MEWA Minister Witnesses MoU Signing Between SWA and Alfanar to Localize DCS Technologies

H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), witnessed, along with H.E. Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, President of SWA, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SWA and Alfanar Electrical Systems Company.

The MoU, signed on Sunday at SWA’s headquarters in Riyadh, aims to localize and transfer knowledge on Distributed Control System (DCS) technologies, further strengthening local capabilities and supporting local content and industrial development objectives in the water sector.

The MoU was signed by Eng. Sharekh bin Ibrahim Al-Sharekh, Vice President for Technical Affairs and Projects, on behalf of SWA, and Eng. AbdulSalam bin Mohammed Al-Mutlaq, Chairman of Alfanar, on behalf of his company.

Under the MoU, both parties will cooperate to localize and transfer DCS technologies, enhance the efficiency of water project execution and operations, and increase reliance on local products and services. This collaboration aims to improve service quality, develop supply chains, and build a sustainable national industrial and technological base.

Distributed Control Systems (DCS) are among the most critical operational systems used to manage and monitor complex industrial processes. They enable automated equipment control, real-time operational performance monitoring, and ensure operational continuity and efficiency. DCS systems are a core component in the operation of water production plants, providing high reliability and advanced levels of safety and efficiency.

The MoU contributes to the localization of DCS components and systems, including manufacturing, engineering, programming, installation, and operation, in addition to supporting the establishment of local service centers that help accelerate project implementation, reduce costs, empower national talent, and enhance the transfer of technical knowledge within the Kingdom. It also represents a starting point for establishing a specialized national industry in distributed control systems, with impact extending beyond the water sector to several vital sectors, including power generation, oil and gas, heavy industries, and transportation, thereby expanding industrial growth opportunities and supporting the localization of advanced technologies across strategic sectors.

This MoU is part of a broader set of initiatives led by the Saudi Water Authority to localize critical technologies, maximize local content, and achieve sustainable economic impact, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, while reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for advanced industries and technologies.