UAE’s Al Khaleej Sugar expands into Kazakhstan’s Market

Al Khaleej Sugar to Build New Plant in Kazakhstan’s Almaty Region

ASTANA – Al Khaleej Sugar, one of the world’s foremost sugar industry giants based in the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled plans to establish a new sugar processing plant in Kazakhstan’s Almaty Region. This announcement came following a meeting on April 27 between Marat Sultangaziyev, the governor of the Almaty Region, and Sheikh Jamal Al Ghurair, the managing director of Al Khaleej Sugar, as reported by the regional administration’s press service.

During the meeting, discussions focused on key aspects of the project, including the plant’s location, areas designated for sugar beet cultivation, and the critical issue of water supply. A plot of land near the city of Konayev was identified as the most promising site for the plant, owing to its favorable logistical position. However, the difficulty of providing a consistent and reliable water supply remains a top priority, with alternative irrigation techniques being investigated.

Sheikh Al Ghurair underlined the need of regular water supply for the project’s success, saying, “It is critical that the cultivated areas have reliable access to water.” The project involves extensive planning, and we will hire top-tier hydrology consultants to ensure that all necessary resources are in place.”

To further increase the project’s sustainability, the investors are considering the construction of wind power plants to ensure that the facility is completely energy self-sufficient while reducing its environmental impact. Al Ghurair added, “Our goal is to create an entirely autonomous facility that utilizes renewable energy sources, significantly reducing our environmental footprint.”

Al Khaleej Sugar, which operates the world’s largest autonomous sugar plant, currently controls about 3% of the global refined sugar market. The company has a wide portfolio, including successful projects in sugar production, construction, and real estate.

Both the regional authorities and Al Khaleej Sugar agreed to hire specialist consultants to conduct a thorough examination of the region’s hydrological resources in order to develop the best feasible water supply options, assuring the project’s long-term sustainability.