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Company is working to develop two drinking water supply projects.

Dubai International Chamber supports Metito Utilities’ expansion into Mozambique

• Salem Al Shamsi: “We are committed to opening new horizons for Dubai’s business community to benefit from promising opportunities in global markets and build high-quality partnerships that support its growth and sustainable expansion.”
• Walid Madwar: ‘’For capital-intensive water infrastructure, the public-private partnership model remains the most effective approach, allowing governments to retain ownership and oversight while drawing on private capital and expertise.

Dubai, UAE – Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has supported the expansion of Metito Utilities, a Dubai-headquartered investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water and wastewater solutions, into Mozambique, as part of the company’s efforts to continue its expansion and strengthen its presence across Africa.

Through the support provided by Dubai International Chamber’s representative office in Mozambique and its coordination between the relevant parties, Metito Utilities, together with VBC Corporation, a Mozambique-based infrastructure developer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FIPAAS, Mozambique’s Water and Sanitation Investment and Assets Fund. The agreement establishes a framework to assess, structure, finance, and develop two drinking water supply concession projects in Niassa and Nampula provinces, the Lake Niassa Water Supply Project and the Lúrio River / Nampula Long-Term Water Supply Project.

Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, said: “We are committed to opening new horizons for Dubai’s business community to benefit from promising opportunities in global markets and enhance its ability to build high-quality partnerships that support its growth and sustainable expansion. We remain committed to providing the necessary enablers for local companies to expand internationally from Dubai, strengthening their presence in priority markets and supporting the emirate’s objectives to consolidate its position as a global hub for trade and investment.”

Walid Madwar, Chief Commercial Officer at Metito Utilities: ‘’For capital-intensive water infrastructure, the public-private partnership model remains the most effective approach, allowing governments to retain ownership and oversight while drawing on private capital and expertise. Mozambique has set out a clear framework for that through PROÁGUAS, and we are pleased to bring our experience to it, including through AWID, the platform we co-established with British International Investment. We are grateful to Dubai International Chamber for their support in Mozambique throughout this process.’’

Dubai International Chamber plays a vital role in supporting Dubai-based companies to expand and grow in promising global markets. The chamber offers in-depth market and sectoral intelligence, practical guidance on doing business, and support in navigating local regulations. It also facilitates connections with strategic partners, identifies growth opportunities, and organises targeted trade missions to help businesses forge valuable partnerships and strengthen their presence in international markets.

Zrenjanin, Serbia – 15 October 2026 – The Zrenjanin Water Treatment Plant (WTP), first public-private partnership (PPP) in the water supply sector in the Republic of Serbia, delivered by Metito Utilities, marks one year since the ban on drinking tap water in Zrenjanin was officially lifted. Operating since May 2025, the plant has supplied approximately 9.6 million m3 of drinking water to date, serving more than 70,000 residents daily.

Every member of the plant’s operations team was recruited from the Zrenjanin area. Over the past year, the team has built the expertise to run the full treatment process – online instruments measure key water parameters at each stage of treatment, the control room follows them in real time, and regular laboratory analyses are carried out at the plant. Water quality is monitored daily by the Institute of Public Health Zrenjanin.

“Over the past year, the Zrenjanin WTP has delivered what this partnership was designed for: a reliable drinking water supply for the city, operated by a local team that has built the expertise to run it for the long term. The project shows how private investment and advanced engineering tailored to local conditions can address municipal water challenges in Zrenjanin and across the country, and we remain committed to that for the full term of the partnership.’’ said Branislav Zec, Country Manager of Metito Utilities, Serbia.

‘’The availability of drinking water from Zrenjanin’s public supply over the past year is an important public health milestone for our city after more than two decades. Our Institute will continue its daily monitoring to protect the health of the people of Zrenjanin,” said Predrag Rudan, Director of the Institute of Public Health Zrenjanin.

In February 2026, Metito Utilities launched Behind the Tap, an open house programme that gives residents the opportunity to visit the plant and see the water treatment facility first-hand. The programme has since expanded to universities and technical institutions in the region.

The project received the City of Zrenjanin Award in 2025 for its contribution to the local community and was shortlisted for Water Project of the Year at the Global Water Awards 2026.

Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions, has been awarded the operation and maintenance (O&M) contract for the Dubai South Sewage Treatment Plant by Dubai World Central Corporation.

Located in Dubai South, near Al Maktoum International Airport, the facility has a treatment capacity of 10,000 m³/day and uses membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology with ceramic membranes to treat wastewater to Dubai Municipality standards.

Under the contract, Metito Utilities assumes full responsibility for the plant’s day-to-day operations and maintenance, including process control, performance optimization, regulatory compliance and long-term asset reliability.

“Our decades of experience in operating and maintaining critical water and wastewater assets enable us to optimize plant performance, apply proactive maintenance strategies and deliver reliable, efficient operations. We are proud to bring this expertise to Dubai South and support the facility’s long-term performance and resilience,” said Sachin Kodolikar, Chief Operations Officer at Metito Utilities.

As Dubai South continues to grow, dependable water and wastewater infrastructure remains essential to supporting resilient communities and sustainable urban development. That reliability depends as much on how infrastructure is operated and maintained as on how it is built.

March 10, 2026 – The Zrenjanin Water Treatment Plant successfully concluded the first edition of its “Behind the Tap – Open House Program,” welcoming members of the community to visit the facility and gain firsthand insight into how safe and reliable drinking water is produced and managed.

Organized by Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions, the initiative invited citizens to explore the treatment plant through guided tours, offering a transparent view of the processes, technologies, and monitoring systems that ensure the quality and reliability of the water production. Visitors had the opportunity to walk through the key stages of the treatment process and meet the team responsible for the daily operation of the facility.

Following the positive engagement during the first Open Days, the program will continue to expand, with the plant preparing to host future visits in collaboration with universities, technical institutions, and educational groups, supporting knowledge exchange and providing students and professionals with direct exposure to modern water treatment practices.

With an investment of over €20 million, the Zrenjanin Water Treatment Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Project was developed using a tailored, multi-stage treatment solution designed specifically to address the complex composition of groundwater in the Pannonian Basin, including elevated levels of arsenic, ammonia, and methane.

Implemented by Metito Utilities and awarded by the City of Zrenjanin and the public utility company Vodovod i kanalizacija, the project represents the first public–private partnership in the water supply sector in Serbia.

The facility began operations in May 2025, treating water in full compliance with national drinking water standards. Following confirmation by the competent authorities, the long-standing ban on the use of tap water for drinking purposes in Zrenjanin was officially lifted in October 2025, restoring safe drinking water access to the city’s residents for the first time in over two decades.

For more information and schedule your visit, please email – info@pannonianwater.com

Zrenjanin, 11. February 2026 – Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions, has launched ’Behind the Tap: An Open House Program at the Zrenjanin Water Treatment Plant’, inviting citizens to visit the facility and learn firsthand how a reliable and sustainable water supply is provided.

The launch was marked by a media visit attended by national and local journalists, who toured the site and gained insights about the treatment process that produces safe drinking water for more than 70,000 residents of Zrenjanin.

Branislav Zec, Country Manager of Metito Utilities, Serbia said: ‘’The Zrenjanin Water Treatment Plant was developed with a tailored, multi-stage treatment approach addressing the region’s unique water composition. Through the ‘Behind the Tap’ program, we are inviting citizens to see the process of water treatment firsthand and learn about applied engineering methodologies and monitoring systems supporting daily operations. In this way, we aim to build long-term trust through transparency and openness.”

The Zrenjanin Water Treatment Project, developed by Metito Utilities and awarded by the City of Zrenjanin and the public water utility company JKP “Vodovod i kanalizacija”, is Serbia’s first-of-its-kind public-private partnership (PPP) in the water sector. Operational since May 2025, the plant produces treated water in full compliance with all applicable Republic of Serbia drinking water standards. Following confirmation from the relevant authorities, the long-standing ban on the use of tap water for drinking was officially lifted in October 2025, marking a major milestone for public health and the long-term resilience of the Zrenjanin community.

The company currently has two active projects in Serbia, representing a planned investment of over €57 million, reaffirming its long-term commitment to supporting resilient and sustainable improvements in water infrastructure and community wellbeing.

How to Register

‘’Behind the Tap – Open House Program at the Zrenjanin Water Treatment Plant’’ visits will take place, in small groups, with mandatory prior registration and safety procedures.

Interested citizens can visit www.pannonianwater.com for more details and to complete the registration form.

Please note that registration does not guarantee participation. Attendance will be confirmed in advance via email and/or phone, subject to availability.

During the guided visits, participants will gain insight into each stage of the treatment process and meet the professionals responsible for daily operations, highlighting both the technology and the expertise behind delivering safe drinking water to the community.

Saudi Arabia – 16 December 2025: A consortium led by Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions, co-led by Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), and SkyBridge Limited Company (SkyBridge), has been awarded the development of the Hadda Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) project in the Makkah Province by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), the Kingdom’s principal off-taker for water and wastewater PPP projects.

The project will play a critical role in strengthening wastewater infrastructure for one of the Kingdom’s most significant cities, Makkah, supporting both growing resident population and the millions of pilgrims visiting annually. The development aligns with the National Water Strategy 2030, launched under Saudi Vision 2030 which introduced a unified framework to enhance sector governance, improve efficiency, and accelerate private-sector participation across the water value chain.

As outlined under the National Water Strategy, Saudi Arabia is targeting the treatment of up to 10 million m3/day of wastewater and the reuse of 70% of treated effluent by 2030, advancing a fully circular and resilient water economy. The Hadda ISTP directly supports these national objectives by expanding wastewater treatment capacity and enabling large-scale water reuse in the Makkah Province.

Developed under a 25-year Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model, the project will have an initial treatment capacity of 100,000 m³/day, expandable to 250,000 m³/day to meet the growing demand. The consortium’s scope consists of the design, financing, construction, and operation of the wastewater treatment plant and its associated facilities under a public-private partnership model. It also includes a comprehensive treated sewage effluent (TSE) reuse system, comprising of a large storage tank and a 38-kilometre transmission pipeline with a throughput capacity of 350,000 m³/day.

Eng. Khaled Alqureshi, CEO of the SWPC said: The Hadda Independent Sewage Treatment Plant project marks a significant step that reflects the strength of the partnership model adopted by Saudi Water Partnership Company. The selection of the consortium led by Metito Utilities reaffirms investor confidence in the Saudi market. The project supports the objectives of the National Water Strategy 2030 by enhancing treatment efficiency and promoting reuse. We continue to fulfill our role as the off-taker and facilitator, ensuring the delivery of strategic water projects that align with the Kingdom’s ambitions.

Commenting on the win, Rami Ghandour, CEO Metito Utilities said: The Hadda ISTP award strengthens our ongoing partnership with SWPC and our approach to investing in long-term water management solutions in Saudi Arabia. Building on the successful delivery of the Dammam ISTP, this project represents another important step in 2025 as we continue to support the Kingdom’s National Water Strategy and Vision 2030.

In a related comment, Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), said: “Being selected as co-lead in the Hadda ISTP consortium reflects our commitment to supporting resilient, future-ready water infrastructure across the region. This project will strengthen wastewater treatment capacity in Makkah and enable large-scale reuse, helping optimise water resources. We are proud to collaborate with Saudi Water Partnership Company and to be part of a consortium that brings together leading regional and international players, contributing to the Kingdom’s national vision for the water sector.”

Eng Hesham Alghamdi, CEO of SkyBridge Limited Company, commented on the strategic importance of the award: Winning the Hadda ISTP project is a major milestone that reinforces SkyBridge’s commitment to the development Sustainable Infrastructure in line with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. We are honoured to partner with our consortium members Metito Utilities and EtihadWE and look forward to deliver a world-class, sustainable wastewater solution for the residents and visitors of Makkah, ensuring long-term environmental and social benefits through water reuse.

The Hadda ISTP is designed to enhance wastewater treatment capacity for one of Saudi Arabia’s most strategically important cities. Its integrated reuse system will help optimize water resources, support irrigation needs, and improve environmental outcomes. Treated effluent will be supplied to the Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO). Commercial operations are scheduled to commence in Q4 2028.

About Metito Utilities

Impact. Sustainability. Innovation. Guided by these founding principles, Metito Utilities is a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions and climate-resilient water assets. The company has built over 25 years of expertise in public private partnerships (PPP), having successfully delivered over 35 transformative projects across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Rwanda, Serbia, and beyond.

Notable achievements include a leadership position in China’s wastewater sector (2008–2018), managing 1.8 million m³/day of treatment capacity, enhancing water network monitoring capabilities through its acquisition of Portugal-based DouroECI and scaling climate-resilient water infrastructure investments across Africa through its the Africa Water Infrastructure Development (AWID) platform, launched with British International Investment (BII).

Established in 1958, Metito has been a pioneer in delivering cutting-edge water solutions worldwide. With decades of excellence in engineering, operations, and innovation—and as the first to introduce reverse osmosis desalination technology beyond the USA in 1972—Metito has consistently delivered innovative water solutions worldwide.

For more information, please contact:
Ecem Akineri – Marketing Communications
Metito Utilities
Email: ecem.akineri@metito.com ; for media enquiries: media@metito.com
Mobile: +971 50 809 7748

Metito Utilities has received the Zrenjanin City Award- 2025 for the Zrenjanin Water Treatment Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Project, recognising the project’s contribution to restoring safe and reliable drinking water to the citizens of Zrenjanin. The award was received on behalf of the company by Branislav Zec, Metito Utilities Country Manager – Serbia.

Zrenjanin Water Treatment PPP Project, developed by Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions, and awarded by The City Administration of Zrenjanin (The City) and the public water utility company “Vodovod i kanalizacija” (PUC), has successfully restored clean and continuous drinking water supply for more than 70,000 residents in full compliance with national quality standards.

In October 2025, after the treated water was officially confirmed to meet all stringent national quality and health requirements, the long-standing 2004 ban on using municipal tap water for drinking was formally lifted, resolving one of the city’s most enduring public service challenges.

The success of the Zrenjanin Water Treatment PPP Project — the first project of its kind in Serbia — is a strong example of a shared commitment to global best practices, advanced technology, and rigorous operational standards that reinforce sustainable water security for the community and the country.

To read more about the project, visit – Sustainable water-supply solution finally ensures safe drinking water to citizens of Zrenjanin

Metito Utilities took part in the 3rd PPP Roundtable Forum, held on 18–19 November in Tashkent, convened under the theme “Mobilizing Private Capital Through PPPs.” The forum was organized jointly by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), bringing together policymakers, development partners, and private-sector leaders to review Uzbekistan’s PPP progress, address implementation challenges, and explore new opportunities for private investment in line with the country’s Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy.

As part of the PPP Monitor Launch Event, Walid Madwar, Metito Utilities Chief Commercial Officer, joined fellow private-sector leaders in a session titled “A private investor’s perspective on implementing PPP projects.” In this session, Walid contributed insights on the evolving PPP landscape and the essential role private investment plays in delivering resilient, bankable, and socially impactful infrastructure.

He highlighted:

• The importance of predictable and transparent regulatory frameworks to attract private capital
• Lessons from Metito Utilities’ growing PPP portfolio in Uzbekistan and emerging markets
• How well-structured PPPs solve long-term value through operational quality, sustainable financing models, and partnerships rooted in accountability

We welcome the continued cooperation driving PPP progress in Uzbekistan and remain committed to delivering sustainable, long-term water and wastewater solutions in Central Asia.

For media enquiries, please connect: press@metito.com

Rami Ghandour, CEO Metito Utilities, shared his insights in an op-ed published in Arab News titled “Saudi Arabia builds a new era of water security through PPPs”, highlighting the growing role of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in advancing sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure across the region.

In this op-ed, he explains the need for long-term, performance-driven collaboration between governments and private-sector operators to ensure reliable, climate-resilient, and financially sustainable water solutions.

This article was originally published by Arab News on 21 November 2025 under the title “Saudi Arabia builds a new era of water security through PPPs.” It is shared here for informational purposes only. All rights and credits belong to the original author and publisher.

Saudi Arabia’s water sector is undergoing one of the most ambitious transformations in the world. Over the past decade, the Kingdom has developed a structured public–private partnership framework that is redefining how essential infrastructure is financed, delivered and sustained.

A national imperative

With scarce rainfall, limited freshwater resources, and a rapidly expanding population, the Kingdom has long recognized that water security is as a foundation for national development.

To achieve this, the National Water Strategy 2030, launched under Vision 2030, introduced a unified framework aligning policy, regulation, and operations across the sector to strengthen governance, improve efficiency, and encourage private-sector participation. By 2030, the Kingdom aims to treat up to 10 million cubic meters a day of wastewater and reuse 70 percent, advancing a true circular-water economy.

Succeeding these ambitions requires partnership and innovation. The government defines strategy and ensures equity and environmental protection, while the private sector contributes expertise, financing, and technology to deliver sustainable water management solutions and long-term impact.

Public-private partnership as catalyst

Having developed water PPPs across the Gulf, Africa, CIS, Europe, and China — pioneering first-of-their-kind projects and seen firsthand how structured partnerships accelerate process and ensure long-term performance, it is clear that Saudi Arabia stands out for translating this balance between public stewardship and private efficiency into clear policy and measurable results across such a large and well-structured program.

At the core of PPP model, which enables each partner to focus on what it does best. The public sector defines national priorities, provides strategic oversight, and safeguards public interest, while private partners bring technology, finance, and operational expertise. When PPP project is well-structured with clear risk allocation and performance-based contracts, it reduces lifecycle costs, accelerates delivery, and ensures accountability for long-term results that endure long after construction ends.

Through the Saudi Water Partnership Co., the Kingdom has built a transparent PPP framework that continues to expand rapidly. Over the last years, SWPC has led the development of multiple independent water plants and independent sewage treatment plants under long-term concession models. According to their published 2024-30 roadmap report, more than 30 projects worth over SR60 billion ($16 billion) are planned under PPP structures.

Our projects in wastewater and water treatment, desalination, and non-revenue water management continue to demonstrate how public-private collaboration can deliver measurable, long-term impact.

Partnership in practice

A recent milestone exemplifies this success: the Dammam Independent Sewage Treatment Plant, developed by a consortium led by Metito Utilities alongside Mowah and Orascom Construction under a 25-year build–own–operate–transfer model. With a total investment cost of approximately SR920 million, the plant serves nearly 1 million residents in western Dammam, with a treatment capacity of 200,000 cubic meters per day, expandable to 350,000 cubic meters per day.

The plant incorporates modern technology such as Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge treatment and sustainable design features anaerobic digestion to convert sludge into biogas for on-site utilization complemented by solar drying greenhouses — innovations that minimize energy use, emissions, and lifecycle costs. It is a model of how PPPs can translate sustainability commitments into tangible results.

A shared path to resilience

PPPs may not solve every challenge, but they are an essential tool for delivering complex, capital-intensive projects that must perform reliably for decades. The path to water security is a shared one. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in establishing a large-scale, performance-driven PPP framework is setting a new global standard for collaboration between public vision and private innovation.

PPPs are long-term partnerships that build institutional capacity, strengthen local expertise, and help realize national visions such as Vision 2030. When both sides bring their strengths together, the result is greater than the sum of its parts — resilient, efficient, and future-ready systems that sustain economies, communities, and the environment for generations to come.

Serbia’s first public–private partnership (PPP) project in the water sector, delivered by Metito Utilities, has successfully achieved full compliance with national standards, prompting authorities to officially lift the long-standing ban on the use of tap water for drinking

Zrenjanin Water Treatment PPP Project, developed by Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions, and awarded by The City of Zrenjanin (The City) and the public water utility company “Vodovod i kanalizacija” (PUC) has successfully restored safe drinking water supply for Zrenjanin.

The announcement was made by Simo Salapura, Mayor of Zrenjanin, following confirmation from Serbia’s sanitary authorities that the city’s water now meets all stringent national quality and health standards. This validation has formally lifted the 2004 ban on the use of municipal tap water for drinking – resolving one of the country’s longest-standing challenges.

Zrenjanin Water Treatment PPP Project provides a reliable and continuous supply of potable water for more than 70,000 residents, ensuring long-term water security. Since the project inception, Metito Utilities has led the upgrading and expansion of the facility, introducing advanced treatment technologies, automation systems, and high-efficiency equipment to optimize operations and ensure a high-quality water supply

With a total investment of approximately €20 million, the project represents the country’s first PPP project in the water sector and stands as one of the region’s most significant infrastructure achievements. Through the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders, the project has delivered a tailored, sustainable, and bankable model for addressing municipal water challenges through effective public–private sector collaboration.

The project construction, commissioning & trial phase achieved over 85,000 safe man-hours with zero LTIs, created local employment opportunities, and advanced sustainability by recovering resources and promoting valuable knowledge transfer and skill development within the community. These achievements directly support several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Under the long-term agreement, Metito Utilities will continue to operate and maintain the plant to ensure uninterrupted, high-quality water production. The company currently has two active projects in Serbia, representing a planned investment of over €57 million, reaffirming its long-term commitment to advancing sustainable water infrastructure in the Republic of Serbia.