Major Water Pipelines Begin Operating in Mecca, Medina

The National Water Company has begun operating major water transmission pipelines and storage reservoirs in Mecca and Medina, a move aimed at strengthening the supply of potable water for residents and the large numbers of seasonal visitors to the two holy cities.

At the heart of the effort is the Rayis–Rabigh independent water transmission pipeline, designed to deliver water to both cities with a capacity of 500,000 cubic meters The project spans roughly 150 kilometers of pipeline and includes 340,000 cubic meters of potable-water storage integrated into the network. Commercial operations are expected in 2026.

The project's reported cost stands at around SAR 2.4 billion in one account and SAR 3.3 billion in another, reflecting a discrepancy in the available public figures.

Why it matters

Mecca and Medina receive some of the highest concentrations of visitors anywhere in the Kingdom, with demand for water peaking during pilgrimage and religious seasons. Adding new transmission capacity and large-scale storage helps ensure a more reliable and steady supply, easing pressure on existing networks and supporting both permanent residents and temporary arrivals.

For families and workers living in the two cities, expanded infrastructure of this scale is intended to improve water availability and system stability over the long term, particularly during periods of peak demand.

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