Oman Power and Water Procurement Company SAOC (OPWP) and ACWA Power Barka recently announced the signing of a Water Purchase Agreement (WPA) and other project agreements for the expansion of its existing water desalination capacity by 10 MIGD (45,460 m/day).
The Project Agreements were signed by Chairman of OPWP Saud bin Nasser Al-Shukaily, and CEO Nadeem Rizvi, of ACWA Power Barka.
A Usufruct agreement for the use of the project land will be signed between ACWA Power Barka and the Ministry of Housing. The Water Connection Agreement will be signed between ACWA Power Barka and the Public Authority for Electricity and Water.
The expansion project is an Independent Water Project (IWP) to be developed on a BOO (Build, Own, Operate) basis and will be located at Barka, 65 km north of Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman.
The expansion project will be constructed adjacent to ACWA Power Barka’s existing plant and will benefit from its synergies.
The additional water capacity produced by the expansion project will help in meeting the projected shortfall in Oman’s water desalination production capacity and the demand for potable water, which increases by 8 percent per annum.
During its Ordinary General Meeting recently, the shareholders of ACWA Power Barka approved the company entering into the project agreements required for the expansion project.
This is a fast-track project requested by the Public Authority for Electricity and Water in order to meet the expected shortfall in desalinated water particularly during the next two years, Al-Shukaily said.
Rizvi said: “In the medium to long-term, this expansion project will prove to be a well-sought solution to balance shortfalls of current desalinated water production capacity in Oman.”
Oman firm, ACWA Power Barka tie up for key water project
Oman firm, ACWA Power Barka tie up for key water project
LuLu Walkathon: 22,000 participants champion greener future
Alkhobar’s New Corniche transformed into a vibrant hub of energy and community spirit when more than 22,000 people gathered for the highly anticipated “LuLu Walkathon.” Organized by LuLu Saudi Hypermarket, the 3-km event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Sport and Alkhobar municipality on Jan. 31. The walkathon successfully united the community under the themes of health and environmental sustainability.
The event was held with the cooperation of Meshaal Al-Harbi, head of Alkhobar municipality, and Tareq Al-Qahtani, director of the Ministry of Sport’s Eastern Province branch. The official flag-off was performed by Mohammed Haris, director of LuLu Hypermarket Saudi Arabia.
This year’s walkathon went beyond fitness, offering a rich tapestry of entertainment including soulful traditional Arabic music, a contemporary violin performance, and a playful “donuts dance,” which ensured a festive atmosphere for families of all ages.
A major highlight of the morning was the presence of Khadra. Khadra served as a living reminder of the Kingdom’s deep-rooted cultural artistry, posing for photos with the thousands of participants who lined the coast. To ensure every attendee felt the spirit of the celebration, participants were geared up with a premium merchandise kit containing custom-branded T-shirts and caps. Furthermore, every individual who successfully completed the 3-km route was rewarded with an exclusive LuLu goodie bag at the finish line to celebrate their achievement.
Sustainability remained a core pillar for the LuLu Walkathon this year, reflecting the brand’s long-term environmental vision. LuLu’s staff managed the route with a strict focus on environmental responsibility, while strategically placed refreshment stalls kept walkers hydrated without compromising the pristine condition of the corniche.
The massive success of the event was supported by key partners, including MasterCard as the commercial sponsor and Nada, which provided vital refreshments, alongside significant support from Radio Mirchi and Alyaum newspaper.
“The walkathon concluded not just as a race, but as a meaningful tribute to the Kingdom’s past and a definitive step toward a sustainable future,” a statement said. “By blending physical activity with cultural celebration and environmental stewardship, LuLu Hypermarket reaffirmed its commitment to the Saudi community, promoting an active, engaged, and responsible lifestyle for all residents.”
