The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) has announced a new construction milestone at its Al-Rayes-Rabigh Independent Water Pipeline Project site – the project has clocked more than two million safe work hours.

A first-of-its-kind initiative being developed in partnership with the private sector, Al-Rayes-Rabigh will boast an operational capacity of 500,000cu/m per day. The project is set for commercial operations in Q2 2026.

A consortium comprising Spanish group Cobra and Saudi utility major Al Khareef Water and Energy Technology Company is implementing the development under a 35-year concession.

A strategic initiative for the region, the 150km pipeline is being set up at a total investment of US $640mn. It will be operated through the private sector under a ‘build-own-operate’ system.

The project will supply the regions of Makkah and Madinah with drinking water, achieving high levels of continuous supply, in addition to improving the efficiency of water transportation in the two regions.

During a site visit, a team led by SWPC Chief Executive Khaled Al Qureshire viewed the progress of construction work and the project’s progress.

“The project has achieved more than two million safe work hours,” Al Qureshi explained. “With work in full swing, the project is on track for commercial operations by the end of Q2 2026.”