Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Inaugurates UAE’s Largest Seawater Desalination Plant

In a monumental step towards bolstering the UAE’s water security, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, officially inaugurated the “NAQA’A” Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant in Umm Al Quwain. The ceremony marked the completion of one of the world’s largest seawater desalination projects utilizing SWRO technology.

The “NAQA’A” plant, with a capacity of 150 million gallons of desalinated water per day, operates under the independent producer system, ensuring a sustainable supply of clean water to the emirate and beyond.

Attended by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and several other dignitaries, the inauguration ceremony showcased the culmination of years of meticulous planning and collaboration between Etihad Water and Electricity, Mubadala, and Saudi Arabia’s Utilities developer, ACWA Power.

During the event, Sheikh Mansour received a detailed briefing on the plant’s mechanism and implementation stages. The project, initiated in the second half of 2021, underwent rigorous testing phases before reaching its full operational capacity of 150 million gallons per day by the end of 2022.

Expressing pride in the completion of “NAQA’A,” Sheikh Mansour emphasized the UAE’s commitment to ensuring sustainable water resources for future generations. The project aligns with the country’s proactive approach towards addressing water sector challenges and reflects its vision for a sustainable future.

In his remarks, Al Mazrouei praised the UAE leadership’s unwavering support for infrastructure development in the water sector, citing “NAQA’A” as a significant milestone in enhancing water security for the country’s northern regions. With an annual production capacity of around 50 billion gallons, the plant caters to the needs of approximately 2 million inhabitants and contributes to national strategies for comprehensive sustainability.

Yousef Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity, highlighted “NAQA’A” as a strategic achievement in the company’s portfolio. Over the span of 13 years, the company’s efforts focused on transitioning towards more efficient desalination technologies, reducing the carbon footprint by 75% and embracing environmentally friendly practices.

The inauguration of the “NAQA’A” plant underscores the UAE’s commitment to translating water security priorities into actionable initiatives, reaffirming its dedication to sustainability and citizen well-being. It also reflects the nation’s investment in national competencies and continuous development across vital sectors.

With the UAE’s water sector poised for further advancements, the “NAQA’A” plant sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects aimed at ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

In conclusion, Sheikh Mansour’s inauguration of the “NAQA’A” Seawater Reverse Osmosis desalination plant signifies a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey towards water security and sustainability. As the country continues to invest in innovative solutions, such as SWRO technology, it reinforces its position as a global leader in environmental stewardship and resource management.