Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority

What is it? ADWEA has overarching responsibility for the production and supply of water, wastewater treatment and the implementation of government policy towards the water sector in Abu Dhabi.

What has it done? ADWEA continued its pioneering programme of private sector participation in Abu Dhabi's water sector during 2008. As a shareholder in Shuweihat 2, ADWEA worked with developers to successfully secure short-term financing for Abu Dhabi's eighth IWPP in difficult market conditions. Financing was also put in place to cover two packages of greenfield wastewater treatment plants for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The second package is the Middle East's largest wastewater contract to date. ADWEA's wholly-owned subsidiary ADSSC pressed ahead with its multi-billion dollar programme to deliver a new deep tunnel sewer in Abu Dhabi.

Why is it shortlisted?

• ADWEA has blazed a trail in private power and water projects that other authorities in the Middle East continue to follow. Its procurement methods are widely considered to be the most transparent and effective in the Gulf.

• The challenging financial climate has not dampened ADWEA's commitment to delivering the water and wastewater infrastructure that is so integral to the emirate's growth.

• ADWEA's target of 100% reuse of treated effluent from its wastewater treatment plants is a beacon for sustainability in the Middle East water sector.