Saudi Water Authority

What Saudi Water Authority does

The Saudi Water Authority (SWA, الهيئة السعودية للمياه) is a Saudi government regulatory authority established in 2020 by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 227 as the central oversight body for all water-related affairs in the Kingdom. SWA regulates water production, transmission, distribution, and wastewater treatment, licenses operators across the sector, sets quality and compliance standards, and supervises infrastructure projects aligned with the National Water Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. SWA oversees nine wholly-owned subsidiaries spanning the full water stack: the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), Water Transmission Company (WTTCO), National Water Company (NWC), Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO), Saudi Water Partnerships Company (SWPC), the National Center for Water Efficiency and Rationalization (MAEE), the Water Academy, the Water Technology Innovation Institute (WTIIRA), and the Saudi Water Innovation Center (SWIC). Under SWA oversight, Saudi Arabia operates 500+ water production facilities with aggregate capacity above 16.14 million m³/day and transmission plus distribution networks totaling more than 153,000 km, making it the world's largest producer of desalinated water.

SWA's core product portfolio centers on the H2O Platform, an AI-powered digital ecosystem co-developed with IBM Consulting that delivers real-time monitoring, predictive intelligence, and decision support across the national water value chain through 40+ data-driven use cases and AI assistants for citizens and decision-makers, with both parties planning evolution into an agentic AI ecosystem. SWA also operates a Digital Water Services Portal providing 20+ electronic government services (licensing, complaints, billing, incident reporting, open data) available 24/7, and operates flagship infrastructure assets including the Shuaiba-5 desalination system (Guinness-certified for the world's lowest reverse-osmosis energy consumption at 1.7 kWh/m³) and the Water Innovation Oasis at Rabigh (Guinness-certified as the world's largest integrated water innovation complex). Strategic initiatives include the Local Content Program (66.1% local content rate achieved by end-2025), the Miyahthon hackathon and Deal Day investor-matching platform, and the Global Prize for Innovation in Water (USD 2 million prize pool).

SWA's revenue model combines budget allocations from the Saudi state with regulatory fees and licensing income from the operators it licenses. Programs like the USD 2 million GPIW, the SAR 15+ billion localization opportunity pipeline (18 investment opportunities), and EPC awards to vendors such as WABAG (50 MLD Al Jouf BWRO and 300 MLD Yanbu SWRO) underscore SWA's role as the single largest procurable customer for water-sector goods and services in Saudi Arabia. Customer segments span Government Water Entities (NWC, WTTCO, SWCC), private-sector water operators and contractors, citizens and residents (avg. 286.71 liters per capita/day), and Hajj/Umrah pilgrims during peak seasons. Operated by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, SWA employs 10,000+ staff and integrates R&D (76 patents, 330+ publications) with international partnerships including IBM, Ecolab, World Bank, LG Chem/Al-Kharafi, and Shenzhen Water.

Name

Saudi Water Authority

Legal name

الهيئة السعودية للمياه (Saudi Water Authority)

Website

https://swa.gov.sa

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Saudi Water Authority (SWA) is a Saudi government regulatory authority, established in 2020, that licenses operators, sets standards, and oversees production, transmission, distribution, and wastewater across the Kingdom's water sector under Vision 2030.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Water Utilities Regulation & Infrastructure

NAICS

Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs (92411), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (924), Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (221310)

SIC

Water Supply (4941), Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Resources Administration (Watersheds, Rivers, Groundwater) (BPAIAMAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water & Wastewater Compliance (NPDES/Stormwater, Pretreatment, Drinking Water/SDWA) (EUAHABAB), Water Supply & Wastewater Utilities Administration (BPAIACAG)

Keywords

• Water sector regulation
• Desalination services
• Water infrastructure
• Water licensing
• Wastewater treatment

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Regulatory Services and Licensing: SWA generates revenue through issuing licenses and permits to water service providers, regulatory fees, and compliance monitoring services for entities operating in the water sector.
2. Public Infrastructure Development: Government-funded infrastructure projects for desalination plants, water transmission networks, and distribution systems. Funding sourced from national budget and international development financing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Saudi Water Authority regulates and oversees Saudi Arabia's entire water sector value chain, including desalination, transmission, distribution, and wastewater treatment. It issues licenses and permits to water service providers, monitors regulatory compliance, develops public infrastructure projects, and operates digital services for citizens and operators. The Authority also drives innovation through the AI-powered H2O Platform, the Water Innovation Oasis in Rabigh, and strategic initiatives such as the Local Content Program and Global Prize for Innovation in Water.

Product overview

The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) is a government regulatory body established in 2020 (Council of Ministers Resolution No. 227) overseeing Saudi Arabia's water sector. Its product portfolio centers on the AI-powered H2O Platform (developed with IBM Consulting), which provides real-time monitoring, predictive intelligence, and AI assistants across the water value chain via 40+ use cases. Complementing this digital platform, SWA offers a comprehensive Digital Water Services Portal delivering over 20 electronic government services (licensing, billing, complaints, reporting) available 24/7. Key infrastructure assets include the Shuaiba-5 desalination system (world-record holder for lowest energy consumption at 1.7 kWh/m³, producing 665,000 m³/day) and the Water Innovation Oasis in Rabigh (Guinness-recognized as the world's largest integrated water technology complex). SWA drives the sector through strategic initiatives including the Saudi Water Innovation Center (SWIC) — organizing the Miyahthon hackathon and Deal Day investment platform — the Local Content Program (achieving 66.1% local content by end-2025), the Innovators Initiative for startup support, and the Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW) worth US$2 million. SWA also partners with Ecolab on water circularity solutions via MoU.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Saudi Water Innovation Center: Innovation arm of SWA focusing on developing innovations in desalination, treatment, and reuse through incubation programs and technology transfer initiatives
• H2O Platform
• Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS)
• Miyahthon
• Shuaiba Desalination System

Products and services

• H2O Platform An AI-powered digital ecosystem developed by IBM Consulting that provides real-time monitoring, predictive intelligence, and data-driven decision support across Saudi Arabia's entire water value chain through over 40 use cases, with AI assistants for both citizens and decision-makers.
• Digital Water Services Portal

Quantifiable outcome

• 16.14 million cubic meters per day total water production capacity
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• Yanbu Desalination Plant (Phase II) Asset BuyersmajorOthers · 25 June 2026SWA launched sale of assets from Yanbu Desalination Plant Phase II as part of transition to reverse osmosis technology. Offering includes over 110,000 tons of industrial assets, 162 MW power generation capacity, and 212,000 m³/day desalination capacity along with 5,000 tons of high-value metals. Sale aims to maximize economic value and support private-sector participation.
• IBMcoreTechnology or Integration · 7 February 2026IBM collaboration with SWA to launch the H2O Platform, an AI-powered digital ecosystem designed to transform Saudi Arabia's water sector. The platform provides real-time monitoring, predictive intelligence, and decision support across the water value chain through over 40 data-driven use cases, including AI assistants for both citizens and decision-makers. Both entities will explore evolving the platform into an agentic AI ecosystem capable of autonomous operations.
• Al-Fanar GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 December 2025MoU witnessed by the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to localize Distributed Control System (DCS) technology and transfer knowledge in water sector operations.
• VA Tech WABAGmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 December 2025Letter of Award received for EPC contract to build 50 MLD brackish water reverse osmosis plant in Aljouf, Saudi Arabia. Project involves design, supply, construction, and commissioning over 14 months. Facility will utilize Ceramic Membrane technology followed by Micron Cartridge Filtration and Reverse Osmosis to treat raw water from bore well fields containing rare elements. This is a repeat order reflecting SWA's continued confidence in WABAG's technology.
• EcolabcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 December 2025Non-binding MoU signed at the US-Saudi Water Summit 2025 to accelerate water innovation and advance sustainability objectives across Saudi Arabia. Partnership establishes framework for collaboration on advanced water circularity solutions, sector-specific insights exchange, and pilot projects in industrial cities. Ecolab has operated in Saudi Arabia for over 45 years through its Nalco Water business.
• EbbmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 December 2025Climate and water technology partnership enabling up to 85 million tonnes of annual CO2 removal capacity at full scale by integrating Ebb's electrochemical system into SWA's desalination facilities. Partnership follows a landmark agreement with SWA to leverage desalination infrastructure for ocean-based carbon removal.
• UK Thames ProjectmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2025International water infrastructure collaboration featured at IDWS 2025, highlighting UK-Thames water project involvement and Saudi private sector participation.
• Oman Public Authority for Electricity and WatercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2025Cooperation discussions at IDWS 2025 to strengthen water sector regulation collaboration with Oman's regulatory services authority.
• TahalufmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2025Partnership to co-organize the 2025 edition of the IDWS conference, a major global water innovation platform featuring over 120 countries' participants, advanced water solutions, and global brands, reflecting Saudi Arabia's emphasis on water sustainability and innovation.
• General Authority for State Real EstatecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 November 2025Cooperation MoU for managing water assets and projects, optimizing use of government real estate for water sector infrastructure.
• Shenzhen Water and Environment GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 November 2025Research cooperation agreement signed to develop sustainable water sector solutions through joint research and technical collaboration between Saudi and Chinese water technology entities.
• University of HailcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 November 2025MoU to strengthen partnership in training, research, and innovation with University of Hail, supporting national capacity building in water sector expertise.
• US Water Sector DelegationmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 October 2025SWA organized the Saudi-US Water Summit 2025 in California as part of water sector delegation visit to the United States, establishing bilateral cooperation frameworks.
• LG Chem and Al-Kharafi GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 July 2025Joint venture announced to establish the largest reverse osmosis membrane manufacturing facility in the Middle East in Saudi Arabia, supporting localization of critical desalination technology components.
• Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 June 2025MoU to enhance cooperation in scientific research, academic training, and capacity development in water-related fields, supporting talent development in the water sector.
• Saudi Contractors AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 May 2025Joint launch of unified qualification program for water sector contractors, standardizing contractor requirements and enhancing quality in water infrastructure projects.
• Public Irrigation OrganizationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2025Agreement to regulate roles and enhance efficiency of treated water usage, coordinating between water and agricultural irrigation sectors.
• National Water CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 2025Agreement to establish and operate 16 purification stations in the central region to enhance water resources, demonstrating PPP approach to water infrastructure development.
• World BankcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 July 2024Cooperation agreement with World Bank for water sector development, with the World Bank praising Saudi Arabia's leadership in developing low-energy desalination technologies.

Scale indicators19 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA): GCC peer that integrates power and water generation, transmission and distribution in Dubai. Comparable as a Gulf-region state-owned utility pursuing renewable desalination, digitalization, and capacity expansion strategies mirroring SWA's mandate.
• MARAFIQ: Integrated Saudi utility providing water, electricity and steam to industrial cities. Comparable as a Saudi state-affiliated water utility operating within a similarly regulated framework.
• Oman Public Authority for Electricity and Water: Omani regulator for electricity and water with whom SWA signed a cooperation MoU at IDWS 2025. Comparable as a neighboring GCC water regulator pursuing cross-border cooperation on water-sector regulation.

Direct peers

• Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC): Predecessor entity of SWA, now a wholly-owned subsidiary operating the bulk of Saudi Arabia's desalination capacity under SWA regulation. Comparable as the dominant desalination operator within the same regulatory framework.
• ACWA Power: Saudi-listed developer/operator of desalination and power projects, frequently contracted by SWA's predecessors and counterparts. Comparable as the leading private-sector desalination developer operating within and beyond Saudi Arabia's water sector.
• Water Transmission Company (WTTCO): Wholly-owned SWA subsidiary operating Saudi Arabia's water transmission network spanning 18,500+ km. Directly comparable as the regulated transmission operator in the same value chain.
• Saudi Water Partnerships Company (SWPC): SWA subsidiary tasked with structuring public-private partnerships in the Saudi water sector. Comparable as the PPP transaction entity interfacing SWA's regulatory mandate with private capital and IWPP developers.
• National Water Company (NWC): Wholly-owned subsidiary of SWA that operates water and wastewater distribution across Saudi Arabia, directly executing the regulatory mandate SWA oversees. Comparable as a national-scale Saudi water utility embedded in the same ecosystem.

Broad incumbents

• Singapore Public Utilities Board (PUB): Singapore's national water agency combining regulatory and operational functions across the water cycle. Comparable as an internationally-recognized model for centralized water governance, technology adoption, and innovation leadership.
• Israel Water Authority: Israel's national water regulator with sector-wide regulatory oversight including desalination and reuse. Comparable as a specialized national water regulator addressing structural water scarcity, similar to SWA's mandate in Saudi Arabia.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/swa_gov
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@swa_gov
• Facebookfacebook.com/people/الهيئة-السعودية-للمياه/61557153702553
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/saudi-water-authority
• Instagraminstagram.com/swa_gov
• TikToktiktok.com/@swa_gov

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Saudi Water Authority