Water

The AQUACHLOR® system is specifically designed to deliver safer and more sustainable water treatment processes across the region.

The Middle East is rapidly advancing its utility infrastructure to meet growing demands for clean, safe water.

During the recent MENA Desalination exhibition, held from the 3rd to the 4th of June, EEIC (Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation Company) and Emerald Ecotechnologies LLC presented a major operational breakthrough. The showcase demonstrated massive disinfection cost savings for regional operators, fundamentally changing how facilities manage potable water and wastewater.

As the region focuses on sustainability, these companies are introducing advanced methods to minimise reliance on traditional, hazardous chemicals.

AQUACHLOR Mixed Oxidants Technology Explained

The core of this new operational efficiency lies in the AQUACHLOR® Mixed Oxidants technology. EEIC, a Ghobash Group Enterprise, partnered with UAE-based Emerald Ecotechnologies to bring this system to the forefront of the utility sector.

The joint presentation at the MENA Desalination exhibition highlighted several key operational improvements for desalination and wastewater applications. The AQUACHLOR® system is specifically designed to:

• Deliver safer and more sustainable water treatment processes across the region.
• Dramatically cut operating costs for utility providers.
• Minimise the industry's reliance on hazardous chlorine-based chemicals.
• Improve biofilm control within extensive water distribution networks.
• Enhance overall operational safety by reducing the handling, transportation, and storage of dangerous substances.

This technology presents a lower-cost alternative to conventional chlorine or chlorine dioxide-based disinfection systems.

The NAQAA SWRO Desalination Plant Project

A primary reference project highlighted during the exhibition was the NAQAA SWRO Desalination Plant, located in Umm Al Quwain. This massive facility promises a potable water treatment capacity of approximately 684,000 cubic metres per day.

Achieving Massive OPEX Reductions

The NAQAA facility has officially selected AQUACHLOR® as a chlorine dioxide replacement solution, with full deployment planned for later this year. Once implemented, the project is expected to deliver a reported 91% reduction in operating expenditure (OPEX).

Crucially, this cost reduction does not compromise water quality. The system maintains stable residual disinfection performance while ensuring WHO-compliant potable water. It achieves this without generating harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as bromate, chlorate, and chlorite.

The successful showcase allowed both companies to engage directly with industry stakeholders who are actively looking to optimise their current utility infrastructure. These efforts perfectly align with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036. This national programme prioritises:

• Long-term water sustainability.
• Robust infrastructure resilience.
• Improved operational efficiency.

The strategy is particularly relevant as the nation continues expanding its investment in large-scale desalination projects to secure future water supplies. Industry leaders from both organisations expressed strong confidence in the technology's potential to reshape regional water networks.

Petr Gnatyuk, the CEO of Emerald Ecotechnologies, added:

"Utilities today are looking for technologies that can deliver stronger disinfection performance while also simplifying operations and reducing lifecycle costs. Throughout the exhibition, we saw growing regional interest in solutions that are effective, cheap and reduce the demand in transportation and storage of hazardous chemicals."

Following this successful exhibition, EEIC and Emerald Ecotechnologies are well-positioned to accelerate the deployment of these sustainable solutions, driving the next generation of resilient utility infrastructure across the region.

Abu Dhabi Department of Energy hosted the third Water and Energy Majlis on 5 June 2026.

Without water and power, the machinery of modern civilisation halts. As global conditions grow increasingly volatile, safeguarding these essential utilities demands proactive, intelligent adaptation

Addressing this imperative, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy hosted the third Water and Energy Majlis on 5 June 2026, operating under the theme 'From National Readiness to Smart Resilience'.

Serving as a precursor to the Abu Dhabi Water & Power Week, the summit marked the official launch of the pioneering Abu Dhabi Water and Energy Resilience Framework. Constructed upon three pillars—infrastructure, human capital and governance, and technology and innovation—the strategy outlines 15 core measures. These protocols aim to guarantee supply security, enhance emergency preparedness, diversify resources, and deploy centralised assets to meet fluctuating demands.

The majlis attracted ministers and corporate leaders from over thirty countries to discuss hardening utility networks against future shocks. Delegates explored avenues for enhanced disaster readiness, digital crisis response, and building a cooperative regional roadmap based on the United Arab Emirates’ expertise.

During a paramount dialogue, H.E. Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, highlighted the pressing need for integrated regional systems and a shared regulatory foundation. Emphasising this immense responsibility, he stated:

“The water and energy sectors are vital pillars of the national security system, and safeguarding them is the responsibility of every official and decision-maker. What we have witnessed recently has been a practical demonstration of the efficiency and resilience of our infrastructure and a test of our ability to protect our national resources. The efforts we are advancing today reflect Abu Dhabi’s ambitions and the vision of its wise leadership to ensure the prosperity of our communities, protect the future of our children, enable economic growth, and safeguard the stability of our nations.”

His Excellency added: “today, we stand at a pivotal moment for the water and energy sectors. We have come together to help shape their future by strengthening partnerships, aligning efforts, and expanding cooperation at both the national and regional levels. More than ever, we must work towards shared goals, guided by a common vision and clear priorities, to safeguard our collective resources and build a resilient, interconnected framework that strengthens systems, supports collaboration, and enhances our ability to respond effectively to any crisis.”

Providing a crucial perspective on environmental stewardship, H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, engaged in the high-level talks. She stated:

“In the UAE, we view water, energy, and food security as an interconnected resilience system. Our national strategies integrate these sectors into a single developmental pathway, aligned with our ambitious target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Within this framework, we are enhancing local food production by deploying climate-smart agricultural technologies that maximise water and energy efficiency while minimising our carbon footprint. We are equally committed to transforming the entire food value chain to be more efficient and sustainable.

“To secure our water future, we are pursuing the ambitious goals of the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036. This includes optimising water and energy demand through sustainable desalination, particularly through the widespread adoption of advanced reverse osmosis systems. On the global stage, the UAE is fostering international cooperation to address water scarcity, as demonstrated by the launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative (MBZI). This December we will convene global players to the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, which we are hosting in partnership with Senegal. We aim to transform global water challenges into collaborative opportunities, treating water as a shared global resource.”

Her Excellency added: “Our resilience model extends beyond infrastructure; its strategic core is rooted in the community. Empowering individuals as active partners is essential to fostering a conscious, responsible approach to environmental challenges. In parallel, we are accelerating our transition towards a circular economy driven by innovation. By powering water production with clean energy, optimising its use in agriculture, and scaling up water recycling, we are building a sustainable development model that protects our environment, strengthens national resilience, and ensures prosperity for generations to come.”

Further enriching the discussion, H.E. Dr. Abdulla Ahmed Al Mandous, president of the World Meteorological Organization and director general of the National Center of Meteorology, asserted that securing resources is fundamentally tied to precise atmospheric tracking. He explained how the UAE’s early warning systems, bolstered by global data exchange and radar integration, shield critical infrastructure from severe weather. Furthermore, he detailed the incorporation of artificial intelligence into forecasting models and the deployment of cloud-seeding techniques to augment water reserves.

The summit concluded with a commitment to establish specialised task forces. By maintaining strategic collaboration, Abu Dhabi and its regional partners are actively securing operational dependability and supply stability for the future.

The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) hosted the 16th edition of its Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar Series, bringing together leading international scientists to discuss the future of weather modification technologies and operational cloud seeding strategies.

Held under the theme “From Scientific Evidence to Operational Readiness: Key Lessons from the WMA Annual Meeting for the Future of Rain Enhancement,” the webinar examined how recent scientific findings can be translated into practical rain enhancement operations.

The session featured several UAEREP-supported researchers, including Michael Dixon, Roelof Burger, Will Cantrell and Daniel Rosenfeld.

Moderated by Mohamed Mahmoud, the webinar reviewed insights from the 2026 Weather Modification Association annual meeting held in Reno, Nevada.

Speakers highlighted the growing use of advanced technologies in cloud seeding evaluation, including dual-polarisation radar systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning and causal analysis tools. Discussions also explored developments in cloud microphysics, aerosol-cloud interactions and methods for determining cloud seedability using laboratory research, modelling and satellite observations.

The webinar additionally focused on the operational application of seeding materials and how UAEREP-funded studies are helping improve cloud seeding strategies under UAE weather conditions. Experts noted that upgraded software platforms and integrated data systems are becoming increasingly important in strengthening operational decision-making and programme evaluation.

Abdulla Al Mandous, who also serves as Director General of the National Center of Meteorology, said international collaboration remains essential to advancing weather modification science.

“At NCM, we remain committed to strengthening international scientific cooperation and active engagement across global platforms that advance weather modification research,” he said. “As water security continues to be a strategic priority for the UAE, we are focused on supporting the development and application of innovative, evidence-based technologies that enhance resilience and contribute to sustainable water resources.”

Alya Al Mazroui said the webinar demonstrated the programme’s role in connecting research outcomes with practical implementation.

“By bridging the gap between research outcomes and operational implementation, and fostering knowledge exchange among leading experts, the programme continues to promote multidisciplinary approaches and reinforce partnerships that support sustainable water resource management,” she said.

UAEREP also participated in the Weather Modification Association Annual Meeting 2026 as a sponsor, with its awardees presenting scientific research across multiple technical sessions. The webinar series continues to provide a global platform for researchers and policymakers to explore emerging solutions addressing water scarcity and climate-related challenges.

Hassan Allam Holding has signed an agreement to acquire MetiPro, marking a significant step in expanding its footprint across the water and wastewater sector in the Middle East, Africa and beyond.

The move brings together two established players with more than 150 years of combined experience, forming a strengthened platform focused on delivering large-scale, sustainable water infrastructure. The acquisition aligns with Hassan Allam Holding’s strategy to scale its capabilities in engineering, procurement and construction, while addressing growing demand for water security solutions across emerging markets.

The Group’s water platform already spans a broad range of services through its subsidiaries, including Hassan Allam Construction, Intech, Bioworks and Ridgewood. The addition of MetiPro is expected to enhance its ability to deliver complex desalination and wastewater treatment projects from design through to operations.

MetiPro brings over six decades of expertise in water and wastewater engineering, with a presence in more than 50 countries. Its portfolio includes desalination, water reuse, industrial treatment and surface water projects, supported by advanced engineering capabilities and a track record of delivering tailored solutions for both public and private sector clients.

The acquisition builds on an existing collaboration between the two groups, which have previously worked together on major projects such as Al Mahsamma and New Delta, as well as ongoing developments in West Alexandria and Abu Oweikal. These initiatives have contributed to improving water reuse, supporting agriculture and strengthening environmental sustainability in Egypt.

Eng. Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, described the agreement as a milestone for the company and the wider sector. “By bringing together MetiPro’s global expertise with our legacy of delivering complex projects, we are creating a stronger, integrated platform to lead the next generation of sustainable water and wastewater developments,” he said.

Karim Madwar, CEO of MetiPro, added that the partnership will enable the company to scale its operations and accelerate project delivery across key markets. “With Hassan Allam Holding’s support, we are well positioned to expand our impact and contribute to long-term water security solutions,” he noted.

The transaction reflects growing investment in water infrastructure as governments and developers prioritise resilience, climate adaptation and sustainable resource management across the region.