Saudi Arabia: A Global Leader in Water Production and Innovation
Saudi Arabia continues to be the world’s top producer of desalinated water, with a yearly production of 4.19 million cubic meters. The country’s vast network of water pipelines, stretching over 14,210 kilometers, can deliver 19.42 million cubic meters of water every day. This is part of Saudi Arabia’s “Water Strategy,” which supports these achievements.
The Kingdom holds multiple Guinness World Records. These include having the world’s largest potable water storage network, which can store 8.9 million cubic meters daily. Additionally, Riyadh hosts the world’s largest drinking water storage facility, with a capacity of 4.79 million cubic meters per day.
Saudi Arabia also leads in desalination technology, with the largest thermal evaporation unit located in Shuaiba. It processes 92,000 cubic meters of water daily. Moreover, the country has the world’s largest mobile desalination plant, capable of producing 50,000 cubic meters daily. Saudi Arabia’s desalination plants are also the most energy-efficient, using just 2.271 kWh per cubic meter.
In addition to desalination, the National Water Company (NWC) has been working on several projects. Last year, they completed 36 water service projects valued at 992 million riyals. These included 894 kilometers of pipelines and 29 reservoirs with a combined storage capacity of 109,500 cubic meters. NWC is on track to finish 31 more projects by the end of 2024.
Saudi Arabia is also focused on wastewater management. They completed 12 wastewater projects last year and plan to finish another 26 by the end of 2024. These projects are vital for the Kingdom’s sustainable water use.
During the Hajj season, over 45 million cubic meters of water were delivered to pilgrims, ensuring top-quality water through 75,000 lab tests. Additionally, Saudi Arabia continues to innovate in water technology, securing patents for new desalination technologies.