DUBAI, 13 August 2006 -- The government of Umm Al-Quwain and Riyadh-based Al-Rajhi Investment Group has announced the establishment of their new company called "Imdad". "Imdad" is equally owned by the government of Umm Al-Quwain and Al-Rajhi Investment Group. The firm is specialized in producing, delivering and distributing water throughout Umm Al-Quwain and other emirates followed by exporting the desalinated water to other countries and have an investment of around AED2 billion. The project is anticipated to begin its first production within 18 months.

An agreement signing ceremony was held in Umm Al-Quwain on Wednesday. This partnership based on firm management and common cooperation between the Umm Al-Quwain government and Al-Rajhi Investment Group resulted from the government's policy to attract international investments, especially from the Gulf. With the project supported by law with the appropriate legislation, this guiding principle of development has facilitated the creation of projects with investments that has reached AED40 billion, including Al-Salam City, Umm Al-Quwain Marina, Khor Al-Baidaa project and Rashed city, for the emirate.

Imdad's main mission is to desalinate the seawater through using the latest technologies, and deliver clean water inline with national specifications for the consumer. This policy will prevent the consuming of brackish water, and the renewing of already available sources of water with the assistance of experienced international companies, who will be chosen in this regard. Imdad will also study electricity production intended to support the development of various projects across Umm Al-Quwain specifically, and the UAE generally.

Sheikh Abdullah ibn Rashid Al-Mualla, deputy ruler of Umm Al-Quwain praised the special relationship formed with Al-Rajhi Investment Group. He added: "We are devoted to encourage and strengthen investor relations. We are also devoted to provide the healthy structure needed for investments in our emirate with regards to both legislation and organizational laws".

He continued. "The Umm Al-Quwain government assures its adaptation for all investment aims and the freedom of funds. Above all, we work on fully exploiting all the possible capacities for this. "We shall always insist on the importance of utilizing the highest international standards in the domain of desalting sea water and insuring its delivery to the consumer with the best international specifications, and scientific means for development," said Ala Al-Khzaie, project manager.

"Despite this, we will not be satisfied with all what we have accomplished till now. This is a huge responsibility we remain committed to. What we are doing here is to encourage Umm Al-Quwain citizens, residents future generations to communicate with all the authorities in charge at Umm Al-Quwain, to continue to improve the quality of living". Al-Khzaie added.

By K.T. Abdurabb

© Arab News 2006