UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah signs deal for largest wastewater project

Ras Al Khaimah has signed a long-term agreement to develop its largest wastewater infrastructure project, marking its first public-private partnership in the utilities sector, WAM reported.

The agreement was signed between the Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department and a consortium comprising Etihad Water and Electricity, TAQA Water Solutions and France-based Saur International.

The project includes the development of a wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day, designed to serve a future population of up to 300,000. It will also include transmission networks for treated wastewater, enabling the reuse of recycled water for irrigation and cooling.

Officials said the initiative aims to upgrade the emirate’s wastewater infrastructure, improve treatment efficiency and enhance readiness for rapid urban expansion, while supporting long-term water security and environmental sustainability.

The project will be delivered under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer model, with the consortium responsible for design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance throughout the contract period, after which ownership will be transferred to the government.

Ras Al Khaimah authorities said the strong investor response reflects confidence in the emirate’s governance framework and its ability to attract long-term private investment into essential infrastructure.

The project aligns with the UAE 2030 Vision, the country’s Net Zero 2050 strategy and broader sustainable development goals.