Phone Number
Email Address
Working Hours
Saudi Arabia has always stood at the crossroads of ambition and necessity when it comes to water management. As the driest nation in the world without permanent rivers, the Kingdom’s dependence on desalination is not a choice—it’s survival. But under Vision 2030, desalination has moved beyond survival. It has become a strategic sector for investment, technology innovation, and global partnerships.
This 2025 guide takes a deep dive into Saudi Arabia’s desalination mega projects, their technological foundations, and the business opportunities they present for both local and international investors.
Introduction: Why Desalination is Saudi’s Lifeline
Vision 2030 and the Role of Desalination
Current State of Saudi Desalination Capacity
Mega Projects Reshaping the Sector
Rabigh 3 IWP
Shuqaiq 3 & 4
Jubail Desalination Hub
NEOM’s Solar-Powered Desalination Model
Cutting-Edge Technologies in Saudi Desalination
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Hybrid Systems
Renewable Energy Integration
AI & Smart Monitoring
Global Partnerships: Why Saudi is a Magnet for Water Tech Firms
Business Opportunities in Desalination Value Chain
EPC Contracts
O&M Services
Localization & Supply Chains
R&D & Innovation Hubs
Challenges in Saudi Desalination & Investor Insights
Future Outlook: Scaling for 2030 and Beyond
Conclusion
FAQs
Saudi Arabia’s climate is defined by scorching summers, scarce rainfall, and no permanent rivers or lakes. For decades, the Kingdom has relied on desalination to provide more than 60% of its drinking water. The country operates the world’s largest desalination plants, supplying water to cities, industries, and agricultural projects.
But growing demand driven by population growth, urban expansion, and giga projects like NEOM and Qiddiya means Saudi needs innovative, scalable solutions. Hence, desalination has evolved into a national priority sector backed by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) and the National Water Strategy.
For businesses, this presents an unprecedented entry point into a multi-billion-dollar industry.
Under Vision 2030, Saudi aims to:
Localize desalination technologies to reduce import dependency.
Expand capacity through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Achieve cost reductions via renewable-powered plants.
Position itself as a global leader in sustainable water solutions.
In 2025 alone, SWPC has announced over $10 billion in new desalination tenders, signaling the massive scale of expansion ahead.
Saudi Arabia produces 7.5 million cubic meters of desalinated water per day, the highest in the world.
More than 30 desalination plants are operational across the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts.
The goal: expand production to 10 million m³/day by 2030.
The transition is toward reverse osmosis (RO)-based plants, which are 30–40% more energy-efficient compared to thermal distillation plants.
World’s largest RO desalination plant (600,000 m³/day).
Built under an Independent Water Producer (IWP) model.
Investors include ACWA Power, Saudi Brothers, and Shuqaiq Water & Electricity Co.
Located on the Red Sea coast.
Combined capacity: 800,000 m³/day.
Built with global partners from Spain, South Korea, and China.
Major project in the Eastern Province.
Supplies water to Riyadh and industrial clusters.
NEOM is pioneering renewable-powered desalination, aiming for 100% sustainable water supply.
Based on brine-free desalination processes, reducing environmental harm.
The dominant technology in Saudi Arabia.
Uses semi-permeable membranes to remove salt.
Costs reduced to as low as $0.50/m³, making it competitive globally.
Combining thermal & RO systems for efficiency.
Provides flexibility during peak demand.
Solar and wind are increasingly powering desalination.
NEOM is piloting hydrogen-powered desalination plants.
AI is being used to optimize plant efficiency, detect membrane fouling, and predict demand patterns.
IoT integration for real-time monitoring is now a standard.
Saudi’s desalination sector thrives on international collaboration.
Spanish firms lead in EPC contracts.
South Korean companies supply engineering & heavy equipment.
Local champions like ACWA Power and SWPC drive partnerships.
Foreign companies benefit from:
PPP models with guaranteed revenue streams.
Government incentives for localization and R&D.
Access to neighboring GCC and African markets.
Billions in contracts are available for design, engineering, and construction.
Long-term operation and maintenance deals provide recurring revenue streams.
Demand for local manufacturing of membranes, pumps, pipes, and chemicals.
Opportunities for foreign startups to establish water innovation labs in NEOM and KAUST.
High energy consumption remains a challenge.
Brine disposal poses environmental risks.
Local talent gaps in advanced water engineering.
However, each challenge is a business opportunity—from renewable energy integration to circular economy models (reusing brine for minerals).
By 2030, Saudi aims to:
Provide 70% of water through desalination.
Integrate renewable energy across new plants.
Position itself as the global hub for sustainable water technology exports.
Because it has no permanent rivers and limited freshwater resources, desalination provides over 60% of its water supply.
Around 7.5 million cubic meters/day, the largest globally.
Reverse Osmosis (RO), due to its lower energy costs and scalability.
PPP-based desalination projects where private companies build and operate plants under long-term contracts.
ACWA Power is the leading local player, involved in most mega projects.
It aims for 100% renewable-powered, brine-free desalination.
Through EPC contracts, joint ventures, and technology licensing agreements.
As low as $0.50/m³ in modern RO plants.
Yes, especially in solar and hydrogen-powered models.
Supplying membranes, spare parts, monitoring solutions, and O&M services.
High energy use, brine disposal, and need for skilled labor.
Brine is the concentrated salt byproduct of desalination, which can harm marine ecosystems if not managed.
By investing in brine utilization projects to extract minerals like magnesium and lithium.
PPP ensures private investment with guaranteed government-backed returns.
Yes, especially in tech transfer, EPC partnerships, and supply chains.
NEOM, Red Sea Global, Qiddiya, and Diriyah all rely on advanced desalination.
It will expand capacity, localize technology, and lower costs.
Plants combining thermal and RO technologies for reliability and efficiency.
The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC).
A mega project in the Eastern Province supplying Riyadh and industries.
Billions annually; 2025 tenders alone exceeded $10 billion.
Yes, for predictive maintenance, efficiency optimization, and demand forecasting.
Hydrogen-powered plants will make desalination cleaner and sustainable.
Membranes, pumps, and pipes are top demand areas for localization.
Because it’s a fast-growing, government-backed, and future-proof sector with guaranteed demand.
| Project Name | Location | Capacity (m³/day) | Technology | Key Investment Partners | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rabigh 3 IWP | Rabigh, Red Sea | 600,000 | Reverse Osmosis (RO) | ACWA Power, Saudi Brothers, Shuqaiq Water & Electricity Co. | World’s largest RO plant; supports Red Sea cities & industries |
| Shuqaiq 3 | Jizan, Red Sea Coast | 450,000 | RO | Acciona (Spain), Marubeni (Japan), Rawabi Holding (Saudi) | Critical for southern provinces & Red Sea tourism projects |
| Shuqaiq 4 | Adjacent to Shuqaiq 3 | 380,000 | RO | Doosan (Korea), SEPCO (China), Saudi firms | Ensures redundancy & stability for growing demand in Red Sea corridor |
| Jubail Desalination Hub | Eastern Province | 800,000+ (phased) | Hybrid (RO + Thermal) | SWCC, local EPC contractors, international partners | Supplies Riyadh, industrial clusters, and oil-related industries |
| NEOM’s Solar-Powered Desalination Plant | NEOM (Red Sea) | Pilot phase ~50,000 (scalable to >300,000) | Solar-powered Brine-Free RO | NEOM Water Co., international cleantech startups | 100% renewable model; showcase of sustainable desalination |
✅ Key Takeaways for Investors:
Rabigh 3 & Shuqaiq projects dominate Red Sea supply with proven RO technology.
Jubail is the largest strategic hub, serving both population centers and industries.
NEOM’s model is the most innovative, offering green desalination opportunities and potential for tech startups.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP/IWP) ensure guaranteed government-backed returns.
From securing an audited company profile, handling all document attestations, and obtaining approvals from MISAto issuing your Commercial Registration, we handle the entire business setup — quickly, efficiently, and without hassle.
1. We Understand the Process, So You Don’t Have To
Navigating the regulations in Saudi Arabia can be complex. That’s why our experts handle all the paperwork, approvals, and formalities on your behalf.
2. Tailored Solutions for Every Business
Whether you’re a startup or an international corporation, our services are customized to fit your unique needs.
3. Your Success Is Our Priority
From the moment you contact us, your goals become our mission. We pride ourselves on fast results and exceptional service.
