ABU DHABI, UAE – Alan Thomson has been awarded an MBE for his career dedicated to water utilities in both the UK and Middle East.
Currently the managing director of the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC), Thomson was previously the regional director of Mouchel Parkman and director of customer networks at Scottish Water.
The citation for the MBE stated Thomson was awarded the MBE for “services to the UK, global water industries and associated charities.”
He told WWi magazine: “It’s nice to get recognition for my rewarding career - I’m really happy.
“Working in the operational areas of the water/wastewater industry can often be a thankless task and doesn’t always get recognised. This should be a motivation and recognition for others like me who have put a lot of time and effort into the industry, and enjoyed a very rewarding and satisfying career with lots of variety and challenges.”
Thomson has previously helped to raise £150,000 as chair of West of Scotland committee for charity, WaterAid.
“In the charity areas, there’s still a lot of work to do to get water and wastewater services to those who really lack basic infrastructure,” he added.
One major feather in Thomson’s career cap has been overseeing the development of the Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP) - a multi-billion dirham programme that will be one of the largest tunnelled sewerage systems in the world, with a planned working life of at least 80 years.
STEP will eventually enable Abu Dhabi to collect 100 percentof its municipal wastewater and reuse it for agricultural, forestry and golf course irrigation.
Seen as an expert on water utilities, Thomson has featured in WWi’ Top 25 Leaders in the past and has spoken at multiple conferences across the Middle East.
Defined as Member of the Order of the British Empire, an MBE is awarded to individuals for an outstanding achievement or services to the community.
Following a nomination, a committee’s recommendations go to the Prime Minister and then to the Queen, before the honour is awarded by the Royal Family.
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