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Jordan: Gov't unveils JD12 million emergency water plan
13 Dec 2010, Jordan Times
AMMAN - The Ministry of Water and IrrigationMinistry of Water and Irrigation announced on Sunday a JD12-million emergency plan to address an expected water shortage due to a disappointing rainy season.
Saudi's National Water plans $2.67bn wastewater venture
12 Dec 2010, Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia's state-owned National Water Co (NWC) intends to provide investment opportunities worth more than SR10bn ($2.67bn) over the next five years, according to a report.
Abu Dhabi prepares strategic water reservoir
06 Dec 10, The National
At a secret location amid the sharp curves of the rust-streaked cappuccino dunes of the Empty Quarter, a German company is preparing to drill more than 300 wells in three great spirals that resemble the fossilised ammonite shells sometimes found in these parts. The wells will not pump oil. Rather, they will pump sweet water from coarse sands beneath the wind-blown desert in the event of a crisis that knocks out Abu Dhabi's supply of drinking water
Saur, Zamil to manage Mecca, Taif Water Networks from January
06 Dec 10, Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia is privatizing its water industry to conserve resources and ensure consistent supply as population growth spurs demand for water and electricity
Jordan: JD7million plan to renovate northern region's water network
03 Dec 10, Jordan Times
The Northern Region Water Affairs Directorate has prepared a plan to ensure the availability of water in the northern governorates at a cost of JD7 million, Nawaf Shobaki, the directorate's secretary general assistant, said on Thursday
Basra's Shat al Arab Canal projects cornerstone laid
02 Dec 10, Aswat al-Iraq
The corner stone for a 350 billion dinar Shat al-Arab Canal project, aimed at pumping pure water for Basra Province and irrigation water for 250,000 donums of agricultural lands, had been laid down by the Ministry of Water Resources on Thursday.
GCC Power undersecretaries finalize 18 item draft to improve electricity
30 Nov 10, KUNA
Other item on the draft has to do with the enhancing on the quality of water resources and industrial waste, including setting up legislations and regulations concerning the organization of power utilization in GCC countries.
Desert challenge
29 Nov 10, Arabian Business
In a region in which water seems scarcer than oil, state-owned utilities have a job at hand to keep the taps running. With precious little drinkable groundwater available, the regionis currently producing an average of 30 million cubic metres of desalinated water every day. And due to unabated population and industrial growth, there is little indication that demand will go anywhere but up.
Kuwait to spend $21bn on power, water
29 Nov 10, Trade Arabia
Kuwait's electricity ministry will spend KD6 billion ($21.3 billion) in the next four years for electricity and water projects, Mohamed Boshehri, director of planning and power station projects at the ministry told reporters on Monday.
Al Ain prepares to expand its sewer system
29 Nov 10, The National
The city is embarking on a two-year, Dh1.5 billion project to upgrade and expand its Eastern Region's sewage networks, which are more than 20 years old.
Kuwait plans $1.8bn wastewater treatment plant
28 Nov 10, Arabian Business
Kuwait, the fifth-biggest oil producer in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, plans to build a 500 million-dinar ($1.8bn) waste-water treatment plant to serve cities being built in the south.
UAE has successfully diversified its economy
29 Nov 10, Khaleej Times
The UAE has successfully diversified its economy with 71% of the national gross domestic product coming from non-oil sectors in 2009, Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy said.
UAE expects 3% growth as economy gets back on track
28 Nov 10, Gulf News
The UAE, the second biggest Arab economy, is expected to achieve 3 per cent to 3.5 percent growth in 2011, said a top government official.
Work begins on new sewage plant in north Gaza
25 Nov 10, AFP
Work to build a new sewage treatment plant in northern Gaza began on Thursday in a multi-million euro project being funded by the World Bank and several countries in Europe.
Oman approves $150mln publically funded projects
24 Nov 10, Arabian Business
Oman’s tender board has approved another $150m in publically funded projects The new projects include the upgrade of the Jahlout Power Plant to 220/132 KV and the associated transmission line 220 KV ($47m).
UAE and UK trade grows Dh22billion in 2010
23 Nov 10, The National
Trade between the UAE and the UK advanced to more than Dh22 billion (US$6.2bn) in the first nine months of the year, providing a boost to a goal of significantly ramping up business links between the two countries by 2015.
India's non-oil trade with UAE rises 57% in first half
21 Nov 10, Arabian Business
Non-oil trade between the UAE and India reached $20.4bn in the first half of the year, up 57 percent from the same period of 2009.
Abu Dhabi will raise foreign investment to 23% of GDP
21 Nov 10, Gulf News
Abu Dhabi plans to raise foreign direct investment to 23 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030 and to increase direct investment growth by 9 per cent per year, according to the Annual Economic Report for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi 2010, released Saturday by the Department of Econ-omic Development (DED).
Abu Dhabi a key Gulf player
21 Nov 10, Khaleej Times
The Abu Dhabi economy plays a pivotal role in the Gulf region as the emirate provides multiple investment opportunities, an official report said. The UAE capital attracts investors in the fields of industry, real estate, infrastructure and alternative energy sources.
Major harvest of rainwater for UAE dams
18 Nov 10, Emirates Business 24/7
Dams in the central region of the UAE have harvested more than 210 million gallons of rain water in 15 days of rains till November 12.
JICA project seeks to reduce water loss percentage
16 Nov 10, Jordan Times
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will start implementing a nationwide project mid- 2011 that will significantly reduce the water loss percentage in the Kingdom, according to a Jordanian water official.
Abu Dhabi economy to be $400bn
14 Nov 10, Emirates Business 24/7
Abu Dhabi aims to boost its economy to nearly $400 billion in 2030 as part of its long-term development strategy focusing on attracting foreign capital and expand the private sector, according to a senior official.
Sharjah upgrades drainage network
14 Nov 10, Gulf News
Sharjah With the emirate expected to receive seasonal rain soon, officials are optimistic that industrial areas will not be flooded this year given the permanent measures taken to cope with the rainwater. There will still be some water in the industrial areas, but things will be better than before because we have upgraded our drainage network.
UAE's non-oil trade rises to Dh477b
14 Nov 10, Gulf News
The UAE's non-oil foreign trade in the first eight months of 2010 reached Dh477.6 billion, an increase of 9.45 per cent compared to Dh436.4 billion in the first eight months of 2009, according to a statement by the Federal Customs Authority (FCA).
Kuwait MEW cuts water pressure as consumption increases
12 Nov 10, Arab Times
The Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) had to reduce the pressure of the water supply to overcome the problem of high consumption and inadequate production, reliable sources told Al-Shahed daily.
Japan offers help for Jordan's water loss woes
12 Nov 10, Jordan Times
Japan is committed to providing its expertise to help the Kingdom reduce water loss, according to a Japanese development official.
Saudi company signs new power deals
10 Nov 10, Gulf News
Saudi Arabia's Saline Water Conversion Corp, or SWCC, said yesterday it signed two contracts worth more than 15.6 billion Saudi riyals (Dh15.2 billion) for a new power plant at Ras Al Zour on the Arabian Gulf that will feature the world's biggest desalination facility.
UAE water supply faces big danger
09 Nov 10, The National
The UAE's water supply is in "big danger" of being depleted and solutions must be found quickly to address the problem, a senior Federal National Council member warned yesterday.
Saudi Arabia seeks $500bn investment says body
08 Nov 10, Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil supplier, has $500 billion in investment opportunities in energy, transportation and education, according to the state-run body that promotes investments. There is $300 billion in investment opportunities from now until 2020 for the energy industry, including petrochemicals, minerals, power and water, he said.
Abu Dhabi's Adwea Mulls 35M Gallons a Day Fujairah Water Plant
08 Nov 10, Dow Jones
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, or Adwea, is looking at building a 35 million gallons per day reverse osmosis water treatment plant in the emirate of Fujairah, as the state utility looks to develop water desalination plants on a stand-alone basis, its director of privatization said Monday.
Arab world faces worsening water crisis - report
05 Nov 10, Arabian Business
The Arab world, one of the driest regions on the planet, will tip into severe water scarcity as early as 2015, a report issued on Thursday predicts.
Oman Govt has option to weigh Haya Water privatisation in 2014
04 Nov 10, Oman Daily Observer
Privatisation of Haya Water, which is developing a world-class wastewater system across Muscat Governorate, is an option the government can exercise in the year 2014, according to a senior official of the stateowned entity.
Kuwait Sets Deadline For Bidding For Zour North Plant Tender - Report
02 Nov 10, Dow Jones
The deadline for submission of bids for Kuwait's Al Zour North water and power plant project falls immediately after Eid Al Adha's holiday, Kuwait-based Al Watan daily reports Tuesday citing an official.
Gulf GDP set to more than double next decade
31 Oct 10, Emirates Business 24/7
The GCC economy will more than double to reach $2.3 trillion during the next decade with non-oil sector growing faster than the hydrocarbon sector, according to the latest study by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
Non-oil GCC growth to average 5% per year
31 Oct 10, Trade Arabia
Non-oil growth is forecast to average 5.1 per cent per year, much higher than the 3.3 per cent annual average growth expected in the oil and gas sector
Jordan invites bids for Red Sea desalination project
27 Oct 10, AME Info
Jordanian minister of state for mega projects, Imad Fakhoury has said the kingdom is set to invite companies to register for bidding on a contract to build the Red Sea Project desalination plant next week
Long awaited wastewater treatment plant opened in Sidon
26 Oct 10, Daily Star
A long-delayed waste-water recycling plant was inaugurated in Siniq in Sidon Monday, as officials expect the facility to alleviate disastrous environmental problems.
Jordan, US sign $275m deal to fund Zarqa water projects
26 Oct 10, Jordan Times
Jordan on Monday signed a $275 million grant agreement with the US to fund water projects in the Kingdom
ABB wins $148m order for largest water pumping plant in Kuwait
25 Oct 10, AME Info
ABB, a power and automation technology group, has won an order from the Ministry of Electricity and Water in Kuwait for the construction and rehabilitation of the Mina Abdullah water pumping plant.
KSA signs $283million water project deals
10 Oct 10, Arabian Business
Contracts totalling $283.3 million for the construction of a freshwater pumping station and pipeline to transfer water between Taif and Baha were signed by Saudi officials this week.
Lebanon welcomes Iranian investment in energy, water sectors
03 Oct 10, IRNA
Lebanese Energy and Water Minister Jamil Bassil welcomed Iranian investment in various sectors of his country. Talking to reporters after a meeting with Iran's Energy Minister Majid Namjoo, he said that Iran is determined to help solve Lebanon's problems in the field of energy.
Saudi Arabia seeks private investment in power, water plants
03 Oct 10, Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia, the Arab world’s biggest economy, is seeking private sector investment to help meet growing demand for power and water and reduce subsidy costs to the government, the industry’s regulator said.
Distribution center for Zamzam water opens
03 Oct 10, Arab News
Water and Electricity Minister Abdullah Al-Hussayen opened the Zamzam water distribution center, which is part of the King Abdullah Zamzam Water Purification Project in Kudai, on Saturday
Jordan: Monitoring network to be automated
03 Oct 10, Jordan Times
The Ministry of Water and Irrigation has launched a project to monitor its surface and groundwater resources using remote sensing systems, according to government officials.
World Bank grants $200m loan for Beirut water project
02 Oct 10, The Daily Star
The World Bank provided a $200 million soft loan Thursday to finance a $370 million project to supply Beirut with clean water from Awali River
Bahrain $18m plant on the way
29 Sep 10, Bahrain Tribune
The Kingdom has given its nod to Indian engineering company with a major presence in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Gemsil Engineering and Management Services Company (Pvt) Ltd to set up a $18m desalination plant in Bahrain.
SR892.5million for carrying water from Taif to Al Baha
27 Sep 10, Saudi Gazette
The Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) has signed documents to hand over sites for the system to carry water from Taif to Al-Baha to the Arabian Company for Pipes Projects and the Indian Jihand Project Ltd.
Abu Dhabi's ACC, POSCO unit win $316m contract
22 Sep 10, Arabian Business
A joint venture between the construction unit of South Korea's POSCO and Arabian Construction Co (ACC) won a AED1.16bn ($315.8m) contract to build a water storage and recovery system in Abu Dhabi.
UAE's GDP to exceed Dh1trillion in 2010
22 Sep 10, Gulf News
The value of goods and services produced in the United Arab Emirates this year is expected to exceed Dh1 trillion, Ahmad Humaid Al Tayer, governor of the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) told reporters on Wednesday.
Jordan: Power cuts behind water supply disruptions
21 Sep 10, Jordan Times
The Zara-Maeen Water Treatment Plant, which supplies Amman with a quarter of its drinking water, witnessed five power outages over the past four months that disrupted the water distribution programme, officials said on Sunday.
Growing Bahrain
20 Sep 10, Arabian Business
Bahrain is in need of new sources of power as well as upgraded and new power networks as it strives to meet the demands placed on by a growing economy and expanding population. This was made abundantly clear in July, when energy consumption reached a record 2,650MW
Bahrain: $700mn plant
19 Sep 10, Bahrain Tribune
South Korea's second largest builder by market capitalisation, GS Engineering & Construction Corp said yetsreday it won a $700 million order to build a waste-water treatment facility at regional oil major, Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) in the Kingdom.
US to grant Jordan $275m in aid
19 Sep 10, Gulf News
The US says it will grant Jordan a $275 million to finance major water projects in the Kingdom, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said during her short visit to Amman on Thursday.
UAE federal spending grows 7% in 10 years
19 Sep 10, Emirates Business 24/7
The UAE's federal expenditure has grown by around seven per cent annually over the past 10 years and the bulk of the increase was after 2005, when oil prices began their rapid rise, according to government data.
Lebanon: Water maintenance centers opened in south
17 Sep 10, The Daily Star
Residents of south Lebanon will enjoy better water supply following the inauguration of two water maintenance centers in the south on Thursday.
Giant storage tanks to ensure Jeddah water supply
17 Sep 10, Arab News
New water-storage tanks will be established in four different locations in Jeddah to provide water to residents in case the flow of water is disrupted by glitches in the water desalination plants or by natural disasters.
Oman: RO15m projects in Dakhiliyah
15 Sep 10, Oman Daily Observer
The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources is implementing a number of developmental projects in the various wilayats of Al Dakhiliyah Region at a cost of more than RO 15 million. The ministry is currently undertaking projects like water (including new dams), the establishment of sewage systems, paving of internal roads and lighting, beautifying entrances to a number of wilayats, in addition to schemes to facilitate smooth flow of traffic.
Oman extends desalination plant bid deadline
14 Sep 10, AME Info
The Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) of Oman has extended, the deadline for bids to build a desalination plant at Al-Awaifiya in the wilayat of Bahla from September 13 to September 27
UAE economy expected to rise to 272bn in 2010
12 Sep 10, Arabian Business
A report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has said that the UAE economy will be boosted to a record high of nearly $272.2 billion due to higher oil prices.It is expected that the level will swell further in 2011.
Record consumption leaves Kuwait facing water shortages
07 Sep 10, Arabian Business
Kuwait residents are consuming more water than ever before, and face serious shortages if there are delays to the completion of planned desalination facilities.
Jordan: Rifai inaugurates Mashtal Feisal wells
05 Sep 10, Jordan Times
Prime Minister Samir Rifai on Friday attended the inauguration of the Mashtal Feisal water wells project in Jerash, which aims to alleviate water woes in the northern governorate. The Mashtal Feisal wells will contribute to solving the acute water shortage recently witnessed in Jerash by supplying the northern region with an additional 320 cubic metres of water per hour.
King opens Zamzam water project in Makkah
04 Sep 10, Arab News
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah opened a state-of-the-art purification station to maintain the quality of Zamzam water in Makkah on Friday.
Saudi Water Sewage Projs Underway In Makkah Worth SAR1B - Report
04 Sep 10, Dow Jones
Saudi Arabia's ministry of water and electricity said water and sewage projects are currently being implemented in Makkah at a total cost of more than 1 billion Saudi riyals ($266.7 million), pan-Arab Al Hayat daily reports Saturday.
Jordan, Japan discuss financing strategic projects
04 Sep 10, Petra
Jordan and Japan discussed ways to finance a number of strategic mega-projects in the fields of water and energy through soft loans.
UAE gets over $73bn in foreign direct investment
04 Sep 10, Emirates Business 24/7
The UAE has attracted more than $73 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) since it was created nearly four decades ago to emerge as the second top capital recipient in the region, according to UN statistics.
UAE achieves Dh2.2bn trade surplus with India
04 Sep 10, Emirates Business 24/7
A report released by the Ministry of Foreign Trade on the commercial and investment ties between the UAE and India has revealed a positive shift from a deficit during the first quarter of 2009 worth around Dh7.3 billion to a surplus in the UAE's favour during the first quarter of 2010 worth Dh2.2bn.
Doosan to build world's biggest desal plant in Saudi
01 Sep 10, Arabian Business
South Korean firm Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction has won a $1.46bn deal to build the Ras Al Zour water desalination plant, set to be the world’s biggest. The plant, on Saudi Arabia’s Gulf coast, will provide drinking water to the capital Riyadh via a vast water transmission system, and will produce one million tonnes a day. The integrated facility – worth an estimated $5.5bn – will also provide 2,400 megawatts of power
Oman: Tender for Sur power project by year end
29 Aug 10, Times of Oman
Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) is expected to float an initial tender linked to the development of the planned 1,500MW independent power project in Sur before the end of this year.
Saudi National Water to sign partnership contracts with private sector
28 Aug 10, AME Info
Saudi Arabia's National Water is to sign a SR173.75m ($46.3m) partnership contract with private firms to manage and operate water and wastewater sectors in Makkah and Taif, SPA has reported.
Syria, Lebanon in joint venture to build north river dam reports
28 Aug 10, The Daily Star
A joint dam construction project between Syria and Lebanon along the Nahr al-Kabir river may be in the pipeline, a string of news reports have suggested this week.
Disi project construction in full force
24 Aug 10, Jordan Times
The first three wells of the Disi Water Conveyance Project have been completed, according to project officials. The mega-project, which entails supplying Amman with 107 million cubic metres of water annually by 2013, is 28 per cent complete and going according to schedule, with the remaining 61 wells expected to be completed in early 2012, they said.
Private power projects set to expand in region
23 Aug 10, Gulf News
The concept of Independent Water and Power Projects (IWPP) is finally taking off in our region after almost a decade of its launch. This will help enable and encourage the private sector to invest in the expanding and capital -intensive water and electricity industry.
Jordan: Ministerial team checks on water situation in the north
23 Aug 10, Jordan Times
A ministerial team, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Nayef Qadi, on Monday checked on the water situation in the northern governorates of Ajloun, Jerash and Irbid. Citizens, particularly Ajloun and Jerash residents, have complained of repeated water disruptions over the last month, many having to buy water by the gallon to meet their daily requirements.
UAE nominal economy to rise 8% in 2010
21 Aug 10, Emirates Business 24/7
Higher oil prices will boost the UAE economy by around eight per cent in current prices this year after it plunged by more than 11 per cent in 2009 because of a sharp fall in crude prices, according to a Saudi investment firm.
Plan to set up 4 dams in Iraq
19 Aug 10, Aswat al-Iraq
The Water Resources Ministry said on Wednesday that its 2010 plan includes the establishment of four dams and preparing special studies on more than nine other dams.
Iraq: New irrigation project in western Karbala
17 Aug 10, Aswat al-Iraq
Work has been started to execute an irrigation project in western Karbala, to minimize water losses in the province.
$294m tourism project planned for Yanbu seafront
15 Aug 10, Arabian Business
The basic infrastructure designs for five projects to develop the Yanbu seafront in Saudi Arabia have been completed, according to KSA’s Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu. The projects, worth more than SR1.1bn (US$294m), are set to be developed along the 11km seafront as part of the country’s wider strategy to expand its tourism market and diversify its economy. Construction works for the projects, which is aimed to drive more visitors, will include installation of a sewage system, water tanks, an electricity network and the lighting of roads in 13 separate areas.
UAE spends Dh11.8 billion on desalination
08 Aug 10, Emirates Business 24/7
The UAE spends nearly Dh11.8 billion per year on the production of desalinated water to ensure its fast growing needs of drinking water and offset its dwindling reserves, the semi official Arabic language daily Alittihad reported on Sunday.
First phase of Ras Laffan power plant complete
02 Aug 2010, AME Info
Qatar's Ras Girtas Power Co (RGPC) has announced the completion of the first phase of the Ras Laffan C power and water project, Gulf Times has reported.
Qatar: Capacity rises with water demand
27 Jul 10, The Peninsula
Qatar's water desalination capacity is set to rise to 1.4m cubic metres a day by next year. The country's power generating capacity would also touch 9 gigawatts during this period.
UAE's non-oil trade surges to Dh59.6b
26 Jul 10, Gulf News
The primary statistical data of the Federal Customs Authority confirmed the growth of the UAE's non-oil trade volume by a rate of 14 per cent by the end of May 2010 compared with the same period in 2009, as the total trade rose from Dh52.08 billion to Dh59.6 billion.
Waste water treatment can save energy
24 Jul 10, The National
Scientists are examining a new, energy-saving way to treat waste water using bacteria. The project at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology uses microbial fuel cells to manipulate bacteria in the water, effectively cleaning it.
Oman: PDO opens two water treatment plants in Dhofar
24 Jul 10, Times of Oman
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) recently opened two PDO-funded reverse-osmosis water treatment plants at Dahboon and Barbazom in Dhofar region.
Bahrain: 16 new substations to be built
22 Jul 10, Bahrain Tribune
The Kingdom yesterday signed three contracts worth almost BD14.6 million for the building of 16 substations and the enhancing of the water network.
Disi project on track - Najjar
21 Jul 10, Jordan Times
The Disi Water Conveyance Project is on pace and GAMA, the implementing company, said there will be no delay, Minister of Water and Irrigation Mohammad Najjar said on Tuesday.
Qatar seen leading GCC infrastructure push to 2014
21 Jul 10, Arabian Business
Qatar is on course to lead the region in terms of infrastructure projects in the short term despite a near-22 percent slump in its construction sector last year, a news report has said. BMI added that large infrastructure projects include the $9bn New Doha International Airport, the $7bn New Doha Port Projects, the $13bn Qatar-Bahrain Causeway, the $17bn development of a national rail network and a handful of power and water plants, including the largest power and water plant in the region.
Saudi Arabia: Minister of Water and Electricity Signs Contracts for Water and Sewage Projects
20 Jul 10, Saudi Press Agency
Minister of water and electricity Eng. Abdullah al-Hossein has recently signed a number of contracts for implementing projects of water and sewage at a total cost of more than SR 300 million.
Oman Power, water company to initiate energy plant at Sur
19 Jul 10, Gulf News
Following a reassessment of a proposed independent power and water project at the Al Ghubrah site, the Oman Power and Water Company (OPWP) is preparing to initiate a competition for a major, 1,500 megawatt independent power project on the industrial estate at Sur.
Water essential to UAE security
18 Jul 10, The National
An adequate supply of clean, fresh water is vital to the security of the UAE and the entire MENA region, according to the director of the Abu Dhabi-based Arab Water Academy.
Qatar: Kahramaa replacing old water pipelines
18 Jul 10, The Peninsula
Public utility Kahramaa (Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation) is replacing water pipeline networks in the old localities. Pipelines that were installed before 1990 have already been replaced and the remaining will be replaced over the next three years.
Saudi Arabia: Misk Lake projects handed over to National Water Co
18 Jul 10, Saudi Gazette
In implementation of the King's directive, Jeddah Mayoralty has handed over to the National Water Company (NWC) the pipeline project for transferring sewage water from Misk Lake to the Water Treatment Plant at the airport and carrying the treated sewage water from the Water Treatment Plant to the rainwater network.
Water is more valuable than oil in this region
16 Jul 10, Gulf News
The water challenges in the Arab world are well known, well studied and well researched. Water security is disappearing. About half of people already live under conditions of water stress and with the population expected to grow from about 300 million today to about 500 million in 2025, per capita water availability is expected to be cut in half by 2050. Increasing affluence, economic growth and diversification will also place new demands on water.
Lebanon: Water shortages hit southern coast and northern villages
16 Jul 10, The Daily Star
With authorities warning of a possible heat wave this season, some people might be in a worse situation than others, as certain regions are suffering from scarce water supplies. In the southern coastal city of Sidon and in the northern villages of Dinnieh and Bsharri, water has been limited throughout July, not only threatening the people’s daily routines but also their livelihood.
Several sectors benefiting from Jordanian-French ties
14 Jul 10, Jordan Times
The Kingdom’s transport and water sectors have benefited from closer ties between France and Jordan over the last year, the French Ambassador in Amman said on Tuesday.
Saudi Arabia: Projects Worth SR700million In Northern Borders Province
13 Jul 10, Saudi Press Agency
The Director General of Water Department in the Northern Borders Province Eng. Afat Bin Hamdan Al-Sharari has said that water and drainage projects for this fiscal year amounted to more than SR 700 million for cities, governorates and villages of the Province.
Qatar eyes water desalination plant expansion
11 Jul 10, Arabian Business
Qatar is aiming to build up its water reserves so they can meet the country's needs for a week in an emergency. Existing desalinated water reserves can last only one-and-a-half days in an emergency, officials have said.
Saudi Arabia: Floating desalination plant launched in Yanbu
08 Jul 10, Arab News
A water-desalination barge with a production capacity of 25,000 cubic meters per day was launched on Wednesday in Yanbu.
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority to showcase efficiency and sustainability at Power Generation and Middle East Water show
06 Jul 10, AME Info
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) has agreed to support the Power Generation and Middle East Water show. The capital's utility provider is using the leading industry event as a platform to highlight their strategy for a efficient and sustainable power and water supply aligned with the Urban Planning Council's (UPC) 2030 vision.
Yemen to launch first desalination project
05 Jul 10, Yemen Times
Several cities in Yemen are threatened with water shortage. Taiz city is one of the cities suffering from severe water problems especially since the city is one of the most populated areas in Yemen with over two and half million inhabitants. However, since modern technology has helped reduce the cost of desalination, Hayel Saeed Group of Companies has just constructed the first desalination unit in Al-Makha coast to supply their factories and companies with clean water.
Arab countries approve roadmap on water security
05 Jul 10, Bahrain Times
Arab countries have agreed upon a draft collective strategy to promote water security in the region.
Dh35m water supply project completed
04 Jul 10, Gulf News
Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) has completed a project for water transfer and distribution. The Dh35-million project entails the distribution of water from Al Layyah and Al Mamzar, which is fed directly from the water desalination and electricity generation station at Al Layaah in Sharjah, through a 32-inch, 10km-long pipeline.
Saudi awards $16m Ras Azzour contract
03 Jul 10, Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia awarded a 59.9 million riyal ($16 million) engineering contract to a consortium led by consultancy WS Atkins International on the Gulf coast in Ras Azzour, where a giant power plant will be built. The giant power and water project, estimated to cost $ billion, is expected to be the world’s largest when completed by the end of 2013.
KFAED inaugurates water irrigation project N Lebanon
02 Jul 10, Kuwait News Agency
Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and Lebanese officials inaugurated on Friday irrigation water channels for villages and towns in Bsharri district in northern Lebanon.
$5bn power plant on way in Bahrain
01 Jul 10, Trade Arabia
A massive new power and water plant is now in the final stages of commissioning in Bahrain. Al Dur Power and Water Company chief executive Pierre Depauw said it would be up and running at some stage this summer and is being commissioned in co-ordination with the Electricity & Water Authority (EWA).
Saudi awards $334m of water contracts
29 Jun 10, AME Info
Saudi Arabia's National Water Co (NWC) has awarded nine contracts worth SR1.255bn ($334m) for projects in the first phase of a strategic water plan in Riyadh, Saudi press agency has reported.
ADWEA deal to lead to desalination expansion for the north
28 Jun 10, The National
The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) and a foreign partner agreed yesterday to boost the water output of a desalination plant in Fujairah by 30 per cent to meet growing demand in the Northern Emirates. The expansion is expected to come online in 2013.
Saudi Arabia: Water Contracts Worth SR1.255 Billion Awarded
28 Jun 10, Saudi Press Agency
The National Water Company has awarded 9 contracts worth SR 1.255 billion for projects in the first phase of Strategic Water Plan in Riyadh for making full use of Ras Al-Zour Water Desalination Station of Saline Water Conversion Corporation, expected to pump nearly 800,000 cubic meters of water per day.
Kuwait govt discusses electricity, water consumption
27 Jun 10, Kuwait News Agency
The council of ministers discussed Sunday short-term measures taken by Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) to facing emergency increase in electricity consumption, as well as rationalizing of electricity and water consumption in industrial and commercial sectors, government buildings and private residences.
Lebanon: IFAD launches $16.64 million program to fight water scarcity
25 Jun 10, The Daily Star
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has launched a $16.64 million rural development program in Lebanon to combat water scarcity
Saudi Arabia rated worst in GCC for water security
24 Jun 10, Arabian Business
Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries have performed badly in a new index that rates the supply of fresh clean water to societies and businesses.
Oman's Galfar wins $31.17m water project contract
23 Jun 10, Arabian Business
Oman's Galfar Construction & Engineering Co has won a contract worth 12 million Omani rials ($31.17 million) to build a water distribution network in northwest of Oman, a tender board official said on Wednesday.
Oman plans fog-harvesting project to ease water shortage
23 Jun 10, Gulf News
Muscat Oman will become the first country in the region to tap into fog-harvesting technology to make stored water available for nearly 300 days, according to Ali Bin Amor Al Kiyumi, director general of nature conservation at the Environment and Climate Affairs Ministry.
Water waste in Amman decreases by 35pc
22 Jun 10, Trade Arabia
The percentage of water waste in Amman in the last few years has decreased by 35 per cent, stated Minister of Water and Irrigation, Mohammad al-Najjar.
Jordan among region's water poorest countries - report
21 Jun 10, Jordan Times
Jordan is among the region’s water poorest countries as it is dependent on water from the Jordan River, limited rainfall and groundwater, according to a report to be released next week.
Oman: OPWP study projects 13% growth in annual desalinated water demand
20 Jun 10, Oman Daily Observer
Demand for desalinated water is projected to more than double over the next seven years from 132.9 million cubic metres (m2) per year in 2009 to 320.6 million m3 by 2016, according to a study by the state-owned Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP).
Abu Dhabi awards $24.5m power, water deals
17 Jun 10, Arabian Business
UK firm Mott MacDonald has been awarded power and water contracts worth AED90m ($24.5m) by Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC). The deals will cover consultancy work for power in both the Central and Western regions and for water in the Eastern region, according to a company statement released on Thursday.
US grants Lebanon $27.5m to improve water sector
16 Jun 10, The Daily Star
The US government and the Lebanese Energy and Water Ministry signed two memoranda of understanding valued at $27.5 million on Tuesday to provide in-kind assistance and capacity building support for Lebanon’s water sector.
Iraq: Water Resources Ministry starts water management project in Karbala
15 Jun 10, Aswat al-Iraq
The Iraqi Water Resources Ministry on Tuesday began work to execute a water management project in Karbala province.
SR652m projects for E. Jeddah
14 Jun 10, Saudi Gazette
The Emir of Makkah, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, has announced a range of new development projects for eastern Jeddah which includes bridges, drainage networks, a land discount initiative and homes and services for low income citizens.
Jordan: Experts say Red Dead concerns can be addressed
14 Jun 10, Jordan Times
The final feasibility report of the Red Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance Study Programme will be ready in May next year, while the Environmental and Social Assessment is expected in October 2011, consultants said on Monday.
UAE economy to grow 4% in 2010, 2011 - top official
14 Jun 10, Arabian Business
The UAE economy will grow at a pace of around 4 percent in 2010 and 2011 on the back of big infrastructure projects, its central bank chief said on Monday.
Kuwait: MEW may be compelled to introduce water rationing
13 Jun 10, Arab Times
The Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) will be forced to introduce water rationing if the existing level of consumption continues throughout the summer, especially since it has already started using 9 million imperial gallons of water from the strategic reserves of the country daily, reports Al-Seyassah daily.
Jordan: Consultants to brief public on progress to date
13 Jun 10, Jordan Times
The Ministry of Water and Irrigation will hold an open meeting today to brief the public about progress made in the Red-Dead Water Conveyance Project.
Saudi Arabia: Eight Contracts for Water and Sewage Projects Signed
12 Jun 10, Saudi Press Agency
Minister of Water and Electricity Eng. Abdullah Al-Hussein has recently signed with a number of national companies eight contracts for implementing a number of water and sewage projects in the eastern province at a total cost of SR122,034,409
UAE trade surplus set to rise 15% in 2010 - official
12 Jun 10, Arabian Business
The UAE's trade surplus for 2010 is expected to rise 15 percent from 2009, a foreign trade official said on Friday. The country's surplus stood at $16.1 billion last year.
Qatar plans $100b in development projects
11 Jun 10, Gulf News
The Qatari government and state-owned companies plan to spend as much as $100 billion (Dh367 billion) on infrastructure projects within the next four years, Finance Minister Yousuf Hussain Kamal said Saturday. "The main projects are roads, sewage treatment, water treatment, and infrastructure like ports and airports," he said at a Turkish-Arab economic conference in Istanbul.
Jordan: Aqaba Water Company to manage Maan's water sector
11 Jun 10, Jordan Times
The Aqaba Water Company will manage wastewater services in Maan Governorate in a bid to improve the weak performance in the south and reduce the high water loss, officials said on Thursday. Under an agreement signed by the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) and the Aqaba Water Company, the latter will manage water and wastewater services in Maan for five years to improve water operations and increase the private sector’s participation in the water sector.
Amman to receive slight increase in summer water supply
09 Jun 10, Jordan Times
The Jordan Water Company (Miyahuna) has allocated 135 million cubic metres (mcm) of water for the capital this summer, a 3.8 per cent increase from last year, according to officials. The company said it increased water allocations from 130mcm in 2009 to 135mcm this year in response to population growth and to ensure "smooth water distribution" during summer.
Saudi Arabia: Call to expedite water and sewage projects
05 Jun 10, Arab News
The Municipal Council of Jeddah has asked the municipality to expedite approved water and sewage projects. In a session held on Thursday under Chairman Hussain ibn Alawi Baaqeel, council members called for intensification of efforts to provide potable water to the residents.
Private players eye UAE water market
03 Jun 10, Gulf News
Private utilities companies and environmental analysts, thirsting to tap into the water market, are calling for greater privatisation of water provision services in the UAE.
Firms to guarantee quality of wastewater
02 Jun 10, Emirates Business 24/7
Sewerage service companies in Abu Dhabi will now be required to guarantee the quality of wastewater delivered to users after the Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB) of Abu Dhabi, the independent regulatory body for the emirate’s water, wastewater and electricity sector, announced two new regulations that came into effect yesterday.
Iraq: Extending 2 sewage networks project completed in Karbala
01 Jun 10, Aswat al-Iraq
Extending two sewage networks project has been completed in Karbala at a cost of 32 billion Iraqi dinars, head of the reconstruction and strategic planning committee said on Tuesday
Abu Dhabi launches region's first comprehensive framework for wastewater regulation
01 Jun 10, Press Release
The Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB), the independent regulatory body for the water, wastewater and electricity sector of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, announces the launch of two important new regulations coming into effect today. This concludes a three-year consultation process across the wastewater sector.
Major Oman water project started
01 Jun 10, Khaleej Times
One of the biggest water schemes to be carried out in Oman -- costing RO90 million and which will supply 25 million gallons of water daily to the districts of the interior Dhakhliya region -- has been commissioned.