RAKWA Signs USD 300 Million PPP Agreement with EWE–SAUR–TAQA Consortium for Ras Al Khaimah’s First Large-Scale Wastewater Project

Environment

RAKWA Signs USD 300 Million PPP Agreement with EWE–SAUR–TAQA Consortium for Ras Al Khaimah’s First Large-Scale Wastewater Project

The Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Authority (RAKWA) has signed project agreements with the EWE–SAUR–TAQA consortium to develop the emirate’s first large-scale wastewater Public Private Partnership (PPP) project, representing a total investment of approximately USD 300 million. The initiative marks a transformative step in Ras Al Khaimah’s journey toward modern, sustainable, and resilient urban infrastructure, aligned with the emirate’s long-term population growth and economic development goals.

The consortium brings together EWE, SAUR, and TAQA Water Solutions, combining international expertise and regional strength in wastewater management and infrastructure development. Under the agreement, SAUR will serve as a key equity partner and lead operator throughout the concession period, responsible for operations, maintenance, and long-term performance optimization.

A Landmark PPP for Sustainable Urban Growth

Structured under a Design-Finance-Build-Own-Operate-Maintain-Transfer (DFBOMT) model, the project is being developed under the supervision of Ras Al Khaimah’s Public Services Department (PSD). It will deliver a fully integrated wastewater system serving Sector 6 and other strategic growth zones within the emirate.

At its core, the project includes the development of an Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) with an initial treatment capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day, expandable to 150,000 cubic metres per day as demand rises. The project also encompasses:

Gravity sewer mains and twin rising mains
Multiple pumping stations
Treated sewage effluent (TSE) transmission facilities
An emergency outfall to ensure operational continuity and system resilience

Driving Environmental Efficiency and Circular Economy Goals

The wastewater facility will operate with high environmental performance and resource efficiency standards, including strict control of odour, noise, sludge, and effluent quality. It is also designed to maintain a low-carbon footprint, with operations powered by renewable energy sources.

A key focus of the project is to enable the reuse of treated effluent, helping to reduce dependence on desalinated water and advance Ras Al Khaimah’s circular economy objectives under the emirate’s sustainability framework.

Global Expertise Supporting Local Development

Luis de Lope, CEO of SAUR International, said:

“We are truly honoured to be part of the consortium delivering the RAKWA wastewater project. It underscores our commitment to supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s infrastructure ambitions through long-term, performance-driven partnerships. The project aligns closely with our expertise in managing integrated wastewater systems where reliability, environmental performance, and compliance are fundamental.”

The EWE–SAUR–TAQA consortium secured the contract after passing a rigorous technical evaluation and offering the most competitive tariff in a globally competitive procurement process. The strong interest from leading regional and international developers highlights the project’s strategic significance within the UAE’s water sector and its alignment with national sustainability goals.

Strengthening Regional Leadership in Utility Management

Once completed, the wastewater project will play a crucial role in protecting public health, preserving environmental quality, and supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s long-term economic resilience.

For SAUR, the agreement further expands its presence in the Middle East, adding to its existing wastewater operations in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. It reinforces the company’s position as a trusted long-term partner in managing utility-scale water and wastewater infrastructure across the region.