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
Social Development Bank launches entrepreneurship forum ‘DeveGo 2025’ in Riyadh
The Social Development Bank has launched the second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum, known as DeveGo 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The event runs from Dec. 21 to 23, under the patronage of Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of SDB’s Board of Directors Ahmed bin Sulaiman Alrajhi. This landmark forum positions itself as the region’s leading platform for entrepreneurship, innovation, and setting the latest trends in modern work practices, bringing together local and international entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. This year’s edition is being held under the theme “Don’t start from zero… start from DeveGo.”
DeveGo 2025 serves as a comprehensive national platform showcasing the latest trends in entrepreneurship through a range of diverse panel discussions, workshops, and other initiatives. The forum brings together an elite group of local and international entrepreneurs, investors, experts, government leaders, as well as prominent global figures in innovation and entrepreneurship, including Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, futurist Ian Khan, and Jonathan Greechan, CEO of the Founder Institute, among other experts, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs. Their participation reinforces the forum’s international focus and enriches its agenda by enabling the sharing of the latest knowledge and experiences from diverse global markets.
DeveGo 2025 will witness the launch of a package of supportive programs and initiatives, including new financial products specifically designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and startups, in addition to the signing of strategic agreements and partnerships aimed at stimulating entrepreneurial ventures, creating opportunities, and empowering the most promising projects — all while opening new pathways for growth. The forum will also host the “NEXT UP Challenge,” which will enable 20 startups to showcase their innovative projects and solutions before a panel of experts and specialists, while offering entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with more than 50 local investors during the third day of the forum.
In addition, the forum will host the “DeveGo Handicrafts Competition,” which celebrates high-quality small enterprises that have evolved into impactful success stories with clear economic and social impact.
The “Salam Award for Promising Projects” will be given in collaboration with Saudi Telecom Integrated Company, or Salam, to encourage entrepreneurs and startup owners to present their projects in a smart and simplified manner, on social media platforms.
Furthermore, DeveGo 2025 offers participants and visitors a comprehensive, interactive, and knowledge-driven experience designed to enhance awareness of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as financial and non-financial programs. This will include training and consultancy services to support growth across three main tracks: the “Inspiration Zone,” focusing on modern technologies and the creative economy; the “Growth Zone,” dedicated to modern business models, flexible work, franchising, and business development; and the “Entrepreneurship Zone,” which highlights future economic trends, venture capital, and sustainability.
The forum is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors over three days, who will benefit from specialized workshops and advisory sessions delivered by more than 50 consultants and experts, providing an integrated experience in business development, guidance, and innovation.
