Marafiq, Austrian Company Sign Deal to Expand Wastewater Treatment Plant in Jubail

Marafiq, Austrian Company Sign Deal to Expand Wastewater Treatment Plant in Jubail
TT

Marafiq, Austrian Company Sign Deal to Expand Wastewater Treatment Plant in Jubail

Marafiq, Austrian Company Sign Deal to Expand Wastewater Treatment Plant in Jubail

Marafiq, Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu announced Wednesday the signing of a deal, worth half a billion riyals, with an Austrian company to expand wastewater treatment plant in eastern Saudi Arabia.

In a statement obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, Marafiq said its President and CEO Abdullah al-Buainain signed the contract with VA TECH WABAG GmbH Company to expand the ninth Sanitary Wastewater Treatment Plant in Jubail.

"This step reflects the company's commitment to its ambitious plans to expand its Sanitary Wastewater Treatment Plant (SWTP-9) and keep up with the population growth in Jubail and its industrial city," the company said.

The expansion of the plant includes independent treatment work to be designed and constructed to treat sewage and solid waste removal.

The plant will use basic processing techniques to remove grease and solid objects.

“Marafiq is confident in providing world-class utility facilities to the new wave of growth for the Saudi Vision 2030 industrial ventures,” stressed Buainain.

“We are extremely honored to have been awarded the contract to expand SWTP-9 Stage six under the leadership of Marafiq,” said CEO of VA TECH WABAG GmbH Deep Raj Saxena.

“We are confident that we will be capable to implement the project and meet Marafiq’s expectations,” he added.

Marafiq is owned by a number of Saudi economic sectors, including Aramco, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, SABIC, the Public Investment Fund and private sector investors.

It was founded on January 1, 2003, with shares worth SAR 2.5 billion.



Saudi Arabia and China Explore Promising Tourism Opportunities

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with a number of Chinese investors in Beijing (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with a number of Chinese investors in Beijing (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Arabia and China Explore Promising Tourism Opportunities

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with a number of Chinese investors in Beijing (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with a number of Chinese investors in Beijing (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with the Chinese Tourism Association to explore investment opportunities and means to strengthen bilateral ties in the sector. Al-Khateeb also discussed with several investors in Beijing investment prospects in the Kingdom’s tourism industry.

On Thursday, Al-Khateeb launched a global promotional campaign in Beijing, inaugurating the Saudi Travel Expo at the renowned Tian Tan Park, which will run until Oct. 26.

The Saudi delegation, led by Al-Khateeb, included top officials and key partners from the Saudi tourism ecosystem, aiming to elevate Saudi Arabia’s global presence and demonstrate its readiness to welcome Chinese tourists. The delegation held multiple bilateral meetings with China’s Civil Aviation Authority, the Chinese Tourism Association, airlines, and representatives from major companies like Trip.com, Tuniu, Alibaba, Huawei, and Klook.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with prominent Chinese companies, including H World Group and Jin Jiang Group. Al-Khateeb emphasized that this global campaign is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to foster closer collaboration with China through strategic partnerships aimed at developing the tourism sectors in both countries. He expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Chinese tourists, particularly following Saudi Arabia’s designation as an official key destination for Chinese travelers.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and board member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, stressed that China is one of the most important international markets for Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the growing interest among Chinese tourists in experiencing the country’s unique and inspiring travel offerings.

The Saudi Travel Expo features interactive exhibits showcasing the beauty of key Saudi destinations such as Diriyah, AlUla, and Al-Baha. Visitors can enjoy photo opportunities against backdrops of famous Saudi landmarks and witness live demonstrations of traditional crafts like sadu weaving, as well as local musical performances. Saudi tourism partners are also offering special travel packages to major destinations like Jeddah, Neom, and the Red Sea, along with the chance to participate in world-class events such as Riyadh Season and MDL Beast.