Riyadh – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
In a move that underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing its infrastructure and enhancing the sustainability of its water resources, the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) announced achieving the financial close of the Jubail–Buraidah Independent Water Transmission Pipeline Project, with a total investment value of SAR 8.5 billion, fully financed by the private sector.
The project is being implemented by a consortium led by Al Jomaih Energy & Water Company (45%), together with Buhur for Investment Company (35%) and Nesma Company Limited (20%).
Considered one of the largest and most significant water transmission projects in the Kingdom, the initiative aims to transport potable water from the Eastern Province to the Qassim region, with the capability for reverse flow operations to ensure operational efficiency and continuous water supply throughout the year.
The project will be developed under a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model through the Stream Water Transmission Company, under a 35-year agreement starting from the commercial operation date (COD) scheduled for the first quarter of 2029.
As part of the national vision to strengthen water security, the project features a transmission capacity of 650,000 cubic meters per day, water storage capacity of 1,634,500 cubic meters, and a pipeline length of 587 kilometers, considering the fact that it is the first water transmission pipeline connecting two vital regions and serving more than two million beneficiaries with potable water.
The consortium emphasized that the project will achieve an operational availability of no less than 98%, enhancing the sustainability of water resources and aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to improve service efficiency and promote effective partnerships with the private sector.
Furthermore, the consortium highlighted that the project will stimulate the local economy by increasing local content across all stages — reaching 45% during construction, 50% during the first five years of operation, and 70% from the sixth year onward — contributing to knowledge transfer and the localization of expertise in the water sector.
For his part, Eng. Khaled Al-Quraishi, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), stated: “The financial close of this project reflects the confidence of local and international investors and lenders in the Kingdom’s investment environment. It also supports the objectives of the National Water Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030 in building an integrated and sustainable water sector. At the Saudi Water Partnership Company, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing high-impact projects that enhance water security and ensure the sustainability of supply across the Kingdom through effective partnerships that combine technical expertise with responsible investment”
The Jubail–Buraidah Independent Water Transmission Pipeline Project stands as a landmark model of successful public-private partnership (PPP) and a strategic step toward achieving sustainable water security that supports the Kingdom’s comprehensive development ambitions.
