Middle East Water Tech Brief – September 2025
Welcome to this month’s edition of the Middle East Water Tech Brief, your essential source for the latest water innovations, investments, and policies shaping the region’s water security.
Water security across the Middle East is entering a transformative era, driven by strategic investments, climate-resilient infrastructure, and smart water technologies.
In this edition of the Middle East Water Tech Brief, we spotlight Abu Dhabi’s first climate change adaptation plan, Saudi Arabia’s launch of over 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams, and Bahrain’s global tender for the Hidd desalination project—plus innovations from Oman and Bahrain in sustainable wastewater treatment, major desalination investments in Morocco and the UAE, and upcoming regional events driving water security and climate resilience.
Key Developments
Abu Dhabi: First Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2025–2050 Launched
What’s New?
Abu Dhabi announced its inaugural climate change adaptation plan, 2025–2050, to safeguard natural resources and boost resilience to climate impacts, with a strong focus on water, biodiversity, and urban sustainability.
Why It Matters:
As the region faces escalating climate and water risks, this blueprint positions Abu Dhabi as a policy leader and sets a new standard for integrated adaptation across the Middle East.
What’s Next?
The plan will roll out targeted investments, annual progress reviews, and cross-sectoral partnerships, driving long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
Saudi Arabia: Launches Construction of 1,000+ Rainwater Dams for Sustainability
What’s New?
Saudi Arabia has announced plans to construct over 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams nationwide—one of the most ambitious water infrastructure pushes under Vision 2030. The initiative will capture 4 million m³ of rainwater annually to recharge groundwater and support ecosystems.
Why It Matters:
This is a landmark step for water sustainability and climate resilience in one of the world’s most water-stressed regions. The dams will secure supply for communities and agriculture, restore ecosystems, and advance Saudi Arabia’s National Environment Strategy.
What’s Next?
The Ministry will begin site selection and phased construction, integrating advanced monitoring and public-private partnerships. The project will complement the Saudi Green Initiative and drive further regulatory reforms in environmental protection and water management.
Bahrain: EWA Launches Global Tender for Hidd Independent Water Project
What’s New?
Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) has issued a global tender for the Hidd Independent Water Project, aiming to produce 60 million imperial gallons of drinking water per day. The project will utilize advanced reverse osmosis technology and start operating in 2028.
Why It Matters:
This project will boost Bahrain’s water security, support carbon neutrality goals, and replace older, less efficient plants. It is central to the Kingdom’s sustainable development and its efforts to meet growing water demand with modern, energy-efficient infrastructure.
What’s Next?
Qualified global partners are invited to bid, with construction and commercial operations set to begin in the second quarter of 2028. The project strengthens Bahrain’s capacity for future water needs and climate resilience.
Technology Spotlight: Innovations in Water Management
RCSI Bahrain – Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Sewage Treatment Plant (Bahrain)
What it Does:
The new MBR Sewage Treatment Plant at RCSI Bahrain transforms up to 150 cubic meters of campus wastewater per day into high-quality reusable water. The treated water is repurposed for landscape irrigation, reducing potable water use and supporting green campus initiatives.
Why it Matters:
Powered by the university’s solar energy grid, this advanced facility integrates renewable energy with water recycling. It addresses future wastewater demands, supports campus expansion, and demonstrates a model of holistic sustainability by minimizing carbon impact and conserving valuable water resources.
Impact:
RCSI Bahrain’s investment delivers major environmental benefits, reducing the university’s ecological footprint while ensuring resource efficiency. The initiative advances Bahrain’s sustainability goals, inspires the academic community, and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for responsible water and energy management.
Tannova: Omani Leachate Treatment with Date Pit Tannins (Oman)
What it Does:
Tannova is a statistically optimized solution developed by the National University of Science and Technology, Oman, for treating landfill leachate using natural date pit tannins and advanced oxidation processes. The system improves water quality by reducing contaminants and offers a sustainable use for agricultural byproducts.
Why it Matters:
This innovative approach leverages Oman’s abundant date pits, turning waste into a valuable resource for environmental management. By providing a local, cost-effective treatment method, Tannova supports circular economy principles and addresses pressing waste and water quality issues.
Impact:
Tannova demonstrates how nature-based solutions and local innovation can address critical environmental challenges in Oman. The project has the potential to improve landfill leachate management, support sustainability goals, and inspire similar green technologies across the Middle East.
Investment Tracker: Major Water Infrastructure Projects in 2025
Morocco
• Agadir Desalination Project, Phase Two
• €250M+ (AMEA Power & Cox JV; 150 MW wind power)
The second phase of Morocco’s Agadir desalination plant will be powered by a new 150 MW wind farm. Once complete, the facility will deliver 400,000 m³/day of potable water, supporting water security and renewable integration in North Africa.
UAE
• Hassyan Seawater RO Desalination Plant (DEWA, Dubai)
• AED 3.38B (IWP Model; ACWA Power)
DEWA’s 180 MIGD Hassyan plant—the world’s largest seawater RO facility—boosts Dubai’s desalination capacity and sets a global benchmark with record-low water tariffs. The project underpins Dubai’s goal for 100% clean energy desalination by 2030.
Upcoming Event
Water Management Conference – Dubai | October 7, 2025 – Dubai, UAE
• Focus on stormwater management, flood control, and wastewater recycling for climate-resilient urban infrastructure
• Features regional government, utility, and technology leaders from across MENA
• Strategic platform for sharing best practices, public-private partnerships, and advancing water security in smart cities
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