Saudi Arabia signs agreements for Jubail-Buraydah Independent Water Transmission Pipeline Project

Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Prince of Al-Qassim Province, His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Water Partnership Company, signed agreements for the Jubail-Buraydah Independent Water Transmission Pipeline (IWTP) project. The signing took place at the Emirate of Al-Qassim Province with a consortium comprising Aljomaih Energy & Water Company, Nesma Company Ltd., and Buhur for Investment Company.

This project marks a significant advancement in water infrastructure for the Al-Qassim and Eastern Provinces, ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of drinking water. The pipeline will have a transmission capacity of 650,000 cubic meters per day and will span 587 kilometers, with a total investment of 8.5 billion riyals. Notably, the project includes a reverse flow capability from Al-Shamasiyah, passing through Al-Qulayib to Al-Jubail at full capacity, aligning with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture’s broader plan to enhance regional water connectivity across the Kingdom.

To ensure a reliable and efficient water supply, the project will also feature six strategic storage tanks in Al-Shamasiyah and three in Al-Jubail, with a total storage capacity of 1,634,500 cubic meters.

Enhancing water infrastructure through private sector partnerships

His Excellency Eng. Al-Fadley expressed his appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince of Al-Qassim for his continuous support of development projects in the region. He emphasized the crucial role of private sector participation in advancing the Kingdom’s water sector, improving service quality, and optimizing spending efficiency. Eng. Al-Fadley highlighted how leveraging private sector expertise in construction, operation, and management aligns with the objectives of Vision 2030.

Eng. Al-Fadley further noted that these agreements contribute to the Ministry’s long-term goal of enhancing water transmission networks across Saudi Arabia and serve as an extension of previous successful projects undertaken in collaboration with the private sector.

Project execution and economic impact

The CEO of the Saudi Water Partnership Company, Eng. Khalid Bin Zwaid AlQureshi, stated that the project was awarded through a competitive process under the BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer) model. A total of 32 companies, including 14 local firms, participated in the bidding process, with the consortium of Aljomaih Energy & Water Company, Nesma Company Ltd., and Buhur for Investment Company securing the project.

Al-Qureshi confirmed that the commercial operation of the pipeline is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2029, with a concession period of 35 years from the start of operations. He emphasized that the project will enhance water transmission efficiency while reducing electricity consumption and operating costs. Additionally, it will support local economic growth by increasing Saudization levels in business and human resource sectors.

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture remains committed to fostering a dynamic investment environment, encouraging private sector participation through strategic initiatives and investment opportunities. These efforts are key to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s environment, water, and agriculture sectors, ensuring long-term sustainability and resource efficiency.