Makkah region’s water infrastructure to be expanded at a cost of SR9 billion

The projects include the construction of the desalination plant in Jeddah (phase 4) with reverse osmosis (RO) at Shoaiba. (SPA)
Updated 11 December 2017
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Makkah region’s water infrastructure to be expanded at a cost of SR9 billion

JEDDAH: The Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) signed several contracts aimed at increasing water supply to some governorates in the Makkah region as well as ensuring supply to areas without water at a cost of more than SR9 billion ($2.4 billion).
The projects include the construction of the desalination plant in Jeddah (phase 4) with reverse osmosis (RO) at Shoaiba, the transfer of technology and the purchase of produced water through the establishment of a multi-desalination plant at the Shoaiba power and desalination plant, the Shoaiba Mina water transfer system (B).
The second phase in Taif, manufacture and supply of water transfer pipes from Arafat to Taif, implementation of pumping stations and the extension of pipelines of the water transfer system from Arafat to Taif.
These projects also include the manufacture and supply of the Rabigh-Jeddah-Makkah water transfer system, the implementation of pumping stations, the extension of the pipelines of the Rabigh-Jeddah-Makkah water transport system and the implementation of Taif-Turubah-Ranyah-Al-Khurma pumping stations system.
During the annual visit of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal to various parts of the region, citizens had reportedly urged the authorities to ensure adequate water supply to their areas.
They also demanded the establishment of campuses of various universities and called for the provision of electricity and other civic amenities to some villages. The Makkah governor is actively pursuing progress on these projects.


Historic Jeddah records over 2m visits

Historic Jeddah Welcomes over 2 Million Visitors in First Half of Ramadan 2026. (SPA)
Updated 10 March 2026
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Historic Jeddah records over 2m visits

  • The remarkable turnout highlights the activity within the UNESCO-listed site, also known as Al-Balad, with its alleys and historic squares

JEDDAH: Historic Jeddah continues to flourish as one of Saudi Arabia’s premier cultural and heritage destinations, recording over 2 million visits in the first half of Ramadan.

The surge reflects the district’s vibrant and diverse activities, and the growing appeal of its Ramadan events that blend the authenticity of the place with the spirit of the season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The remarkable turnout highlights the activity within the UNESCO-listed site, also known as Al-Balad, with its alleys and historic squares.

There has been a continuous flow of visitors exploring longstanding architectural landmarks and traditional marketplaces including Souq Al-Alawi, Bab Makkah Souq, and Al-Balad.

In these areas commerce intertwines with handicraft displays and storytelling, creating a cultural experience that reflects the place’s unique character and rich historical memory.