How Saudi Arabia is engineering a water-secure future

How Saudi Arabia is engineering a water-secure future
Through strong policies, innovative technologies, and large-scale infrastructure projects, Saudi Arabia is creating a resilient, efficient water system that ensures secure access for future generations. (Reuters)
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Updated 22 March 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is engineering a water-secure future

How Saudi Arabia is engineering a water-secure future
  • KSA is leveraging advanced technologies to drive long-term sustainability and operational efficiency

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is tackling water scarcity with bold steps toward a sustainable future. Through its National Water Strategy and Vision 2030, the Kingdom is pioneering solutions to ensure long-term water availability.

Investing in desalination, wastewater reuse, and smart water management, Saudi Arabia is transforming the sector. 

The National Water Co. supports Vision 2030 by accelerating projects, improving infrastructure, and implementing digital water management for sustainability.

Water sustainability strategy

Hany Labib, chief operating officer of international consulting and engineering organization Dorsch Middle East, told Arab News that Saudi Arabia’s structured approach to water sustainability ensures that security of the natural resource remains central to national development.

“The National Water Strategy and Vision 2030 have created a framework that balances infrastructure expansion, regulatory reforms, and advanced water management practices to address the Kingdom’s water scarcity challenges,” he said.

Labib noted that a key pillar of this strategy is investing in water infrastructure, highlighting his company’s partnership with Saudi Arabia’s NWC to oversee 253 projects, enhancing efficiency and service delivery.

“These projects are designed to reinforce water distribution networks, improve wastewater treatment, and ensure long-term water reliance and a positive customer experience,” he added. 

Public awareness campaigns underscore conserva-tion’s importance amid climate pressures and population growth.

Adham Sleiman, water utilities expert at Kearney MEA

Another key initiative is Saudi Arabia’s focus on optimizing resource use by reducing water losses and maximizing wastewater reuse.

“With a considerable investment, this key initiative is not just addressing immediate water demands but also ensuring the sustainability of resources for future generations. By aligning sustainability goals with economic and environmental objectives, Saudi Arabia is setting a benchmark for comprehensive water management strategy within the region,” said Labib.

Smart water tech push

Saudi Arabia is leveraging advanced technologies to drive long-term sustainability and operational efficiency in the water sector.

Labib highlighted future technologies shaping Saudi Arabia’s sustainability and efficiency goals, noting the Kingdom’s leadership in smart water management solutions.

“With a growing number of water and wastewater projects in motion, technology is playing an increasingly critical role in optimizing resources, reducing waste, and ensuring long-term viability,” he said.

The Dorsch Middle East official explained that one of the most transformative innovations is the expansion of treated wastewater reuse, reducing reliance on freshwater sources while meeting industrial and agricultural needs.

“In parallel, real-time digital monitoring systems are improving network efficiency by detecting leaks, tracking consumption patterns, and optimizing distribution,” he said. 

Labib noted that low-energy desalination and next-generation filtration technologies will boost sustainability in water production.

He emphasized that through these innovations, Saudi Arabia is not only securing its own water future but also creating scalable solutions that other arid regions can adopt.

“In a fast-changing world of technology, Saudi Arabia seeks to be at the forefront of emerging technologies and make use of data in their water investment decisions. AI is a new tool which can greatly assist in the analysis of data arising from smart water systems including customer usage patterns,” said Labib.

Integrated water strategy

Adham Sleiman, water utilities expert at Kearney MEA, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s integrated water sustainability approach under its national strategy, emphasizing its long-term vision.

“The Kingdom advances desalination, groundwater conservation, and wastewater reuse, as well as leveraging smart technologies and renewable energy. Investments in digital monitoring, smart metering, and AI-driven leak detection enhance efficiency,” he said.

Sleiman noted that the strategy strengthens policy frameworks and governance to optimize water use, highlighted by the recent establishment of the Saudi Water Authority. In 2024, the NWC treated 2.1 billion cubic meters of wastewater, ensuring water security, sustainability, and efficiency. “These efforts reinforce Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a resilient water future,” Sleiman said. 

Saudi Arabia is at the center of water sustaina-bility initiatives, hosting major forums like the Saudi Water Forum and the One Water Summit.

Azamat Zhangeldin, manager, energy and process industries at Kearney MEA

PPPs driving innovation in sector 

As for public-private-partnerships in the sector, Sleiman emphasized that PPPs are key to advancing Saudi Arabia’s water infrastructure in alignment with Vision 2030, driving innovation and investment in the sector.

“The Saudi Water Partnership Co. has attracted over SR45 billion ($12 billion) in private sector investments, fostering efficiency and innovation in water production and treatment. Saudi water ecosystem’s collaborations with international firms introduce advanced technologies, such as energy-efficient desalination and smart water management systems,” Sleiman said.

He added that these partnerships distribute risks and leverage private sector expertise, leading to improved service quality and accelerated project delivery. “By expanding PPP frameworks, Saudi Arabia is strengthening its water security and promoting sustainable resource management,” said Sleiman.

Addressing climate risks 

Azamat Zhangeldin, manager, energy and process industries at Kearney MEA, highlighted how Saudi Arabia is preparing to address climate-related risks, such as prolonged droughts or shifting rainfall patterns, to ensure long-term water availability and resilience.

“Saudi Arabia is at the center of water sustainability initiatives, hosting major forums like the Saudi Water Forum and the One Water Summit, emphasizing integrated policies, economic development, and accelerating UN SDG (sustainable development goal) 6,” he told Arab News.

He added that recognizing limited freshwater sources, the Kingdom has invested heavily in desalination, with 33 plants and 139 purification facilities producing 11.5 million cubic meters daily.

“Public awareness campaigns underscore conservation’s importance amid climate pressures and population growth,” he said, concluding that these solutions, encompassing desalination, purification, dam construction, and flood management, enhance water resilience and storage, ensuring long-term availability and mitigating climate-induced risks.

Balanced approach

Dorsch Middle East’s Labib emphasized that sustainable urban planning is key to developing water security, citing initiatives such as Green Riyadh, which incorporate water-efficient irrigation and landscaping for long-term conservation.

He added that through strong policies, innovative technologies, and large-scale infrastructure projects, Saudi Arabia is creating a resilient, efficient water system that ensures secure access for future generations.

“The Kingdom’s ability to implement projects at scale while maintaining efficiency and resource optimization makes it a model for other nations facing similar water challenges,” said Labib.

He believes Saudi Arabia is creating a replicable blueprint for sustainable water management, and added: “The Kingdom’s success lies in its centralized water strategy, where strong governance frameworks, public-private partnerships, and technological advancements work in unison to achieve long-term water security.”


Saudi Arabia’s PIF starts selling 7-year sukuk, document shows 

Saudi Arabia’s PIF starts selling 7-year sukuk, document shows 
Updated 51 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia’s PIF starts selling 7-year sukuk, document shows 

Saudi Arabia’s PIF starts selling 7-year sukuk, document shows 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, has begun accepting bids for the sale of benchmark-sized, dollar-denominated 7-year Islamic bonds, or sukuk, according to an arranging bank document seen by Reuters on Wednesday. 

The indicative price for the sukuk sale has been placed around 145 basis points over US Treasuries, the document shows. 

Last week, Reuters reported through sources that Gulf issuers, including Saudi Arabia’s $925 billion sovereign wealth fund, are preparing a series of bond offerings despite market volatility caused by US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.


Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan sign SME deal to strengthen trade ties

Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan sign SME deal to strengthen trade ties
Updated 29 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan sign SME deal to strengthen trade ties

Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan sign SME deal to strengthen trade ties

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan have signed a comprehensive agreement focused on strengthening economic collaboration through the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, in a move that underscores both nations’ commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and investment.

The memorandum of understanding was formalized during the 8th session of the Saudi-Azerbaijani Joint Committee, held in Riyadh. It was signed between Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, known as Monsha’at, and Azerbaijan’s Small and Medium Business Development Agency, known as KOBIA.

The SME agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which prioritizes economic diversification and entrepreneurship. For Azerbaijan, it marks another step in forging strategic partnerships in the Gulf region to bolster private-sector growth and create new market opportunities for innovative enterprises.

In a statement posted on X, Monsha’at said: “In the presence of H.E Minister of Investment, Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Samir Sharifov, Monsha’at, signed a MoU with ‘KOBİA’ Agency, as part of the 8th session of the Saudi-Azerbaijani Joint Committee activities, to strengthen cooperation in supporting the SMEs and entrepreneurship’s growth between the two countries.”

The agreement encompasses a broad range of initiatives, including knowledge exchange, joint training programs, and support for technical innovation. It also promotes investment opportunities, cross-border partnerships, and institutional collaboration through exhibitions and shared platforms.

 

 

In a separate announcement, the Saudi Ministry of Investment revealed the signing of two additional memorandums of understanding between private-sector companies from both countries.

“These agreements cover the development of maritime infrastructure and the establishment of industrial and medical facilities in the Kingdom, including the production of biotechnology and oncology medicines, the establishment of research and development centers, and infrastructure for re-export warehouses,” the Ministry noted in a post on X.

The joint committee also reviewed a series of potential joint ventures aimed at strengthening cooperation across mutually beneficial sectors. These initiatives are closely aligned with both countries’ long-term goals for economic diversification.

Officials from Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan emphasized the importance of fostering dynamic SME ecosystems as engines of job creation, innovation, and global competitiveness. By aligning policy frameworks and enabling institutional collaboration, the two nations aim to unlock greater private-sector engagement and regional trade expansion.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 11,746

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 11,746
Updated 29 April 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 11,746

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 11,746

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index dipped on Tuesday, losing 38.43 points, or 0.33 percent, to close at 11,746.20.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.87 billion ($1.83 billion), as 86 stocks advanced, while only 157 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index decreased by 5 points, or 0.33 percent, to close at 1,493.77. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, dipped, losing 89.34 points, or 0.31 percent, to close at 28,331.37. This comes as 35 stocks advanced, while 43 retreated.

The best-performing stock on the main index was Arabian Contracting Services Co., with its share price surging by 9.88 percent to SR131.20.

Other top performers included Al-Baha Investment and Development Co., which saw its share price rise by 4.94 percent to SR4.25, and Sumou Real Estate Co., which saw a 3.93 percent increase to SR 46.25. 

The worst performer of the day was Alistithmar AREIC Diversified REIT Fund, whose share price fell by 3.39 percent to SR9.41. 

Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Co. and Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co. also saw declines, with their shares dropping by 2.94 percent and 2.83 percent to SR185 and SR5.83, respectively. 

On the announcements front, Alinma Bank announced its interim financial results for the first three months of the year, with net profit amounting to SR1.5 million, a 1.3 percent dip compared to the previous quarter.

The bank’s total comprehensive income saw a 56 percent increase in the first quarter of 2025 to reach SR1.6 million. 

Saudi Ceramic Co. also announced its financial results for the same period, with its net profit dipping by 88.4 percent to SR20.8 million compared to the previous quarter. Similarly, the company’s total comprehensive income saw a decrease of 88.7 percent to SR20.8 million. 

Saudi Ceramic Co.’s share price traded 3.15 percent higher on the main market to reach SR27.85. 

In the first quarter of 2025, Astra Industrial Group’s net profits saw a 30.7 percent quarter-on-quarter increase to reach SR171.8 million. The group attributed the increase to an uptick in gross profit in the pharmaceuticals sector and a decrease in finance costs in the specialty chemical sector. 

The group’s share price traded 0.52 percent lower to reach SR153.


Diriyah Co. awards $1.13bn contract for King Saud University relocation 

Diriyah Co. awards $1.13bn contract for King Saud University relocation 
Updated 29 April 2025
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Diriyah Co. awards $1.13bn contract for King Saud University relocation 

Diriyah Co. awards $1.13bn contract for King Saud University relocation 

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Co. has awarded a SR4.22 billion ($1.13 billion) construction contract to relocate King Saud University’s utilities and administration offices, advancing infrastructure development in one of the Kingdom’s flagship urban projects. 

The project was given to a joint venture between China Railway Construction Corp.’s Saudi branch and China Railway Construction Group Central Plain Construction Co., according to a press release. 

Part of the Public Investment Fund’s giga-project portfolio, the Diriyah development is a 14 sq. km mixed-use district poised to house nearly 100,000 residents and provide office space for tens of thousands of professionals across the technology, media, arts, and education sectors. 

Once complete, it is expected to generate 178,000 jobs, attract nearly 50 million annual visitors, and contribute SR70 billion to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product. 

Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Co., said: “We are delighted to announce this major contract to support King Saud University, whose campus adjoins the Diriyah development area.” 

He emphasized that the agreement represents a significant step in furthering efforts to enhance both educational and infrastructural excellence in the Kingdom. 

“We are proud to support one of the Kingdom’s leading academic institutions in delivering enhanced infrastructure services that will benefit both its students and the broader university community,” Inzerillo said. 

The contract includes the design and construction of several critical infrastructure components. These include a district cooling plant, water storage facilities, and a sewage treatment plant, as well as an LPG/SNG plant and a diesel pumping station. 

The scope also covers a utility tunnel, irrigation tanks, office buildings, warehouses, and maintenance workshops. 

Li Chongyang, chairman of China Railway Construction International Group, said the project reflects the firm’s commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure to the highest standards. 

“We look forward to contributing to the success of this iconic project and supporting the continued growth of King Saud University,” he said. 

This latest award brings the total value of contracts issued by Diriyah Co. in 2025 to over $2.9 billion, as the area undergoes rapid transformation into a global destination aligned with Vision 2030.


Qatar attracts $13.8m industrial investments in Q1

Qatar attracts $13.8m industrial investments in Q1
Updated 29 April 2025
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Qatar attracts $13.8m industrial investments in Q1

Qatar attracts $13.8m industrial investments in Q1

JEDDAH: Qatar recorded 50 million riyals ($13.8 million) in new industrial investments and a 32 percent rise in commercial registrations in the first quarter of 2025, underscoring momentum in its economic diversification and reform agenda.

At its quarterly meeting held on April 28 and chaired by Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al-Thani, the ministry reviewed key performance indicators and introduced several policy updates aimed at bolstering the business environment.

Among the major reforms highlighted were streamlined company registration procedures for foreign investors and simplified environmental permitting processes.

“The meeting also discussed cooperating with the Ministry of Transport to include logistical activities under a single commercial registration; and announcing the automatic issuance of a tax card upon issuing a commercial registration,” the ministry said in a press release.

In January, Qatar unveiled two major policy frameworks: the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Strategy and the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy 2024–2030. Under the theme “Achieving Sustainable Economic Growth,” the initiatives are aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and aim to enhance private sector participation, expand manufacturing capabilities, and attract foreign direct investment.

The strategies target a 3.4 percent compound annual growth rate in non-oil sectors by 2030 and aim to secure $100 billion in foreign investment, while promoting an innovation-driven economy.

As part of its efforts to support local industry, the ministry launched a new “National Product” webpage to promote fair competition and improve product quality. The verification period also began for factories seeking benefits under the In-Country Value Plus policy.

“The meeting further discussed the key performance indicators for various sectors and administrative units. Results showed that the contribution of the manufacturing sector to real gross domestic product reached 52.4 billion riyals in 2024,” the ministry said.

Qatar also made notable gains in global competitiveness, climbing from 18th in 2022 to 11th in 2024 in the International Institute for Management Development’s business efficiency rankings.

During the first quarter, the ministry conducted 39,558 inspection campaigns and reported significant progress under the Third National Development Strategy.

“The meeting also reviewed the progress of projects under the Third National Development Strategy – concluding that 17 percent of the ministry’s projects were completed and work is ongoing on 23 percent of projects,” the report said.

Efforts to reduce service fees and simplify business registration for overseas investors have contributed to an 87 percent increase in new commercial licenses compared to the same period in 2024. The time required to issue commercial registrations has also decreased significantly.

“Furthermore, the increase of permissible activities for home-based businesses from 10 to 63 activities led to a 54 percent surge in the number of home business licenses,” the ministry noted.

The Single Window platform introduced three new e-services in the first quarter, with 38 additional services scheduled for rollout later this year, supported by strong user satisfaction.

“Local patent applications, trademark registration applications, and copyright registration applications grew by more than 18 percent compared to the first quarter of 2024,” the statement added.

On the industrial front, eight new factories were launched in Q1, and non-hydrocarbon industrial exports reached approximately 29.8 billion riyals. The ministry also began reviewing six potential public-private partnership opportunities.

In consumer affairs, authorities ramped up inspection and awareness campaigns to deter trade violations and reviewed the nation’s strategic stockpile and food and fodder security.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Undersecretary Mohamed bin Hassan Al-Maliki, assistant undersecretaries, and department directors.

It concluded with a review of project milestones and discussions on overcoming implementation challenges while improving operational performance.