Ras Al Khaimah – The Government of Ras Al Khaimah, represented by the Department of Public Services, has signed a long-term sewage treatment agreement (STA) with a consortium of companies consisting of Etihad Water and Electrics (Etihad WE), TAQA Water Solutions and Saul International.
The agreement includes the development of the Ras Al Khaimah sewage treatment plant, which has a capacity of 60,000 cubic meters per day. Once completed, the project will potentially serve a population of 300,000 people.
The innovative public-private partnership (PPP) will upgrade and expand the emirate’s wastewater infrastructure, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s long-term vision of sustainable development of communities and urban areas, environmental management, and the delivery of high-quality public services.
This partnership is Ras Al Khaimah’s first PPP undertaking and is a historic milestone that sets a strong precedent for future collaboration between the public and private sectors in critical infrastructure.
The positive market response to the first PPP reflects confidence in the emirate’s transparent and well-managed model and its ability to attract long-term investment in resilient and sustainable assets.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of Ras Al Khaimah Public Services, affirmed that the signing of this agreement reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s approach to promoting important projects that directly touch people’s lives, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Parliament and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, to make the emirate a center of prosperity for all sectors. This will be achieved through the development of advanced infrastructure that enhances quality of life, supports resource sustainability and responds to the requirements of urban growth.
Sheikh Ahmed added that RAK’s development journey can confidently continue through an operating model that strengthens its partnership with the private sector and leverages its expertise and innovation.
He said such a model would help accelerate delivery, increase operational efficiency and ensure the long-term sustainability of assets and services, based on clear performance criteria that deliver lasting value for society, the economy and the environment.
The agreement was signed at the Etihadwi Museum, located within the Saud bin Saqr Energy Innovation Complex in Al Barirat district of Ras Al Khaimah, and was attended by Jassim Hussein Thabet, Group CEO and MD of TAQA Group. Engineering Khalid Fadl Al Ali, Director General of Public Services, Ras Al Khaimah; Yousef Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Engineering Etihad Water and Electric; Engineering Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO of TAQA Water Solutions. and Christophe Tanguy, CEO of Saul Middle East.
Khalid Al Ali said the project will improve processing efficiency, strengthen operational reliability, strengthen infrastructure provision to meet the demands of urban expansion, support sustainable growth, protect the environment and improve the standard of services provided to residents.
He added that the project takes on added significance as Ras Al Khaimah’s first public-private partnership, establishing a practical model for cooperation in critical infrastructure projects and opening wide horizons for long-term investments in resilient and sustainable assets.
He explained that the PPP model contributes to improved quality and faster delivery of services based on clear performance criteria that supports sustainable development and improves the quality of life of the entire community.
“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 and a consortium with a proven track record in project development and operations,” said Yousef Al Ali.
Mr. Ahmed Al Shamsi said: “This project is an important milestone for TAQA Water Solutions and marks our first large-scale operation in the distribution of recycled water. By managing the entire process from collection, treatment to distribution, we are maximizing the value of our water resources while supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s goal of continuing to establish itself as a sustainable major tourist destination and a vibrant economic hub.”
He added that TAQA Water Solutions will collect wastewater at Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Treatment Plant through a 6.3-kilometer gravity pipeline and distribute recycled water through a network spanning up to 26 kilometers. This will enable 100% reuse of recycled water in key areas including irrigation and cooling, in line with the UAE 2030 Vision, the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Tanguy commented, “This partnership project involves the development of an integrated wastewater treatment plant employing state-of-the-art technology and the establishment of supporting infrastructure, including a treated wastewater distribution network.”
This project will be implemented through the Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model. Under this model, a project company established by the consortium is responsible for the design, financing, construction, commissioning, insurance, ownership, operation, and maintenance of the plant and its associated assets throughout the project lifecycle.
At the end of the partnership period, ownership of all project assets will be transferred to the Ministry of Public Service, in accordance with established public-private partnership frameworks and international best practices.
The project is expected to support sustainable urban development, strengthen environmental infrastructure and advance public sector objectives related to efficiency, service integration and long-term value creation for the community.
