Production volume of desalinated water in the GCC 2022, by country

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the two largest economies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), led the region in desalinated water production in 2022. While Saudi Arabia produced a significant volume, the UAE's share of desalinated water was notably higher relative to its population. In contrast, Qatar and Kuwait each produced 700 million cubic meters of desalinated water, and Bahrain, the smallest member of the GCC, had the lowest production.

Water desalination in MENA

Desalination plays a crucial role in the water supply across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. MENA has long been a global leader in desalination capacity, with significant investments pouring into the sector. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have consistently ranked at the top for the highest-value desalination projects in the region. In recent years, the volume of desalinated water produced in Saudi Arabia has continued to grow.

Water consumption

Desalinated water is the primary source of urban water consumption in Saudi Arabia. As populations in the GCC and broader MENA region expand, coupled with an influx of foreign workers, the demand for water has surged. Climate change is also expected to worsen water needs, particularly in agriculture, where many countries are striving for greater self-sufficiency in food production. In 2020, agricultural water consumption in MENA exceeded renewable water resources by over 7,000 times.