Sharjah Update Sharjah business & Investment News from Invest in Sharjah (Sharjah FDI Office)
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Dana Gas PJSC, a leading natural gas company in the Middle East, and UK-based advanced materials company Levidian have signed a memorandum of understanding during “Make it in the Emirates” to develop the Sharjah Graphene Hub. The initiative is based in the Emirate of Sharjah and aims to manufacture advanced materials and expand their commercialisation.
The agreement was signed during the exhibition in the presence of senior representatives from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Mubadala Investment Company, Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), Sharjah Asset Management, and representatives of the UK government.
Building on an existing partnership
The memorandum builds on the existing partnership between Dana Gas and Levidian, first announced in January 2025. Under this collaboration, Dana Gas is already using a pilot unit based on Levidian’s LOOP technology within its operations.
The new agreement moves the partnership towards industrial-scale graphene production, market development, and future localisation of LOOP systems in Sharjah.
LOOP technology and production process
Levidian’s patented LOOP technology uses microwave plasma to break down methane, producing hydrogen and solid carbon in the form of high-quality graphene.
This process converts existing gas streams into economically valuable materials, creating new commercial opportunities from underutilised gas sources while also supporting emissions reduction efforts.
Phased development of the Sharjah Graphene Hub
The Sharjah Graphene Hub will be developed in several phases, starting with initial LOOP systems in Sharjah to build local production capability. This phase aims to achieve an estimated annual graphene output of around 15 tonnes.
A later transition into a multi-unit production complex will depend on market demand and the success of the first phase. Expansion would enable local assembly, integration, and eventual manufacturing of LOOP systems within the UAE.
Estimated investment ranges from USD 2–5 million in the first phase, rising to USD 5–50 million during early expansion. Investment could exceed USD 50 million as the project scales in line with market growth.
Statements from key stakeholders
Richard Hall, CEO of Dana Gas, said the agreement reflects the company’s commitment to investing in technologies that extract long-term value from natural gas. He described the hub as a scalable industrial opportunity supporting advanced materials production, local manufacturing capability, and long-term sustainable value creation in the UAE.
Alex Holden, CEO of Levidian, said the MoU sets a clear path for scaling its technology with Dana Gas, highlighting local assembly and manufacturing of LOOP systems alongside graphene production as a key step towards long-term industrial capability in the region.
H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, emphasised Sharjah’s position as a hub for advanced industries and innovation-driven sectors, noting the importance of strategic partnerships in localising advanced technologies and accelerating industrial diversification.
Andrew Clark, Deputy General Counsel at the UK Department for Business and Trade, highlighted continued progress by Levidian in the UAE and the value of UK innovation in supporting sustainable industrial growth and manufacturing partnerships.
Strategic objectives
The partnership aims to build a scalable production platform, develop downstream demand across value chain industries, and collaborate with industrial partners, government entities, and R&D institutions.
It supports the goals of “Make it in the Emirates” by strengthening advanced materials manufacturing, promoting localisation, and contributing to industrial growth and economic diversification in the UAE.
