Archives: News

· Mutaz Ghandour, Chairman and CEO of Metito Holdings accepts his appointment as IIMSAM Goodwill Ambassador

Dubai, 03 July 2017: The Intergovernmental Institution for the use of micro-algae spirulina against malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Intergovernmental Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council has appointed Mr Mutaz Ghandour, Chairman and CEO of Metito Holdings as a Goodwill Ambassador.

Commenting on this appointment, H.E. Mutaz Ghandour said: “The objective of this institution is to eradicate malnutrition in Africa by 2030 in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Human access to basic nutrients, be it food or water, is a basic right yet 1 out of 6 people lack access to safe drinking water, and 1 in 3 people suffer from malnutrition. With 60 years of experience in the water industry, we understand the importance of creating awareness about these issues and to advocate those rights. I am confident that there is much to be done to eradicate malnutrition and aiding the development of Micro Algae Spirulina in Africa is one step forward’’.

H.E Mutaz Ghandour continued: “The benefits of spirulina for nutritional purposes are well documented, edible algae is a cost-effective, healthy, protein rich, food supplement. In addition Spirulina has the potential to improve food security while also benefitting the environment by requiring less land to produce the same amount of protein and energy than livestock and other crops. The development of Micro-Algae Spirulina needs a reliable source of water so in that respect we are ideally placed to provide guidance in this area as well. As well as raising the profile of micro-algae spirulina as a tool in the fight against malnutrition, H.E. Mutaz Ghandour has pledged to support the development of Spirulina Feeding Centre in Kisumo, West of Kenya’’.

H.E. Mutaz Ghandour added: “This project is in-line with our values as a company. There is a clear need to seek out new solutions, fresh ideas and approaches to deal with the challenges of malnutrition, just as much as we need to address lack of access to clean and safe drinking water. This is exactly what Metito endeavors to do by investing in R&D and looking for new next generation technology that can help communities efficiently and sustainably.”

The Secretary General of IIMSAM H.E. Remigio Maradona said: “We are extremely fortunate to have an ambassador of H.E. Mutaz Ghandour’s calibre and stature supporting our cause. His immense industry knowledge and huge experience in the water industry will be an enormous asset in creating awareness of and supporting the fight against malnutrition. Spirulina is an ecologically sound way of producing high protein food that can benefit the millions of people around the world who most need it. I look forward to working closely with H.E. Mutaz Ghandour to achieving some real progress in turning the potential of Spirulina into reality”.

• EventLab, a patented cutting edge technology based on refractive index measurements, provides real-time water quality monitoring for the full spectrum of chemical contaminants with a single sensor, designed for both standalone and networked infrastructure  

Dubai, UAE, 24 November 2016 – Metito and Optiqua Technologies today announced their collaboration to bring Optiqua’s intelligent water quality monitoring  solutions, Eventlab and Minilab, to the GCC and other key markets in Asia and Africa. Both products provide unique benefits over traditional sensor technologies and are  based on Optiq ua’s patented and awarded optical sensor platform.

EventLab is a real time continuous monitoring solution that strongly outperforms any traditional sensor technology for the purpose of overall water quality monitoring and contamination detection. It has a wide range of applications including the monitoring of water quality at treatment plants, monitoring of water quality in distribution networks and monitoring the water quality at intake points/ surface water monitoring. EventLab is currently being used by reputable utilities all over the world, and with Metito this solution will not be available and implemented in a variety of applications in the GCC and other key markets.

Metito and Optiqua’s collaboration will also introduce and deploy MiniLab, a compact sensing platform that provides user- friendly and cost-effective analysis of contaminants in various matrices for both lab and field applications. The MiniLab system addresses the increasing demand for sensitive and fast analysis of samples and the need to identify and quantify target analyses within a fast turnaround time, in this case approximately 15 minutes. The system has a range of applications such as; environmental/ pollution monitoring for industrial waste, monitoring of algae toxins or as a rapid screening tool for water security  incidents.

Metito, a leading global provider of intelligent water management solutions, has been actively scouting for and investing in new technologies and startup companies to continue providing Emerging Markets across the globe, top of the line sustainable solutions and systems. Having real-time monitoring at the precision of EventLab is crucial to any utilities’ provider because it will simply enable prompt and efficient on-site identification and prompt responses to unexpected – sometimes unknown pollutants- and to perform qualitative and quantitative laboratory analysis of the pollutants with speed. The safety, security and financial returns from such an innovative and cost efficient solution are monumental.

Melchior van Wijlen, Managing Director Optiqua said, ‘We are very excited to have the opportunity to work together with such a  reputable company as Metito, and be part of the state of the art solutions that Metito offers to its global clients. This collaboration is a strong international recognition of our technology and monitoring solutions and Metito’s leading market position and expertise will introduce Optiqua to a large community of new clients in new markets and help implement the solutions in a variety of applications and projects’.

– Ends-

About Metito

Metito is the leader and provider of choice for total intelligent water management solutions in the emerging markets with operations covering three business areas: design and build, specialty chemicals, and utilities. With over 58 years of experience, the group provides customized, comprehensive and advanced solutions across the full spectrum of its industry; from clean to dirty water; desalination and re-use; industrial solutions (up to hyper pure water); investing into water and wastewater assets; and structuring both Greenfield and Brownfield schemes under project finance structures.

With a mission to sustain the world’s water resources, Metito provides effective water management and treatment systems that can reconcile the ever growing water demand and the dwindling natural resources. Committed to a cleaner environment, Metito endeavours to utilise its world-class global knowhow to provide millions of people across the globe access to clean and safe water.

Metito is at the forefront of the water and wastewater industry with an impressive project portfolio that includes more than 3000 projects in in more than 45 countries worldwide through its strategically located operational offices and over 2500 experienced and talented employees.

For more information please visit metito.com

 About Optiqua 

Optiqua Technologies develops innovative water quality monitoring solutions. All Optiqua products leverage patented and awarded lab- on-chip sensor technology. Applications of Optiqua’s products include real-time online monitoring of drinking water supply and distribution, protection of critical infrastructures and the rapid detection of specific substances in water samples. Based in the Netherlands and Singapore, Optiqua helps water companies around the world safeguard the quality of their drinking water supply.

GWI lists the largest portfolio of privately financed water/wastewater treatment plants around the world

GWI publishes the list of companies having the biggest interests in municipal build-operate-transfer and build-own-operate water and wastewater treatment plants in its latest edition, October 2016.

The list is based on equity ownership of total capacity (i.e. the total of capacity of projects in which a company has an equity interest, multiplied by the percentage share of the project company that they own in each case). It is a pretty rough measure, and in Metito’s case conservative, but GWI clearly states that it is the best estimation based on the data available. Looking at active non- Chinese developers only, the leaderboard* was published to be: 1) Suez; 2) Veolia; 3) Tedagua; 4) Engie; 5) Acciona; 6) Biwater; 7) Hyflux; 8) Metito; 9) Mitsui; 10) Sembcorp.

*For the complete list please check the latest issue of GWI newsletter– October 2016 edition.

Metito has been awarded with the Industrial Park-Zona Franka wastewater treatment plant project at 10th Ramadan industrial city in Egypt

Metito supports students in Thailand

Metito endorses Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility as part of the organisation’s core values and business model. We align it with our strategic business plan and we lead initiatives on the most prominent fronts that can stir public awareness and create true difference in the communities where we operate and this is reflected in our sustainability agenda that focuses on 3 main pillars; knowledge sharing, education and water relief. This is done with an affinity to invest in initiatives that involved the younger generations as we believe that they are the seeds of change that must be well nurtured and well equipped to carve a better future that is indeed more sustainable.

Earlier this year Metito Thailand supported three schools in Pranburi -west of Thailand by providing the students with basic stationary. More than 500 students benefited from this initiative and the stationary was distributed at the Thai Border Patrol Police, Ban Tha Wang Hin and Prachuabkhirikhan Schools along with 800 water bottles to ensure the student also have access to some needed safe and clean drinking water.

A representative from Metito Thailand, Thanasan Sittichatburana, Metito Business Development Engineer, visited Ban Tha Wang Hin School and helped teachers in distributing the stationery among students in grade 1 to 6 aged.

This is just a start as Metito Thailand are already planning for another outreach / fundraising initiative at Banglamung Home Boys School in Chonburi, Thailand.

Wastewater services to resume as agreement between Views Water and Riffa Views B.S.C and RV Real Estate Company SPC is reached

November 2015, Bahrain: Views Water, Metito’s wholly owned subsidiary in Bahrain, has reached an agreement with Riffa Views B.S.C. and RV Real Estate Company SPC to transfer the ownership of the Riffa Views wastewater treatment plant to the latter, and to reopen this important community facility.

The agreement, which comes after a financial dispute that resulted in operations being stopped at the plant, means that the ownership and responsibility for operations and maintenance at the plant will now be the sole responsibility of the Riffa Views Real Estate Company.

Operations at the plant are set to begin immediately and will commence with the recommissioning of the plant. It is expected that the plant will be fully operational within the next three to four weeks.

The agreement has been welcomed by all parties and Views Water General Manager, Walid Madwar, said: “Views Water had been supporting the local community at Riffa Views since 2005, so the decision to stop operations at the plant was extremely difficult and wasn’t taken lightly.

“However, everyone connected with Views Water is delighted that a workable solution has finally been agreed by all parties and that operations at the plant can now resume. The residents of Riffa Views can once again look forward to having the level of wastewater treatment services their community deserves.

“Views Water looks forward to continue being an active and committed partner that serves the country, the government and the people of Bahrain,” he concluded.

The managing director of Riffa Views, Yasser Al Raee, said: “Our team has worked tirelessly with Views Water to find a workable solution and this agreement is a testament to this hard work and also importantly to the understanding of Metito’s management, who have been extremely patient, supportive and flexible.“

Dr Abdulmajeed Alawadhi, Chairman of the Riffa Views Owners Association said: “The residents of Riffa Views deserve the highest level of services. With this agreement, I can assure them that they can look forward to uninterrupted wastewater treatment services and a community free of the of the wastewater trucks that have been a blight on our wonderful community.”

150 students attend Metito’ s workshop at Rashid School for Boys in Dubai

November, 2015: Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) held its annual Student’s Workshop under the theme; “Global Environmental Challenges – From Green Attitude to Green Action” at Rashid School for Boys in Dubai, UAE. Metito was invited to lead a session covering one of the most important environmental challenges facing the world today; water conservation.

Representing Metito at the workshop were; Hans Meu, Metito Utilities General Manager; Reem Saleh, Metito Corporate Communication Senior Manager and Alaa Waswas, Metito Corporate Communication Executive.

To break the ice , Metito presented students with an individual challenge where they were asked to make up a sentence after putting together, in order , 17 words to form a coherent statement on why we must all conserve water. After announcing the first winner and presenting her with an instant prize the room was buzzing with excitement. A good start for what turned out to be a successful engagement.

Hans then presented an overview on ‘Innovations in wastewater treatment and sustainable solutions’ where he highlighted how water recycling and reuse can change the world and further help in conserving water. The presentation was then followed by Q&As and a group challenge. Thirty groups, made up of 5 senior students each, from over 100 schools across different emirates in the UAE took part in this activity and three teams were announced the winners.

The workshop was very successful and we had a lot of positive feedback from school team leaders, EEG and the students.

“Environmental issues are global concern gaining momentum in recent times. They’re no longer limited by geography of a region or nations. What happens in one country eventually happens to all of us. We all need to tackle these issues and it is imperative that we extend these discussions to the community to empower them to take responsibility for creating a sustainable future. . It is very important for us to involve students in these discussions as they are our future. Metito has played a key role in addressing the issues around waste water and promoting sustainable development for all, and we hope to continue such collaborations for years to come.” commented Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson EEG, President/CEO, Arabia CSR Network and GRI Stakeholder Council Member.

Summit endorsed by the Egyptian Government and under the auspices of the Prime Minister of Egypt

October, 2015: Held under the auspices of the Prime Minister of Egypt, H.E. Sherif Ismail, the 3rd Annual PPP Investment Summit organized by IQPC was held in Cairo, Egypt.
The summit was held at Four Seasons Hotel – Nile Plaza in Cairo with significant representation from the Egyptian Government and remarkable attendance by senior government officials, leading bankers and established service providers in Egypt.

Atter Hannoura, Director of the PPP Central Unit, Ministry of Finance sincerely welcomed Metito’s team sincerely greeting the at the venue. Representing Metito at the event were; Karim Madwar, Metito Africa Managing Director, Salah Degheidy, Metito Africa Executive Director and Ahmed Zaky, Metito Africa Business Development Manager. The team was also joined by Walid Madwar, Metito Utilities Vice President Business Development, who was also a panelist in the session titled; Project sector focus: Wastewater and desalination sector presentation and panel

The PPP Central Unit at the Egyptian Ministry of Finance has been spearheading the Government’s efforts to identify tenable infrastructure projects that would substantially improve the quality of services provided to the citizens and to entice private sector financial and execution support. This summit provided yet another platform to address key challenges to further evolve the PPP model in Egypt, insights into the latest strategies taken by the Ministry to overcome these challenges. It was also a well communicated venue to make new project announcements and engage with key industry players including Metito.

Metito’s booth was a center of attraction to the summit attendees with a wide screen showcasing key projects and other collateral that showcased our commitment to the environment and to developing communities such as that of Egypt.

The event was also sponsored by Orascom Construction, Al Tamimi & CO., Zaki Hashim & Partners, QNB Al Ahli bank, and Huawei.

Long-term attributes of Islamic finance ideally suited to water industry development

October 27th, Dubai-UAE: Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the largest Islamic bank in the UAE and Metito, the leading provider of intelligent water management solutions in the emerging markets , have recently signed a 10-year Islamic financing agreement for AED 240million. This is Metito’s first Islamic finance agreement and DIB’s debut partnership with a private company working in the water and wastewater industry.

The transaction is another step in expanding Islamic finance into sectors and institutions previously catered to by the conventional form of banking. DIB is successfully advocating the agenda of making Islamic finance a norm in the global banking industry and this deal is a testament to the visionary leadership and the meticulously crafted strategic agenda of the largest Islamic bank in the country.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Group CEO of Dubai Islamic Bank, said: “Clearly the region, and in particular, UAE is witnessing renewed economic momentum with infrastructure development attracting local and international investors. In our view, primary infrastructure development projects are the cornerstone of sustainable growth, a key element of the strategy of the country. DIB has always played a pivotal role in leading and facilitating such transactions and is linked to many landmark deals with some of the top corporates across the UAE and beyond. Metito’s business model and their long-term strategic vision, ties in well with DIB’s own growth plans, and further solidifies our position as a bank of choice in this sector.”

The long-term attributes of Islamic finance also makes it ideally suited for the sustainable nature of the water sector, with many projects lasting decades and requiring on-going finance at competitive rates.

Commenting on the partnership, Mutaz Ghandour, Chairman and CEO, Metito, said: “I am very pleased to have DIB as our first Islamic finance partner. DIB is an innovator in its field – just like Metito is in its sector, making this transaction, and this partnership ideal. The water sector is very cost intensive, and the term length of the projects generally can be prohibitive for many financers, but, by approaching the deal with an innovative and solution-focused mindset, DIB turned this challenge into an opportunity.

“This clarity of vision allowed Metito to embrace Islamic finance – for the very first time – and to root for it within the water and wastewater sector through promoting DIB in the markets where we already have local presence and the bank sees potential,” he added.

Synergy Consulting, Latham & Watkins, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP have all played a role in making this transaction possible and finalised in a record time.

Commenting on the transaction, Anand Rohatgi, Senior Vice President, Synergy Consulting, said: “We are pleased to act as the financial and transaction advisor for this landmark transaction. Metito’s significant experience in the water sector, DIB’s clear understanding of Islamic financing and project’s operating track record were the key drivers for the successful closure of the transaction. The transaction also provides opportunity for Metito and DIB to build on and further strengthen their relationship by partnering in other geographies that are in line with their growth plans.”

The value of assets belonging to Islamic finance is forecast to increase by 80 percent to reach US$3.24 trillion by 2020 according to the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC) and Thomson Reuters State of Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) report and landmark deals such as this one are critical in supporting the leadership’s agenda of establishing Dubai as the global capital of Islamic economy.

Water Leader Magazine interview with Rami Ghandour, Metito Managing Director