(original article by Robert Jobson, Evening Standard, 11 November 2016)
Prince Charles’s state visit to the Gulf has left many influential figures, both in the region and at home, feeling better about Britain and its place in the world.
This is the Prince’s fourth visit to the region in four years, at the request of the British government, “promoting the UK’s partnership in the region in key areas such as religious tolerance, military cooperation, supporting women in leadership, creating youth opportunities, preserving cultural heritage and wildlife conservation”.
During his visit Charles opened a new welfare block at Britain’s naval facility in Manama, Bahrain and met sailors on board HMS Middleton.
The unit, built on land gifted by the government, is using wastewater treatment technology deployed by award-winning British firm Bluewater Bio, a global specialist in technologies for cost-efficient, environmentally friendly water and wastewater treatment.
Its technology will help to clean the previously polluted water at the bay, helping to conserve the mangrove forest and protect Tubli Bay from further degradation.
The firm now plans to broaden its business across the region, an expansion which will be worth millions of pounds. Xan Morgan, Middle East director of Bluewater Bio, said: “The reality is that the visit from the Prince of Wales will be a powerful catalyst to our Gulf-wide expansion plans.”
Richard Haddon, the firm’s executive chairman, said: “We are delighted that our work at Tubli has been a resounding success and one that has exceeded the expectations of the client.
As a British-based company whose operations have been firmly established in the country for nearly 10 years, we are proud to call Bahrain our Middle East hub.
“Tubli continues to serve as a compelling showcase of our capabilities and technology, further strengthening our position both regionally and internationally. Tubli has been a true win-win project.”
