Water

SEWA is constructing two state-of-the-art water reservoirs in the coastal city of Khorfakkan.

The push for sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure across the United Arab Emirates has taken a significant leap forward, as the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) announces a major investment in the Emirate's utilities network.

With an injection of AED 28.23mn (approximately US$7.7mn), SEWA is constructing two state-of-the-art water reservoirs in the coastal city of Khorfakkan. This infrastructure upgrade is designed to immediately bolster local water security, doubling the storage capacity at crucial pumping stations and ensuring an uninterrupted supply for a rapidly expanding population.

In an arid climate where economic growth is intrinsically linked to utility resilience, continuous investment in water infrastructure is not merely an operational upgrade; it is a fundamental pillar of national security. As urban centres across Sharjah and the wider UAE continue to attract residential and commercial development, utility providers are under increasing pressure to future-proof their networks. The new Khorfakkan project underscores a proactive approach to this challenge, addressing the rising demand for essential services before it strains the existing framework. By reinforcing its water distribution networks, Sharjah is laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term urban expansion.

Strategic Project Specifications and Upgrades

The comprehensive development plan focuses on the SEWA 1 and SEWA 2 pumping stations situated in Khorfakkan. By expanding these specific nodes, the authority is targeting the heart of the city's water distribution architecture. The initiative will not only improve the overall sustainability of the network but also significantly enhance its operational flexibility, allowing the system to adapt to varying consumption patterns and seasonal demand spikes.

To provide a clearer picture of the scale and scope of the development, the core project details include:

• Total Investment Capital: AED 28.23 million (US$7.7 million) allocated for end-to-end construction and integration.

• Storage Capacity: Two new reservoirs, each capable of holding 2 million gallons, yielding a combined total of 4 million gallons in additional capacity.

• Strategic Locations: Integration into the existing SEWA 1 and SEWA 2 pumping stations to maximise distribution efficiency.

• Accelerated Timeline: Expected to become fully operational by the end of 2026, delivering ahead of the contractual deadline of March 2027.

• Primary Objective: Doubling the current storage capacity to improve network resilience and ensure a reliable, continuous water supply.

Accelerating Delivery to Meet Rising Demand

One of the most notable aspects of this infrastructure rollout is the expedited delivery timeline. Overseen by Engineer Saud Abdul Aziz, Director of the Khorfakkan Department at SEWA, the project is advancing at an accelerated pace. While the contractual completion date is slated for March 2027, the authority is pushing to bring both reservoirs online by the end of 2026. This accelerated schedule is a testament to the urgency and priority placed on securing the region's water supply. By halving the remaining wait time, SEWA aims to deliver immediate benefits to the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors relying on the Khorfakkan network.

A Catalyst for Broader Urban Development

The implications of this AED 28.23 million investment extend far beyond the immediate increase in water storage. Khorfakkan, with its unique geographic positioning and growing appeal as a hub for tourism and commerce, requires robust foundational infrastructure to support its economic ambitions. Reliable water provision is a prerequisite for the development of new housing estates, hospitality venues, and industrial zones.

Furthermore, this project serves as a microcosm of the broader strategy employed by authorities across the UAE to modernise utility management. By integrating higher capacity reservoirs into the legacy network, SEWA is reducing the risk of service interruptions while optimising the energy required to pump and distribute water across varying elevations and distances. This level of operational efficiency reduces long-term maintenance costs and limits the environmental footprint of the distribution process.

The construction of these new water reservoirs represents a vital step in safeguarding the future of Khorfakkan. It highlights a commitment to forward-thinking governance and sustainable urban planning. As the project nears its anticipated completion at the end of 2026, the residents and businesses of Sharjah’s east coast can expect a highly resilient, future-ready water network capable of supporting the next generation of growth and development.

The Jordanian Cabinet, during a high-level session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Monday, officially approved a crucial financing agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD).

The Jordanian Cabinet, during a high-level session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Monday, officially approved a crucial financing agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD).

This strategic partnership is designed to help finance the ambitious National Water Carrier Project, featuring an initial financial contribution of US$97mn. This monetary injection comes as the government actively moves to complete the mega-project’s financial closure and begin implementation. According to a formal Prime Ministry statement, this approval marks another monumental step towards advancing the Kingdom’s largest water infrastructure project, which is expected to cost approximately US$5.8bn in total.

The foundational groundwork for this colossal undertaking was solidified earlier in the year. The government signed the project’s final technical and legal agreement in April, successfully paving the way for the completion of financing arrangements and the start of construction works. The National Water Carrier Project is considered the very first project of its immense scale in Jordan’s history. It operates as a structured Public-Private Partnership, driven by a special purpose vehicle known as the National Carrier Project Company. This consortium is spearheaded by major international stakeholders, with Meridiam holding a 90 per cent stake and Suez holding the remaining 10 per cent.

Engineering the Future of Water Supply

From an engineering perspective, the sheer scale of the operation is absolutely unprecedented for the nation. The core infrastructure will involve the large-scale desalination of 300 million cubic metres of seawater annually, drawn directly from the Red Sea near Aqaba. Transporting this vital volume of water requires a remarkable feat of engineering. The comprehensive plans detail the construction of robust pumping systems capable of transporting water to staggering elevations of up to 1,100 metres above sea level. This is supported by a pipeline network extending approximately 450 kilometres to deliver potable water directly to Amman and surrounding areas.

Crucially, the project will rely heavily on renewable energy and advanced environmentally friendly technologies to actively offset the immense power demands typically associated with desalination. Upon its completion, the network is expected to reliably meet around 40 per cent of Jordan’s total drinking water needs. This represents a major, transformational boost to the country’s long-term water security efforts, helping to alleviate extreme stress on over-extracted groundwater resources in one of the world’s most highly water-scarce regions.

Modernising the Natural Resources Sector

Beyond the focus on national water security, the Cabinet session also yielded significant legislative developments. The Cabinet approved the validating reasons for the 2026 amendments to the Natural Resources Law, which will now be referred to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau for rigorous review and the completion of legal procedures. The proposed amendments are part of intensive efforts to modernise domestic investment legislation and create a significantly more attractive environment for investors within the natural resources sector, the Prime Ministry statement detailed.

These strategic legal updates are perfectly aligned with Jordan’s overarching Economic Modernisation Vision, an ambitious national blueprint which explicitly identifies mining as a key driver of “high-value industries.” The statement confirmed that the newly drafted legislation was developed following extensive consultations with public and private sector partners, aiming to bring Jordan’s regulatory framework perfectly in line with the best international practices. Under the draft law, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources would continue to seamlessly oversee policy development for the sector.

To further stimulate economic growth, the amendments are carefully designed to encourage robust investment in petroleum, natural gas, oil shale, and critical minerals. This will be achieved by allowing investors the flexibility to enter into production-sharing agreements or mining agreements immediately once the economic feasibility of their projects has been established, according to the statement. The proposed changes would also expand investment incentives, including specific exemptions aimed at encouraging exploration activities, while drastically simplifying procedures for allocating land for natural resource projects. Finally, the legislation proposes the establishment of an exploration and community development support fund. This initiative would powerfully support mineral exploration projects across Jordan, help update essential geological and petroleum data maintained by the ministry, and directly contribute to local communities graciously hosting mining, petroleum, and oil shale operations.

Almar Water Solutions, operating prominently as a vital part of Jameel Environmental Services, has officially been awarded a monumental expansion contract.

In the dynamic heart of Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector, the sustained demand for robust and scalable infrastructure continues to shape the region's energy landscape.

At the absolute forefront of this ongoing industrial evolution is a landmark development in commercial water management. Almar Water Solutions, operating prominently as a vital part of Jameel Environmental Services, has officially been awarded a monumental expansion contract. The global leader in water infrastructure development and services will spearhead the expansion of the critically important Zuluf Water Treatment Project. Awarded by Aramco, this colossal undertaking is currently poised to proceed to financial close, remaining subject to customary conditions. This latest award serves as a powerful testament to the long-standing, collaborative relationship between both organisations.

To facilitate this massive industrial progression, an immense financial commitment has been established. The second phase of the Zuluf expansion brings with it a staggering total investment of $940 million. Structurally, the execution of this expansion has been meticulously planned to ensure seamless operational continuity. The contract was awarded to the exact same special purpose vehicle (SPV) through a direct extension of the previously established contractual framework. By extending the existing arrangements, the involved entities guarantee full continuity with the original concession structure. This particular structural framework comprises a formidable joint venture. Within this partnership, Almar Water Solutions operates as the leading party, working in close, strategic collaboration with the Al Jomaih Energy & Water Company to deliver these vital solutions.

The sheer scale of this infrastructural expansion represents a transformative leap in regional production capabilities. Upon completion, this highly anticipated second phase will successfully add a brand-new facility boasting an extraordinary operational capacity. The plant is meticulously designed to process approximately 308,000 cubic metres per day, which directly translates to an immense 1.9 million barrels of water per day. This significant enhancement in daily capacity will drastically increase the overall production of treated water specifically required for injection purposes. The current expansion fundamentally builds upon the highly successful foundation of the project's initial stage. The first phase of the Zuluf Water Treatment Plant, widely recognised as a strategic industrial facility, was officially launched in 2023 with a daily capacity of 185,000 cubic metres.

A critical element of this enormous undertaking is the overarching operational model governing the facility's lifecycle. Much like the inaugural phase, the newly expanded project shares an identical development structure operating under a rigorous BOOT concession. This Build-Own-Operate-Transfer arrangement provides a highly stable, long-term operational framework that is securely contracted to last until the year 2050. Together, the combined output and expert management of both operational phases represent a highly scalable, enduring infrastructure solution. It has been expressly designed and implemented to meet the rapidly growing demand for high-quality injection water. Furthermore, the combined facility design guarantees that this massive volume of resources is delivered with unparalleled operational reliability and efficiency.

Handling a project of this unprecedented magnitude requires exceptional industrial expertise. Consequently, Almar has been deliberately selected to manage the intricate technical, financial, and operational complexities associated with the endeavour, providing secure water solutions for this critical industrial activity. Reflecting on the significance of the partnership, Carlos Cosín, CEO of Almar Water Solutions, stated: “This award reflects the strength of our partnership with Aramco and the long‑term trust placed in Almar. The Zuluf expansion reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable, efficient water solutions for critical industrial applications while creating sustainable value for clients and stakeholders.”

Ultimately, this ambitious Zuluf expansion dramatically reinforces Almar’s thoroughly proven track record in the global market. The organisation continues to excel in delivering large-scale, highly complex industrial water infrastructure through the utilisation of innovative financing and uniquely integrated delivery models. Beyond the immediate technical achievements of the new facility, this massive investment serves to further strengthen the company's strategic positioning within the wider Middle East. By consistently providing these secure, top-tier commercial water solutions, the organisation actively and substantially supports the broader region’s ongoing energy advancements and critical industrial growth.

Rakiza Fund I and specialist water investor IV3 Aqua have officially agreed to acquire Majis Industrial Services SAOC from the global energy investment group OQ.

Oman’s ongoing journey toward comprehensive economic diversification has received a fresh and substantial boost, highlighting the vital role of private-sector participation in modern nation-building.

In a landmark transaction that firmly underscores the Sultanate’s strategic priorities, Rakiza Fund I and specialist water investor IV3 Aqua have officially agreed to acquire Majis Industrial Services SAOC from the global energy investment group OQ. This high-profile acquisition marks a pivotal milestone in expanding private investment within critical infrastructure, directly supporting the manufacturing and industrial growth objectives outlined in Oman’s ambitious Vision 2040 framework.

Powering the SOHAR Port and Freezone
Majis operates as the premier integrated industrial water utilities provider within the SOHAR Port and Freezone, functioning as a vital cornerstone for one of the nation's most active and strategic economic hubs. The organisation delivers a comprehensive, mission-critical portfolio of essential services, ranging from cooling seawater and industrial process water to dependable potable water distribution and advanced wastewater treatment. By securing this foundational asset, the acquiring consortium aims to inject fresh operational expertise, enhanced financial resilience, and long-term sustainability into Oman’s thriving industrial backbone, ensuring that regional businesses have uninterrupted access to indispensable utility services.

The partnership brings together the robust local market experience and extensive regional network of Rakiza Fund I—which is co-managed by Oman Infrastructure Investment Management and Equitix—alongside the proven technical capabilities of global water infrastructure investor IV3 Aqua. Industry leaders have expressed immense confidence in the transaction's capacity to unlock new value for all stakeholders involved. Khalid al Khatib, Chief Executive Officer of Rakiza, emphasised the compelling nature of the asset during the announcement: "As the leading integrated water utilities platform in SOHAR, Majis combines strategic importance, a high-quality customer base and long-term contracted revenues, making it a highly attractive investment that aligns with our long-term strategy,"

Expanding Proven Technical Expertise
For IV3 Aqua, this strategic acquisition builds firmly upon an already established operational footprint across the Sultanate. The firm previously delivered the Qurayyat Independent Water Project, successfully operating a major seawater reverse osmosis desalination facility capable of producing 200,000 cubic metres per day. Expanding their operational portfolio to include Majis significantly broadens their capability to deliver large-scale, reliable utility solutions tailored specifically to heavy industrial demands, strict environmental regulations, and complex logistical requirements across the region.

Key stakeholders have underlined that as manufacturing hubs expand rapidly across the region, safeguarding environmental standards and resource security remains paramount. Representatives from IV3 Aqua noted: "As Oman advances its Vision 2040 ambitions, reliable and resilient water infrastructure will play an increasingly important role in enabling sustainable industrial expansion," Furthermore, maintaining high environmental standards is viewed as integral to attracting foreign direct investment.

Optimisation and Future Growth
Meanwhile, OQ views the divestment as part of a disciplined capital allocation and active portfolio optimisation programme. Following previous successful partial divestments across various energy and industrial sectors, OQ continues to streamline its corporate operations, allowing the group to redeploy capital toward new growth opportunities that align closely with national economic priorities, shareholder value, and long-term financial goals.

This major transaction signals robust and enduring international investor confidence in Oman’s rapidly evolving infrastructure market. By championing dynamic public-private partnerships and drawing long-term institutional capital into essential utilities, the Sultanate is effectively future-proofing its industrial landscape against forthcoming challenges. As Majis enters this next exciting chapter of corporate growth, the enhanced focus on operational excellence, sustainable development, and reliable service delivery promises to deliver enduring benefits for businesses, local communities, and the broader regional economy for years to come.