Water

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.

On 29th June 2026, Atlas Copco officially launched a brand-new range of Emergency Trash Pumps to complement its existing dewatering portfolio.

On 29th June 2026, Atlas Copco officially launched a brand-new range of Emergency Trash Pumps to complement its existing dewatering portfolio.

The newly introduced petrol-powered pumps offer a highly robust and portable solution aimed at ensuring fast, reliable water removal across challenging operational environments. Engineered specifically for demanding sectors such as construction, mining, quarrying, and various other industrial dewatering applications, the comprehensive ETP range features dedicated models built for handling both clean water and dirty water.

These Emergency Trash Pumps are meticulously engineered to deliver dependable performance during critical situations where the water being removed contains significantly higher levels of solid debris. This debris can include challenging materials such as sediments, organic matter, sand, and stones. Such abrasive conditions are well known to cause conventional pumping systems to either clog or fail completely. By remaining compact, lightweight, and exceptionally easy to deploy, the ETP units provide contractors and site operators with an essential rapid-response dewatering solution, which is absolutely vital when operational uptime is critical to project success. Typical industrial applications for these versatile pumps include stormwater control, stream diversion, system cleaning, and settlement removal.

Speaking on the launch of this critical equipment, a key representative highlighted the operational challenges these specific units address. “Industrial operations like construction and mining often face unexpected flooding or water accumulation containing abrasive solids and debris,” said Niccolo Tivelli, Product Application Manager, Atlas Copco. “Our new Emergency Trash Pumps give customers a reliable, easy-to-transport solution for handling clean and dirty water applications while maintaining high performance and serviceability”.

The new Emergency Trash Pumps range currently comprises seven different and distinct models, which enables end-users to select the most appropriate pump specific to their exact application requirements. The ETP clean water units serve as the ideal choice for water transfer, tank filling, and system cleaning applications. These clean water models are capable of offering impressive flow rates up to 1,600 l/min (432 USgpm) and can achieve up to a 60 m (197 ft) maximum head. Furthermore, they deliver maximum suction rates reaching up to 7 m (22.9 ft). These clean water units are specified to handle solids up to 8 mm (0.32 in) in diameter. To ensure ease of deployment across large operational sites, they feature durable but highly lightweight aluminium components.

Conversely, for much more demanding dewatering applications that involve contaminated or heavily debris-laden water, Atlas Copco has engineered specific ETP wastewater models. These heavy-duty models are engineered to capably handle larger solids measuring up to 29 mm (1.1 in) in diameter. Constructed meticulously with durable cast iron frames and impellers, these wastewater pumps are explicitly designed to withstand harsh operating conditions and fundamentally maintain their stability, even when operating directly in severe floodwater. In terms of performance, they confidently deliver flow rates up to 1,300 l/min (343 USgpm) operating at up to a 30 m (98 ft) maximum head, whilst achieving the precise same maximum suction rates as their clean water counterparts.

Throughout the meticulous development of the EPT range, Atlas Copco maintained a strict focus on overall portability, exceptional ease of use, and entirely simplified maintenance procedures. The pumps intrinsically feature practical lifting handles alongside quick deployment capabilities, specifically to ensure that projects keep moving forward with minimal downtime. Additionally, an open-frame design guarantees easy access to essential pump components, enabling highly efficient on-site servicing. Integrated safety features, which include exhaust protection and a highly stable frame construction, actively help to ensure reliable daily operation in the most demanding site conditions. Furthermore, the dedicated use of robust materials across all wear components and seals successfully maximises the equipment's overall durability and long-term reliability.

This new Emergency Trash Pump range is a valuable part of Atlas Copco’s broader product portfolio. This extensive range successfully includes advanced dewatering pumps, generators, energy storage systems, and light towers that are expressly designed to support demanding industrial and construction applications worldwide. The Atlas Copco Group, generating impressive revenues of BSEK 168 in 2025 and employing roughly 56,000 personnel at year-end, consistently continues to enable technology that transforms the future across multiple global industries. Furthermore, the Portable Power and Flow division, part of the wider Power Technique business area headquartered in Rock Hill in the United States, actively manages these cutting-edge dewatering innovations.

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.