Today, on Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of Emirati women who are making a profound impact across various fields. One such trailblazer is Fatema Naser, a Process and Environmental Support Engineer at Veolia, who is at the forefront of one of the most innovative projects in the UAE: the first Biogas to Energy plant at Warsan in Dubai.
Veolia, a global leader in environmental solutions, is renowned for its expertise in waste management, water treatment, and energy services. The company is deeply committed to advancing ecological transformation, and its presence in the UAE is marked by groundbreaking initiatives that contribute to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Biogas to Energy plant at Warsan demonstrates Veolia’s innovative spirit, converting waste into energy and setting a new benchmark for sustainable practices in the region.
The Warsan Wastewater Treatment Plant in Dubai produces 57,000 cubic metres of biogas daily as a byproduct of its advanced treatment processes. This biogas is crucial to the plant’s sustainability efforts, with approximately 54,800 cubic metres per day being utilised in a biogas power project that generates 121 MWh of electricity. This energy production meets 50 percent of the plant’s power needs, significantly reducing its reliance on external energy sources. Notably, the project features fully automated operations, employing over 350 tools to continuously monitor processes around the clock, ensuring optimal efficiency and safety.
The plant operates within Dubai’s extensive sewerage infrastructure, which boasts a network spanning over 3 million metres. This network includes 56 rainwater pumping stations, 110 substations, and 13 main pumping stations, all contributing to the city’s robust waste management system. Dubai’s sewerage system supports two major wastewater treatment facilities: the Warsan plant, with a daily capacity of up to 325,000 cubic metres, and a larger facility in Jebel Ali, capable of handling up to 675,000 cubic metres daily.
Fatema Naser’s journey into engineering began with a childhood dream, one that was nurtured and supported by her family. Excelling academically in Sharjah, she earned the opportunity to study at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, where she laid the foundation for her professional career. Reflecting on her early aspirations, she shares, “As a child, I always dreamed of becoming an engineer. My family was incredibly supportive of this ambition, and my academic success in Sharjah enabled me to pursue an engineering degree at Khalifa University.”
Fatema’s career took an exciting turn when she discovered that Veolia, a company she had admired from afar, when she was studying in France, was operating in the UAE. She recalls her initial surprise and excitement, saying, “I wasn’t expecting to find Veolia in the UAE at that time. I had always heard about the company in France, where it is one of the most renowned in waste, water, and energy management. When I learned that Veolia was here, I knew I wanted to be a part of their work, especially in a role that combined all three areas.”
The Biogas to Energy plant at Warsan, where Fatema is now based, is particularly significant as it is the first dedicated facility in the UAE for converting biogas into energy. Fatema describes the plant with enthusiasm: “This plant is incredibly interesting because it’s the first of its kind, focused entirely on biogas for energy. Although it’s a relatively small plant, it offers a unique opportunity to be deeply involved in the process. Every day since I started in January, I’ve been discovering new aspects of the operation, always with the support of my team.”
In her role, Fatema is responsible for overseeing the various processes within the plant, ensuring they meet stringent environmental standards, and closely monitoring greenhouse gas emissions. She takes great pride in both the learning opportunities and the contributions she makes to the project. “I’m continuously learning, but at the same time, I’m adding my own value. From the very first day I joined Veolia, they made it clear that my input was valued, and I’ve been fully included in the process ever since.”
Beyond her work at the Warsan plant, Fatema is also playing a crucial role in expanding Veolia’s ecological transformation efforts across all of its UAE plants. Her commitment to sustainability and her pioneering spirit are evident as she works diligently to ensure that all of Veolia’s projects in the region adhere to the highest ecological standards. “We’ve achieved 100% in biogas to energy conversion here, but my work doesn’t stop at this plant. I’m actively involved in deploying ecological transformation across all of Veolia’s plants in the UAE,” she explains.
On this Emirati Women’s Day, Fatema offers a powerful message of encouragement to her fellow women engineers, particularly those from the UAE. “To the women engineers, and especially to my fellow Emirati engineers, I say: stay confident and trust in yourself to become the best engineer you can be. When you set your mind to it, that belief will drive you forward. It’s not about your age or your experience—it’s about your determination to make your own path. Don’t just go with the flow; create your own flow.”
Fatema Naser’s work at Veolia not only exemplifies the innovative and forward-thinking ethos of the company but also highlights the significant contributions that Emirati women are making to the UAE’s ongoing ecological transformation. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, ambition, and self-belief, serving as an inspiration to all who strive to make a difference in their chosen fields. Today, as we honour the achievements of Emirati women, Fatema stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished through dedication and determination.
