Samer Choucair: Investment Opportunities in the Saudi Water Sector Accelerate as the Kingdom Cements Its Global Standing in Water Sustainability
Investment entrepreneur Samer Choucair affirmed that the water sector in Saudi Arabia has entered a new phase of growth, driven by the major shifts underway in infrastructure and government investment, noting that the momentum seen at Saudi Water Week, held in Jeddah from June 28 to July 2, 2026, reflects the scale of investment opportunities available to investors and entrepreneurs.
He explained that the World Water Council president's remarks praising the Kingdom's experience in managing water resources, describing it as among the world's leading countries in this field, carry economic and investment messages extending beyond their media dimension, affirming that Saudi Arabia is no longer just a consumer of water solutions, but has become a global hub for developing and exporting them.
*International Recognition Strengthens Water Sector Investment Appeal*
Choucair said that international praise for the Saudi experience isn't just acclaim, but represents a clear indicator of rising investor confidence and declining risk levels tied to major sector projects.
He added that the World Water Council president describing the Saudi experience as a global model worth emulating reflects an important strategic shift, as the Kingdom has moved from importing water technologies to developing exportable solutions for global markets, opening new horizons for investors.
He noted that this shift coincides with the Kingdom's preparation to host the 11th World Water Forum in 2027, strengthening Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for dialogue and investment in the water sector.
*Investments Ranging Between 80 and 100 Billion Riyals Through 2030*
Choucair explained that the National Water Strategy and the Kingdom's Vision 2030 target pumping investments ranging between 80 and 100 billion Saudi riyals through 2030 to meet growing water demand, affirming that the market size reflects unprecedented investment opportunities.
He added that government plans include implementing more than 3,300 water projects with total investments reaching 80 billion dollars; raising desalination's contribution to cover 90% of water needs by 2030 compared to more than 60% currently; increasing the treated wastewater reuse rate to 90%; and achieving full 100% private-sector participation in desalinated water production through the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model.
*The Real Opportunity Extends Across the Full Value Chain*
Choucair affirmed that investment opportunities aren't limited to establishing desalination plants, but extend across all links of the value chain.
Choucair said that investors can benefit from opportunities in localizing membrane and pump manufacturing, and developing smart systems that reduce water loss, alongside participating in giant water transfer projects such as the Jubail-Buraydah line, explaining that these projects are characterized by their long-term nature, stable returns, and the government support they enjoy.
*Water Investment Ties Into Multiple Economic Sectors*
Choucair noted that correctly reading the market requires understanding the interconnection between the water sector and a number of other economic sectors.
He explained that investing in water is directly tied to renewable energy, particularly solar-powered desalination, as well as smart agriculture, in addition to giga projects and new cities like NEOM and the Red Sea, affirming that the investor who recognizes this integration will be able to build diverse investment portfolios achieving compounded, sustainable returns.
*Artificial Intelligence Has Become a Core Economic Element*
Choucair said that 2026 saw an important shift in water management, as using artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things is no longer a technical option, but has become an economic necessity.
He added that investors have come to seek out startups or public-private partnership (PPP) projects offering solutions capable of lowering operating costs by 20% to 30% while simultaneously improving environmental efficiency.
*Where the Opportunities Lie During 2026*
Choucair affirmed that the Saudi market offers many investment opportunities, most notably new IWP projects for large-capacity desalination plants backed by long-term operating contracts; investing in green technologies, including solar- and wind-powered desalination and industrial wastewater treatment systems; establishing local factories for desalination components and technologies within the "Made in Saudi" program; sustainable financing through green sukuk and infrastructure funds dedicated to the water sector, attracting Gulf and global capital; and integrated water projects within smart cities like NEOM, Qiddiya, and Red Sea projects.
*Samer Choucair's Advice for Entrepreneurs*
Choucair affirmed that entrepreneurs shouldn't focus only on major tenders, but should seek out partnership opportunities with the sector's key entities, such as the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) and the Saudi Water Authority.
He added that startups offering digital solutions or technologies that help lower energy consumption and improve water management efficiency will be among the companies most capable of securing financing and government support in the period ahead.
*An Open Investment Window for Investors*
He concluded his remarks by affirming that the continuation of Saudi Water Week events, alongside growing international interest in the Saudi experience, makes the current period one of the best times to enter the market.
Choucair said that the Kingdom today offers an exceptional blend combining clarity of vision through Vision 2030, stability, genuine demand for projects, and openness to partnerships with the private sector, affirming that the investor who enters the market with a deep understanding of its mechanisms, not just imitating existing experiences, will be part of a long-term success story.
Investment entrepreneur Samer Choucair concluded by offering advice to investors, affirming that the new standard for attracting global capital has come to rest on achieving dual impact combining financial profitability with environmental and social impact, noting that this approach represents one of the most important factors attracting investment to the Kingdom in the coming years.