Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) has signed a 8.5 billion riyal ($2.26 billion) agreement for the Jubail-Buraydah Independent Water Transmission Pipeline (IWTP) project with a consortium led by Aljomaih Energy & Water Company, Nesma Company Ltd., and Buhur for Investment Company, the company announced on Tuesday.
The deal was signed under the patronage of Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Prince of Al-Qassim Province, and Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, at the Emirate of Al-Qassim Province.
The 587-kilometre pipeline will have a transmission capacity of 650,000 cubic meters per day, ensuring a reliable drinking water supply to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Qassim and Eastern provinces. The project also includes six strategic storage tanks in Al-Shamasiyah and three in Al-Jubail, with a combined storage capacity of 1.63 million cubic meters.
The pipeline will have the ability to reverse flow from Al-Shamasiyah through Al-Qulayib to Al-Jubail, supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to enhance regional water connectivity. The initiative is part of Vision 2030, which aims to optimize infrastructure spending and enhance private sector participation in critical public services.
“This agreement highlights the importance of private sector involvement in the water sector’s development, enhancing service quality and efficiency,” said Eng. Al-Fadley.
The project was awarded through a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model, attracting 32 competing companies, including 14 local firms. The winning consortium will operate the pipeline for 35 years, with commercial operations expected to commence in Q2 2029.
Eng. Khalid Bin Zwaid AlQureshi, CEO of SWPC, said the project would reduce electricity consumption and operational costs while increasing local content and employment opportunities through higher Saudization levels.
Saudi Arabia is ramping up investments in water transmission, desalination, and wastewater treatment projects, aiming to enhance sustainability and meet growing demand. The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture is actively expanding private sector partnerships, positioning the Kingdom as a key player in the global water infrastructure market.
