of State-of-the-Art ‘Abu Al Bakhoush’ Dredger

• 148-meter self-propelled heavy-duty cutter suction dredger adds 30,040 kW of installed power to NMDC Group’s dredging capacity.
• Expansion aligns with the Group’s long-term strategy for international expansion, sustainable growth and continued people development, creating value for shareholders.
• The GREEN PASSPORT-certified vessel strengthens the Group's infrastructure for sustainable growth.

Abu Dhabi, UAE; 9 October 2026 –  NMDC Group (ADX: NMDC), a global leader in integrated marine, energy, construction, logistics, and engineering solutions, today announced the official inauguration of the Abu Al Bakhoush vessel, a state-of-the-art self-propelled heavy-duty cutter suction dredger. The ceremony, held in Nantong, China, marks a strategic milestone in the Group's long-term international growth strategy and ongoing fleet expansion, adding to its 170+ vessel fleet and reinforcing its readiness to execute complex, large-scale projects across international markets.

His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, His Excellency Mohamed Najeeb Alrazhi, representing the UAE Embassy in China, NMDC Group CEO Dr. Yasser Zaghloul, and other members of NMDC leadership attended the inauguration ceremony. To showcase the state-of-the-art vessel firsthand, NMDC Group welcomed a distinguished delegation of regional and international clients, strategic business partners, maritime industry experts, and the host shipyard's executive leadership.

Built by Jiangsu Haixin Shipping Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., the Abu Al Bakhoush is a heavy-duty, rock-cutting dredger with an overall length of 148 meters and a maximum dredging depth of 38 meters, making it fully equipped for the high-precision dredging of trenches, navigation channels, and harbors. Powered by a 7.8 MW cutter and 30,040 kW of total installed power, the self-propelled cutter suction dredger significantly expands NMDC Group's dredging capacity.

His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said: "Abu Al Bakhoush combines Chinese shipbuilding expertise with the marine experience of a UAE national champion, reflecting the mutual benefits of our strategic partnership with China. As NMDC marks 50 years, this milestone demonstrates how Emirati companies are turning strong economic ties into tangible results and strengthening the UAE's position as a global economic hub."

Dr. Yasser Zaghloul, NMDC Group Chief Executive Officer, said: "The Abu Al Bakhoush reflects our strategy: to grow responsibly and take NMDC Group into more international markets. It strengthens the Group's infrastructure and sets a new foundation for sustainable growth, with a GREEN PASSPORT-certified vessel built to advanced technology and environmental standards. But assets alone do not drive growth; people do, and we will continue developing our people, so they get the most from this investment. Guided by our Guardian leadership, we are building a Group that creates lasting value for our shareholders."

Eng. Niels de Bruijn, NMDC Dredging & Marine Chief Executive Officer, added: "The Abu Al Bakhoush significantly strengthens our dredging capabilities, combining high installed power with the heavy-duty rock-cutting capabilities required for some of the most demanding marine environments. Its addition to our fleet enhances our capacity to deliver complex coastal, port and offshore infrastructure projects with greater efficiency, reliability and scale. As we continue to expand and modernize our fleet, we remain focused on equipping our teams with the capabilities and assets needed to deliver safely and effectively across the markets we serve."

The addition of Abu Al Bakhoush strengthens NMDC Dredging & Marine's ongoing fleet expansion strategy, reinforcing the Group's well-established global footprint. Alongside its fleet, the Group continues to invest in the development of its people, ensuring its teams have the skills and training to operate advanced assets safely and effectively. With more than five decades of marine expertise and an active project presence across the MENA region, Asia and beyond, NMDC D&M continues to invest in advanced assets that support safe, efficient and reliable project execution for complex coastal infrastructure, port development, and land reclamation worldwide. Classified by Bureau Veritas, the vessel holds advanced certifications, including GREEN PASSPORT and CYBER RESILIENT, aligning directly with NMDC Group's strategic focus on sustainability, environmental responsibility, and digital innovation.

This commitment to responsible growth is deeply intertwined with NMDC Group's robust sustainability and ESG framework, backed by an AA 'leader' rating in ESG performance from MSCI for two consecutive years. By investing in vessels such as the GREEN PASSPORT-certified Abu Al Bakhoush, equipped with advanced environmental standards and energy-efficient systems, the Group actively supports the UAE's Net Zero ambitions while promoting responsible marine ecosystems, biodiversity protection, and sustainable engineering across all its international operations.