The UAE’s oldest desalination station, Al Burairat Water Desalination, has been transformed into an educational museum and innovation hub in a remarkable 58-day project. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, the station, which dates back to the 1970s, was once a primary water source for the region. Now, it serves as a time capsule that highlights the evolution of desalination technology, which is crucial for making water safe for consumption and other uses.
The facility, which was decommissioned due to increased capacity from newer stations, is situated on a historically significant site that includes the ancient well “Tawi Al Burairat.” The well is hundreds of years old and adds cultural value to the area. Although the technology used in desalination has vastly evolved, the decision was made to preserve this heritage and use the site to educate future engineers and students.
The site has since been converted into a major distribution center with a storage capacity of 50 million gallons of water, making it the largest in the emirate after the Al Kharijah distribution center. It now plays an essential role in the Etihad Water and Electricity network as a key intermediary distribution hub.
A Vision Realized in Record Time
The transformation project began in April 2024, led by Yousif Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity, and Shaikha Murad AlBlooshi, SVP of Human Capital and Administration. The team faced numerous challenges, including creating an entry point into the station’s original water tank, which was built in 1977. After a week of effort just to cut an opening, the team worked tirelessly, even during weekends, to complete the project in an astonishing 58 days.
Al Suwaidi, the project manager, shared the excitement of the team’s success. “The rapid transformation, from a site covered in sand and rubble to a fully functional educational hub, was a significant accomplishment,” she said.
Preserving History and Showcasing Innovation
In the process of restoring the station, rare artifacts were discovered, such as photos from the 1960s and images of Sheikh Zayed opening the desalination station in the 1970s. These artifacts were found with the help of employees, local archives, and even national television stations.
Initially envisioned solely as a museum, the project evolved into a dynamic hub for energy and innovation. The museum now offers workshops and educational programs for students and engineers, with plans to expand further in the coming months. Collaboration with universities, schools, and other organizations is underway to make the site a vibrant learning space.
Al Suwaidi emphasized the importance of preserving the station’s original elements, uncovering technical manuals, old schematics, and even a computer cartridge used to document the station’s completion in 1981. “These items tell the story of the people who worked here and the heritage of the desalination industry in the UAE,” she said.
Looking Toward the Future
The museum’s future is bright. Plans are in place to install solar panels, which will power the entire facility using clean energy. This will be the first step in turning the museum into a hub for solar energy innovation. The site’s restoration includes key landmarks: the desalination plant, the historic water tank that now serves as the museum’s centerpiece, and the centuries-old well.
“The goal is to create a space that showcases the evolution of water and energy services while incorporating future technologies,” Al Suwaidi explained. The project aligns with the UAE’s sustainability goals and offers visitors an insight into the nation’s commitment to innovation.
The transformation of the Al Burairat Water Desalination station underscores Ras Al Khaimah’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage while embracing sustainable progress and energy innovation for the future.
