His Excellency the President of the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, witnessed the signing of an agreement to establish a facility that enhances innovation in the production of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, between LG Chem and AlKhorayef Group. This took place at the headquarters of the Saudi Water Authority in Riyadh, where the partnership was announced and officially launched under the authority’s sponsorship. The initiative aims to enhance local content, support sustainability enablers, and localize desalination technologies by providing a regulatory framework and an integrated infrastructure focused on innovation, joint research, and development. It also contributes to the advancement of the vital water treatment sector and supports localization strategies by stimulating investment in local industries and promoting knowledge and technology transfer.

The facility is scheduled to commence operations in early 2026 and will leverage the latest technologies and expertise to produce high-efficiency RO membranes, which are essential components in water desalination and treatment plants across the region.

Commenting on the project’s significance, AlKhorayef Group CEO, Mr. Mohammed AlKhorayef, stated:

“This facility represents a major leap in our efforts to deliver high-quality, locally produced water treatment solutions. This initiative will create jobs and provide new opportunities for Saudi nationals within the water sector.”

Dr. Hoon Hyung, Vice President of LG Chem, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating: “We appreciate the support of the Saudi Water Authority for this project, which reflects our commitment to providing innovative technologies that contribute to the sustainability of the water industry in the Kingdom. This collaboration strengthens our ability to meet the growing demand for advanced water treatment solutions and aligns with our strategy to enhance localization and technology transfer to Saudi Arabia.”

Notably, this partnership will also support research, development, and innovation through collaboration with the Water Technologies Innovation and Research Institute (WTIIRA), the research arm of the Saudi Water Authority. This will facilitate the development of new water treatment solutions while providing specialized training programs for university students, aiming to transfer knowledge and prepare national talent to lead the future of water technologies in the Kingdom. The initiative further reinforces water resource sustainability and enhances technological self-sufficiency in this critical sector.