Latest news with #NationalWaterCo.
Arab News
22-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
$37m water projects boost Diriyah supply
RIYADH: The National Water Co. has completed two major water supply projects in Diriyah governorate, Riyadh, at a cost of more than SR140 million ($37 million). It is part of efforts to enhance water and environmental infrastructure, and expand service coverage, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The projects, covering more than 26 km, will boost supply to Diriyah and nearby Riyadh districts, including Hittin, Al-Nakheel and Al-Khuzama, while also supporting the Diriyah Gate project. They will add 146,000 cubic meters of water per day to the network, improving operational efficiency, expanding coverage and enhancing service quality. It aligns with strategic plans aimed at supporting urban growth, ensuring water sustainability and improving infrastructure efficiency to the highest standards, the SPA reported. The company highlighted its commitment to reliable services, sustainability and improving quality of life in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Arab News
20-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Kingdom launches $293m water projects in Qassim
RIYADH: The National Water Co. has begun implementing 16 water and wastewater projects in the Qassim region, with a total cost exceeding SR1.1 billion ($293 million). These projects aim to expand water and sanitation services and meet rising demand, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. The sanitation component includes 12 projects worth more than SR870 million, involving the installation of more than 645 km of sewage pipes and networks, as well as the construction of lifting stations with a total capacity exceeding 6,000 cubic meters per day. The water component consists of four projects valued at more than SR247 million, including the laying of more than 579 km of water pipelines and networks. These projects align with the company's strategies to expand water and environmental services, meet growing demand, and improve the quality of life and services, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Arab News
08-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia rolls out $533m water, sewerage projects as part of Vision 2030
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has launched water and sewerage projects worth $533 million in the Riyadh region as part of its efforts to expand public utility services and meet the growing demand. According to a press release from the National Water Co., work has begun on 30 projects covering nearly 2,000 km across Riyadh city and its surrounding governorates. The goal is to expand service coverage and enhance system efficiency. This initiative aligns with the government's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to boost infrastructure investment and improve the quality of life as population and economic activity continue to grow. Of the 30 projects, 16, valued at over SR1 billion ($266 million), are focused on expanding water services. These include the construction of 18 reservoirs with a total storage capacity of 85,000 cubic meters, the installation of more than 1,192 kilometers of new pipelines, and the development of pumping stations with a daily capacity of 247,000 cubic meters. These include parts of the Al-Taawun, Al-Janadriyah, Laban, Al-Diriyah, and Dyrab neighborhoods in Riyadh. Other affected areas include Al-Quway'iyah, Afif, and Al-Dawadmi. They also cover parts of Al-Muzahimiyah, Al-Rayn, and Al-Kharj, as well as Hotat Bani Tamim, Al-Hariq, and Al-Majma'ah. Additionally, the list includes Al-Zulfi, Thadiq, and the Al-Uyaynah and Al-Jubayla centers. The remaining 14 initiatives target sewerage infrastructure in areas such as Al-Munsiyah and Al-Zulfi, adding 763 km of pipelines and lift stations with a total daily capacity of 117,000 cubic meters. These projects are valued at SR902 million. The latest project package follows two significant announcements from last year—46 projects worth SR1.6 billion in May and 20 projects costing nearly SR1 billion in August—highlighting the ongoing investment in the sector. These initiatives, according to the company, are aimed at strengthening water distribution, addressing environmental challenges, enhancing sustainability, and supporting national objectives under Vision 2030. In March, the Saudi Water Authority and National Water Co. signed an agreement to build and operate 16 decentralized purification plants across the Kingdom. This partnership also seeks to improve the availability of drinking water and advance sustainable groundwater desalination technologies. The plants are expected to produce over 18,000 cubic meters of water daily, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Currently, Saudi Arabia treats and reuses 21 percent of its wastewater, with plans to increase this to 70 percent by 2030. The new facilities align with this goal, contributing to environmental sustainability and enhancing service delivery. Designed to serve over 80,000 people, the purification plants will be supported by integrated water treatment and distribution systems, aimed at improving supply reliability in resource-limited regions. This represents a crucial step toward bolstering essential services. Given the Kingdom's ongoing challenges with water scarcity due to its arid climate and limited natural resources, these initiatives are key to fostering innovative solutions in water production, management, and distribution.
Arab News
22-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
How Saudi Arabia is engineering a water-secure future
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.'
