This visit opens up prospects for future partnerships in the field of circular solutions and energy efficiency in the water sector.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates : As the Middle East accelerates its efforts to address the challenges of increasing water scarcity, enhance infrastructure resilience, and achieve sustainability goals, the Water Efficiency Middle East Alliance ( WEMA ) successfully concluded a high-level technical visit to Denmark, in partnership with TAQA Water Solutions and supported by the Danish Trade Council.

The visit included a delegation of senior executives from TAQA Water Solutions and a select group of Danish water sector leaders, with the aim of exchanging practical, applicable solutions in the areas of wastewater reuse, circular economy models, and energy-efficient infrastructure.

This visit comes at a pivotal time, as Gulf Cooperation Council countries intensify strategic investments in sustainable water projects, in line with national plans such as the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 , the Climate Neutrality Initiative 2050 , and Saudi Vision 2030 .

Denmark is a global leader in sustainable practices and innovation in the water sector, with extensive practical experience in wastewater reuse, enhancing the resilience of stormwater systems, and improving the efficiency of public utilities—areas of increasing importance for the Middle East. With water utilities under increasing pressure to achieve more with less, this cross-border knowledge exchange embodies a commitment to embedding innovation, efficiency, and resilience in the design of regional water networks.

Astrid SC Nielsen of the Danish Trade Council in Dubai said : “ This visit was not just an official delegation, but a strategic exchange of ideas, technologies, and shared ambitions. TAQA Water Solutions’ commitment to innovation, coupled with Denmark’s decades of experience in the water sector, lays the foundation for a fruitful and sustainable collaboration.

Highlights of the visit

The delegation conducted field visits to several Danish water utilities, specialized technology companies, and research institutions, and participated in dialogue sessions organized by members of the Middle East Water Efficiency Alliance, including AguaGreen , Alfa Laval , Aquaterra , Grundfos , AVK , Danfoss , DHI , NIRAS , Sulfilogger , Watopi , and Aarhus Vand . Discussions covered a range of key topics, including advanced wastewater reuse and sludge treatment technologies, energy-efficient pumping and treatment technologies, data-driven smart water infrastructure to improve operational efficiency, and innovative approaches to resource recovery and the application of circular economy models.

The program also included a dedicated session at Biofos, Denmark's largest wastewater treatment facility, and Aarhus Water, the country's second-largest water utility, where case studies of sustainable operations and customer-centric water services were presented.

Results and opportunities

The visit demonstrated the promising potential for future technical cooperation and project development between TAQA Water Solutions and members of the Middle East Water Efficiency Alliance. Several key areas for continued cooperation were identified, most notably conducting feasibility studies for the application of Danish technologies in the regional market and jointly exploring potential projects to demonstrate impact and scalability.

During the visit, TAQA Water Solutions highlighted a range of key operational areas, such as innovation to improve energy efficiency, enhanced sediment water management, and meeting large-scale pumping needs . These challenges presented clear opportunities for targeted collaboration and co-innovation with members of the Middle East Water Efficiency Alliance.

Engineer Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO of TAQA Water Solutions, said: “At TAQA Water Solutions, we have experienced firsthand how innovation drives comprehensive sustainability, going beyond securing water and energy systems to become the primary driver of a resilient circular economy. Through our innovation-led vision, we ensure that every drop of water is collected, treated, and reused, embodying our commitment to building a safe and prosperous water future for generations to come .”

He added: " As part of TAQA Group's commitment to providing energy and water to communities around the world, TAQA Water Solutions drives sustainable development and secures water resources globally through strategic investments and collaborative partnerships in growth markets.   To contribute to deepening our shared commitment to advancing sustainable water solutions globally . We are also grateful for the opportunity to exchange knowledge and learn about a community that has made sustainability an essential part of its daily practices, affirming that innovation thrives through mutual collaboration ."

A shared vision to enhance the resilience of the water system

The Middle East Water Efficiency Alliance plays a pivotal role in linking Danish expertise with regional priorities, ensuring that proven solutions are adapted to support local policy frameworks, operational needs, and the UAE's strategic sustainability goals.

This visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation between TAQA Water Solutions and the Middle East Water Efficiency Alliance, following a high-level meeting held in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, where promising areas of cooperation between the two countries were identified.

This visit comes within the context of the ongoing relationship between the two parties, which has witnessed the organization of joint workshops, the conduct of feasibility studies, and the implementation of knowledge-sharing activities since 2021. With the increasing demand for water in the Middle East, such collaborative initiatives are gaining increasing importance in building a sustainable and future-proof water infrastructure.

About the Water Efficiency Alliance in the Middle East (WEMA)

The Water Efficiency Alliance in the Middle East ( WEMA ) is a leading platform that brings together Danish expertise and regional decision-makers to support sustainable and innovative solutions in water and wastewater in the Middle East.

The alliance was established at the initiative of the Danish Trade Council and aims to work in harmony with strategic government initiatives, including Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, to address critical water challenges in the region. By building partnerships, fostering innovation, and sharing knowledge, the alliance contributes to the development of resilient, efficient, and future-ready water systems, supporting long-term sustainability and regional water security.

The Middle East Water Efficiency Alliance brings together industry leaders such as Grundfos , Alfa Laval , AVK , AquaTerra , Danfoss , AquaGreen , NIRAS , Watopi , and DHI Group , as well as Aarhus Water Utility and knowledge partners such as Ferskvandscentret and Water Valley , working together to address the structural and environmental challenges facing the region’s water sector, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 13 (Climate Action).

A quick look at the Water Efficiency Alliance in the Middle East ( WEMA ) journey

The Water Efficiency Alliance in the Middle East ( WEMA ) was established in 2018 as an initiative to enhance cooperation between Denmark and Middle Eastern countries in the water and energy sectors, through a platform that facilitates the exchange of technical solutions and capacity building. The alliance began its projects with a pioneering feasibility study with the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority ( SEWA ), followed by technical visits and workshops with Dubai Municipality, paving the way for impactful partnerships.

In 2021, the alliance partnered with Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company ( ADSSC ) (now TAQA Water Solutions) during Expo 2020 to host a collaborative workshop. In 2022, feasibility studies from both TAQA Water Solutions and the Ras Al Khaimah Sewerage and Wastewater Authority ( RAKWA ) deepened interactions, while the first IFAT workshop in Munich brought together Saudi water utilities, such as ENWA and the National Water Company, to share knowledge and best practices. A delegation visit to Denmark strengthened regional ties and facilitated discussions on smart water innovations and sustainability.

The Water Efficiency Alliance in the Middle East ( WEMA ) recently entered into a formal partnership with Dubai Municipality ahead of COP 28, launching the Danish Water Academy in the Middle East, which focuses on education and capacity building. This ongoing collaboration with TAQA Water Solutions and RAK Sewerage Authority highlights WEMA ’s commitment to supporting the region’s vision for sustainable water and energy development through actionable outcomes and lasting partnerships.

The Water Efficiency Alliance in the Middle East ( WEMA ) and the Saudi Arabian energy and water company, Enwa, have strengthened their cooperation through a memorandum of understanding, focusing on joint efforts to improve wastewater management.

For more information, please contact Astrid SC Nielsen, asthan@um.dk

About Energy Water Solutions

TAQA Water Solutions , formerly known as SWS Holding , headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is a leading sustainable water solutions company dedicated to transforming one of our most precious natural resources, contributing to sustainable economic development, and improving quality of life. As part of the TAQA group , TAQA Water Solutions focuses on providing innovative water resource management solutions and is committed to delivering world-class solutions that meet the needs of industries and communities .

In line with the UAE's commitment to the strategic initiative "Achieving Climate Neutrality by 2050" and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Taqa Water Solutions acts as a catalyst to promote smart and sustainable growth through the power of collaboration, particularly business-to-business (B2B) and government-to-government (G2G) partnerships.

Taqa Water Solutions is the sole entity responsible for all wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse operations in the emirate. With over 1,334 million cubic meters collected daily across an extensive network spanning approximately 13,600 kilometers, supported by more than 260 pumping stations and 41 treatment plants, the company works to alleviate pressure on natural water resources, promote sustainability, and create value .

-I finish-

#Corporate Data

Disclaimer for the content of press releases
The content of these press releases is provided by a third-party provider. We do not assume any responsibility for, nor do we have any control over, such content. This content is provided on an 'as is' and 'as available' basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither we nor our affiliates are responsible for the accuracy, endorsement, or completeness of the opinions, views, information, or materials contained in this content.
Press releases are provided for informational purposes only; the content does not imply legal, investment, or tax advice or any opinion regarding the suitability, value, or profitability of any particular portfolio or investment strategy. We, or our affiliates, will not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions you take based on such content. You expressly agree and acknowledge that you bear full responsibility for the use of the information contained in these press releases.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, Refinitiv, its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, and their respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers, and licensors (collectively, the “Refinitiv Parties”) will not be liable (either jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive, or exemplary damages; This includes, but is not limited to: lost profits, lost savings or revenue, whether caused by negligence, tort, contract or other liability theories, even if the Refinitiv Parties have been advised of the possibility of any such damages and losses or had actually anticipated their occurrence.