Abu Dhabi WWTPs

What is it? A 25-year contract to design, finance, build and operate two wastewater treatment plants at Al Wathba and Al Ain in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, with an aggregate capacity of 430,000m3/d.

Who is responsible? The client is the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC). A consortium of Veolia and Besix will build and operate the plants; each will hold 20% of the concession company. Calyon, Mizuho, Natixis and KBC provided the initial bridge financing.

Why is it shortlisted?

• The wastewater problem in Abu Dhabi is only going to get worse as the city grows. ADSSC's commitment to fast-tracking large-scale treatment capacity shows a vision of sustainable growth unmatched elsewhere in the Gulf region.

• The €525 million deal is the largest ever wastewater contract to be signed in the Middle East. The $100 million bridge financing was put together in the space of only four months, demonstrating the flexibility of the project's bankers to respond effectively to tough market conditions.

• The extra capacity tackles Abu Dhabi's water resourcing problem head on, with the treated effluent being used for irrigation purposes.