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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.

Metito Utilities’ consortium, including Al Attiyah Motors & Trading Company and Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC), was honored with the ‘Impact Deal of the Year’ in the Project Finance category for the Al Wakra and Al Wukair Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) project in Qatar.

This milestone project, awarded by the Qatar Public Works Authority (Ashghal) in 2022, reached financial close in 2024. It involves the development, design, build, finance, and procurement of a 150,000 m³/day sewage treatment works (STW) project under a PPP agreement.

As the first sewage treatment PPP project in Qatar, it aligns with Qatar’s 2030 Vision for sustainable water management, advancing the country’s commitment to improved infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

At the same ceremony, Project Wave, a $2.4 billion landmark project in Abu Dhabi, UAE, also won the Project Finance Deal of the Year award. Led by a consortium of Orascom Construction and Metito Utilities, alongside ADNOC and TAQA, this project will provide over 500,000 m³/day of sustainable treated seawater supply for ADNOC’s onshore operations.

The IFLR Middle East Awards celebrate excellence in legal procedure, particularly focusing on cross-border transactions. We extend our gratitude to our legal partners who played a critical role in this achievement: Addleshaw Goddard, Al Tamimi & Company, ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners, Eversheds Sutherland, Norton Rose Fulbright, Pinsent Masons, Ashurst, Covington & Burling, and Hadef & Partners.

Metito Utilities Serbia participated in the Doing Business with Serbia conference held in Belgrade. The full-day event, organized by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, brought together key stakeholders from Serbia and the UAE to explore investment opportunities and enhance bilateral cooperation.

During the conference, Branislav Zec, Country Manager – Serbia at Metito Utilities, took part in the Power Talks session with a keynote titled “Exploring Serbia’s Business Potential.” His address focused on Serbia’s growing infrastructure landscape—particularly in the water and utilities sectors—and reaffirmed Metito Utilities’ commitment to sustainable and impactful development in the region.

The event provided a valuable platform for strengthening relationships with local and international partners and underscored Metito Utilities Serbia’s active role in shaping the future of water infrastructure in the country.

The conference concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Serbian and Dubai Chambers of Commerce, marking a milestone in advancing UAE–Serbia economic relations.

Metito Utilities and its partners have been awarded the prestigious ‘Water Deal of the Year’ at the IJGlobal MENA Awards Ceremony, recognizing the landmark Wave Project in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Valued at $2.4 billion, the Wave Project is one of the largest and most strategic water infrastructure developments in the region. The project is led by a consortium comprising Orascom Construction and Metito Utilities, in collaboration with ADNOC and TAQA. Once operational, it will supply over 110 million imperial gallons per day (500,000 m³/day) of sustainably treated seawater to support ADNOC’s onshore operations. It also includes the construction of a 75km water transmission pipeline and an in-field distribution network of over 230km to support reservoir pressure maintenance in the Bab and Bu Hasa fields. The project’s implementation will significantly reduce water injection-related energy consumption, connect to the grid for clean energy supply, and contribute over 60% of its value to the UAE economy.

IJGlobal, part of Delinian (IJ Global) Limited, is one of the world’s largest infrastructure and project finance data sources. Powered by advanced analytics, unparalleled rich data, and exclusive coverage, we provide solutions that enable market participants to execute insightful decisions with confidence, raise market profile, maximize opportunities and grow businesses.

DouroECI, a subsidiary of Metito Utilities and a specialized provider of integrated water cycle management solutions, recently presented updates on its ongoing project to reduce water losses in the urban water supply network of Zrenjanin, Serbia.

This project is an extension of the Zrenjanin Water Treatment PPP Plant, awarded to Metito Utilities in 2022 by the City of Zrenjanin and the Public Utility Company (PUC). The initiative aims to enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of Zrenjanin’ s water infrastructure.

Held at the PUC premises, the presentation outlined the strategies and technologies currently being implemented to modernize the city’s water supply system. The project’s core objectives include:

• Reducing non-revenue water losses to below 20% within the next five years
• Optimizing operational efficiency through advanced technologies
• Supporting long-term water resource sustainability in the city

As part of these efforts, PUC “Vodovod i Kanalizacija” Zrenjanin is replacing 20 km of the city’s aging water network, introducing a SCADA system for automated monitoring and control, and installing 17 flow meters to track water flow and detect losses in real time.

This project sets a new benchmark for urban water management in Serbia and reflects DouroECI’s commitment to delivering high-impact, technology-driven solutions for sustainable water infrastructure.

Email us to learn more about the implementation!

marketing@metito.com & douroeci@douroeci.com

Metito and its partners strike gold at the 2023 Project Finance International (PFI) awards ceremony, sealing two of the most prestigious awards. PFI has been the publication at the forefront of project finance reporting for the last 25 years.

The awards:

• Public-Private Partnership Deal of the Year – Al Wakra and Al Wukair Sewage Treatment Plant

Metito’s consortium, including Al Attiyah Motors & Trading Company and Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC), was honored with the ‘Public-Private Partnership Deal of the Year’ award for the ‘Al Wakra and Al Wukair Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)’ project in Qatar.

This milestone project, awarded by the Qatar Public Works Authority (Ashghal) in 2022, involves the development, design, build, finance, and procurement of a 150,000 m3/day sewage treatment works (STW) project under a PPP agreement. It is the first sewage treatment PPP project in Qatar and aligns with Qatar’s 2030 Vision for sustainable water management.

• The Sustainable Deal of the Year – Project Wave

Another remarkable achievement for Metito was the ‘Sustainable Deal of the Year’ award for ‘Project Wave’, a $2.4 billion landmark project in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This project, led by a consortium of Orascom Construction and Metito, along with ADNOC and TAQA, will provide more than 110 million imperial gallons per day (500,000 m3/day) of sustainable treated seawater supply for ADNOC’s onshore operations. It also includes the construction of a 75km water transmission pipeline and an in-field distribution network of over 230km to support reservoir pressure maintenance in the Bab and Bu Hasa fields. The project’s implementation will significantly reduce water injection-related energy consumption, connect to the grid for clean energy supply, and contribute over 60% of its value to the UAE economy.

With over 700 industry professionals in attendance, Metito and its partners were recognized for the relentless pursuit of excellence in project finance. All thanks to incredible teamwork, unwavering dedication, and commitment to pioneering innovative project finance solutions to enable more impactful water projects.

A consortium of Metito, a global provider of intelligent water management solutions, SMK Atameken LLP, Ak Jol Kurylys LLP, and Caspian HES Consulting LLP, has been awarded the contract for the development of a 50,000 m3/day desalination plant in the Mangystau region by Ak Su KMG LLP, a part of the KazMunayGaz holding. Located on Kazakhstan’s Caspian coast, Mangystau region, Kenderli Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Desalination Project will serve the Zhanaozen city, as well as a future resort development at Kenderli Bay.

Kazakhstan’s water supply could experience substantial deficits by 2040, projected at 50% of its required volume, attributed to climate change alongside population growth, rapid urbanization, and industrialization. The Kenderli SWRO project is in line with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s recommendations to address the region’s water supply concerns through the accelerated introduction of water-saving technologies, a directive he reinforced at the 28th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP28) which took place in Dubai in November 2023.

Kenderli SWRO will leverage Metito’s high-value engineering capabilities and will implement innovative and efficient technologies for optimized operations. Upon completion, the facility will have the capacity to provide potable water needs for the Zhanaozen city and Kenderli recreation area. Presently, the city sources its potable water from the Kigach River (Atyrau region) along the pipeline of around 1000 km in length, serving communities in Mangystau region.

“Water security is essential for the sustainable development of any economy. While the Kenderli SWRO will serve thousands of residents with potable water, it will also generate a positive ripple effect on the growth of tourism, entrepreneurship, and agriculture in the area, highlighting the importance and grave impact of such projects not just on the local communities, but on wider economic growth. This project also marks Metito’s second project in the country and is in line with the company’s strategic expansion plans in Central Asia,” commented Talal Ghandour, Chief Executive Officer, Metito Overseas.

The construction is set to begin in March 2024, up to 15 months timeline for project delivery.

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

The article explores recent milestones in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, including Metito Utilities’ agreement to develop Kazakhstan’s first full public-private partnership (PPP) wastewater project in Kokshetau, and the anticipated financial close of the Namangan PPP project in Uzbekistan.

In an interview with GWI, Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities, shares insights into Metito Utilities long-term vision for sustainable water investment in emerging markets and its commitment to delivering impact-driven, resilient infrastructure solutions.

The full article, published by GWI on 18 January 2024, is shared below with permission and without edits.

Private water opportunities gather pace in Central Asia

Recent agreements in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan reveal a market keen for new methods to build its way out of a Soviet past. GWI Asia editor Edward Cullinane investigates.

Published: 18 January 2024

An agreement at the end of last month by water and wastewater specialist Metito to finance and deliver a wastewater treatment plant in Kazakhstan reflects a rising tide of interest from private water companies in a growing set of opportunities in Central Asia.

On 27 December, Metito concluded a heads of agreement with the Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund and other local and national groups to deliver Kazakhstan’s first full public-private partnership (PPP) agreement in the water/wastewater sphere, involving the construction of a 50,000m3/d wastewater treatment plant in the city of Kokshetau.

Investing in water in Central Asia

Kokshetau, in northern Kazakhstan, is set to be the site of a privately financed wastewater treatment plant developed by Metito. The company says it could provide a model for more water PPP projects in Central Asia.

Meanwhile, the 100,000m3/d privately financed Namangan wastewater treatment project in Uzbekistan, secured by Metito at the end of 2021, is understood to be on the cusp of financial close. Representatives at both Metito and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (which is supporting the Namangan project) say they expect further initiatives to follow as the Uzbek government seeks new models to deliver much-needed infrastructure projects. The EBRD in December approved a $10 million fund to establish a project development facility in Uzbekistan in anticipation of further future PPPs.

A steppe change in procurement 

There is a relatively extensive pipeline of water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, but progress has often been slow. After breakthroughs on PPPs in Tashkent and Namangan, investors are now predicting a greater use of private finance for future projects. 

Source: GWI

“We’ve been talking to entities in Kazakhstan now for quite a few years,” Rami Ghandour, chief executive officer at Metito Utilities Limited, told GWI. “There’s a lot of willingness to engage with the private sector, and they see PPPs as the way forward. I think they recognise the benefits of having the private sector come in, invest, build and operate the asset for the long term to give the optimal solution.

“Kokshetau is a medium-sized city, so it’s a good starting point, but the need is there for much larger cities – including the capital Astana, and Almaty. There are also many other medium-sized cities, so that’s why we are putting in a lot of effort.”

Further opportunities for investment are expected to include desalination projects in Kazakhstan, where Metito has been awarded two engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts in the Mangistau region on the Caspian Sea coast.

Motivated by a desire to gain further autonomy from Russia, which currently provides water to part of the region through a 1,000km cross-border pipeline from the river Volga, desalination is one of many potential solutions being considered.

Ghandour added: “I think in due course, as that market evolves, requirements will only grow, and there will be opportunities for investment there.”

In Uzbekistan, Metito was first awarded the contract for the Namangan WWTP in December 2021, but has yet to reach financial close on the project. However, despite declining to provide a timeframe for when the deal could be concluded, Ghandour remained optimistic about the prospects for further expansion in the region.

“It’s a developing market in a new region, and Metito has been blessed to be the first to develop a PPP in the water/wastewater sector in nine countries now. For the first project, it takes a long time.

“Take our Kigali water supply PPP in Rwanda – we signed the PPP agreement in 2015 and reached financial close in 2018. As frustrating as these long, drawn-out processes are, sometimes they are just the reality of having to get all the legal frameworks in place for these projects to happen.

“The overall requirement in Uzbekistan is massive. There is a very large development expected in Tashkent, and Namangan is our example, but I expect many more PPPs to follow, as well in the neighbouring countries. In addition to wastewater projects, we see many other opportunities for irrigation pumps, and in other sectors where it makes sense for the private sector to come in.”

Metito is not the only foreign investor to have taken notice of opportunities in Uzbekistan. Other major developments in Uzbekistan’s PPP stable include the involvement of Abu Dhabi state wastewater body Sustainable Water Solutions Co. (SWS), which in 2022 agreed to finance a colossal 1.5 million m3/d wastewater treatment plant in Uzbekistan. In December, SWS announced that it would be teaming up with Suez and Japan’s Marubeni Corporation to develop the plant – which, once complete, will be one of the largest WWTPs in the region. However, none of the parties involved has so far been willing to clarify the role of Suez and Marubeni in the project.

Meanwhile Suez in November landed a $500 million PPP contract in Uzbekistan’s Surkhandarya region in the south of the country. The contract aims to implement new technologies to better manage non-revenue water losses, new billing systems and to better connect rural residents.

The company is also working on its Tashkent Water Transformation Project, which was signed in 2022, became operational in 2023, and aims to modernise the Uzbek capital’s water infrastructure.

“The Tashkent water transformation project is the fruit of five years of hard work by Suez in partnership with the Uzbek authorities. Now that we’ve started our first project we are looking at a variety of new opportunities,” Paul Bourdillon, Suez CEO for Europe & Central Asia, told GWI.

“Uzbekistan is a country that is experiencing strong economic growth and growing water scarcity. But Uzbekistan is also greatly affected by climate change. Therefore, as time passes, water resources are becoming scarcer and it is very important for Uzbekistan to work to save its water resources,” he added. “We are working with the Uzbek authorities and potential partners including the IFC when structuring the potential financing of our projects.”