World Environment Day 2024
Restoring Our Land, Securing Our Future
On this World Environment Day, Khatib & Alami joins the global community in recognizing the urgent need to tackle land degradation, desertification, and drought. Under the slogan “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration,” we reaffirm our commitment to sustainable practices and innovative solutions that restore the environment and strengthen resilience against climate change.
Here, we highlight four of our key projects that exemplify our dedication to land restoration and sustainable development.
1- Innovating in Sustainable Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery
The Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah Wastewater Treatment and Sludge Management project is an award-winning example of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to address water scarcity through advanced wastewater treatment and resource recovery. The project delivers significant socio-economic benefits by reducing well-water pollution, reusing treated water for irrigation and agriculture, and enhancing the surrounding area through tree-planting initiatives.
The project showcases the innovative use of technology and solar energy through a sludge-solar drying system that replaces conventional drying beds. Solar energy is captured in specially designed greenhouses, converting sludge into a year-round resource for agriculture and industry. With 25,000 m² of covered drying cells, water evaporation reaches at least 3,000 kg/m²/year, reducing environmental impact, cutting operational costs, and minimizing reliance on non-renewable energy.
2- Combating water shortages, improving supply, and restoring agricultural lands in Egypt
The New Delta Wastewater Treatment Plant in Egypt holds four Guinness World Records and irrigates over 8,000 km² of agricultural land, playing a key role in the expansion of the Western Desert and the development of sustainable communities.
As the world’s largest water treatment facility, the plant boasts an extraordinary capacity of 86.8 cubic meters per second. It processes wastewater from the Old Delta agricultural drainage, channeling it to the world’s longest artificial river — a 174-kilometer canal in Egypt’s Western Desert. In addition, the facility features Egypt’s largest disc filter, with 132 filter discs, and the largest raw water inlet pumps. It is supported by seven underground networks for electricity, water, sewage, rainwater, fire safety, irrigation, and pipe operations.
By addressing the annual 20 billion m³ water gap, the New Delta Wastewater Treatment Plant will play a crucial role in helping Egypt achieve water security in line with its 2030 National Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
3- Addressing Basra’s Water Salinity Crisis with Advanced Technology
In response to the critical water salinity crisis in Basra, Iraq, the Mheila Desalination Plant is designed to meet the needs of the Abu Al-Khaseeb region. The desalination and water treatment facility, with a 72,000 m3/day capacity, utilizes a reverse osmosis (RO) system capable of treating water with salinity levels ranging from brackish to highly saline. The plant ensures flexible operation across varying salinity conditions, with treated water being disinfected and pumped into Basra City’s water supply network. The plant’s efficient energy recovery and control systems enhance its operational sustainability, addressing immediate water needs and long-term environmental challenges.
4- Enhancing Water Access and Quality in Ethiopia
The Degahbour Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Ethiopia seeks to improve access to clean water by upgrading boreholes, treatment plants, transmission facilities, storage tanks, and distribution networks. The water treatment plant incorporates comprehensive civil and treatment processes to ensure reliable delivery of safe water. By enhancing water safety and building local capacity, the project strengthens community resilience and supports sustainable development.
These projects underscore our commitment to sustainability, land restoration, and combating desertification. This World Environment Day, we encourage protecting the environment and promoting a sustainable future for generations to come.