Saudi Arabia Water and Wastewater Treatment Market to Hit US$ 7.43 Billion by 2033

Saudi Arabia Water and Wastewater Treatment Market Overview

According to Renub Research Recent Report Saudi Arabia’s water and wastewater treatment market is poised for significant expansion, expected to reach US$ 7.43 billion by 2033, up from US$ 4.03 billion in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.05% from 2025 to 2033. Growth is being fueled by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and government programs that promote sustainable water management, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation.

Water and wastewater management is a national priority in Saudi Arabia due to scarce freshwater resources. Desalination accounts for the majority of the country’s potable water, while wastewater treatment ensures sustainability through reuse in agriculture, industrial cooling, landscaping, and urban applications. Government initiatives aim for nearly 100% wastewater treatment and reuse, aligning with Vision 2030 objectives for environmental sustainability and smart resource management.

Market Overview

Water and wastewater are essential elements of the water cycle. Freshwater is used for drinking, agriculture, industry, and sanitation, while wastewater contains physical, chemical, and biological contaminants that must be treated before discharge or reuse.

Saudi Arabia’s limited freshwater resources make water treatment and reuse crucial. Wastewater treatment technologies, including chemical, biological, and membrane processes, enable resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and provide alternative water sources for industrial and municipal needs. The country’s strategic focus on sustainability, coupled with the growing population and urban centers, is driving demand for advanced treatment technologies.

👉 Want to explore detailed market trends, segment insights, and forecasts? 🔗 Request Free Sample Report

Growth Drivers

Increased Water Scarcity and Need for Sustainable Solutions

Saudi Arabia’s desert climate and limited freshwater resources necessitate innovative water management strategies. Recycling and reusing wastewater is critical to meet rising demands from both residential and industrial sectors.

Advanced water treatment technologies, such as reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, and chemical treatment solutions, are enabling sustainable water reuse, reducing dependence on non-renewable water resources, and securing long-term water availability. In December 2024, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) inaugurated the International Water Research Center, focusing on innovative solutions for water sustainability and global knowledge sharing.

Government Programs and Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes environmental sustainability, infrastructure modernization, and efficient water management. Government-led initiatives, including budget allocations, public-private partnerships, and regulatory frameworks, are modernizing wastewater treatment plants and increasing treatment capacity.

The National Water Company (NWC) and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture are implementing projects to enhance treatment efficiency and reuse capabilities. For instance, in April 2023, the government announced six wastewater treatment projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, including five Independent Sewage Treatment Plants (ISTPs) and one Small Sewage Treatment Plant (SSTP) with collection networks, aimed at treating wastewater for industrial and municipal reuse.

Industrial Growth and Urbanization

Saudi Arabia’s rapid industrialization and urban expansion are creating greater water consumption and wastewater production. Key industries, including oil & gas, petrochemicals, and manufacturing, require robust treatment facilities to meet environmental regulations and operational efficiency standards.

Urban population growth is another major driver. According to the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MMRA), 88% of Saudi Arabia’s population is projected to reside in urban centers by 2025, increasing demand for modern municipal water treatment infrastructure. The combination of industrial demand and urbanization is significantly expanding the water and wastewater treatment market.

Market Challenges

High Operating Costs and Energy Use

Water and wastewater treatment processes, particularly in arid regions, are capital- and energy-intensive. Technologies such as reverse osmosis and membrane systems require substantial electricity, while plant maintenance can strain budgets. High operating costs may limit adoption, especially among smaller municipalities and private operators, and create challenges for scaling treatment solutions.

Absence of Skilled Workforce and Technical Know-how

Advanced water treatment systems demand specialized knowledge for installation, operation, and maintenance. Saudi Arabia often relies on foreign expertise, increasing project costs and timelines. The shortage of skilled professionals may hinder adoption of new technologies and reduce overall operational efficiency, slowing market growth.

Key Segments

Chemical Treatment Market

pH Conditioners – Adjust water acidity/alkalinity to protect equipment and improve process efficiency.

Coagulants & Flocculants – Remove suspended solids and impurities; widely used in municipal and industrial applications.

Disinfectants & Biocides – Kill pathogens and maintain public health standards; growing use in urban and industrial centers.

Scale & Corrosion Inhibitors – Prevent equipment damage in high-mineral-content water.

Antifoam Chemicals – Control foam in wastewater processes, essential in oil & gas and food processing.

Equipment Market

Membrane Separation – Includes reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration, critical for desalination and wastewater reuse.

Biological Treatment – Uses microorganisms to break down organic matter in industrial and municipal wastewater.

Disinfection – UV, chlorination, and ozone systems to eliminate pathogens.

Sludge Treatment – Reduces volume and treats residual solids.

Application Segmentation

Municipal – Urban wastewater treatment, drinking water safety, and infrastructure development.

Industrial – Oil & gas, petrochemical, and manufacturing sectors adopting advanced treatment solutions.

Regional Focus

Dhahran – Driven by oil installations and industrial operations; focus on industrial effluent and groundwater conservation.

Dammam – Industrial and urban growth increases demand for innovative municipal and industrial solutions.

Riyadh – Capital city requires modern treatment technologies due to dense population and rapid urbanization.

Khobar, Jeddah, and Other Regions – Expansion of municipal and industrial water treatment infrastructure to meet growing demand.

👉 For deeper analysis, detailed segment data, and company insights: 🔗 Request Customization Report

Recent Developments

February 2024: VA TECH WABAG secured a $33.5 million contract for an Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant at Ras Tanura Refinery, implementing advanced treatment technologies.

February 2024: Nama Chemicals Company announced a $19 million wastewater treatment project for its Jubail Chemicals subsidiary.

February 2024: The National Water Company (NWC) initiated $959 million worth of water and sanitation projects in Riyadh, Madinah, and Eastern Province.

January 2022: The Shuqaiq 3 desalination plant became operational, producing 450,000 cubic meters of water daily using energy-efficient reverse osmosis.

December 2021: Veolia signed a seven-year contract to manage water and wastewater networks across Riyadh, covering 40,000 km and nearly 9 million residents, with a focus on reducing water losses and ensuring quality drinking water.

Key Players

Major players in the Saudi water and wastewater treatment industry include:

Ecolab Inc.

Veolia Group

3M Company, Inc.

Pentair plc.

The Dow Chemical Company

Aquatech International Corporation

Calgon Carbon Corporation

Xylem Inc.

DuPont

Parkson Corporation

These companies drive growth through technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and large-scale project execution, helping Saudi Arabia meet sustainability goals and infrastructure demands.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s water and wastewater treatment market is poised for strong growth, reaching US$ 7.43 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 7.05%. Expansion is driven by urbanization, industrial growth, technological advancements, and Vision 2030 initiatives that emphasize sustainable water management and environmental stewardship.

Despite challenges like high operating costs and a shortage of skilled professionals, the Kingdom’s investments in desalination, membrane technology, wastewater reuse, and chemical treatment are enabling sustainable solutions. Projects by the National Water Company, Veolia, and private industry leaders are enhancing treatment infrastructure and promoting efficiency across municipal and industrial sectors.

With the combination of government support, technological adoption, and industrial demand, Saudi Arabia is transforming its water and wastewater management systems to meet future urban and industrial needs, ensuring long-term sustainability for one of the world’s most water-scarce nations.

Note: If you need details, data, or insights not covered in this report, we are glad to assist. Through our customization service, we will collect and deliver the information you require, tailored to your specific needs. Share your requirements with us, and we will update the report to align with your expectations.