Saudi Arabia to Export First Nanotechnology-Based Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2026

Saudi Arabia's GI Aqua Tech will export its inaugural industrial wastewater treatment plant utilizing nanotechnology in early 2026, according to CEO Sherif Desouky in an interview with Al Eqtisadiah.

Valued at approximately €5 million ($5.9 million), the per-cubic-meter treatment system will be delivered to France, representing the first nanotechnology-based water treatment and reuse system both manufactured and exported from Saudi Arabia to international markets.

Gulf Region Expansion Planned for Q1 2026

The plants achieve 100 percent reuse of industrial wastewater. GI Aqua Tech's expansion strategy includes exporting multiple units with a combined capacity of 10,000 cubic meters to Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries during the first quarter of 2026.

Desouky explained that the French-bound plant will be installed at a cosmetics manufacturing facility, one of the most demanding sectors for wastewater treatment. Previously, such wastewater required costly collection and transportation for incineration, but nanotechnology enables on-site treatment and reuse with superior operational efficiency.

The technology directly reduces liquid waste disposal costs, achieves up to 80 percent energy savings, and replaces conventional disposal methods with reuse solutions that meet stringent environmental standards.

Fully Developed in Saudi Arabia with Government Support

Desouky emphasized that the technology was entirely developed and manufactured within Saudi Arabia with government backing, facilitating the transition from domestic implementation to exports in European and global markets.

The manufacturing facility, located in Al-Kharj Industrial City under the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon), covers 23,000 square meters. It is the first facility in the Middle East to integrate nanomaterial production with wastewater treatment plant manufacturing.

€150 Million Investment with Strong Saudi Workforce

Total project investments are projected to reach €150 million upon completion, with Saudi nationals currently comprising 54 percent of the workforce.

The technology has already been deployed across major Saudi projects, successfully processing large volumes of industrial and sanitary wastewater. At Riyadh's Third Industrial Area, it achieved 100 percent water reuse—a global first.

Despite Modon allocating 40,000 square meters for the project, the technology required only 4,000 square meters. The remaining land was converted into a public park irrigated entirely with treated, odor-free water, demonstrating the system's high environmental standards.

Decentralized Solutions for Unserved Areas

Desouky highlighted a pioneering decentralized nanotechnology wastewater treatment plant in the Al-Mousa district of northern Jeddah—the world's first within a residential neighborhood.

Constructed and operational within just 10 days, the plant addresses areas lacking central sewage network connections that previously depended on tanker services. It now serves 8,000 residents and offers a global-first rapid solution for water and environmental crises. The plant can be relocated without leaving negative environmental impacts.

Diverse Applications Demonstrate Versatility

Other applications include the world's largest concrete factory wastewater treatment plant in Neom and the Samhan Hotel facility in Riyadh, which has successfully treated all hotel wastewater types for a year—including kitchen, laundry, and blackwater, not just greywater as is typical in hospitality settings.

This success has opened collaboration opportunities with the global Marriott chain. Exporting this technology positions Saudi Arabia to deliver record-breaking 80 percent energy savings, 90 percent space reduction, and water quality meeting the highest international standards.

Nanotechnology World