A consortium led by Saur and including Etihad WE and TAQA Solutions has signed an innovative long-term deal to upgrade Ras Al Khaimah’s sewage infrastructure, signalling a shift towards private sector involvement in Gulf water services.
A group led by French water operator Saur, along with Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE) and TAQA Solutions, has signed a long-term deal with the Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Authority (RAKWA). This partnership marks the emirate’s first major public–private initiative for sewage infrastructure. The agreement, structured as a DFBOMT , which covers design, financing, building, ownership, operation, maintenance, and eventual handover , aims to upgrade the emirate’s wastewater services and back its broader goals around sustainability.
According to the consortium’s announcement, Saur will serve as the main shareholder and act as the lead operator. They mention taking responsibility for the ongoing operations and maintenance during the concession period, bringing experience from recent projects in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The partners see this contract as proof of their capability to deliver technically complex, long-lasting water services in metropolitan and dry environments.
Government briefings from Ras Al Khaimah’s media office describe this setup as a long-term Sewage Treatment Agreement (STA) with EtihadWE, TAQA Water Solutions, and Saur International. The initial plan is for the plant to treat about 60,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily, which should serve around 300,000 people in terms of population equivalent. The design includes staged expansion options up to 150,000 cubic meters per day, with an emphasis on reusing the treated effluent for irrigation and industrial needs, the statement notes.
There’s a bit of a difference between public and private accounts when it comes to the investment amount. Saur’s official release states that around US$300 million will be invested, highlighting its role in pushing forward low-carbon infrastructure and the circular economy. However, independent industry reports suggest the contract is valued closer to US$120 million. This gap hasn’t been officially explained and underscores how project values can vary depending on whether certain costs, like full lifecycle financing, additional sewer and distribution works, or only the core treatment facilities, are included in different reports.
In addition to the main treatment plant, reports from industry sources mention that the scope of this project also encompasses extensive sewer and distribution networks across Ras Al Khaimah. Early bidding process info shows that two consortiums submitted tenders: one led by Metito Utilities and the other by Emirates Utilities Development Company, which is a subsidiary of Etihad WE. Ultimately, the Etihad WE-led team was chosen as the preferred bidder to form the winning consortium with TAQA and Saur.
This project signifies a notable shift for Ras Al Khaimah, which has traditionally relied on fully public models for its utilities. Local officials see this PPP as a way to speed up infrastructure upgrades, boost efficiency, and create long-term value for residents. The emirate’s public messaging also ties this development to environmental care and sustainable urban growth.
On the technical front, the modular design of the plant reflects common Gulf regional practices that accommodate rapid urban growth. The initial phase of 60,000 cubic meters per day is meant to address immediate needs, while the expandable setup helps avoid stranded capacity and delays major capital investments until they’re really needed. Prioritising the reuse of treated sewage water for non-potable uses aims to reduce dependence on freshwater sources and support the circular water approach gaining popularity across the Gulf.
The consortium’s partners each bring valuable strengths to the table. Etihad WE offers local market insight and a public-sector presence via its development arm. TAQA Water Solutions adds regional project delivery and asset management experience. Saur contributes international operational expertise, drawing from European markets, which it claims can be adapted to the Middle East. However, industry analysts caution that successfully handing over such a complex wastewater system depends heavily on clear service-level agreements, strong performance monitoring, and proactive stakeholder engagement.
Financing arrangements will be key for the project’s overall success. DFBOMT agreements generally transfer design and operational risks to private firms, while the public authority retains ownership. They also require sophisticated financing solutions to spread out capital costs over the concession period. Saur’s release mentions mobilizing the group’s international experience, but as of now, neither the consortium nor the government has disclosed details about financing partners or the length of the concession.
Environmental and regulatory standards will also play a significant role moving forward. Gulf countries are tightening discharge and reuse rules to protect coastal ecosystems and enhance water security. As a result, the plant’s operational profile, reuse rates, and energy consumption will all influence its environmental impact. Saur’s statement did mention ambitions for low-carbon infrastructure, but specific project-level targets and performance monitoring details still haven’t been publicly shared.
For local stakeholders, tackling the initial phase on time and ensuring smooth integration with Ras Al Khaimah’s sewer network are immediate priorities. For investors and operators, this project demonstrates the UAE’s increasing openness to long-term private participation in water and wastewater sectors. If the plant hits its planned capacities and reuse goals, it could become a model for similar PPP setups in smaller Gulf nations.
At present, official sources confirm the signing of the STA and the staged capacity targets of the plant. But the key financial figures, like the final project cost and concession length, still show some variation between what the consortium reports and independent industry sources. As the project moves from signing to actual implementation, more clarity around financing arrangements, performance guarantees, and environmental metrics will be vital to assess whether it truly delivers on its promise of improved resilience and sustainability.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://valve-world.net/saur-wins-a-new-major-contract-in-the-middle-east/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.saur.com/en/newsroom/saur-wins-a-new-major-contract-in-the-middle-east-for-ras-al-khaimahs-first-large-scale-wastewater-ppp-project-uae/ – Saur, in partnership with Etihad Water and Electricity (EWE) and TAQA Solutions, has secured a commercial agreement with the Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Authority (RAKWA) to develop the Emirate’s first large-scale public-private partnership (PPP) project. This initiative, structured under a Design, Finance, Build, Own, Operate, Maintain, and Transfer (DFBOMT) model, signifies a pivotal step in Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy towards modern and sustainable water services. Saur will serve as the lead operator, overseeing operations and maintenance throughout the concession period. The project underscores Saur’s capability to manage complex infrastructure within long-term PPPs, highlighting its expertise in large-scale wastewater projects. The facility will initially treat 60,000 cubic metres of wastewater per day, with plans to expand to 150,000 cubic metres, prioritising the reuse of treated sewage effluent for irrigation and industrial purposes. This approach aligns with Saur’s commitment to low-carbon infrastructure and a circular economy. The investment is approximately USD 300 million, aiming to meet the region’s growing water needs sustainably. This project also strengthens Saur’s position as a reference operator for major global metropolitan areas, following successes in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It demonstrates the company’s ability to manage integrated water systems where reliability and sustainability are critical. The partnership reflects Saur’s expertise developed across European markets, now applied to international projects with high technical and operational complexity. ([saur.com](https://www.saur.com/en/newsroom/saur-wins-a-new-major-contract-in-the-middle-east-for-ras-al-khaimahs-first-large-scale-wastewater-ppp-project-uae/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.meed.com/ras-al-khaimah-awards-sewage-ppp-contract – A consortium comprising Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), France’s Saur, and the local Etihad Water & Electricity (Etihad WE) has been awarded a contract to develop and operate a wastewater treatment plant in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. This project marks Ras Al Khaimah’s first public-private partnership (PPP) for a sewage treatment plant. The $120 million project involves developing a plant with a capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day, expandable to 150,000 cubic metres per day. The scope includes extensive sewerage and distribution works in addition to the main treatment plant. The consortium is led by Emirates Utilities Development Company, a subsidiary of Etihad WE. This initiative reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to modernising its wastewater infrastructure through PPPs. ([guest.meed.com](https://guest.meed.com/ras-al-khaimah-awards-sewage-ppp-contract/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.meed.com/two-bid-for-ras-al-khaimah-sewage-ppp-contract – Two bidding consortiums, one led by Metito Utilities and the other by Emirates Utilities Development Company (EUCD), a subsidiary of Etihad Water & Electricity (Etihad WE), have submitted bids for the contract to develop and operate a wastewater treatment plant in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The project entails developing a plant with a capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day, expandable to 150,000 cubic metres per day. The scope includes extensive sewerage and distribution works in addition to the main treatment plant. This marks Ras Al Khaimah’s first sewage treatment plant public-private partnership (PPP). The project is expected to support sustainable urban development and strengthen environmental infrastructure. ([meed.com](https://www.meed.com/two-bid-for-ras-al-khaimah-sewage-ppp-contract?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.rakmediaoffice.ae/en/media-center/press-releases/ras-al-khaimah-signs-agreement-to-develop-the-largest-wastewater-infrastructure-project-in-the-emirate-to-enable-sustainable-growth/ – The Government of Ras Al Khaimah, represented by the Public Services Department, has signed a long-term Sewage Treatment Agreement (STA) with a consortium comprising Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), TAQA Water Solutions, and Saur International. The agreement covers the development of the Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Treatment Plant, with a treatment capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day, serving a potential population of 300,000. This transformative public-private partnership (PPP) will upgrade and expand the Emirate’s wastewater infrastructure, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s long-term vision for sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and high-quality public services. 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. ([rakmediaoffice.ae](https://www.rakmediaoffice.ae/en/media-center/press-releases/ras-al-khaimah-signs-agreement-to-develop-the-largest-wastewater-infrastructure-project-in-the-emirate-to-enable-sustainable-growth/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.pakistanpoint.com/en/story/2128172/ras-al-khaimah-signs-agreement-to-develop-largest-waste.html – The Government of Ras Al Khaimah, represented by the Public Services Department, has signed a long-term Sewage Treatment Agreement (STA) with a consortium comprising Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), TAQA Water Solutions, and Saur International. The agreement covers the development of the Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Treatment Plant, with a treatment capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day, serving a potential population of 300,000. This transformative public-private partnership (PPP) will upgrade and expand the Emirate’s wastewater infrastructure, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s long-term vision for sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and high-quality public services. 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. ([pakistanpoint.com](https://www.pakistanpoint.com/en/story/2128172/ras-al-khaimah-signs-agreement-to-develop-largest-waste.html?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.saudigulfprojects.com/2026/01/etihadwe-taqa-and-saur-consortium-signs-ras-al-khaimah-sewage-treatment-plant-contract/ – The Government of Ras Al Khaimah, represented by the Public Services Department, has signed a long-term Sewage Treatment Agreement (STA) with a consortium comprising Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), TAQA Water Solutions, and Saur International. The agreement covers the development of the Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Treatment Plant, with a treatment capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day, serving a potential population of 300,000. This transformative public-private partnership (PPP) will upgrade and expand the Emirate’s wastewater infrastructure, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s long-term vision for sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and high-quality public services. 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. ([saudigulfprojects.com](https://www.saudigulfprojects.com/2026/01/etihadwe-taqa-and-saur-consortium-signs-ras-al-khaimah-sewage-treatment-plant-contract/?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article was published on 2 February 2026, which is recent. However, similar information was reported earlier, with a press release from Saur dated 2 February 2026 and a news article from Valve World dated 6 February 2026. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is 20 January 2026, when MEED reported on the contract award. This indicates that the narrative has appeared before, and the content may be recycled. ([guest.meed.com](https://guest.meed.com/ras-al-khaimah-awards-sewage-ppp-contract/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes from Saur’s CEO, Luis de Lope, and Etihad WE’s CEO, Eng. Ahmed Al Shamsi. However, these quotes are not independently verifiable through other sources. The absence of online matches for these quotes raises concerns about their authenticity. ([saur.com](https://www.saur.com/en/newsroom/saur-wins-a-new-major-contract-in-the-middle-east-for-ras-al-khaimahs-first-large-scale-wastewater-ppp-project-uae/?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The article originates from Valve World, a niche publication focused on valve and flow control industries. While it is reputable within its niche, its reach and influence are limited compared to major news organisations. Additionally, the article appears to be summarising or rewriting content from Saur’s press release and other sources, which may affect its independence. ([valve-world.net](https://valve-world.net/saur-wins-a-new-major-contract-in-the-middle-east/?utm_source=openai))
Plausibility check
Score:
7
Notes:
The claims about the contract’s value and scope are plausible and align with information from other sources. However, discrepancies exist regarding the investment amount, with Saur’s official release stating around US$300 million and independent industry reports suggesting US$120 million. This gap has not been officially explained, raising questions about the accuracy of the reported figures. ([saur.com](https://www.saur.com/en/newsroom/saur-wins-a-new-major-contract-in-the-middle-east-for-ras-al-khaimahs-first-large-scale-wastewater-ppp-project-uae/?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The article presents information that has appeared elsewhere, with the earliest known publication date being 20 January 2026. The quotes included are not independently verifiable, and the source, Valve World, is a niche publication with limited reach. Discrepancies in reported investment figures and a lack of independent verification sources further undermine the article’s credibility. Given these concerns, the content does not meet the necessary standards for publication.
