Shurooq, BESIX Group announce launch of construction of QATRA water reuse plant

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has officially started the construction of QATRA, a joint venture with BESIX Group to develop new water reuse plant in Sharjah’s Al-Sajaa industrial area.

Set for a January 2020 completion, the plant will produce 5,000 cubic metres per day of high-quality water for non-drinking purposes out of Treated Effluent from the Al Saja’a Sewerage Treatment Plant. This water will be ideal for industrial and domestic uses such as landscaping, and will be a sustainable alternative to desalinated water with four times less energy consumed in its production process.

Marwan Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Shurooq, said: “Since its establishment, Shurooq has been committed to transforming its visions and strategic plans into tangible projects and initiatives. This includes strengthening existing partnerships and entering into fruitful new ventures that help in achieving our goal to better serve the diverse communities and companies in Sharjah. Such partnerships enable us to find advanced solutions that align with current consumer trends in Sharjah, the UAE, and the region at large.” “This initiative underlines our priority to build a sustainable future, while focusing on economic and human development and taking into account our eco-footprint through our partnership with BESIX Group, which is among the leading companies specialised in providing sustainable energy solutions.” Al Sarkal added: “Effluent treatment and improving treatment processes are part of Sharjah’s strategic development, which highlights its position and aspiration to provide a research and development platform for a number of resources, products, technologies and solutions that help better the daily lives of residents, nationals and companies in Sharjah. This is in line with the UAE’s vision to build a sustainable future and use resources more optimally.” Gurvan Dersel, General Manager of QATRA, added “There is a vital need to reuse water for non-drinking applications to reduce the demand on borewell and desalinated water. Hence, investments such as these, provide a new sustainable source of water supply for the community. This is the first project under the Shurooq and BESIX alliance and it will be followed by many like it both in the wastewater treatment and water reuse.” Dersel continued: “Treated sewage effluent (TSE) has tremendous potential in supplementing the ever-growing demand of water. Typically used for watering parks and landscaping purposes, this new treatment solution will allow for a wider usage.”

Established in 2019, the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is the driving force of Sharjah transformation into an investment, tourism and business destination. Shurooq seeks to evaluate and follow-up on tourism, investment, and heritage-related infrastructure projects, and participating in the comprehensive construction and development process. It also works closely with other entities and organisations to drive investment through its comprehensive information centre, which highlights the investment opportunities in Sharjah.

Qatra Water Solutions’ manages, operates and expands the strategic wastewater treatment assets in Al Saja’a, Sharjah. Qatra aims to drive commercial realization of the Sharjah Government’s goal to achieve sustainable reuse of wastewater treatment, as well as resource recovery in the Emirate.

By assuring the highest possible product quality and safe working environment that is free from any disturbance; Qatra allows the wider society to see the added benefit of embracing and supporting the development of such assets within the community.

Qatra engages with community members by providing opportunities for educational institutions to visit the facility - students can learn about sustainability and how it translates into practical measures.

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority has recently unveiled three new luxury hospitality projects worth Dhs130 million at ATM 2019, which are nearing completion and slated for an official launch in the second half (H2) of 2019. Situated in three distinct historical and natural sites across the emirate of Sharjah, the three projects are Al Faya Lodge at Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism, Kingfisher Lodge at Kalba, and finally, the Al Badayer Oasis being developed in the Al Badayer desert.

The projects are poised to be world-class additions to Shurooq’s growing portfolio of leading cultural and eco-tourism projects in Sharjah. They make up the ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand, developed and launched by Shurooq and managed by Mysk by Shaza Hotels.

Designed to provide guests with comfort, privacy and amazing views overlooking the Indian Ocean and a forest of mangrove trees surrounding its natural location, Kingfisher Lodge is one Sharjah’s leading eco-friendly hospitality projects.