Ras Al Khaimah Signs PPP for Largest Wastewater Infrastructure Project

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE: 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, TAQA Water Solutions, and Saur International, to deliver the emirate’s largest wastewater infrastructure project to date.

The agreement covers the development of the Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Treatment Plant with a treatment capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day. Once completed, the facility is expected to serve a potential population of up to 300,000, significantly enhancing the emirate’s long-term wastewater management capacity.

Structured as a transformative public-private partnership (PPP), the project will upgrade and expand Ras Al Khaimah’s wastewater infrastructure, supporting the emirate’s vision for sustainable urban development, environmental stewardship, and the delivery of high-quality public services. The initiative marks Ras Al Khaimah’s first PPP venture, establishing a historic benchmark and setting a precedent for future collaboration between the public and private sectors in essential infrastructure development.

The strong market response to the inaugural PPP reflects confidence in the emirate’s transparent governance framework and its ability to attract long-term investment into resilient, sustainable assets.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department, affirmed that the agreement reflects the emirate’s approach to advancing vital projects that directly impact people’s lives, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, to position the emirate as a hub of prosperity across all sectors. He said this is achieved through the development of advanced infrastructure that enhances quality of life, supports resource sustainability, and responds to the demands of urban growth.

Sheikh Ahmed added that Ras Al Khaimah’s development journey continues through operating models that strengthen partnerships with the private sector and leverage its expertise and innovation. He noted that such models help accelerate project delivery, improve operational efficiency, and ensure the long-term sustainability of assets and services, guided by clear performance standards that deliver lasting value for society, the economy, and the environment.

Advanced treatment capacity and long-term water security

The agreement was signed at the EtihadWE Museum within the Saud bin Saqr Energy and Innovation Complex in Al Barirat, Ras Al Khaimah. The ceremony was attended by Jasim Hussain Thabet, Group CEO and Managing Director of TAQA Group; Eng. Khalid Fadl Al Ali, Director-General of the Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department; Eng. Yousef Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity; Eng. Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO of TAQA Water Solutions; and Christophe Tanguy, CEO of Saur Middle East.

Eng. Khalid Al Ali said the project will improve treatment efficiency, strengthen operational reliability, and enhance infrastructure readiness to meet the demands of urban expansion, supporting sustainable growth, environmental protection, and improved service standards for residents. He added that the project is particularly significant as Ras Al Khaimah’s first PPP, establishing a practical model for collaboration in essential infrastructure projects and opening broader horizons for long-term investment in resilient and sustainable assets. He explained that the PPP model contributes to higher service quality and faster delivery, supported by clear performance standards that enhance quality of life across the community.

The signing of this agreement represents a practical step towards strengthening the resilience and readiness of Ras Al Khaimah’s wastewater infrastructure, while supporting long-term water security objectives. Through this public-private partnership, the Government is bringing together public sector leadership with a consortium that has proven capabilities in project development and operations,

Yousef Al Ali said.

Ahmed Al Shamsi said,

This project represents a significant milestone for TAQA Water Solutions, marking our first major undertaking in distributing the recycled water. By managing the entire process, from collecting and treatment to distribution, we are maximising the value of water resources while supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s goals to continue positioning itself as a leading sustainable tourism destination and a vibrant economic hub.

He added that TAQA Water Solutions will collect wastewater at the Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Treatment Plant through a 6.3 km gravity pipeline and distribute recycled water via a network extending up to 26 km. This will enable the reuse of 100 percent of recycled water across key applications, including irrigation and cooling, in line with the UAE 2030 Vision, the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable cities and communities.

Christophe Tanguy commented,

The partnership project encompasses the development of an integrated wastewater treatment plant employing state-of-the-art technologies, as well as the establishment of supporting infrastructure, including a treated wastewater transmission network.

The project will be delivered under a Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model. The project company formed by the consortium will be responsible for the design, financing, construction, commissioning, insurance, ownership, operation, and maintenance of the plant and its associated assets throughout the project lifecycle. At the end of the partnership term, ownership of all assets will be transferred to the Public Services Department in line with established PPP frameworks and international best practices.

Overall, the 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 Ras Al Khaimah community.