The UAE's oldest desalination station, Al Burairat Water Desalination, has been repurposed into an educational museum and innovation hub within just 58 days. The site, previously buried under sand and rubble with no road access, was once home to the oldest desalination facility in the UAE, dating back to the 1970s. Now, the museum functions as a time capsule, illustrating the progression of desalination technology, which involves the removal of salt and minerals from water to make it suitable for human consumption, irrigation, or industrial purposes.

The water station holds archaeological significance as a primary water source for the region, with the ancient well 'Tawi Al Burairat' tracing back hundreds of years. The modern desalination techniques differ greatly from those used in the past. Since the station remains intact, it was decided to transform this historical site into an educational venue for school students and aspiring engineers. The station was decommissioned due to increased capacity from other facilities in the northern regions. The broader site has been converted into a distribution center with a storage capacity of 50 million gallons, making it the largest in the Emirate after the Al Kharijah distribution center. It now serves as an intermediary distribution hub within the Etihad Water and Electricity network.

The project, initiated in April 2024 by the CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity, Yousif Al Ali, and Shaikha Murad AlBlooshi, SVP of Human Capital & Administration, faced numerous challenges. Ayesha Salem Al Suwaidi, Project Manager of the Etihad Water and Electricity Museum, recalled, 'Initially, the idea seemed almost impossible.' The team spent a week just cutting an entry point into the original 1977 water tank to assess its feasibility. Despite these hurdles, the team worked around the clock, including weekends, to complete the project in under two months.

Within 58 days, the entire space was transformed, with landscaping and interlocking tiles added to the once desert-covered area. The rapid development was a notable achievement. The initiative also uncovered rare artifacts, such as photographs from the 1960s and images of Sheikh Zayed inaugurating the Al-Burairat station in the 1970s. These discoveries were made possible through collaboration with employees, local archives, and national television stations.

Initially planned as a museum, the project expanded to include workshops and programs for students and engineers. 'The idea evolved into creating a hub for energy and innovation. We're now partnering with universities, schools, and local and federal entities to make this a dynamic learning space,' Al Suwaidi said. The transformation marks the first phase of the project, with further expansion and integration of advanced educational programs planned for the next year.

Al Suwaidi explained the meticulous effort to preserve the site's original elements. 'We didn't expect to find equipment dating back to the 1960s, but it was a treasure trove of heritage. From old handwritten schematics to detailed engineering drawings, we uncovered many artifacts preserved within the station,' she said. The museum houses rare items, including handwritten notes, technical manuals, and equipment from the plant's operational days. One standout feature is the original computer cartridge used to document the project's completion in 1981.

In the coming months, the museum plans to install solar panels, making it entirely powered by clean solar energy. This will be the first step in turning the museum into a comprehensive solar energy hub. The museum is designed to bridge the past, present, and future of energy innovation. The restoration includes three key landmarks within the site: the desalination plant, a historic water tank that now serves as the heart of the museum, and a centuries-old well located inside a fortress on the premises.

'Our goal is to create a space that reflects the evolution of water and energy services while embracing future technologies,' Al Suwaidi said. The initiative aligns with the UAE's sustainability goals and offers a glimpse into the innovation that has shaped the nation. The transformation of this historic site underscores Ras Al Khaimah's commitment to preserving its heritage while driving sustainable progress.

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