The Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) government signed a long-term sewage treatment agreement (STA) with a consortium consisting of Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), TAQA Water Solutions, and Saur International to construct a wastewater treatment facility with a capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day.
The plant will cater to a population of around 300,000 and will be the first public-privatized partnership (PPP) in wastewater infrastructure in the emirate.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department, said that the agreement boosts the infrastructure projects to promote urban development, sustainability of resources, and delivery of services.
He observed that the PPP model enhances partnership with the private sector, hastens delivery, and delivers long-term management of assets.
Engineer Khalid Fadel Al Ali, director general of the Public Services Department, stated that the project will enhance efficiency, reliability of operation, and preparedness of the infrastructure to suit the growing needs of the urban area. He further opined that the PPP gives precedence to future infrastructure partnership and investment.
Engineer Yousef Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity, added, “The signing of this agreement represents a practical step towards strengthening the resilience and readiness of Ras Al Khaimah’s wastewater infrastructure, while supporting long-term water security objectives. Through this public-private partnership, the government is bringing together public sector leadership with a consortium that has proven capabilities in project development and operations. This partnership enables the delivery of resilient and sustainable assets, enhances public service quality, supports urban growth, and ensures long-term benefits for the community and the environment.”
Engineer Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO of TAQA Water Solution, reported, “TAQA Water Solutions will collect wastewater at the Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Treatment Plant through a 6.3km gravity pipeline and distribute the recycled water via a network extending up to 26 km. This will allow for the reuse of 100 per cent of recycled water across areas, including irrigation and cooling, in line with the UAE 2030 Vision, the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable cities and communities.”
Christophe Tanguy, CEO of Saur Middle East, indicated that the project is consistent with the experience of Saur International in running integrated wastewater systems, where reliability, environmental performance, and regulatory compliance are central.
The project will be based on a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) model. The consortium will undertake the design, funding, construction, commissioning, insurance, ownership, operation, and maintenance of the project over the project lifecycle. The Public Services Department will own all the assets at the end of the term.
