Pilot Operation Begins at Largest Reverse Osmosis Membrane Plant in Middle East in Dammam

The Third Industrial City in Dammam has witnessed the launch of the pilot operation of production lines at the “Toray” reverse osmosis (RO) membrane plant. The milestone was marked by the presence of a supervisory team from the Saudi Water Authority and the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, following the plant’s completion through a Saudi-Japanese partnership. The facility is now the largest of its kind in the Middle East, with a production capacity of up to 300,000 membranes annually, covering all stages of manufacturing.

The project, executed by Toray Membrane Middle East, stems from an agreement signed with the Saudi Water Authority in November 2021, aimed at localizing membrane manufacturing and transferring the related technical know-how.

The launch also included the opening of the Middle East Water Treatment Technical Center (MEWTEC) — a state-of-the-art facility equipped with integrated pilot-scale simulation labs to deliver advanced technical services in research and development. These services will be provided in collaboration with both local and international partners, and in partnership with the Water Technology Innovation and Research Development Institute (WTIIRA), the research arm of the Saudi Water Authority.

The plant is expected to contribute to self-sufficiency in this strategic commodity, with an estimated economic impact on GDP of SAR 1.14 billion over the course of the agreement. It will also create 147 direct job opportunities for Saudi nationals, in addition to promising prospects in future employment and capacity-building. This supports the Kingdom’s objectives to enhance local content and localize strategic industries.

In addition to serving the water sector, the plant will cater to other key industries such as oil and gas, agriculture, and mining, thereby promoting industrial integration and unlocking new avenues for export-driven growth.

Demand for RO membranes is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6% domestically and 7% regionally across the Gulf, strengthening the Kingdom’s position in the global water technology and management industry.

The plant’s operation stands as a practical model for the successful localization of strategic industries. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s firm commitment to advancing local content and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that have long-term economic benefits, all within a clear vision to empower national industry, achieve water security, and promote sustainability.