The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) has officially received two Guinness World Records certificates in recognition of new global milestones in the water sector, adding to the Kingdom’s growing legacy of leadership and innovation in the field. The certificates were presented in a ceremony held yesterday at the SWA headquarters in Riyadh, in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen AlFadley, and His Excellency the President of the Authority, Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkareem, alongside a delegation from Guinness World Records.

The first record was awarded for the largest reverse osmosis (RO) seawater desalination plant in the world, achieved by the Al Khobar Phase 2 project, which is managed by the Technical Affairs and Projects Sector at SWA. The plant reached a record-breaking production capacity of 670,852.4 cubic meters per day. It was also constructed on one of the smallest land footprints globally for a project of its size, utilizing advanced technical methodologies and value engineering. This achievement was officially registered on 25 February 2025.

The second record recognized the lowest energy consumption for an RO desalination plant globally, with the Technical Affairs and Projects Sector again setting a new benchmark. The plant achieved a record low of 1.7 kWh/m³ for the salt separation phase, and an overall energy consumption of 2.34 kWh/m³, the lowest globally. This was accomplished in the Shuaiba Phase 5 desalination plant, officially recorded on 22 April 2025, and was commended by the World Bank. The project broke the previous global record also held by Saudi Arabia of 2.27 kWh/m³.

These achievements, carried out by highly skilled national professionals using advanced engineering technologies, demonstrate the depth of local expertise and set a new global model in water management. They also reflect the Kingdom’s rapid technological progress and operational excellence, driven by the adoption of cutting-edge innovations, strategic infrastructure investment, and effective governance—all led by experienced national talent, especially within the Technical Affairs and Projects Sector.

With these latest additions, the SWA has now recorded a total of eleven official Guinness World Records, building on nine previously registered achievements. This solidifies Saudi Arabia’s status as a global hub for excellence and knowledge in the water sector and highlights its vital role in shaping a more sustainable water future worldwide.