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Saudi Arabia’s water industry to grow as it increases desalination capacity

By 2027, the Kingdom's desalination capacity is anticipated to rise to 7.5 million cubic meters per day.

Saudi Arabia’s water industry to grow as it increases desalination capacity
[Source photo: Anvita Gupta/Fast Company Middle East]

Saudi Arabia has been identified as a water sector growth hotspot due to its significant private sector prospects. As per a report released ahead of the World Future Energy Summit, held between January 16–18 in Abu Dhabi, discussions around desalination, wastewater treatment, and digitization will be covered at the business event as three major growth opportunities for the Middle East’s water sector.

The paper underlines Saudi Arabia’s potential to spur private sector growth in the water sector as the country deals with the rising water demand brought on by economic diversification, population expansion, and urbanization.

The Kingdom is making significant infrastructure investments in wastewater treatment to enable water recycling and reuse. By 2027, the Kingdom’s desalination capacity is anticipated to rise from its current level of little more than 3 million cubic meters per day to 7.5 million cubic meters per day.

Along with 147 sewage treatment facilities spread out over the nation, the Saudi government is also spending money on nearly 15,000 kilometers of wastewater collection networks.

Meanwhile, the World Future Energy Summit report praised the UAE and Turkey for their efficient water reuse. The research highlights the UAE’s robust pipeline of water sector projects and how it supports the nation’s long-term future. As the region moves toward achieving treated water reuse of 95%, investments totaling $2.8 billion are anticipated to be made in the desalination sector.

Concerning Turkey, the country’s struggle with water, brought on by inefficient water use, is anticipated to boost demand for products and systems for water and wastewater treatment.

“Demand for recycling systems based on ZLD and RO technologies is predicted to meet the country’s development plan target of boosting wastewater reuse to 5 percent by the end of 2023,” the report stated.

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