Veolia is intensifying its efforts in desalination to address the Middle East’s escalating water scarcity, a challenge heightened by climate change. The company, which has been present in the region for over 50 years, generated €1.1 billion in revenue in 2023 and views the Middle East as a cornerstone of its GreenUp 24-27 strategic plan.

Key to these efforts is Veolia’s expertise in advanced reverse osmosis technologies, which it is leveraging to support large-scale desalination projects critical to water security. Among its flagship initiatives is the Hassyan desalination plant in the United Arab Emirates, the second-largest in the world, supplying water to 2 million people while setting benchmarks for energy efficiency.

Other significant projects include the Hamriyah plant, which provides drinking water to 1.4 million people, and the Mirfa 2 plant, which supports 210,000 households, both located in the UAE. In Oman, Veolia contributes its technologies to the Sur plant, while in Saudi Arabia, the Sadara-Marafiq facility has been operational since 2016, supplying industrial water to the Jubail petrochemical complex.

Estelle Brachlianoff, Veolia’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the strategic importance of the Middle East:
"The Middle East is a key region for Veolia, to the point that we have decided to make it a geographical growth booster for our GreenUp 24-27 strategic plan. Faced with the scarcity of water resources, which is particularly intense in the region, the stakes are immense. As a world leader in water technologies, we have a major role in supporting Middle Eastern countries in the implementation of solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Desalination, a booming market, represents a major opportunity whose growth is set to continue in the coming years."

Veolia’s strategy goes beyond desalination, integrating water reuse, waste treatment, and decarbonizing local energy production to drive sustainable economic growth. These initiatives form part of the company’s broader ecological transformation goals, positioning it as a vital partner in addressing the region’s environmental challenges.

Desalination is a particularly promising sector, with investments in the Middle East projected to reach $97 billion between 2024 and 2028. Veolia aims to outpace market growth, doubling its rate of expansion by introducing innovative solutions tailored to the region’s unique challenges.

By 2030, the company seeks to increase its regional operations by 50%, underscoring the Middle East’s role as a strategic hub in its global growth ambitions.