Challenges & opportunities of wastewater reuse privatization: a case study from Sharjah, UAE

Rapid urban development and accompanying population growth in the UAE have placed significant stress on the country's limited fresh water resources. Achieving a sustainable water cycle is critical for meeting the increasing demand for water. Wastewater is an essential water source that can meet a significant part of the water demand. However, propagating the use of treated wastewater requires overcoming technological, institutional and social barriers. Additionally, it is important to develop an economically viable model for the concerned stakeholders, to ensure the widespread sustained adoption of this strategy. In this paper, we present the challenges and opportunities faced during the commercialization of wastewater reuse through a case-study approach of a privately-owned local sewage treatment plant in the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).