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SAR 690million PPP project, delivered by Metito Utilities-led consortium, strengthens water security and champions sustainability through innovative infrastructure solutions.

Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province, and in the presence of His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Dammam Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) was officially inaugurated.

Delivered by a consortium led by Metito Utilities alongside Mowah and Orascom Construction, the project represents a significant milestone in advancing Saudi Vision 2030’s National Water Strategy through an innovative Public–Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

Awarded by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), the Dammam ISTP was developed with a total investment of USD 185,260,000 under a 25-year Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model. The plant operates at an initial capacity of 200,000 m³/day, expandable to 350,000 m³/day, and serving nearly one million residents in western Dammam. As an ISTP implemented under this framework, the project introduces a performance-based PPP structure that mobilizes private sector capital, technology, and expertise to deliver strategic infrastructure designed to meet the Kingdom’s evolving water needs.

The plant incorporates Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) treatment technology, enabling high treatment efficiency with reduced civil works and tank volumes. Its sustainable design features anaerobic digestion to convert sludge into biogas for on-site utilization complemented by solar drying greenhouses that leverage Dammam’s abundant sunlight. Together, these innovations directly minimize emissions and operational costs.

The construction phase, which commenced in 2020 following the financial close, achieved over 6.9 million safe man-hours with zero LTIs, created hundreds of local jobs, and advanced sustainability by recovering resources and reducing landfill dependency. These achievements directly advance several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

We are pleased to share a featured article from Global Water Intelligence (GWI), highlighting Metito Utilities’ pioneering role in advancing private sector participation in Serbia water and wastewater infrastructure.

In this article, Branislav Zec, Country Manager – Serbia, Metito Utilities, discusses the company’s long-term vision for sustainable water investments across emerging markets and its commitment to delivering resilient, impact-driven infrastructure solutions.

This article was originally published by Global Water Intelligence on 4 August 2025 under the title “Money pours into Western Balkans as EU accession talks accelerate.” It is shared here for informational purposes only. All rights and credits belong to the original author and publisher. Any opinions expressed are those of the original author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Metito Utilities.

Money pours into Western Balkans as EU accession talks accelerate

As Balkan states strive to level up their water infrastructure to EU standards, capacity constraints are becoming clearer. Demand for private sector operations – and private finance – is growing.

Published: 4 August 2025; Written by: Daniil Antonov

Rising political support for expanding EU membership is unlocking a wave of investment in water and wastewater systems in the Western Balkans. The latest EU budget (for the period 2028-34), released in July this year, shows a 37% increase in allocations for prospective member states across all sectors – a total investment of over €42 billion. Five of the nine countries on the list (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) are in the Western Balkans.

“The enlargement to the Western Balkan countries is the most important geopolitical investment we are doing,” EU Council president Antonio Costa announced on a trip to the region this Spring. “This is the right moment, and it is up to us to complete this process as soon as possible.”

Aligning water regulation in the candidate countries with the EU framework is a key priority, highlighted in the European Commission’s new Water Resilience Strategy in June. Meanwhile, EU funds will be essential in bridging the infrastructure gap. The Commission pledged to push and create a new assessment of their water investment needs in 2026.

€2.3 billion has already been committed to water and wastewater projects by the development finance community under the Western Balkan Investment Framework. The World Bank estimates up to €7 billion per year will be needed to comply with EU regulation, compared to an estimated €4 billion/year spent across the region today. Aside from development finance lenders, the European Investment Bank (EIB) alone has invested close to €845 million in the region’s water sector to date in a bit to ensure all projects meet European regulations.

Filling the service level gap

The wastewater sector currently offers the top opportunities in the Western Balkans region as countries pursue alignment with EU regulations. Out of all the capital cities in the region, only Podgorica (Montenegro) has centralised wastewater treatment facilities. High non-revenue water rates also present opportunities for digitisation and network repair as utilities look to build financial sustainability.

Source: World Bank, UN SDG6 Data, GWI

Contractors from Western Europe, the Middle East and China have all been vying for the piece of the action. Serbia has proved particularly fertile ground historically for Chinese contractors, with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CBRC) pulling in €3 billion of Chinese state funding for 165 wastewater treatment plants in 2021, and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (SMEC) being offered the first phase of Belgrade’s central wastewater treatment project in 2020 – covering the construction of networks collecting the treatment plant’s influent. Despite the early mover advantage from the Chinese companies, French firms Suez and Vinci ultimately secured the main 423,000m³/d treatment facility, signing a memorandum of understanding to design, build and operate the plant in summer 2024 in a joint-venture with Belgrade Water and Sewerage company. Metito meanwhile has secured pioneering PPP projects on both the water and wastewater side in the city of Zrenjanin.

Elsewhere in the region, development finance has paved the way. German contractors WTE Wassertechnik and PWT have picked up DFI-backed wastewater contracts in Skopje (North Macedonia) and Himara (Albania), respectively, while a Turkish consortium recently won the contract to upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Montenegro’s capital Podgorica.

Selected water projects in the Western Balkans

EU efforts towards enlargement, financially backed by development banks, are working to reduce risk for water sector projects and build a foundation for the private sector to bridge the region’s infrastructure investment gap. As the Western Balkans move towards EU membership, early entrants will be on track to secure long-term opportunities in treatment and sludge plant buildout, network construction, and digitisation.

Source: Western Balkans Investment Framework, GWI

While Kosovo has been a recipient of some of the funding targeted at the region, it is not an official candidate for EU accession at present.

Meeting the challenges

To join the EU the Western Balkans will need to leverage the private sector to close the infrastructure gap in treatment and non-revenue water. Damien Sorrell, the European Investment Bank’s regional head for the Western Balkans, told GWI: “As the Western Balkans advances on its path towards EU accession, the water sector remains an area where regulatory alignment with the EU remains necessary.

“The region must accelerate investment in infrastructure, capacity building, and digitisation of utilities. The cost of modernising and expanding water systems runs into several billion euros – a financial burden which cannot be shouldered by the public sector alone. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) offer a solution, but regulatory complexity and low commercial returns often deter private investors.”

Serbia has become the region’s first mover in private sector participation for water with Metito Utilities having secured the country’s first PPP for the Zrenjanin WWTP. The project is being delivered under a 25-year design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM) contract. Branislav Zec, Serbia country manager for Metito Utilities, told GWI: “We saw a great deal of potential in Serbia and the region, and we believe PPPs are the right solution. There are investments in Serbia from EU grants, but when the grant finishes it’s challenging to find who is going to operate and maintain the facility. [Metito Utilities] is not only here to build and execute facilities but develop the project from the start and then offer a long-term service of 25 years.”

Since securing the Zrenjanin wastewater PPP, Metito Utilities has expanded its Serbian operations into water treatment and non-revenue water, bringing its total contract value in the country to €50 million to date. “We started with wastewater but then discovered that the city had a ban on [the use of] potable water [for drinking and cooking] since 2004. It was a complex project as first we had to remove methane, second removing a lot of organics because there is a lot of oil and natural gas. This May we reached potable water supply for the summer period. We are very proud of that.”

Zec noted Metito’s commitment to Serbia and the region’s water sector, saying that “You need an investor who is resilient. It’s not a couple of years project so you need to be committed to stay.”

The number of PPPs in the region has been limited to date owing to undeveloped regulatory environments, a lack of prior private sector participation, and fragmentation. However, project opportunities provided by development banks are serving to change sector structure in the region, paving the way for the private sector to play a greater role.

In Albania, German construction and engineering company PWT Wasser was contracted to build and operate a WWTP in Himara – the project was financed by KfW and driven by the growing tourism industry and EU directives. After seeing the benefits of a reliable private partner in training local personnel, the Himara utility requested PWT extend their operations period to at least two years, covering the tourism season. PWT project manager Endrit Mullalli told GWI that Himara was intended as a test case for private sector operation in Albania, with similar contracts potentially being rolled out nationally in a capacity building initiative.

In June 2025 Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama also announced plans for a creation of a national water supply operator to oversee Albania’s existing 58 utilities, in a bid to attract international investment and address sector fragmentation.

A view from the ground

Ghislain Juvanon, COO of PWT, explained: “I think [the Western Balkans] is an exciting part of the world and it’s on our road map as a business to be focused there. When a municipality asks us to take over running the plant for the next couple of years, it suits our strategy very well. From there we can fund our local teams and expand.”

For PWT, strict procurement standards provided by development banks reduce risk, allowing the company to capitalise on the region’s buildout to meet EU directives and demand from the tourism industry. “In the Middle East, projects are driven by optimisation and reducing costs,” Juvanon said. “In the Balkans, the water sector is driven by European directives. Also, on the Adriatic coast tourism is another driver.”

Capacity building

In addition to project financing, development banks are also facilitating capacity building programmes to lay the foundation for future private sector opportunities.

The World Bank’s Utilities of the Future (UoF) programme, headed by Camilo Lombana, has worked to reform over 100 utilities in 40 countries, and in 2024 established a Center of Excellence in the Western Balkans to build momentum for sector reform. Lombana explained: “I think one thing that is going to be key to advance the sector in the near future is how [the region] manages to attract and engage private sector participation.

“The main [reason for a lack of private sector participation] is that the government or the decision-maker have not completely seen the benefits of bringing in the private sector. We have not seen a clear example of competitive participation in one of the countries where we can say ‘Look, this is an example we can showcase’. We’re missing that.”

UoF’s current cohort of 15 Western Balkan utilities covers over 1.6 million people, with the programme working to expose utilities to good practices that have worked in similar contexts. Lombana noted that this was the first step in creating reliable partners for the private sector.

A quick guide to the investment landscape

 Albania

• Estimated €5 billion water sector investment need between 2019-2040 with tariffs set to increase by 75% by 2030 to boost bankability and attract private sector.
• Sector goals include increasing sewerage connection from 50.2% to 87%, rural water supply from 58% to 91%, and reducing 67% non-revenue water rate.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Sector fragmentation being addressed by draft state-level water law to introduce performance-based financing and requiring utilities create business plans for efficiency improvements and infrastructure modernisation.

Montenegro

• Montenegro estimates a €300 million shortfall needed to reach UWWTD compliance, including €131 million for 29 WWTPs and €212 million for expansion of sewerage networks.
• Wastewater collection rates stand at 38% in the North and 52% on the coast, with a goal of reaching 90% to meet EU directives.

North Macedonia

• UWWTD compliance costs estimated at €1.2 billion by 2041 with €100 million EIB funded facility currently accounts for 40% of WSS allocations.
• PPPs expected for sludge treatment.

Serbia

• 350 WWTPs needed for UWWTD compliance; 996,000m³/d currently untreated
• Key Projects:  1) Veliko Selo WWTP in Belgrade awarded to Suez. 2) Clean Serbia (CBRC and the Bank of China) €3 billion programme to 165 WWTPs and 5,200km of sewerage networks
• National Sludge Management Plan launched in 2023: Annual production to rise from 4,000 tonnes (2023) to 18,000-23,000 tonnes (2029) and 135,000 tonnes (2041). Authorities exploring technology and PPPs to handle growth from WWTP buildout.

Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions, in partnership with The City of Zrenjanin (The City) and Public Utility Company (PUC) for Zrenjanin, has achieved a significant operational milestone in the Realization of the Zrenjanin Water Treatment Project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Agreement — Serbia’s first PPP project in the water sector.

Since April 22, 2025, the Water Treatment Plant took over the city’s water supply and began continuous trial operations, and continuous water quality optimization and testing has been carried out. According to water analysis results from the Institute for Public Health Zrenjanin, dated May 20, confirm that the water at the plant’s outlet, is fully compliant with the ‘’Rulebook on the Hygienic Correctness of Drinking Water in the Republic of Serbia ’’. This achievement represents a significant step toward solving the long-standing problem of providing drinking water for the citizens of Zrenjanin.

To mark the completion of the investment in the facilities and technology of the plant, the successful implementation of trial operations, and the obtained water quality results – a site visit was organized. The event was attended by high-level officials and project partners, including Dragan Glamočić, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia, along with his associates; H.E. Ahmed Almenhali, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Serbia; Simo Salapura, Mayor of Zrenjanin and his associates; Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities; Predrag Bodiroga, Director of PUC for Zrenjanin and his associates; Walid Madwar, CCO of Metito Utilities; and Branislav Zec, Country Manager – Serbia of Metito Utilities; as well as representatives of the contractors.

Prof.Dr.Dragan Glamočić, The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, emphasized that the reconstruction of the water treatment plant is a significant step toward a permanent solution for supplying safe drinking water in Zrenjanin. “I am pleased to be here today and to have the opportunity to witness the implementation of such an important project for the citizens. Zrenjanin has faced serious water supply issues for many years, as have several other areas in Vojvodina. Investments like this demonstrate that, with determination and strong cooperation, long-standing challenges can be overcome,” said the Minister. He added that the second phase of the project has been successfully completed, and that activities related to water quality testing are expected in the coming period, followed by official confirmations from the competent institutions regarding its safety for consumption.

Simo Salapura, The Mayor of Zrenjanin, expressed his satisfaction with the successful cooperation on this PPP project: “We are pleased with the work delivered by Metito Utilities, and we are continuing to work on this project, confident that together with the investor, we can finally solve this historic problem of supplying safe drinking water to the City of Zrenjanin. By all means, in addition to our and Metito Utilities’ efforts, we greatly appreciate the commitment and support of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Provincial Government of Vojvodina. We are in daily communication with all parties involved in the process and are confident that the contractual obligations will be fulfilled. The water quality in the city’s network is being constantly monitored, and preliminary results are giving us confidence that we are on the right path. As before, everything we have done aims to ensure that the citizens of Zrenjanin receive safe drinking water,””, said Mr. Salapura.

Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities, said that: “Metito Utilities is committed to delivering environmentally responsible and socially impactful water solutions. This project with an investment of 19 million Euro is a model of a sustainable partnership, tailored engineering, and positive social impact – already positioned as a benchmark for similar initiatives in the region,”.

The project was awarded in accordance with the Agreement on Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the United Arab Emirates, ratified in the Assembly of the Republic of Serbia by the Law on Confirmation of the Agreement on Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the United Arab Emirates, which was signed with the company Metito Utilities in 2022, and includes the development, modernization and management of the Zrenjanin Water Treatment Plant.

Metito Utilities is proud to be at the forefront of a strategic shift toward sustainable solutions in the region to deliver sustainable and high-impact solutions. 

Metito Utilities is making significant progress in Uzbekistan, collaborating closely with key stakeholders to enhance the country’s water infrastructure. We are excited to be part of over 15 investment agreements forged during the recent historic visit of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to meet with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.  

Key Projects in Focus: 

• Modernization of Pumping Stations – Namangan Region: As part of our expanded project scope post-presidential visit, we are upgrading critical pumping infrastructure to significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of the region’s water supply systems. 

• Namangan Wastewater Treatment PPP Project: Valued at USD 100 million, this Public-Private Partnership is the first of its kind in Uzbekistan and the broader CIS region. The project is currently advancing toward financial closure, with construction preparations underway. nce operational, this project will treat 100,000 m³/day, playing a key role in enhancing water management in the region. 

These initiatives reflect our long-term commitment to enabling resilient water infrastructure, supporting economic development, and ensuring water security for future generations in Uzbekistan. 

DouroECI | Water Management, the Portugal-based subsidiary of Metito Utilities and a leading solution provider for comprehensive water cycle management, has successfully completed a significant consultancy project in Brazil, awarded by the IFC – International Finance Corporation – a member of The World Bank. The project was aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of SANASA, the municipal sanitation company responsible for water and sanitation services for Campinas, Brazil, and end user of this project.

This strategic project focused on developing a strategy for integrating operational management systems to reduce water loss and improve overall operational efficiency. The project involved two main streams of work: 1) A comprehensive diagnostic and gap analysis, where DouroECI | Water Management, together with Effico Saneamento, conducted a thorough review of existing IT and information management systems, to identify areas for improvement; 2) Develop an improvement action plan, based on market best-practice and available technological solutions, towards the implementation of a robust information management system tailored to SANASA’s needs.

This project showcases DouroECI | Water Management’s cutting-edge expertise, where advanced engineering and technology converge to deliver innovative consulting and solutions with global applicability.

DouroECI’s work is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly with SDG – 6 clean water and sanitation, and SDG – 11 sustainable cities and communities, with a clear dedication to create positive impact and foster sustainable solutions.

Email us to learn more about the applied technologies!

marketing@metito.com & douroeci@douroeci.com

On World Water Day, Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities, joined The Business Breakfast on Dubai Eye to discuss the urgent need for disruption in the water sector. He shared insights about the true value of water, the importance of sustainable infrastructure, and the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in delivering long-term, high-quality water services.

Watch the full interview here:
Metito Utilities on the Business Breakfast

Establishes regional HQ in Dalian and launches major desalination and industrial water projects to support Chinas fast-growing industrial hubs.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 28 February 2025— Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions and climate-resilient water assets, has announced a significant expansion into China with the establishment of a regional headquarters in Dalian, Liaoning Province, alongside a landmark agreement with the Administrative Committee of Dalian Changxing Island Economic and Technological Development Zone to develop critical water infrastructure in Xizhong Island, a core hub for integrated refining and chemical production.

With an initial $20 million investment in its Dalian headquarters and an estimated $150 million commitment to large-scale water infrastructure projects, Metito Utilities is reinforcing its long-term presence and strategic growth in China.

This move marks Metito Utilities return to the Chinese market after more than six years, highlighting its commitment to delivering sustainable water solutions in strategic global markets. Xizhong Island, part of the Dalian Economic and Technological Development Zone, is a major industrial hub set to achieve a refining capacity of 40 million tons per year by 2030. With ambitious production targets of 10 million tons of aromatics and 10 million tons of ethylene annually, a reliable and sustainable water supply is crucial.

To support these demands, Metito Utilities will develop the Xizhong Island Desalination and Industrial Water Treatment Projects, featuring an advanced water treatment facility. This project is designed to meet the growing demand for industrial water while enhancing water efficiency, reduce reliance on traditional sources and promote green and low-carbon development goals, aligning with the China’s long-term sustainability goals.

Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities, highlighted the strategic importance of the expansion and the new project, stating: “Re-entering the Chinese market is a pivotal step in Metito Utilities global growth strategy. Establishing a regional headquarters in Dalian is a sign of our long-term commitment to China while our partnership with Xizhong Island Petrochemical Park is a cornerstone of this expansion, ensuring a stable and sustainable water supply for one of China’s most ambitious industrial hubs. This project will set a benchmark for desalination and industrial water treatment in the region, and we look forward to collaborating closely with our partners in Dalian and Xizhong Island to drive long-term impact and innovation in water infrastructure.”

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 25 February 2025—Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer and operator of sustainable water management solutions and climate-resilient water assets, has signed into three landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading Italian institutions this week: Italy’s national promotional institution and development bank, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), SACE – Italy’s Export Credit Agency and insurance–financial group, and ACEA S.p.A., a major industrial group in the water sector and a leader in environmental and energy services. The agreements, formalized during the UAE-Italy Business Forum in Rome and signed in the esteemed presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. These strategic partnerships set the stage for transformative water infrastructure developments that will enhance water security and improve millions of lives across Africa, the UAE, and other regions where water infrastructure is critically needed.

These collaborations usher in a new era of Italy-UAE cooperation in sustainable water infrastructure, fully aligned with Italy’s ambitious Mattei Plan and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for clean water and sustainable communities. By leveraging the combined expertise and resources of CDP, SACE and ACEA S.p.A., Metito Utilities is set to accelerate the deployment of sustainable water solutions across key markets.

Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities, said: “As countries work to achieve water security for their growing communities, these partnerships create unprecedented opportunities to accelerate sustainable solutions. By combining Metito Utilities extensive experience with Italian expertise and financial capabilities, we are creating a powerful framework to address critical infrastructure needs and enhance water security across multiple markets.” Building on our commitment to Africa initiated with AWID launched with BII, these collaborations further underscore our dedication to developing sustainable water infrastructure across the continent.

The collaboration with CDP opens vital funding channels for water infrastructure, with a particular focus on Africa’s Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible nations. By aligning with Italy’s development goals, this initiative creates opportunities for Italian businesses while addressing critical infrastructure needs in developing markets.

The strategic cooperation with SACE will bring innovative financial solutions and insurance mechanisms to accelerate project development throughout Africa, the UAE, and other high-need regions, strengthening the ties between Italian industry and emerging markets, fostering both economic growth and sustainable development in the water sector.

Working with ACEA S.p.A, a leader in water and energy services, Metito Utilities will spearhead innovative solutions for sustainable water management across Africa and the Middle East. The combined expertise of both organizations will revolutionize the development of treatment plants, desalination facilities, and distribution networks, bringing cutting-edge water security solutions to communities in need.

To capitalize on emerging opportunities in Africa, Metito Utilities will seek to marshal diverse sources of capital and leverage its expertise to bring planned projects to execution, incorporating relevant initiatives under its Africa Water Infrastructure Development (AWID) framework, a first-of-its-kind platform designed to develop climate-smart water projects at scale and enhance water security across the continent—where applicable.

SAP announced today that Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions, has selected GROW with SAP to accelerate its digital transformation, The AI-powered cloud enterprise solutions will enhance Metito Utilities’ agility and optimize operations. This collaboration will ensure scalability, flexibility, and speed by leveraging scalable cloud technologies to streamline processes and strengthen corporate governance.

As part of this transformation, Metito Utilities will implement SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition in the first half of 2025 in the UAE, followed by a phased international rollout. The integration of SAP’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions will enable seamless financial reporting, business intelligence, project management, and enhanced cash flow visibility across multiple geographies. Additionally, SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) will provide real-time monitoring and predictive insights, allowing for data-driven water infrastructure management, while SAP SuccessFactors will strengthen human capital management, workforce development and governance through structured operational oversight.

Marwan Zeineddine, Managing Director of SAP UAE, said: “With its ambitious expansion plans and strong commitment to innovation, Metito Utilities exemplifies the type of growth-focused company that GROW with SAP is designed to support. By embracing SAP’s cloud-based ERP and AI capabilities, Metito Utilities is laying the foundation for operational efficiency, financial agility, and long-term success.”

Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities, added: “At Metito Utilities, our commitment to innovation and sustainability demands robust digital infrastructure to support our rapid global expansion. By implementing GROW with SAP, we’re enhancing our operational efficiency while enabling our teams to make AI-driven decisions in real-time. This technology backbone will be crucial as we scale our sustainable water management solutions and climate-resilient water assets.”

By adopting SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, Metito Utilities will benefit from a scalable cloud ERP that ensures seamless integration across its global entities, while SAP Analytics Cloud will deliver real-time performance tracking, predictive analytics, and proactive resource management. Meanwhile, SAP SuccessFactors will optimize workforce planning and dynamic collaboration tools to boost efficiency and innovation.

The SAP ERP UAE implementation in H1 2025 will be followed by a global rollout across Metito Utilities’ operations including the Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Uzbekistan, China, Rwanda, Serbia, and beyond.

The Arab Energy Fund-led consortium completes the acquisition of Metito Utilities

 The acquisition supports TAEF’s leadership in the fields of sustainable water solutions and energy infrastructure.

• Accelerates innovative solutions to address water insecurity and drive long-term value in emerging markets.
• Reaffirms a shared commitment to clean water accessibility, resource optimization, and environmental stewardship.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 08 January 2025—The Arab Energy Fund (TAEF), formerly known as APICORP, a leading multilateral impact financial institution focused on the MENA energy sector, has successfully led a consortium to acquire a 100% stake in, and provide further growth capital to, Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer and operator of sustainable water management solutions and climate-resilient water assets.

This landmark transaction, in partnership with Zamil Group Investment Company and the Ghandour family, aligns with TAEF’s strategic vision to advance energy security and sustainability by driving impactful investments that address critical infrastructure needs in water and wastewater management across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Metito has been an industry leader in the water sector since 1958, and Metito Utilities has over 25 years specialized experience in the investment, development, and long-term operation and maintenance of water and wastewater concessions. It has a proven-track record of over 35 successful concessions and has a long-standing legacy of pioneering water and wastewater, delivering first Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) projects in the sector in countries as such Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Rwanda, Serbia, Qatar and beyond, and setting benchmarks in sustainable water management on a global scale.

Khalid Ali Al-Ruwaigh, CEO of TAEF, said: “The investment in Metito Utilities marks a strategic milestone in TAEF’s mission to advance sustainable infrastructure and energy value chains. Water and energy are deeply interconnected, and this collaboration, alongside our partners Zamil Group Investment Company and the Ghandour family, as well as Metito Utilities’ talented team, allows us to strengthen regional leadership in addressing water scarcity challenges while delivering long-term value creation. We aim to accelerate growth and innovation across new and existing markets.”

Abdullrahman K Al Zamil, President of Zamil Group Investment Company, said: “We have consistently sought opportunities that combine business excellence with meaningful impact. Water security is fundamental to our region’s future, and Metito’s expertise in water management aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable development. As a family business that has witnessed and participated in the region’s transformation, we see this partnership as another milestone in our journey of being partners in building nations, bringing proven water solutions to communities and industries that need them most.”

 Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities, said: “We are proud of our legacy, and the continuous evolution that has brought us to where we are today. While this transformation marks a new era for Metito, our commitment to a cleaner environment remains at the heart of everything we do.  With this strengthened partnership, we aim to expand our positive impact by leveraging our experience in PPP projects to enhance water efficiency and deliver tailored, sustainable water management solutions across the pan-emerging markets. Together with our valued partners, we are excited to lead the way forward in shaping the future of water management.’

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for all shareholders, uniting their shared vision to address global water security challenges while developing long-term environmental, social, and economic value.

It aligns with TAEF’s broader strategy to drive sustainable infrastructure development, measurable impact and contribute to the region’s economic prosperity. This transaction reflects TAEF’s focus on energy and energy adjacent sectors, showcasing its role as a preeminent impact investor in the MENA region.

Under its new shareholding, Metito Utilities is poised to build on its legacy of innovation and operational excellence, driving sustainable water solutions that make a lasting impact in emerging markets.