Wood Lands Pivotal Role in UAE’s First Mega-Scale Methanol Plant

A $1.7 Billion Bet on Green Chemicals

Wood has clinched a prestigious project management consultancy (PMC) contract from TA’ZIZ for a groundbreaking methanol facility in the UAE—marking a major leap in the country’s downstream chemical ambitions. The plant, set to rise in Al Ruwais Industrial City, Abu Dhabi, will not only be the UAE’s first methanol production hub but also rank among the world’s largest, with a staggering 1.8 million tons per annum (mtpa) capacity. This isn’t just another industrial project; it’s a cornerstone of the TA’ZIZ hub’s initial phase, which aims to produce 4.7 mtpa of chemicals by 2028.

“This award underscores Wood’s growing footprint in the region and our legacy in delivering complex downstream projects,” said Gerry Traynor, President of Wood’s Sustainable Solutions business.

Wood won’t go it alone. The firm will collaborate with Samsung E&A, the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor tapped to execute the $1.7 billion build. The partnership signals a fusion of Wood’s PMC expertise and Samsung’s heavyweight EPC capabilities—a combo critical for a project of this scale. Construction is slated for completion by 2028, aligning with TA’ZIZ’s broader timeline to bring methanol and other first-time UAE chemical products to market.

Green Methanol at Scale

What sets this facility apart isn’t just its size—it’s its sustainability mandate. The plant will produce green methanol, a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil-derived methanol, leveraging renewable energy sources. With global demand for low-carbon fuels soaring, the TA’ZIZ plant positions the UAE as a future-facing player in the energy transition. The 1.8 mtpa output could supply everything from shipping fuel to plastics manufacturing, reducing reliance on dirtier feedstocks.

For Wood, the contract is a strategic win. The company has been deepening its Middle East presence, and this project—a marquee addition to its portfolio—could pave the way for more regional partnerships. As Traynor noted, the deal reflects confidence in Wood’s ability to shepherd mega-projects from blueprint to reality. For the UAE, it’s a calculated step toward diversifying beyond oil while capitalizing on its existing industrial infrastructure. One thing’s certain: all eyes will be on Al Ruwais as 2028 approaches.