Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) has officially signed agreements for the Jubail-Buraydah Independent Water Transmission Pipeline (IWTP) project.
The contract was awarded to a consortium consisting of Aljomaih Energy & Water Company, Nesma Company Ltd., and Buhur for Investment Company.
The signing ceremony, held in the Emirate of Al-Qassim Province, was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Prince of Al-Qassim, alongside His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, who also serves as Chairman of SWPC’s Board of Directors.
A Major Step for Water Infrastructure
This project marks a significant enhancement in water infrastructure for both the Al-Qassim and Eastern regions, ensuring a sustainable and reliable drinking water supply. The pipeline, spanning 587 kilometers, will have a daily transmission capacity of 650,000 cubic meters, with a total investment of 8.5 billion Saudi riyals ($2.26 billion).
Designed for operational flexibility, the project will support reverse flow capabilities from Al-Shamasiyah, through Al-Qulayib, to Al-Jubail at full capacity. It aligns with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture’s broader strategy to establish a robust regional water connection across Saudi Arabia.
To further strengthen supply reliability, the project includes six strategic storage tanks in Al-Shamasiyah and three in Al-Jubail, collectively offering a storage capacity of 1.63 million cubic meters.
Driving Private Sector Participation & Vision 2030 Goals
Expressing his appreciation for the project’s support, Eng. Al-Fadley emphasized the crucial role of private sector involvement in developing Saudi Arabia’s water sector. He highlighted that the partnership would not only improve service quality but also enhance operational efficiency while benefiting from private-sector expertise in construction, operation, and management—aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals.
He further noted that the agreement is part of a broader effort to expand private investment in water transmission, building on previous successful projects in collaboration with industry leaders.
Competitive Bidding & Project Timeline
According to SWPC’s CEO, Eng. Khalid Bin Zwaid Al-Qureshi, the project was offered under a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer) model, attracting 32 bidders, including 14 local companies. After a rigorous competitive process, the contract was awarded to the winning consortium.
The project’s commercial operations are set to begin in Q2 of 2029, with a 35-year concession period from the start of operations. Al-Qureshi also emphasized the project’s efficiency, noting that it will reduce electricity consumption and operational costs while promoting local economic growth through increased Saudization in workforce and business partnerships.
Encouraging Private Investment in Saudi Arabia
The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture continues to foster a strong investment environment, encouraging private sector partnerships through strategic initiatives. These efforts align with the ministry’s long-term vision to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s water, environment, and agriculture sectors, ensuring sustainability and efficiency for future generations.