The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) announced that the Shuaiba-5 desalination system has surpassed its design capacity by 11 percent, increasing daily output from 600,000 to 665,000 cubic meters of desalinated water without additional costs.
The achievement reflects efficient project management, optimal asset utilization, and advanced operational practices, enhancing supply reliability while supporting water security and sustainability across the Kingdom.
The SWA highlighted that this milestone adds tangible value to the water infrastructure by improving supply dependability and maximizing investment efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of energy efficiency and operational compliance.
Shuaiba-5 has been certified by Guinness World Records for the world’s lowest energy consumption in reverse osmosis (RO) desalination, achieving 1.7 kilowatt-hours per cubic meter.
The plant also received the Asian Water Awards 2025 after achieving zero carbon emissions, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in energy-efficient desalination.
The SWA emphasized that the plant has become an international benchmark for high-efficiency seawater desalination systems, with the World Bank recognizing it as an advanced model for improving energy efficiency in desalination projects worldwide.
Enhancing water supply for the Makkah region
The system’s enhanced output directly benefits the Makkah Region, particularly during peak demand periods such as Ramadan and Hajj, ensuring service sustainability and reliable water supply for worshippers and Umrah performers.
The improvements support a safe, integrated hospitality experience while maintaining energy efficiency and minimizing carbon emissions.
The SWA noted that the achievement aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, contributing to annual carbon emission reductions exceeding 2 million tons and promoting environmentally friendly technologies in the water sector.
“With Shuaiba-5, Saudi Arabia continues to reinforce its global standing in water services and sustainable desalination,” the authority added.
