Latest news with #SaudiWaterAuthority
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi authorities pump nearly 1 million cubic meters of water to serve Hajj pilgrims
MAKKAH: Saudi water authorities have provided nearly a million cubic meters of water to serve the 1.4 million Muslim pilgrims participating in the Hajj since Wednesday. The National Water Company said that it pumped more than 980,633 cubic meters of water to key holy sites visited by pilgrims, including Makkah, Madinah, Mina, Mount Arafat and Muzdalifah. The Saudi Water Authority, a government body overseeing water operations in the Kingdom, said that providing water to pilgrims was one of its 24-hour continuous tasks during the Hajj season. On Thursday, it presented its comprehensive water supply chain plan, which begins with seawater desalination, undergoes transportation and treatment, and ends with distribution, reuse and irrigation. An interactive presentation, 'The Story of Water in Hajj,' was shown in numerous languages at the Hajj Media Hub, an integrated media center supporting journalists covering Hajj, in the Makkah Chamber Exhibition and Events Center. It showcased advanced technologies for water desalination, storage, transportation and treatment, along with smart operations and sustainability solutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Asharq Al-Awsat
4 days ago
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Water Authority Conducts 5,000 Inspections on Water Networks in Holy Sites, Makkah
The Saudi Water Authority (SWA), in collaboration with partners in the water sector, is conducting intensive inspection tours across the holy sites and Makkah to ensure the readiness and reliability of water supply systems for this year's Hajj. As the peak Hajj season approaches, the authority is intensifying its monitoring of 14 critical water service networks in Makkah and the holy sites, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday. These networks represent one of the world's most advanced and integrated water infrastructures, dedicated to serving pilgrims. They encompass potable water systems, sewage networks, cooling water, sprinkler systems, and firefighting infrastructure. Specialized teams continuously monitor these networks to maintain operational readiness, anticipate potential malfunctions, and promptly identify any technical issues or operational violations, enabling immediate corrective action. As part of an early monitoring strategy, approximately 5,000 inspection rounds have been carried out by 12 dedicated field teams, totaling over 2,000 hours of on-site work to date.
Saudi Gazette
30-04-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Central Hajj Committee discusses Hajj preparations and progress of projects at holy sites
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — A meeting of the Central Hajj Committee, chaired by Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal in Jeddah on Wednesday, discussed plans and preparations for the current Hajj season. The meeting also reviewed the progress of ongoing projects that will be operated during the Hajj season at the holy sites. The meeting was held in line with the directives of Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Emir of Makkah and Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee Prince Khaled Al-Faisal. During the virtual meeting, the Saudi Water Authority presented its projects and operational trials conducted to date for water and wastewater services in the holy sites for this Hajj season. These efforts include the execution of 10 projects aimed at enhancing the capacity and efficiency of operational reservoirs, improving water supply networks in the holy sites, and adding around 3,500 new toilets in Mina. The authority's preparations also include three operational trials for both water and sewage networks as well as fire extinguishing and cooling systems. The committee further reviewed the progress of the Makkah Mayoralty's projects concerning new waste compactors to be added in the holy sites. It discussed initiatives from the Ministry of Transport and Logistics to use flexible rubber asphalt and thermal insulation coating for routes to reduce temperatures and enhance the comfort of walking pilgrims.
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.
Zawya
24-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
WEMA leads high-level delegation to drive water innovation and knowledge exchange in the Middle East
Danish expertise drives discussions on wastewater reuse, energy-efficient water solutions, resource recovery, sludge handling and digital water management in key stakeholder meetings. Workshops and strategic engagements with Dubai Municipality, TAQA Water Solution, Saudi Water Authority, National Water Company, Saudi Water Partnership company and fostering relation with Marafiq. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The Water Efficiency Middle East Alliance (WEMA), backed by the Danish Trade Council, expanded its regional impact with a high-level delegation to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, strengthening cross-border collaboration in water sustainability, innovation, and infrastructure resilience. Bringing together Danish water industry leaders and key regional stakeholders, the visit focused on advancing energy-efficient water solutions, wastewater reuse, resource recovery, sludge handling and smart water management technologies to support national sustainability goals. As water security remains a top priority for the Middle East, WEMA is actively working to bridge Danish expertise with local government initiatives, ensuring that proven water solutions align with regional policy frameworks such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy. From February 24 to 27, the WEMA delegation, led by Aarhus Water Utility, the second largest Water Utility in Denmark, with the attendance of the Danish Ambassador to the UAE, HE Anders Bjørn Hansen, visited the UAE and Saudi Arabia, engaging with government authorities, utilities, and private sector leaders to strengthen regional collaboration on water sustainability. The visit began in UAE on February 24, where WEMA hosted a technical workshop with Dubai Municipality, bringing together Danish water technology leaders and UAE officials to discuss digital water management, wastewater reuse and efficiency, resource recovery, sludge handling and circular economy solutions. The following day, on February 25, H.E. Anders Bjørn Hansen, Danish Ambassador to the UAE, attended the high-level meeting with TAQA Water Solutions, reinforcing Denmark's commitment to advancing innovative and energy-efficient water management solutions in the region. The meeting with TAQA Water Solutions focused on gaining deeper insight into TAQA's newly structured water division and strategic direction following the acquisition of SWS. During their visit on February 26th and 27th, WEMA representatives engaged in high-level discussions with key players in the Saudi water sector, including the Saudi Water Authority, National Water Company, Saudi Water Partnership Company, MAEE and Marafiq. These meetings focused on exploring innovative strategies to optimize wastewater treatment processes and maximize the reuse of treated wastewater, a critical component of addressing water scarcity challenges in the region. To help Saudi Arabia achieve its ambitious goal of exceeding 40% wastewater reuse, WEMA members shared expertise in cutting-edge wastewater treatment solutions. Discussions focused on advanced sludge treatment and filtration technologies capable of producing high-quality reclaimed water, as well as energy-efficient pumping systems crucial for minimizing the energy footprint of wastewater treatment and distribution. These technological advancements are key to supporting the Kingdom's long-term water security objectives. Commenting on the delegation, Ture Munksgaard, General Manager Danfoss Arabia said: 'For Danfoss, being part of the Danish Water Alliance in the GCC region has been a valuable opportunity within sustainability. Through collaboration with other companies, we have shared technical knowledge of our components and solutions to help the water and wastewater industry optimize operations and reduce energy consumption. Together, we contribute to the region's green initiatives, aiming for CO₂ neutrality by 2040 and 2050.' Mads Helge, General Manager at AVK Saudi Valve Manufacturing (AVK SVMC) said: "The WEMA delegation represents a crucial step in fostering collaboration between global water leaders and Saudi Arabia's key stakeholders to drive sustainable water management. As the Kingdom advances toward its Vision 2030 goals, partnerships that promote innovation in wastewater reuse and smart infrastructure are more important than ever. With four decades of experience supporting Saudi Arabia's water sector, AVK Saudi is proud to be part of these efforts, working alongside industry leaders to build a more water-secure future for the region." Shamel Tolomedjian, Sales Development Manager, Saudi & Egypt, for Water Utilities at Grundfos, said: "The WEMA delegation has been a vital platform for driving collaboration and innovation in Saudi Arabia's water sector. As part of this initiative, Grundfos had the opportunity to present advanced energy-efficient water solutions to high-level stakeholders, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals. With Saudi Arabia prioritizing wastewater reuse, smart water management, and sustainable infrastructure, it is essential to implement technologies that optimize efficiency and reduce energy consumption. At Grundfos, we remain dedicated to working alongside industry leaders and government partners to help build a more water-secure and sustainable future." A Commitment to Regional Water Resilience The Middle East's high levels of water stress, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and industrial demands, underscore the urgent need for resource-efficient solutions. Despite substantial investment in desalination and wastewater treatment, both Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to face complex challenges in optimizing water reuse. The Danish Trade Council's WEMA initiative is set to address these gaps by merging Danish water expertise with local policy frameworks, offering practical, energy-efficient solutions as urban populations swell and sustainable water supplies become increasingly vital. WEMA's expanded membership allows the alliance to address these challenges by combining global expertise with local policy frameworks. Members like Grundfos, AVK, Danfoss, AquaGreen, NIRAS, Watopi, DHI Group, and UltraAqua bring proven success in wastewater recycling, water-saving technologies, and energy-efficient solutions, which are increasingly essential as urban populations grow, and industries demand sustainable water supply. With growing investment in smart water infrastructure and energy-efficient wastewater management, WEMA's role as a trusted partner in the region's water transformation will continue to expand. Through ongoing engagement with public and private sector stakeholders, the alliance is playing a key role in shaping policies, scaling solutions, and driving impact-oriented partnerships. About WEMA The Water Efficiency Middle East Alliance (WEMA) unites Danish expertise with regional decision-makers to pioneer sustainable water and wastewater solutions across the Middle East. Formed by the Danish Trade Council, WEMA aligns with strategic government initiatives, including Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, to address the region's critical water challenges. Through partnerships, innovation, and knowledge sharing, WEMA fosters resilient, future-ready water systems that support long-term sustainability and regional water security. WEMA's members include industry leaders such as Grundfos, AVK, Danfoss, AquaGreen, NIRAS, Watopi, DHI Group, and UltraAqua, along with Aarhus Water Utility and knowledge partners like Ferskvandscentret and Water Valley. Together, they tackle critical water challenges to support long-term regional water security and sustainability, in line with UN SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 13 (Climate Action). Snapshot of WEMA's traction to date Established in 2018, the Water Efficiency Middle East Alliance (WEMA) serves as a collaborative platform bridging expertise between Denmark and the Middle East to address critical water and energy challenges. Its efforts began with a pioneering feasibility study with SEWA, alongside technical visits and workshops with Dubai Municipality, laying the foundation for impactful partnerships. In 2021, WEMA partnered with Abu Dhabi Sewage Service Company (ADSSC), (now TAQA Water Solutions) during EXPO 2020 to host a collaborative workshop. In 2022, feasibility studies for both TAQA Water Solutions and Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Agency (RAKWA) led to deeper engagements, while the first IFAT workshop in Munich brought together Saudi water utilities e.g. ENOWA and National Water Company to exchange knowledge and best practices. Delegations to Denmark further strengthened regional connections, enabling discussions on smart water innovations and sustainability. Most recently, WEMA formalized a partnership with Dubai Municipality ahead of COP28 and launched the Danish Middle East Water Academy to focus on capacity building and education. Ongoing collaborations with TAQA Water Solutions and RAKWA highlight WEMA's commitment to supporting the region's vision for sustainable water and energy development through actionable outcomes and enduring partnerships. In Saudi Arabia, WEMA and ENOWA have solidified their collaboration through an MoU, focusing on joint efforts in optimizing wastewater management. For more information contact Astrid S. C. Nielsen, asthan@
