Top 5 Desalination
Plants in Saudi Arabia
(2025)
Saudi Arabia is in a geographical
location that records low rainfall
levels. Its desert environment and
high temperatures result in regular
water shortage problems.
Desalination plants in Saudi Arabia
function as a reliable source of
potable water for its people.
Thereby, resolving water scarcity
issues.
KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) is
renowned in the world for
desalination plant projects. Its
advanced desalination technology
ensures the production of large
volumes of desalinated potable
water. Hence, meeting the supply-
demand ratio of its people.
1. An Overview of Saudi
Arabia Desalination
The desalination plants in Saudi
Arabia evolved into a large water
supply industry for millions of
people. Through RO (Reverse
Osmosis) technology, seawater is
passed through a semipermeable
membrane, leaving fresh water
behind.
With the rise in water shortage and
awareness about the desalination
process, a department ‘Desalination
Of Saline Water’ was formed in early
1965. Thereby, building their first
desalination plants in AI Wajh and
Duba, desalination plant Jeddah,
and Khobar.
Through years of research and
innovation, desalination plants in
Saudi Arabia improved their
desalination process and capacity.
A few notable achievements include
Ras Al Khair, Shuaiba 3, Al Khafji,
Rabigh 3and JWAP (Jubail Water
and Power Company).
2. Top Desalination
Plants In Saudi
Arabia (By Capacity)
Saudi Arabia is well-equipped with
large-capacity desalination plants.
Here is the list of desalination
plants in Saudi Arabia that serve
the purpose of fulfilling the water
demand of its people.
2.1. Ras AL Khair Power
and Desalination Plant
The Ras AL Khair desalination plant
is considered the biggest
desalination plant in Saudi Arabia
and the largest desalination plant
in the world. It produces 2,998,000
cubic meters of water per day. It is
located on the eastern coast of Ras
Al Khair Industrial city. The Ras AL
Khair desalination plant cost is
around USD 7.2 billion.
This project was commissioned in
April 2014. The Ras Al Khair plant is
owned and operated by the SWCC
(Saline Water Conversion
Corporation of Saudi Arabia). The
desalination technology used in
this project is MSF (Multi-Stage
Flash) and RO.
The Ras AL Khair power and
desalination plant collects water
from the Persian Gulf and performs
MSF and RO. This project is a
hybrid model and comprises eight
MSF and 17 RO units.
It majorly supplies clean water to
Riyadh and Hafr AL-Batin the
largest cities of Saudi Arabia. The
Ras AL Khair is a power and
desalination plant as it includes a
power plant generating 2400
MegaWatts of electricity.
2.2. JWAP Desalination
Plant
The Jubail desalination plant is
renowned as an integrated power
and water facility. This biggest
plant in Saudi Arabia is a joint
venture between Marafiq and Saudi
Electricity Company. It was
commissioned in 2010. It is
located in Jubail.
The JWAP desalination project was
funded by the PIF (Public
Investment fund) and Marafiq
Consortium. It includes ENGIE, GIC
(Gulf Investment Corporation) and
ACWA power projects.
This project can produce 800,000
cubic meters per day. The
desalination technology used here
is a combined cycle of generation
of desalinated water and electricity.
Its dual-purpose facility makes it
one of the notable desalination
JWAP desalination plant consists
of 27 desalination units that
function based on MED (Multi-
Effect Distillation) technology.
2.2.1. Jubail 3A Desalination
Plant
The Jubail 3A Independent
desalination plant is located in
Jubail, KSA. This project is an
extension of the JWAP desalination
plant. The Jubail 3A can produce
600,000 cubic meters per day. It
was commissioned in 2023.
The desalination technology used is
RO to produce desalinated fresh
water. The Jubail 3A is a greenfield
seawater desalination project.
About USD 658 Million is
considered as a project cost for
this desalination project.
This project is led by ACWA Power
including GIC and AWP (AI Bawani
Water & Power Company). The
ACWA Power will construct and
operate the Jubail 3A desalination
plant.
2.3. AI Khobar 2
Desalination Plant
The AI Khobar II is located on the
east coast of KSA. It can produce
630,000 cubic meters of water per
day. The desalination technology
used is RO which ensures it fulfills
water demand.
This project is built by a consortium
led by Acciona and RTCC(AI-Rashid
Trading & Contracting Company). It
is one of the largest RO plants in
Saudi Arabia. The project is built
with sustainable practices to
minimize environmental harm and
maintain quality.
The AI Khobar 2 specializes in
seawater and fresh water
desalination processes. It also holds
the title of largest RO desalination
plant built in Saudi Arabia. This
desalination plant is unique with its
dual-function facility. Hence, it can
be used for water and power
production.
Also Read: Top 5 Desalination
2.4. Shuaiba 3 Desalination
Plant
The Shuaiba 3 desalination plant is
located in the Shuaibah. This
desalination plant produces
600,000 cubic meters per day. The
Shuaiba 3 is one of the most
anticipated projects in Saudi Arabia
and is currently under construction.
This project cost is estimated to be USD 821 Million. It is built by ACWA AND WHEC (Water and Electricity Holding company) PIF. SWPC (Saudi Water Partnership Company) is set to take over after the agreement completion. The desalination technology used here is SWRO (Seawater Reverse Osmosis). Hence, providing potable water for its people.
The seawater is extracted and passed through RO membranes using high-pressure supply pumps. These RO membranes are designed using Dual Media and Cartridge filters. The power requirement is met through Grid-SEC and Captive Solar PV.
Also Read: LG Chem to Build Water Desalination Device Plant in Saudi Arabia
2.5. Yanbu 4 Desalination Plant
Project Name
Yanbu 4 Desalination Plant
Location
AR Rayis, Madinah Province
Commissioned in 2023
Capacity 450,000m3/day
Built By
ENGIE, Mowah Co, and Nesma
Operated By
ENGIE, Mowah Co, and Nesma
The Yanbu 4 is one of the most recent in the list of desalination plants in Saudi Arabia. It is located near the town of AR Rayis, on the Red Sea coast of KSA. This plant produces 450, 000 cubic meters of freshwater per day for its people.
It is built and operated by a consortium of ENGIE, Mowah Co, and Nesma. The project cost is USD 88 Billion. The desalination technology used here is RO which ensures to fulfill Saudi’s water consumption requirements.
The Yanbu 4 aims to achieve sustainable development through job opportunities for young people. Additionally, it aims to achieve the strategic goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This project is significant to meet the growing water demand in KSA.
3. Factors Contributing to the Rise of Desalination Plants in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is considered one of the emerging leaders in the desalination industry. Factors like water scarcity, geographical location, and limited water resources contributed to the rise of desalination.
It is considered a dry land with minimal rainfall, and high evaporation rates. This led to an acute water shortage in Saudi Arabia. Thus, leading to increased desalination plants in Saudi Arabia.
Through research and improved desalination technologies, Saudi Arabia built 30 desalination plants in 17 different locations. With the increase in population and demand existing desalination plants are expanded in size and capacity.
Measures are taken by the Government to secure the future of Saudi Arabia by initiating new desalination plants with advanced desalination technology. A few notable projects include Raigbh 3, Shuaibah IWP expansion, and Shuaibah 3.
4. Challenges to the Desalination Plant Industry in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is considered a king in the desalination industry. However, here are a few challenges to the desalination plant industry in Saudi Arabia.
High Energy Consumption: Increased capacity of desalinated water requires high electricity for uninterrupted production.
RO Membrane Replacement Cost: RO membranes required timely replacement to ensure a quality desalination process. This can increase the overall operational cost.
Brine Disposal: Brine disposal after the desalination process into coastlines or deep sea can affect marine life and ecosystems.
Future Water Demand: The future water demand in Saudi Arabia is pre-assumed and can differ from reality. Building or expanding desalination plants for the future can be expensive.
Decrease Environmental Imbalance: High power consumption can lead to increased carbon emissions. Thus, affecting the ecological systems of nature.
5. Conclusion
Desalination plants in Saudi Arabia are a major source of drinking water for millions. Challenges like high energy consumption, increased demand, and brine disposal can be resolved with research, innovation, and alternate solutions.
6. FAQ’s
6.1. Why does Saudi Arabia use desalination plants?
Saudi Arabia’s limited water resources, low rainfall and high evaporation rates require desalination plants to meet their water requirements and secure their future.
6.2. How many desalination plants are there in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has 30 desalination plants in operation. Many other desalination plants are under construction and are expected to be commissioned in the next 5 years.
6.3. How much does desalination cost in Saudi Arabia?
The cost of setting up a desalination plant in Saudi Arabia can range from USD 8 - 100 Billion (estimated). However, the cost can differ based on different factors like technology, infrastructure, and location.
6.4. Which country has the largest desalination plant?
Saudi Arabia’s AL Khobar 2 is one of its largest desalination plants. This plant is one the largest sources of drinking water for millions.
6.5. What are the new desalination projects in Saudi Arabia?
The upcoming desalination projects include Raigbh 3, Shuaibah IWP expansion, and Shuaibah 3, Ras Al Khair 2, and Ras Al Khair 3.
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