The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) is showcasing 18 promising investment opportunities during the Saudi Water Week 2026, aimed at localizing industries and services related to the water sector. The opportunities are backed by projected demand exceeding SR15 billion ($4 billion) over the next five years, contributing to strengthening local content, developing national supply chains, and enhancing sector competitiveness, as well as stimulating investment in support of Saudi Vision 2030.
Investment Prospects and Expected Returns
The prospects include promising areas in industries and support services linked to the water sector, with an average expected return on investment of up to 12 percent, and export targets for several industries ranging between 30 percent and 50 percent. This is expected to contribute to localizing advanced technologies, strengthening national capabilities, and enabling local factories to expand into both domestic and international markets.
These undertakings are part of the SWA’s efforts to build an integrated local content ecosystem in the water sector by stimulating high-value investments, expanding the base of national suppliers and manufacturers, and increasing the contribution of local industries and services to future water projects.
Key Enablers for Industrial and Service Development
The authority noted that these opportunities represent a key enabler for developing the industrial and service base of the water sector, through knowledge transfer and advanced technologies, empowering national factories, enhancing the reliability of supply chains, and creating high-quality jobs for national talent. This, in turn, is expected to boost the competitiveness of national products and services and strengthen the sector’s sustainability.
As part of its participation in Saudi Water Week, the authority is presenting its vision for the future of the water sector through six panel discussions, three keynote presentations, and three specialized workshops, each focusing on water-sector regulation and water security, investment and supply-chain localization, and innovation and digital transformation. The discussions also emphasize water resource sustainability, along with the latest technologies and solutions designed to improve operational efficiency and service sustainability.
Agreements and Partnerships
The authority’s participation will also see the signing of eight agreements and memorandums of understanding with government entities, academic and research institutions, and specialized companies. The deals aim to strengthen the research, development, and innovation ecosystem, support knowledge transfer and water-technology development, build national capabilities, and expand strategic partnerships across the sector.
The authority’s exhibition pavilion offers an interactive and educational experience highlighting its key initiatives and strategic programs, as well as its efforts to regulate the sector and enhance water security. It also showcases initiatives led by the Saudi Water Innovation Center, the Water Technologies Innovation Institute and Research Advancement, and the Water Academy.
Vision for a Sustainable Water Sector
The authority emphasized that investment and localization of industries and services in the water sector are fundamental pillars for enhancing the sector’s sustainability and future readiness, while reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for knowledge, innovation, and investment in water.
