Saudi utility developer Acwa has entered into a new agreement aimed at supporting the rehabilitation of Syria’s water infrastructure, marking an extension of Saudi Arabia’s increasing involvement in the country’s post-conflict reconstruction.
Under the recently signed technical services agreement, Acwa, together with the Water Transmission Company (WTCO), Syria’s Energy Ministry, and German engineering firm Fichtner, will conduct assessments of Syria’s water resources. The objective is to identify potential seawater desalination and transmission projects to enhance the long-term sustainability of the country’s water supply. This arrangement follows a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) signed in February, which initiated preliminary studies into water demand, resource availability, and possible infrastructure solutions.
Preliminary estimates suggest the feasibility of desalination projects capable of producing up to approximately 1.2 million cubic meters of water per day.
The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader economic strategy to deepen ties and investments in Syria after years of civil conflict. In February, both countries announced a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding valued at more than SR40 billion (around $10.67 billion), spanning sectors such as aviation, telecommunications, infrastructure, and energy.
Mohamed Fata Nahhas, CEO for Syria at Acwa, highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating that the forthcoming technical work will provide the Ministry of Energy with a detailed and evidence-based understanding of the country’s water resources, future demand, and priority projects necessary for creating a sustainable water system.
Syria’s water infrastructure has been severely affected by more than a decade of war, with over half of its water treatment plants and sewage systems either damaged or non-operational. Water supply has reportedly declined by 40 percent from levels prior to the conflict. According to a World Bank report from March, roughly 14 million Syrians—more than half the population—lack reliable access to essential water, sanitation, and hygiene services, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure restoration and expansion.
The current work will be closely coordinated with Syrian authorities and aims to develop a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable water management. The plan will evaluate potential solutions based on criteria including impact, feasibility, and implementation speed.
This agreement adds to a growing portfolio of Saudi investments in Syria. Among the February accords was a deal involving Syria’s Civil Aviation Authority and a Saudi-led consortium headed by BinDawood Investment Group to develop and upgrade Aleppo International Airport, reflecting the broad scope of Saudi Arabia’s reconstruction engagement in Syria.