Under the auspices and in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Emir of Al-Bahah Region, His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Water Partnership Company, formalized the agreements for the Ras Mohaisen Independent Water Plant Project. The signing event was held at the Emirate of Al-Bahah Region.
Situated in Al-Qunfudhah Governorate within the Makkah Region, the Ras Mohaisen project is set to produce 300,000 cubic meters of desalinated water daily. Eng. Al-Fadley noted that this agreement supports the Kingdom’s water sector strategy, which focuses on increasing private sector involvement, improving water infrastructure nationwide, and ensuring sustainable water production. He mentioned that this initiative is part of a larger plan to implement similar projects led by the private sector.
The desalination plant is anticipated to enhance water supply chains, benefiting both residents and visitors in the Makkah and Al-Bahah regions. His Excellency Eng. Al-Fadley pointed out that the project will advance this crucial sector by enhancing service quality, boosting operational efficiency, optimizing expenditures, and utilizing private sector expertise in both construction and management. This initiative also aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting private sector investment and innovation.
Eng. Khalid Al-Quraishi, CEO of the Saudi Water Partnership Company, announced that the initial operational phase of the plant is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2028. By employing reverse osmosis technology, the facility aims to decrease electricity use, improve continuous production, lower operational costs, and enhance local content through increased localization of operations and workforce.
The project was tendered using the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model, drawing interest from 44 companies, including 21 Saudi firms. Following a selection process, a preferred consortium was identified from two competing groups, which consisted of three local and one international company. The successful consortium includes ACWA Power, Hajj Abdullah Ali Reza & Partners, and Al-Kifah Holding Company.
This project represents a significant advancement in the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts towards privatization and public-private partnerships in the environment, water, and agriculture sectors. It builds on the successful execution of various independent water projects, Independent Water Transmission Pipeline, and wastewater treatment initiatives.
Source :Saudi Water Partnership Company
