Saudi Water Authority
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
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.
Saudi Water Authority firmographics
Firmographics- 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
Saudi Water Authority industry classification
Industry- 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
Where Saudi Water Authority is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Riyadh
- HQ country
- Saudi Arabia
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices1 record
Markets served
Saudi Water Authority business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- 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.
- 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
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Regulatory and licensing services for water sector participants |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Saudi Water Authority product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use Saudi Water Authority
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Saudi Water Authority technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability6 records
Feature5 records
Saudi Water Authority partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.
- Yanbu Desalination Plant (Phase II) Asset BuyersmajorSWA 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.
- IBMcoreIBM 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 GroupcoreMoU 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 WABAGmajorLetter 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.
- EcolabcoreNon-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.
- EbbmajorClimate 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 ProjectmajorInternational water infrastructure collaboration featured at IDWS 2025, highlighting UK-Thames water project involvement and Saudi private sector participation.
- Oman Public Authority for Electricity and WatercoreCooperation discussions at IDWS 2025 to strengthen water sector regulation collaboration with Oman's regulatory services authority.
- TahalufmajorPartnership 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 EstatecoreCooperation MoU for managing water assets and projects, optimizing use of government real estate for water sector infrastructure.
- Shenzhen Water and Environment GroupmajorResearch cooperation agreement signed to develop sustainable water sector solutions through joint research and technical collaboration between Saudi and Chinese water technology entities.
- University of HailcoreMoU to strengthen partnership in training, research, and innovation with University of Hail, supporting national capacity building in water sector expertise.
- US Water Sector DelegationmajorSWA 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 GroupmajorJoint 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 UniversitycoreMoU to enhance cooperation in scientific research, academic training, and capacity development in water-related fields, supporting talent development in the water sector.
- Saudi Contractors AuthoritycoreJoint launch of unified qualification program for water sector contractors, standardizing contractor requirements and enhancing quality in water infrastructure projects.
- Public Irrigation OrganizationcoreAgreement to regulate roles and enhance efficiency of treated water usage, coordinating between water and agricultural irrigation sectors.
- National Water CompanycoreAgreement to establish and operate 16 purification stations in the central region to enhance water resources, demonstrating PPP approach to water infrastructure development.
- World BankcoreCooperation 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
Saudi Water Authority competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional 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
Saudi Water Authority social profiles
Digital presenceSaudi Water Authority compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Saudi Water Authority financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Saudi Water Authority leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Saudi Water Authority subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries9 records
Saudi Water Authority funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Saudi Water Authority M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Saudi Water Authority
What does Saudi Water Authority do?
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.
Is Saudi Water Authority a public or private company?
Saudi Water Authority is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Saudi Water Authority founded?
Saudi Water Authority was founded in 2020. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Saudi Water Authority based?
Saudi Water Authority is headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the Middle East region.
How does Saudi Water Authority make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Regulatory Services and Licensing is the primary driver. The others are public Infrastructure Development.
Who are Saudi Water Authority's main competitors?
Regional players on record are Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), MARAFIQ and Oman Public Authority for Electricity and Water. Direct peers are Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), ACWA Power, Water Transmission Company (WTTCO), Saudi Water Partnerships Company (SWPC) and National Water Company (NWC). Broad incumbents are Singapore Public Utilities Board (PUB) and Israel Water Authority.
Does Saudi Water Authority have an API?
No public API is recorded for Saudi Water Authority.
What industry is Saudi Water Authority in?
Saudi Water Authority's product category is Water Utilities Regulation & Infrastructure. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIAMAE, Water Resources Administration (Watersheds, Rivers, Groundwater), with a secondary code of EUAHABAB, Water & Wastewater Compliance (NPDES/Stormwater, Pretreatment, Drinking Water/SDWA). Its NAICS code is 92411 and its SIC code is 4941.