LG Chem and AlKhorayef Group have signed an agreement to set up a facility to advance innovation in reverse osmosis (RO) membrane production, under the sponsorship of the Saudi Water Authority (SWA). H.E. Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, SWA’s President, witnessed the signing of this strategic partnership at SWA’s headquarters in Riyadh, as announced in a SWA press release.
This initiative aims to localize desalination technologies, enhance local content, and support sustainability by providing a regulatory framework and an integrated infrastructure that fosters innovation and research. The facility, set to begin operations in early 2026, will integrate advanced technologies to manufacture high-efficiency RO membranes, essential for water desalination and treatment plants across the region.
Mohammed AlKhorayef, CEO of AlKhorayef Group, emphasized the impact of the project on local industries: "This facility represents a major leap in our efforts to deliver high-quality, locally produced water treatment solutions. This initiative will create jobs and provide new opportunities for Saudi nationals within the water sector."
Dr. Hon Hyung, Vice President of LG Chem, underscored the significance of the partnership, noting that it reflects LG Chem’s commitment to offering innovative solutions that support Saudi Arabia’s water sustainability goals. “This collaboration strengthens our ability to meet the growing demand for advanced water treatment solutions and aligns with our strategy to enhance localization and technology transfer to Saudi Arabia", he said.
The initiative will also involve collaboration with the Water Technologies Innovation and Research Institute (WTIIRA), the research arm of the Saudi Water Authority, to drive research, development, and specialized training programs for university students. It aims to enhance knowledge transfer and develop national talent, reinforcing water resource sustainability and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s technological self-sufficiency in the sector. By promoting investment in local industries and advancing innovation in water treatment, the partnership aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for water security and industrial development.