Orascom JV targets 300,000 m³/day desalination projects in Gulf, Africa

A joint venture led by Orascom Construction has been established to pursue large-scale desalination and water infrastructure projects across the Gulf and Africa, as demand for utility-scale water solutions accelerates across water-stressed markets.

The 50:50 partnership between Orascom Construction and Trojan Construction Holding has created Everwater for Treatment Systems, an Abu Dhabi-based platform targeting desalination, water treatment, and wastewater projects. The venture is already in advanced discussions on a flagship desalination plant with planned capacity of 300,000 cubic meters per day.

The agreement was signed during the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit, highlighting the emirate’s growing role as a hub for infrastructure investment and cross-border partnerships.

Expanding water infrastructure footprint

Everwater will provide end-to-end engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services alongside operations and maintenance (O&M), combining Trojan’s execution capabilities in the Gulf with Orascom’s track record in complex infrastructure delivery across regional markets.

Orascom Construction has delivered more than 17 million cubic meters per day of combined water, wastewater, and desalination capacity across its operating regions, positioning the joint venture to compete for large sovereign-backed and private-sector contracts.

The companies said the platform is already engaged in advanced-stage negotiations for its first major project, reflecting strong pipeline visibility in utility-scale water infrastructure.

Strategic bet on water security

The partnership underscores a broader push into essential infrastructure tied to long-term development priorities, including water security, urbanization, and industrial expansion.

Water scarcity is increasingly shaping capital allocation across both the Gulf and African markets, with governments accelerating investments in desalination and wastewater treatment to meet the needs of growing populations and climate pressures.

Across the Gulf Cooperation Council, billions of dollars are being committed to expanding desalination capacity, while African economies are scaling utility infrastructure to support industrial growth and urban demand.

Deepening infrastructure play

Orascom Construction, dual-listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Egyptian Exchange, remains one of the region’s largest engineering and construction groups, with operations spanning the Gulf, Africa, and the United States.

The company also holds a 50% stake in BESIX Group and continues to expand its exposure to infrastructure concessions, building materials, and facility management.

Scaling infrastructure ambitions

Trojan Construction Holding, a unit of Alpha Dhabi Holding, has expanded rapidly within the UAE’s construction sector, delivering projects across residential, commercial, hospitality, and industrial segments since its establishment in 2009.

The launch of Everwater reflects its increasing pivot toward strategic infrastructure assets aligned with the UAE’s long-term economic diversification agenda.

Positioning for long-term utility contracts

The joint venture highlights a broader trend of consolidation and partnership across the infrastructure sector, as contractors pursue larger, long-duration projects that offer recurring revenue through operations and maintenance.

With desalination demand expected to rise sharply across water-stressed regions, Everwater is likely to expand its pipeline of utility and treatment projects, positioning both partners to benefit from a growing wave of sovereign-backed infrastructure investments.