Veolia Sets Sights on Saudi Waste Management Leadership
Strategic Partnership Aims to Transform Waste Treatment Landscape by 2027
During a high-profile state visit to Saudi Arabia, French multinational Veolia solidified its commitment to the region’s burgeoning waste management sector. On December 3, the company announced a significant memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC). This strategic partnership will leverage both companies’ expertise to develop innovative waste treatment solutions, with the ultimate goal of establishing a “national and regional champion” in the handling of organic, industrial, and hazardous waste by 2027.
This move represents a pivotal milestone in Veolia’s ambitious GreenUp 24-27 strategic plan, which designates the Middle East as a key geographical focus for growth. Recognizing the region’s rapid development and infrastructure requirements, Veolia is channeling substantial resources into projects that span water, energy, and waste management sectors.
Ambitious Growth Projections Underscore Veolia’s Confidence
Veolia’s commitment to the Middle East goes beyond rhetoric. The company projects a remarkable 50% acceleration in its regional turnover by 2030, driven by a growing pipeline of projects. In 2023 alone, Veolia achieved a consolidated turnover of 280 million euros in the region, with a strong workforce of 2,500 employees based in Saudi Arabia. This expansion reflects Veolia’s broader Middle Eastern footprint, which reached a total turnover of 1.1 billion euros in the same year.
Within the waste sector, Veolia is already making a tangible impact on Saudi Arabia’s environmental landscape. Currently, the company processes 4.1 million tonnes of industrial waste nationwide, bolstering the country’s waste management infrastructure. More impressive still, Veolia boasts a hazardous waste treatment capacity exceeding 350 KT through its operation of several landmark sites.
With the new partnership with SIRC, Veolia seeks to further elevate its contributions to Saudi Arabia’s sustainable development agenda. by establishing state-of-the-art facilities and implementing efficient waste management practices, Veolia will play a pivotal role in transforming the kingdom’s approach to waste as a valuable resource.
Unlocking Potential: The SIRC Collaboration
The memorandum of understanding with SIRC is poised to significantly enhance Veolia’s operational landscape in Saudi Arabia. SIRC, a leading player in the Saudi recycling industry, brings extensive local knowledge and a proven track record in circular economy initiatives.
By combining Veolia’s global expertise in waste management technologies with SIRC’s deep understanding of the local market, the partnership is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goals. The collaboration aims to maximize resource recovery, minimize environmental impact, and create new economic opportunities within the waste management sector.
This strategic alliance is a testament to Veolia’s commitment to making a tangible difference in the region. By fostering collaboration and innovation, Veolia is paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for Saudi Arabia.
What are the key aspects of Veolia’s “GreenUp 24-27” strategy that are relevant to the Middle East?
## Waste Not, Want Not: Veolia Bets Big on Saudi Arabia’s Future
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing a major development in the world of waste management. Joining us is [Guest Name], an expert on sustainable development in the Middle East. [Guest Name], thanks for being here.
**Guest:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** So, French multinational Veolia just announced a major partnership with the Saudi Investment Recycling Company, SIRC. What does this deal signify, and why is it generating so much buzz?
**Guest:** This is a fascinating development. Veolia is a global leader in environmental solutions, and this partnership signifies their serious commitment to the burgeoning waste management sector in Saudi Arabia. They’re aiming to create a “national and regional champion” for handling various waste types – organic, industrial, and even hazardous waste – by 2027. This is a bold ambition, and it speaks volumes about their confidence in the region’s future. [[1](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/veolia-boosts-activities-middle-east-100000362.html)]
**Host:** Veolia’s announcement mentions their ”GreenUp 24-27″ strategy. Can you tell us more about that plan and how it relates to the Middle East?
**Guest:** Absolutely. GreenUp 24-27 is Veolia’s roadmap for sustainable growth, and the Middle East is a key focus area. They recognize the tremendous development happening in the region and recognize the need for robust infrastructure, including effective waste management solutions. This partnership with SIRC is a perfect example of how Veolia is putting that strategy into action.
**Host:** The press release mentions impressive growth projections for Veolia in the Middle East – a 50% increase in turnover by 2030. What are the drivers behind this optimism?
**Guest:** This growth is driven by a number of factors. Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East are experiencing rapid urbanization and industrialization, which generates a lot of waste. This demands innovative and efficient solutions, which Veolia is well-positioned to provide. Also, the region is increasingly prioritizing sustainability and environmental protection, creating a favorable environment for companies like Veolia.
**Host:** Thank you, [Guest Name], for shedding light on this significant development. This partnership appears to be a win-win for both Veolia and Saudi Arabia, paving the way for a more sustainable future in the region.
**Guest:** I agree. This is a fascinating development to watch, and I believe it’s just the beginning of a broader trend towards sustainable solutions in the Middle East.