NWC Showcases 94 Water Projects at COP16 in Riyadh

The National Water Company (NWC) has highlighted its major infrastructure and operational achievements at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, showcasing 94 vital projects completed across Saudi Arabia this year at a total cost exceeding SAR3.7 billion. The announcement, released through official Saudi channels and reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable water management and environmental resilience as it hosts one of the world’s most significant gatherings on land degradation and drought.

What does it mean when a national utility presents its achievements on a global environmental stage? For Saudi Arabia, it signals that water security and desertification control are not separate conversations but two sides of the same strategic coin. The NWC’s participation at COP16 reflects a broader national effort to align utility operations with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy, improve quality of life, and position the Kingdom as a global leader in sustainability. By sharing its progress with international delegates, the company demonstrates that Saudi Arabia is not only addressing its own water challenges but also contributing practical solutions to a worldwide crisis affecting billions of people.

Context and Background

The 16th Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD, held in Riyadh in December 2024, brought together government representatives, scientists, and private-sector leaders from around the world to confront desertification, land degradation, and drought. Saudi Arabia’s role as host is significant: the Kingdom faces some of the most arid conditions on Earth, making water management and land restoration existential priorities. The National Water Company, a state-owned enterprise responsible for water distribution and wastewater treatment across major regions, used the platform to present a detailed account of its 2024 project portfolio, demonstrating how national utilities can contribute directly to global environmental goals.

Why is COP16 such a critical moment for Saudi Arabia’s environmental leadership? The conference provides a unique opportunity for the Kingdom to translate its domestic investments into international influence. The NWC’s presentation included a breakdown of 94 completed projects: 66 focused on water services valued at SAR2 billion, and 28 dedicated to sanitary sewage worth SAR1.7 billion. These figures reflect a systematic approach to expanding essential infrastructure in a country where every drop of water counts. The projects span multiple regions, ensuring that communities far from major urban centers also benefit from improved services. This aligns with the Vision 2030 objective of achieving balanced regional development and ensuring that economic progress reaches every corner of the Kingdom.

The company also used the occasion to emphasize that its water pumping and treatment operations are experiencing continuous improved performance. This operational focus is essential because infrastructure alone does not guarantee service quality; it must be paired with efficient management, regular maintenance, and data-driven decision-making. The NWC’s commitment to measuring performance indicators monthly illustrates a modern, accountable approach to public service delivery — a hallmark of the Vision 2030 reform agenda.

Key Details

According to the NWC press release, the 94 projects completed this year have substantially increased the Kingdom’s water and wastewater capacity. Wastewater treatment plants expanded by approximately 50,000 cubic meters per day, while additional treatment capacity reached about 77,000 cubic meters per day. The company also constructed 40 reservoirs with a total storage capacity exceeding 132,000 cubic meters, along with water-pumping stations capable of delivering more than 680,000 cubic meters per day. Wastewater lift stations with a total capacity exceeding 440,000 cubic meters per day were also built. These numbers are not abstract; they translate directly into more reliable water supply for households, businesses, and agriculture, as well as improved sanitation for growing communities.

How do these capacity increases affect everyday life in Saudi cities and towns? The expansion of networks is equally impressive: 2,434 kilometers of lines were laid, comprising 1,837 kilometers of water lines and 597 kilometers of sewage lines. This network growth connects more neighborhoods to reliable water services and ensures that wastewater is safely collected and treated, reducing environmental risks and public health hazards. On the operational front, the company reported success in extending water pumping hours in network-served districts, achieving an average of 20.50 hours per day. For residents accustomed to intermittent supply, this represents a tangible improvement in daily life and a step toward the Vision 2030 goal of enhancing quality of life across the Kingdom.

The NWC emphasized its dedication to implementing a strategy and programs designed to improve customer service. Performance indicators are measured monthly to address challenges and meet annual objectives. This systematic approach allows the company to identify bottlenecks quickly and allocate resources where they are needed most. It also builds public trust, as customers see consistent progress rather than sporadic fixes. The company’s presence at COP16 thus served a dual purpose: to report on domestic achievements and to share a model of utility management that other arid nations might emulate.

International and Regional Impact

Saudi Arabia’s water initiatives carry implications far beyond its borders. The Middle East and North Africa region is the most water-scarce in the world, and many neighboring countries face similar challenges of rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate stress. By presenting its achievements at COP16, the NWC positions Saudi Arabia as a source of expertise and a partner for regional cooperation. The Kingdom’s investments in desalination, wastewater treatment, and network expansion can serve as a reference for other nations seeking to improve water security. Moreover, the conference itself — hosted in Riyadh — reinforced Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a convener of global environmental dialogues, bridging the interests of developed and developing countries.

What does this mean for international investors and partners? The NWC’s transparent reporting of project costs and outcomes signals a business-friendly environment where public utilities operate with clear targets and measurable results. This transparency is attractive to foreign companies specializing in water technologies, engineering, and smart infrastructure. It also aligns with the Public Investment Fund’s broader strategy of attracting investment into sustainable sectors. As Saudi Arabia continues to host major global events, from COP16 to Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, its ability to manage water sustainably will be a critical factor in delivering world-class infrastructure and hospitality. The NWC’s progress thus supports the Kingdom’s reputation as a reliable and forward-looking global player.

Economic and Strategic Significance

The SAR3.7 billion invested in these 94 projects represents more than construction spending; it is an investment in economic resilience. Reliable water and sanitation services are prerequisites for industrial growth, agricultural productivity, and urban development. By expanding capacity and networks, the NWC enables new residential and commercial districts to flourish, supports the tourism sector’s need for high-quality utilities, and reduces the economic losses associated with water shortages or infrastructure failures. The operational improvements, such as longer pumping hours and better wastewater treatment, also lower long-term maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of existing assets.

Strategically, water security is a cornerstone of national sovereignty. Saudi Arabia has no permanent rivers or lakes, making it dependent on desalination and groundwater. The NWC’s work to increase treatment and storage capacity reduces pressure on non-renewable aquifers and enhances the sustainability of water supplies. This is particularly important as the Kingdom pursues Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification, which include expanding manufacturing, mining, and tourism — all of which require substantial water resources. The company’s monthly performance reviews and customer-service focus also reflect a cultural shift toward efficiency and accountability in the public sector, a key objective of the Vision 2030 reform program.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The National Water Company’s achievements are deeply intertwined with Saudi Vision 2030. The vision’s quality-of-life program aims to make Saudi cities more livable, and reliable water services are fundamental to that goal. The environmental sustainability pillar calls for responsible resource management, which the NWC embodies through its wastewater treatment and network expansion. The economic diversification pillar benefits from the infrastructure that supports new industries and attracts investment. By presenting these achievements at COP16, the NWC demonstrates that Vision 2030 is not merely a domestic economic plan but a comprehensive framework for sustainable development that contributes to global challenges.

Looking ahead, the company’s continued focus on performance measurement, customer satisfaction, and capacity building will be essential as Saudi Arabia’s population and economy grow. The Kingdom’s leadership in hosting COP16 and its commitment to combating desertification position it as a responsible global citizen. For international observers, the NWC’s story is one of tangible progress: billions of riyals invested, thousands of kilometers of pipes laid, millions of cubic meters of water capacity added, and daily service hours extended. These are the building blocks of a modern, sustainable Saudi Arabia that is ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century while sharing its solutions with the world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the National Water Company (NWC)?

A1. The National Water Company is a Saudi state-owned enterprise responsible for water distribution, wastewater treatment, and related infrastructure across the Kingdom. It operates under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and plays a central role in achieving national water security goals.

Q2. What event did NWC participate in recently?

A2. NWC participated in the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Riyadh in December 2024. The company presented its achievements and projects to an international audience.

Q3. How many projects did NWC complete this year?

A3. NWC completed 94 vital projects across various regions of Saudi Arabia in 2024. These projects were executed at a total cost exceeding SAR3.7 billion, covering both water services and sanitary sewage.

Q4. What was the total investment value of these projects?

A4. The total investment exceeded SAR3.7 billion. Of this, SAR2 billion was allocated to 66 water service projects, while SAR1.7 billion funded 28 sanitary sewage projects, reflecting a balanced approach to infrastructure development.

Q5. How much did wastewater treatment capacity increase?

A5. Wastewater treatment plants saw an additional capacity of about 77,000 cubic meters per day. This expansion helps treat more wastewater safely and supports environmental protection and reuse initiatives across the Kingdom.

Q6. What was the increase in water storage capacity?

A6. NWC constructed 40 reservoirs with a total storage capacity exceeding 132,000 cubic meters. This added storage helps ensure a steady water supply during peak demand periods and emergencies.

Q7. How many kilometers of water and sewage lines were laid?

A7. The company laid 2,434 kilometers of lines in total: 1,837 kilometers of water lines and 597 kilometers of sewage lines. This network expansion connects more communities to reliable services.

Q8. What is the average daily water pumping duration achieved?

A8. NWC achieved an average water pumping duration of 20.50 hours per day in network-served districts. This represents a significant improvement in service continuity for residents and businesses.

Q9. What is the capacity of the new water-pumping stations?

A9. The newly constructed water-pumping stations have a total capacity surpassing 680,000 cubic meters per day. These stations are essential for maintaining pressure and delivering water efficiently across service areas.

Q10. How does NWC measure its performance?

A10. NWC measures performance indicators on a monthly basis. This allows the company to identify challenges promptly, adjust strategies, and ensure it meets the objectives set for the current year, enhancing accountability and service quality.

Q11. What is the significance of COP16 for Saudi Arabia?

A11. COP16 highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification and land degradation. Hosting the event reinforces the Kingdom’s role as a global environmental leader and aligns with Vision 2030’s sustainability goals.

Q12. How do these projects support Vision 2030?

A12. The projects support Vision 2030 by improving quality of life, enabling economic diversification, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Reliable water infrastructure is essential for urban development, industry, and tourism, all key Vision 2030 sectors.

Q13. What are the benefits for customers?

A13. Customers benefit from longer water pumping hours, more reliable supply, and improved sanitation services. The expansion of networks means more households and businesses are connected to safe and efficient water and wastewater systems.

Q14. How does NWC address regional disparities?

A14. NWC implements projects across various regions of the Kingdom, ensuring that both major cities and smaller communities receive infrastructure upgrades. This supports balanced regional development, a core Vision 2030 objective.

Q15. What environmental impact do these projects have?

A15. By increasing wastewater treatment capacity and reducing leaks, the projects help protect groundwater, reduce pollution, and promote water reuse. This contributes to environmental sustainability and the fight against desertification.

Q16. What is the role of the Saudi Press Agency in this announcement?

A16. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported the NWC’s achievements, ensuring official and transparent communication. SPA is the Kingdom’s national news agency, providing reliable information to domestic and international audiences.

Q17. How does NWC’s work compare internationally?

A17. NWC’s large-scale investments and rapid capacity expansion place it among the leading water utilities in arid regions. Its performance metrics and project delivery demonstrate a model that other water-scarce nations can study and adapt.

Q18. What are the future plans for NWC?

A18. NWC aims to continue expanding services, improving operational efficiency, and meeting Vision 2030 targets. Future projects will likely focus on smart water management, renewable energy use, and further network extensions to underserved areas.

Q19. How can international companies engage with NWC?

A19. International companies can explore partnership opportunities through public tenders, technology transfer agreements, and joint ventures. NWC’s transparent reporting and clear project pipelines make it an attractive partner for global water sector firms.

Q20. What message does NWC’s COP16 presentation send?

A20. It sends a message of progress, transparency, and global responsibility. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in water infrastructure and sharing its expertise, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and economic development can go hand in hand.

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