Ras Al Khaimah has announced a landmark USD 300 million project in partnership with international firms to modernise its wastewater system, emphasising sustainability and long-term resilience amid regional growth.
Ras Al Khaimah has made a significant move toward modernizing its wastewater infrastructure by signing long-term project agreements with a consortium led by Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), TAQA Water Solutions, and Saur International. According to the Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Authority, this Public Private Partnership (PPP), the first of its kind at a large scale in the sector, has an estimated investment of around USD 300 million. The aim is to develop a resilient, low-carbon sanitation network that can support the emirate’s expected population growth and economic expansion.
Under the framework managed by the Public Services Department, the consortium will handle designing, financing, constructing, owning, operating, maintaining, and ultimately transferring the assets back to the government. The project’s core is an Independent Sewage Treatment Plant set up initially to process 60,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily, with room to expand to 150,000 cubic meters as demand increases. Officials suggest that, once operational, this facility could serve a community of about 300,000 residents.
But the scope isn’t just limited to the treatment plant itself. Khaleej Times reported that the project will also include a 6.3-kilometer gravity sewer, twin rising mains, multiple pumping stations, and transmission facilities to handle the treated sewage. Recycled water will be distributed via a network stretching up to 26 kilometers. Project documents also mention an emergency outfall and various resilience features designed to ensure continuous service even under stress.
Roles within the consortium have been divided to make the most of specific expertise. Saur International is named as a key equity partner and will take the lead on operations and maintenance throughout the concession period. Luis de Lope, CEO of Saur International, commented: “We’re genuinely honored to be part of this project in Ras Al Khaimah. It really highlights our dedication to supporting infrastructure growth here through long-term, performance-based partnerships. The project aligns well with our experience in managing integrated wastewater systems, where reliability, environmental protection, and compliance are absolutely key.”
The procurement process itself drew strong interest from international players. Ras Al Khaimah Water Authority (RAKWA) said that the EWE–SAUR–TAQA Water Solutions consortium won after passing technical evaluations and submitting the most competitive tariff in a global tender. Local and regional officials saw this as a positive signal, showing that Ras Al Khaimah’s transparent procurement and PPP frameworks are capable of mobilizing long-term investment, both capital and expertise, for essential utilities.
Environmental and resource efficiency goals seem to be woven into the project’s design right from the start. Based on statements from those involved, the plant will meet strict effluent quality standards, include measures to reduce odor and noise, and employ best practices for sludge management. Plus, the operation will partly run on renewable energy sources to cut down on carbon emissions. The treated effluent will be reused, helping to decrease dependence on desalinated water and support the circular economy initiatives.
There are some differences in wording about the legal structure and contract types across various official releases. RAKWA describes the project as a design-finance-build-own-operate-maintain-transfer (DFBOMT) model, while government sources and regional press talk about a long-term Sewage Treatment Agreement under a Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) arrangement, through an STA. The Ras Al Khaimah Media Office clarified that the consortium’s project company will bear full responsibility during the concession, covering design, financing, construction, insurance, ownership, and operation, until assets are handed back to the Public Services Department at the end. These varied descriptions are typical of PPP documentation and don’t imply any change in the overall commercial intentions.
Next steps include reaching financial close, detailed engineering, and construction before moving on to commissioning and full operation. Local officials describe this project as critical for safeguarding public health, preserving the environment, and ensuring long-term economic resilience. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, the chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department, expressed that this agreement affirms the emirate’s dedication to delivering infrastructure that improves residents’ quality of life.
For Saur, this project expands its presence across the Gulf region. The company already manages wastewater assets in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, and its involvement emphasizes growing investor interest in long-term utility concessions in the area. Industry experts note that as Gulf nations pursue decarbonization and resource efficiency targets, PPPs can speed up project delivery while shifting specific construction and operational risks onto private partners.
Additionally, this project sets practical precedents for future collaborations between the public sector and private operators in Ras Al Khaimah. Advocates argue that embedding lifecycle performance standards and reuse pathways into concession contracts will deliver better value over decades of operation. However, critics of PPPs often emphasize the importance of strong contract supervision and transparent tariff-setting to protect public interests; the government’s focus on thorough technical evaluation and competitive bidding suggests those issues were taken seriously in this process.
As construction progresses, focus will be on executing the contracts smoothly, achieving financial closure, and ensuring the plant meets its low-carbon and reuse targets during operation. If everything proceeds as planned, this project will represent a significant upgrade to the emirate’s wastewater treatment capacity, providing reclaimed water for urban growth while easing pressure on freshwater sources.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/rakwa-signs-project-agreements-with-ewesaurtaqa-consortium-kkzbck9z – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/rakwa-signs-project-agreements-with-ewesaurtaqa-consortium-kkzbck9z – The Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Authority (RAKWA) has entered into agreements with the EWE–SAUR–TAQA consortium to develop Ras Al Khaimah’s first large-scale wastewater Public Private Partnership (PPP) project, estimated at approximately USD 300 million. This initiative marks a significant step in the Emirate’s transition towards modern, resilient, and sustainable utility services, supporting long-term population growth and economic development. The project involves the design, construction, and long-term operation of an Independent Sewage Treatment Plant with an initial capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day, expandable to 150,000 cubic metres per day as demand increases. The project also includes the development of associated infrastructure such as gravity sewer mains, pumping stations, and treated sewage effluent transmission facilities. The EWE–SAUR–TAQA Water Solutions consortium was awarded the contract after successfully passing the technical evaluation and presenting the most competitive tariff in a global procurement process. This partnership underscores the commitment to supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s infrastructure ambitions through long-term, performance-driven partnerships, aligning closely with expertise in managing integrated wastewater systems where reliability, environmental performance, and compliance are fundamental.
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/ras-al-khaimah-agreement-wastewater-treatment-plant – Ras Al Khaimah has signed an agreement to develop a Wastewater Treatment Plant, expected to serve a population of 300,000 upon completion. The plant has a treatment capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day; wastewater will be collected through a 6.3km gravity pipeline. Recycled water will then be distributed via a network extending up to 26km. This 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. This comes under a long-term Sewage Treatment Agreement signed between the RAK government and a consortium of companies, comprising Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), TAQA Water Solutions, and Saur International. This partnership is Ras Al Khaimah’s first public-private partnership venture, marking a historic milestone that sets a strong precedent for future collaboration.
- 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 of companies, 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. Upon completion, the project will serve a potential population of 300,000. The transformative public-private partnership (PPP) will upgrade and expand the Emirate’s wastewater infrastructure, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s long-term vision for the sustainable development of communities and urban areas, environmental stewardship, and the provision of high-quality public services. The project will be delivered through a Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model, under which the project company formed by the consortium will assume responsibility for the design, financing, construction, commissioning, insurance, ownership, operation, and maintenance of the plant and its associated assets throughout the project lifecycle. At the conclusion of the partnership term, ownership of all project assets will be transferred to the Department of Public Services, in line with established public–private partnership frameworks and best international practices.
- https://www.sustainabilitymenews.com/waste-management/ras-al-khaimah-launches-landmark-public-private-partnership-for-major-wastewater-infrastructure – 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 TAQA Water Solutions, Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), and Saur International. The agreement marks Ras Al Khaimah’s first-ever public-private partnership (PPP) and sets a strong precedent for future collaboration in essential infrastructure. At the heart of the partnership is the development of the Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Treatment Plant, designed with a treatment capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day, capable of serving a potential population of 300,000 upon completion. The transformative PPP will significantly upgrade and expand the Emirate’s wastewater infrastructure, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s long-term vision for sustainable urban growth, environmental stewardship, and high-quality public services. The project will be implemented under a Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model. The consortium’s project company will be responsible for the design, financing, construction, commissioning, ownership, operation, and maintenance of the plant and associated assets throughout the project lifecycle. At the end of the partnership term, ownership will be transferred to the Public Services Department in line with international PPP best practices.
- 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, designed with a treatment capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day. Upon completion, the facility is expected to serve a potential population of up to 300,000 residents, significantly strengthening the Emirate’s wastewater management capabilities and supporting sustainable urban growth. The project forms a key part of Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy to enhance essential infrastructure while meeting rising demand driven by population and economic expansion. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department, stated that the agreement underscores the Emirate’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure projects that directly improve quality of life.
- https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/infrastructure/strategic-public-private-partnership-comprising-taqa-water-solutions-to-develop-largest-ras-al-khaimah-wastewater-treatment-plant/ – The Government of Ras Al Khaimah, represented by the Public Services Department, has signed a long-term Sewage Treatment Agreement (STA) with a consortium of companies, comprising TAQA Water Solutions, Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), 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. Upon completion, the project will serve a potential population of 300,000. The transformative public-private partnership (PPP) will upgrade and expand the Emirate’s wastewater infrastructure, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s long-term vision for the sustainable development of communities and urban areas, environmental stewardship, and the provision of high-quality public services. This partnership is Ras Al Khaimah’s first PPP venture, marking a historic milestone that sets a strong precedent for future collaboration between the public and private sectors in essential infrastructure. The positive market response to the inaugural PPP reflects the confidence in the Emirate’s transparent, well-governed model and its ability to attract long-term investment into resilient, sustainable assets.
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 reports on a recent agreement signed on 30 January 2026 between the Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department and a consortium comprising Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), TAQA Water Solutions, and Saur International. ([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)) Similar reports have appeared in reputable sources such as Khaleej Times and Trade Arabia, dated 30 and 31 January 2026, respectively. ([khaleejtimes.com](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/ras-al-khaimah-agreement-wastewater-treatment-plant?utm_source=openai)) The content appears original and timely, with no evidence of recycling or outdated information. ([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))
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes from officials, such as Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department, and Eng. Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO of TAQA Water Solutions. ([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)) These quotes are consistent with those found in other reputable sources, indicating they are not fabricated. However, the exact earliest usage of these quotes cannot be determined from the available information, raising a slight concern about their originality.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The article originates from the Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office, an official government source, which is highly reliable. ([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)) The information is corroborated by other reputable news outlets, including Khaleej Times and Trade Arabia, enhancing its credibility. ([khaleejtimes.com](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/ras-al-khaimah-agreement-wastewater-treatment-plant?utm_source=openai))
Plausibility check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims made in the article align with known developments in Ras Al Khaimah’s infrastructure projects. The reported capacity of the wastewater treatment plant (60,000 cubic metres per day) and its potential to serve 300,000 residents are consistent with information from other reputable sources. ([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)) The project details, including the Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model and the involvement of the mentioned companies, are plausible and supported by multiple sources. ([tradearabia.com](https://www.tradearabia.com/News/388576/EtihadWE%2C-Taqa%2C-Saur-ink-deal-to-develop-largest-RAK-wastewater-plant?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The article provides timely and original information about a significant infrastructure project in Ras Al Khaimah, supported by official and reputable sources. However, the reliance on a press release as the primary source and the inability to verify the earliest usage of direct quotes introduce slight concerns about the content’s independence and originality. These factors warrant a medium level of confidence in the overall assessment.
