Veolia puts Gulf region at the forefront of desalination innovation
MUSCAT: Desalination is fast becoming a cornerstone of global water resilience — and at the heart of this transformation is Veolia, a global leader in water technologies. With operations spanning continents, the company is placing the Gulf region at the center of its innovation strategy.
'Gulf countries, and particularly Oman, are now our global centre for desalination innovation,' said Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia. 'What we're building here represents global excellence, underpinned by continuous technological evolution,' she told *Arab News en français.
Scaling solutions
Veolia currently operates more than 2,300 desalination facilities across 108 countries, representing 18 percent of the world's installed capacity. As global demand soars, the company plans to double its output — from 1.4 to 2.8 billion cubic meters per year by 2030 — in a market expected to exceed 40 billion liters per day by decade's end.
Recent projects, including Hassyan and Mirfa 2 in the UAE, underscore this momentum. A major facility is also in development in Rabat, Morocco. Meanwhile in Saudi Arabia, where daily desalination needs often top 600 million liters, Veolia is enabling a shift toward membrane-based systems tailored for scale, efficiency, and sustainability.
From solar-powered plants to AI-optimized membrane systems, Veolia continues to pioneer technologies like its patented Barrel™ modular system — highlighting the company's commitment to high-performance innovation.
Veolia leads globally in desalination, operating over 2,300 sites in 108 countries and aiming to double output by 2030.
Energy efficiency in desalination has improved dramatically, with power use down 85 percent since the early 2000s and water costs dropping from $5 to under $0.50 per cubic meter.
Veolia's future-focused approach blends innovation, affordability, and environmental stewardship, reinforcing its global leadership in water technologies.
Breaking the myths
A key part of Veolia's success has been challenging outdated perceptions around desalination. "We've broken all the old myths about desalination, one by one,' said Brachlianoff.
Energy consumption, once a major drawback, has dropped by over 85 percent since the early 2000s due to next-generation membranes and energy recovery technologies. Production costs have fallen from $5 to less than $0.50 per cubic meter, making desalinated water a viable option for municipalities and mid-sized industries alike.
Veolia's new solutions are now also being deployed in sectors such as mining, refining, and even data centers. Projects in Sur, Oman, feature solar integration, while others introduce advanced brine discharge control systems, raising environmental standards across the board.
Gulf countries as living laboratories
Veolia's work in Oman supports the country's Vision 2040, particularly its renewable energy goals.
'We're directly contributing to the goal of achieving 30% renewable energy in the national mix,' said Erwan Rouxel, CEO of Veolia Oman.
A solar plant already provides over a third of the Sur facility's power needs. The company is also investing in landfill gas-to-energy projects. Crucially, Oman also serves as a hub for workforce development, with 75 percent of Veolia Oman's staff being local nationals.
'Our Omanization efforts are crucial, not only for business continuity but also for creating shared value with the communities we serve,' Rouxel added.
In Saudi Arabia, Veolia is helping the country transition from thermal desalination to more efficient membrane-based processes.
'The country is shifting from thermal desalination to membrane-based desalination, particularly reverse osmosis,' said Adrien de Saint Germain, CEO of Veolia's Water Technologies division. 'And these aren't small projects — some exceed 500 to 600 million liters per day. What matters now is how we optimize the entire environment around the membranes.'
He emphasized that Veolia's approach involves more than technology — it is also about building long-term partnerships through cost-effective design and strategic delivery.
'What makes Saudi projects unique is their multi-year horizon and scale. We can plan strategically and deliver consistently,' he said.
Moroccan innovation in the Atlantic
While the Gulf drives growth in volume, Morocco is offering innovation on a different front — the Atlantic.
'In Morocco, we're working with Atlantic seawater, which involves very different parameters: lower temperatures, different algae risks,' explained Anne Le Guennec, Senior EVP of Water Technologies. 'But it's the same scale: 800,000 cubic meters per day, just like Hassyan in Dubai.'
Regional expertise plays a critical role in success, she noted.
'From red algae to changing water quality, we know this region. And we work with strong local partners who can respond quickly and deploy workforce on a large scale,' she added.
Toward atomic-level filtration
Looking ahead, Veolia is pushing the boundaries of water purification for specialized industries.
'We're currently developing solutions using ion-exchange resins,' Le Guennec revealed. 'We're talking atomic-level filtration, separating specific ions. This is where we'll meet the ultrapure water needs for industries like pharmaceuticals and semiconductor manufacturing.'
This next-generation technology is also feeding into global projects, including the 'water of the future' initiative in Paris, where Middle Eastern expertise will help deliver water free of micropollutants by 2027.
Long-term vision and global impact
For CEO Estelle Brachlianoff, Veolia's strategy is defined by continuous innovation, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility.
'Our ambition is clear: to maintain our global leadership in desalination by continuing to evolve, innovate, and provide the most cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions on the market,' she said.
As water scarcity intensifies worldwide, Veolia is not merely adapting — it is setting the standard.
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Arab News honored in London on its 50th anniversary
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Arab News
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- Arab News
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Lama Beddawi, a Syrian-American DevOps environment analyst based in the US, echoed that sentiment. 'The recent decision to lift sanctions on Syria marks a pivotal turning point, and I am hopeful that it signals a move in the right direction,' she told Arab News. 'This development brings a sense of optimism that the country's long-strained economy may begin to recover, opening the door for increased stability and renewed international investment,' she said. 'With fewer restrictions, Syria has the potential to rebuild its infrastructure, strengthen its institutions, and create opportunities for its people, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.' Still, the benefits remain largely theoretical for now. On the ground, daily challenges persist, and progress will take time. 'Everyone understands this isn't a magic fix — the effects will take time to show,' said Morhly. 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However, critical areas like general business development and startups are experiencing slower momentum. 'Lifting sanctions can take months,' said Ghazal. 'Capital flow issues persist due to a crippled banking system. 'Syria's banks lack access to SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication), suffer low liquidity, and operate under opaque regulations. 'Attracting foreign capital requires a modern investment law, clear property rights, business licensing frameworks, and financial repatriation mechanisms. 'The speed of progress depends on comprehensive reforms, institutional rebuilding, international investment, and continued humanitarian support. 'The lifting of sanctions is expected to open up channels like new funding, banking, or investment channels for Syrian startups.' Diaspora and foreign investors could offer the capital injection needed to get the economy off its knees. There are 'positive signs from the Syrian diaspora and potential foreign direct investment, especially from GCC countries and Turkiye,' said Ghazal. 'Interest from impact investors seeking financial returns and social and environmental impact.' He identified several immediate priorities for revitalizing the economy, including restoring access to SWIFT, enacting a modern investment law with clear legal protections, and easing import restrictions on essential technology to enable the use of software, cloud services, and digital tools. The SWIFT system is a global messaging network that enables financial institutions to exchange transaction details — like money transfer instructions — quickly, securely, and accurately across borders. Before Lebanon's 2019 financial collapse, many Syrians used its banking system to bypass sanctions, parking billions in assets and accessing US dollars and trade channels. 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'Any relief, especially from the US, will help get Syria back on track. It boosts the government's legitimacy and strengthens its diplomatic hand.' The broader economic and political impact cannot be understated. 'President Al-Sharaa will be able to travel more freely, engage in diplomacy, and attract serious development partnerships,' said Ibrahim. 'That's critical for reconstruction. 'Ultimately, this shift could improve quality of life, create jobs, and drive long-term growth.' Still, Syria's path to recovery remains long. Nearly six months after the fall of Bashar Assad, the country is still plagued by deep sectarian divisions, persistent violence, and political fragmentation. In March 2025 alone, more than 1,100 people were killed in attacks targeting the Alawite minority following coordinated assaults on government forces. Survivors remain fearful of further violence, and many perpetrators have not been brought to justice. Foreign threats compound internal instability. Israel has launched multiple airstrikes, including one near the presidential palace, citing threats to the Druze minority. Syria's new leadership condemned the attacks, highlighting the fragility of foreign relations. Internally, law and order remains weak. Women and minorities still face abuse, rights protections are unevenly enforced, and extremist groups continue to assert control in some regions, several news agencies have reported. The humanitarian crisis also endures. Around 16.7 million Syrians rely on aid, while millions remain displaced. Israel maintains a military presence, and Turkiye has voiced opposition to any settlement between Damascus and Kurdish factions — complicating efforts toward national unity. Though US, EU, and UK sanctions relief is meant to support Syria's transition, the UN warns of 'real dangers of renewed conflict.' Meanwhile, the interim government faces the daunting task of rebuilding a country where 90 percent of the population lives in poverty and millions remain displaced. The door may be open, but walking through it will require more than hope. It will take time, trust, and tangible change.
Arab News
31-05-2025
- Arab News
Review: ‘Doom: The Dark Ages' sets new bar for first-person carnage
LONDON: The first 'Doom' game back in 1993 helped define the first-person shooter genre, spawning numerous sequels and even a Hollywood film. Now it is back, and in a crowded market packed with chaotic shooters and arena brawlers, this game slices its way into the pantheon with style — and a spinning shield saw. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Boasting 22 adrenaline-soaked levels, 'Doom: The Dark Ages' sticks to the classic formula of annihilating every enemy in the room before moving on. Yet it rarely pauses for breath, charging through its campaign. While there are secrets to uncover and collectible toys to find, it always feels hurried, pushing players forward with breakneck urgency. Where it stands out is in its innovative combat tools — a shield saw that doubles as a melee weapon, a flail for crowd control, and a shield charge that turns defense into offense. Combat is fast, demanding, and utterly satisfying, especially in boss fights where success hinges on timing and picking the right attack for the enemy. The gunplay is awesomely brutal and weapons evolve through Sentinel Shrines, letting players fine-tune their arsenal to match the rising difficulty. This isn't just a shooter; it's a metal-fueled ballet of aggression, where being passive is punished and staying alive means staying angry. The music? Pure heavy metal fury, matching the gameplay beat for beat. Visuals run at a crisp 60 frames per second and every environment drips with cosmic dread, from crumbling hellscapes to star-forged citadels. The new cosmic realm adds visual diversity, while massive set-pieces like dragon-riding with autocannons and piloting giant sentinels crank the spectacle to 11. This is bone-crunching mayhem at its finest. It's Halo-esque in scope, 'Doom'-like in execution, but ultimately a beast of its own making.
