The UAE’s Federal Electricity and Water Authority, which oversees utilities across all emirates, has nominated an Acwa Power-led consortium as preferred bidders for a desalination project.
“This is Fewa's first desalination plant in co-operation with the private sector and the authority intends to commence three other desalination plants following the same model which will be tendered before the end of this current year,” said Fewa director general Mohammed Salah in a statement carried by state-run news agency Wam on Monday.
The consortium, which also includes Tecton Engineering & Construction, will execute a 45 million Imperial Gallons per day project in Umm Al Quwain.
Gulf states such as the UAE are increasingly relying on desalinated water to meet domestic and industrial sources, to supplement existing ground water reserves. Desalination is one of the biggest drivers of energy consumption in the region, with some estimates suggesting that the GCC’s desalination plants alone account for 0.2 per cent of all energy consumed globally. Some states such as the UAE have explored the option of reducing energy intensity of such processes by introducing renewable sources.
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Read more:
Water shortages now a 'huge concern' for UAE, says Energy Minister
D1bn desalination plant to be built in UAQ
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The choice of Saudi Acwa and Ajman-headquartered Tecton follows “a tender exercise and evaluation of bids”, Fewa said in the statement.
Fewa is now set to commence a final round of discussions on the contract, with a view to reaching financial close and ancillary documents “within the end of the third quarter of 2018”, it added.
Locations and capacity of three other desalination plants under study have been defined, Mr Salah said without providing further details.
“As per our strategic plan, Fewa will be totally independent and securing its water demand by 2022,” he added.
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
About Takalam
Date started: early 2020
Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech and wellness
Number of staff: 4
Funding to date: Bootstrapped
ANALYSTS’ TOP PICKS OF SAUDI BANKS IN 2019
Analyst: Aqib Mehboob of Saudi Fransi Capital
Top pick: National Commercial Bank
Reason: It will be at the forefront of project financing for government-led projects
Analyst: Shabbir Malik of EFG-Hermes
Top pick: Al Rajhi Bank
Reason: Defensive balance sheet, well positioned in retail segment and positively geared for rising rates
Analyst: Chiradeep Ghosh of Sico Bank
Top pick: Arab National Bank
Reason: Attractive valuation and good growth potential in terms of both balance sheet and dividends
