Etihad Water & Electricity (Etihad WE), the UAE’s federal utility provider, has issued successive tenders for the development of an independent water project (IWP) in Fujairah, one of the northern emirates, according to MEED.
The deadline for bid submissions is set for February 17 and 18, although Etihad WE has not disclosed the project’s capacity. The tender specifies that neither bid nor performance bonds are required. Participation is limited to UAE-registered companies deemed “competent” and holding the necessary licenses.
Etihad WE has been actively investing in reverse osmosis (RO) desalination technology to enhance sustainability in water production. CEO Yousif Al-Ali highlighted that RO plants could reduce emissions associated with water production by up to 60%. Additionally, upgrading outdated water network infrastructure can further cut emissions.
In May last year, MEED reported that Etihad WE held a market-sounding event for an IWP in Ras Al-Khaimah, focusing on expanding the existing seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) facility in Ghalilah. The plant, originally built by US-based Aquatech, has a capacity of 15 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD). The planned extension is under review, with potential capacities ranging from 30 MIGD to 90 MIGD.
To modernize water infrastructure, Etihad WE has allocated AED465 million ($126 million) for rehabilitating water networks across the Northern Emirates, with AED214 million specifically earmarked for Ras Al-Khaimah.
Additionally, as part of a broader sustainability strategy, Etihad WE has committed significant funding toward installing approximately 120 electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Ras Al-Khaimah. The initiative is part of the UAE’s goal to deploy up to 1,000 fast and accessible EV charging stations nationwide by 2030.