Related coverage on desalination

Desalination is one of the most critical water technologies in the Middle East and other water-stressed regions, transforming seawater into potable drinking water through reverse osmosis and thermal processes. As climate change intensifies drought, groundwater depletion, and population growth, desalination has become central to national water security strategies across Saudi Arabia, Israel, the UAE, Morocco, and Jordan (they hope).

The LEED-Platinum property seeks to minimise its environmental and literal environmental footprint by cantilevering the accommodation spaces above the coral reefs with only a few square meters of ground impact at the base of the supporting column. The result is an aerial accommodation ‘pod’ that almost seems to defy gravity and suspends the guest directly above and within the beauty of an untouched marine eco-system; an observation platform for guests to witness the fish, birds and turtles that thrive in the area. The entire project is powered by a centralized solar farm and fresh water is supplied from a solar powered desalination plant. Recycling of waste material takes place on the island minimizing the need to bring or remove materials from the site. The entire infrastructural backbone of the project forms part of a visitor experience where guest can be exposed to and learn about the approach that goes into making the project a truly self-sustained human development. The design language of the resort compliments the uniqueness of the site. The approach to the façade design has been to minimize visual impact, employing a highly reflective stainless-steel skin polished to a mirror finish. These reflective orbs float, almost imperceptible, reflecting the colors and surface patterns of the ocean, the intense colors of the sky as they change throughout the day. This approach serves to lessen the visual impact of the architecture on the surrounding environment while also greatly improv the building’s energy performance with a near 100% reflection of the solar gain at the mirror surface. These heavily insulated spaces can be effectively cooled with minimal energy losses. — View from above, Shebaya in Saudi Arabia. An eco-resort with its own desalination plant.

Green Prophet’s desalination coverage examines both innovation and environmental impact. While desalination provides reliable freshwater, it is energy-intensive and produces concentrated brine discharge that can affect marine ecosystems. Our reporting explores emerging solutions that aim to make desalination cleaner, more energy-efficient, and ecologically responsible.

The articles below explore desalination in depth:

Jordan’s $6 Billion Aqaba–Amman Desalination Project from the Red Sea Moves Forward

Water Karin Kloosterman - March 3, 2026

In 2025, the Jordanian government signed agreements with a consortium led by Meridiam and SUEZ, alongside VINCI Construction and Orascom Construction. Under a 30-year concession agreement, the consortium will design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the system before transferring it back to the Jordanian government. The total investment is estimated at approximately $6 billion USD.

The Saudi Startup Turning Desalination’s Toxic Waste Into Its Own Disinfectant

Peace Karin Kloosterman - February 23, 2026

For millennia, the Middle East's water crisis seemed an immutable fact of geography — a region defined as much by what it lacked as by what lay beneath its sands. Today, a convergence of plummeting solar costs, advancing membrane technology, and hard-won engineering expertise is rewriting that story.

10 Proven Israeli Technologies to Help Somaliland Build Food, Water, and Energy Security

Science Karin Kloosterman - December 28, 2025

Israel’s water and agricultural technologies didn’t emerge from ideal conditions. They were developed under pressure: low rainfall, saline water, political isolation, lack of energy resources, and the constant need to feed a growing population with limited land. Over the years, I’ve written about many of these companies not as miracle-makers, but as problem-solvers. That’s what makes them relevant to places like Somaliland. Israel was the first country in the world to recognize Somaliland as an independent state although Ethiopia has been treating the nation as such for decades.

Dead shark on beach injured by fishing nets

Animals Isabella Hannah - November 26, 2025

A dead shark that washed ashore this week at Beit Yanai beach in Israel has renewed concerns about the...

Investing in the Middle East? These 20 Energy consultants can de-risk your portfolio

Business Green Prophet - September 9, 2025

For instance is your clean tech firm or company in wastewater treatment considering an office in Riyadh or should you stick with Dubai? Below is a curated spotlight on 20 firms that shine for their deep expertise and proven ability to manage the complex risks of sustainable energy investment.

Choosing Riyadh over Dubai? What Investors Should Know

Business Karin Kloosterman - September 9, 2025

Saudi Arabia is deploying capital at unmatched scale to catalyze tourism and advanced industry while rewiring its power-and-water backbone. The investable frontier is widening—especially in renewables, grid storage, water efficiency/desal retrofits, and hospitality operating platforms. Prudent investors will insist on phased delivery, enforceable KPIs (energy, water, biodiversity), and RHQ/zone compliance—while pricing political-economy and reputational risks alongside growth upside.

Saudi Arabia’s oil-powered desalination “success” consumes 20% of its domestic oil use

Water Karin Kloosterman - September 9, 2025

Nearly 20% of Saudi Arabia’s oil powers desalination, with projections rising to 50% by 2030. Experts warn it should remain a last-resort solution due to high energy and environmental costs.

Saudi Arabia’s $650M bet on desalination

Water Karin Kloosterman - September 3, 2025

No Saudi water story is complete without NEOM, the high-profile giga-project selling a future of “100% renewable desalination,” circular brine chemistry, and hydrogen-powered industry. Ambition is welcome—Saudi needs moonshots to decouple water from oil.

Global Progress and Setbacks: Tracking Water Quality Indicators Toward SDG 6 by 2030

Water Jane Marsh - May 19, 2025

The United Nations has 17 objectives that paint a more resource-conscious and fair world called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The sixth mission is to “ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all” by 2030. The turn of the decade will happen before too long, so assessing progress and moments for improvement at this stage is critical. How is SDG 6 going, and what can humanity do to achieve it?

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