Aviation and desalination updates from UAE and Saudi Arabia

AVIATION-

Joby + Jetex to advance eVTOL taxi project: Jetex and Joby Aviation have partnered to integrate Joby's electric air taxis into Jetex's network of private terminals, starting with locations in the UAE, according to a statement. Joby plans to install its Global Electric Aviation Charging System (GEACS) at Jetex sites, facilitating efficient and eco-friendly travel between key destinations. The partnership aligns with Joby's exclusive agreement with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years, with the first vertiport already under construction at Dubai International Airport.

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REMEMBER- The first of Joby's four aerial taxi vertiports in Dubai was greenlit for construction near Dubai International Airport last month. Joby Aviation is set to commence commercial services of its battery-powered air taxis in Dubai by late next year. The company plans to have the infrastructure needed to run the electric air vehicles ready this year, before running initial flights in 2H 2025, in preparation for a full commercial launch at the end of 2025.

DESALINATION-

SPWC selects bidder for Jubail 4 and 6: The Saudi Water Partnerships Company (SWPC) has selected the preferred bidder for the Jubail 4 and Jubail 6 Independent Water Plant (IWP) projects, according to a statement. The preferred bidder is a consortium comprising Acwa Power, Haji Abdullah Alireza & Partners Company, and AlSharif Contracting and Commercial Development. The projects will have a combined potable water production capacity of 600k cbm/ day. The projects will be developed and operated by the private sector for 25 years, starting from the commercial operation date expected in the first quarter of 2028. The scope includes constructing an electrical substation connected to the main power source via a transmission line and connecting to the Jubail Water Transmission Complex.

This was in the works: The company issued tenders to the pre-qualified bidders last January which included the finance, development, operation, and maintenance of the seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination water projects. The projects were first set to start commercial operations in 3Q 2027. The prequalified bidders included Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, Acciona Agua, and Engie.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES-

Jameel Motors to distribute Farizon EV in the UK: Saudi Arabia's Abdul Latif Jameel Group subsidiary automotive distributor Jameel Motors has partnered with China's electric and hybrid truck manufacturer and Geely subsidiary Farizon to launch its electric vehicles in the UK market, according to a statement. Jameel Motors will manage the distribution of the Farizon SV in the UK and other European countries. The Farizon SV large van will lead the brand's UK debut, with sales set to begin in the first half of 2025.

DEBT WATCH-

ADFD to supply AED 92 mn loan for water security in Rwanda: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) will extend an AED 92 mn loan to the Government of Rwanda to support the expansion of water transmission and distribution at the Karenge Water Treatment Plant, according to a statement. The project will also help improve the efficiency of the system and bolster water security in Rwanda, while meeting growing demand, Ambassador of Rwanda to the UAE John Mirenge said.