Prime Highlights
- Saudi Arabia plans to expand privatization across water production, treatment, transportation and storage activities, said Environment Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli.
- The Kingdom has invested approximately SR220 billion ($58.4 billion) in water infrastructure over the past decade, including more than SR60 billion in foreign investment.
Key Facts
- Non-renewable groundwater consumption fell from 21 billion cubic meters in 2016 to nearly 11 billion cubic meters in 2025.
- Desalinated water production capacity rose to 16 million cubic meters per day, up from 9 million cubic meters per day in 2016.
Background
Saudi Arabia intends to widen privatization across four key water sector activities, including production, treatment, transportation and storage, said Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli. He said the move would boost operational efficiency, draw in additional investment and strengthen the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the launch of the inaugural Saudi Water Week in Jeddah on June 28, Al-Fadhli said the National Water Strategy has placed private sector participation among its top priorities.
He said the water sector has already succeeded in attracting foreign investment while posting strong performance gains, including lower reliance on non-renewable groundwater and higher desalinated water output.
Al-Fadhli told journalists the Kingdom has invested roughly SR220 billion ($58.4 billion) in water infrastructure over the past 10 years, with more than SR60 billion coming from foreign sources.
He pointed to clear performance indicators backing the transformation. Non-renewable groundwater consumption dropped from about 21 billion cubic meters in 2016 to nearly 11 billion cubic meters in 2025.
Desalinated water production capacity climbed to 16 million cubic meters per day, up from 9 million in 2016. Safe drinking water now reaches the entire population, with about 85% of residents connected to the public water network.
Saudi Water Week brings together the 7th Arab Water Forum and the Second Stakeholder Consultation Meeting for the 11th World Water Forum, drawing decision-makers, experts and representatives from government, industry and research institutions.
UN Special Envoy on Water Retno Marsudi called for stronger integration of water resilience into national planning and climate strategies.
Arab Water Council President Mahmoud Abu Zeid warned that climate change could cut renewable water resources in the Arab world by up to 20% by 2030, urging greater private sector involvement and expanded financing.
