Saudi Arabia’s water sector has achieved new global recognition, with the Saudi Water Authority (SWA) receiving two certificates from Guinness World Records. These honors reflect the Kingdom’s growing influence and innovation in water management, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The first record recognizes the world’s largest seawater desalination plant using reverse osmosis technology, part of the Al-Khobar Production System project’s second phase. This facility, officially registered on February 25, 2025, can produce 670,852.4 cubic meters of water daily and was built on the smallest land area ever for a plant of its capacity, thanks to advanced engineering solutions.
The second record was awarded for the lowest energy consumption by a reverse osmosis desalination plant. SWA’s Technical Affairs and Projects Sector achieved a global best of 1.7 kWh per cubic meter during salt separation, with a total energy use of 2.34 kWh per cubic meter at the Shuaibah Plant (Phase V), as documented on April 22, 2025. This accomplishment, praised by the World Bank, surpasses the Kingdom’s previous record and sets a new international standard.
With these achievements, SWA now holds 11 Guinness World Records, underlining Saudi Arabia’s leadership in water sector innovation and its commitment to sustainable resource management.
