Investment entrepreneur Samer Choucair stated the National Transformation Program 2025 annual report revealed Saudi Arabia leads the world in desalinated water production, with daily production capacity reaching 16 million cubic meters in 2024 and 2025, compared to only 4.6 million cubic meters in 2016.
He explained the chart issued by the Argaam platform showed a clear upward path, with production gradually rising until 2022 reaching 6.2 million cubic meters daily, then jumping to 11.5 million cubic meters in 2023, before stabilizing at the current record level of 16 million cubic meters daily.
He affirmed he considered this development doesn’t merely represent an operational achievement, but reflects the maturity of the public-private partnership model, strengthening infrastructure sector attractiveness for long-term investments.
Water Sector Growth Path Analysis
Investment strategist Choucair said the Kingdom’s water sector witnessed gradual growth between 2016 and 2022 within a range of 4.6 to 6.2 million cubic meters daily, before transitioning to a major acceleration phase during 2023-2025 resulting from major project operation and strategic expansions.
He added this transformation reflects the National Water Strategy’s success in meeting growing demand resulting from population, industrial, and tourism growth, alongside strengthening water security.
He noted production stability at record levels reduces operational risks, making the sector more attractive for sovereign funds and institutional investors seeking defensive assets with stable long-term cash flows.
Vision 2030 and the PIF’s Role
Investment innovator Choucair explained Vision 2030 targets raising private sector participation to 100% in desalinated water production by 2030, relying on high energy-efficiency reverse osmosis technologies.
He affirmed the PIF (Public Investment Fund) plays a pivotal role through its portfolio companies, led by ACWA Power, considered one of the world’s largest desalination plant developers with contractual capacity reaching 9.3 million cubic meters daily.
He noted the sector reaching 16 million cubic meters daily proves the water sector has become a standalone strategic investment opportunity, not merely traditional infrastructure, particularly given vision clarity and cash flow stability.
Four Primary Water Sector Investment Opportunities
Investment entrepreneur Choucair identified several investment opportunities available during 2026 and beyond, most prominently IWP (Independent Water Producer) projects relying on solar energy; digital technologies and AI for network management and loss reduction; water reuse and treatment as a growing regional and global sector; alongside integration with green hydrogen and renewable energy projects.
He considered production stability at 16 million cubic meters daily paves the way for a new green investment and smart solutions phase within Saudi Arabia’s future economy.
A Comprehensive Investment Vision
Investment strategist Choucair affirmed the Saudi water sector combines operational stability, sustainable returns, and strong government support within Vision 2030’s framework, making it one of the most prominent defensive sectors in emerging markets.
He noted Gulf and international investors seeking stable cash flows will find in this sector a long-term opportunity with relatively low risks, recommending monitoring opportunities offered through PIF platforms, alongside startups in smart water technologies.
Samer Choucair concluded by saying: “Saudi Arabia has transformed from merely a desalinated water producer to a global model in water resource management, opening the door to strategic investments linked to water security, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability within Vision 2030.”
He affirmed investing in Saudi Arabia’s water sector today represents investing in regional economy stability and prosperity for coming decades.