Saudi Arabia’s GI Aqua Tech is set to export its first industrial wastewater treatment facility using nanotechnology in early 2026, marking a historic milestone for the Kingdom’s water technology sector. GI Aqua Tech will install the €5 million ($5.9 million) project in France, making it the first nanotechnology-based water treatment and reuse system manufactured and exported from Saudi Arabia to Europe.
Expanding Exports Across the Gulf Region
The plant treats industrial wastewater on a per-cubic-meter system and reuses 100% of it. GI Aqua Tech plans to expand exports to Bahrain and other Gulf countries, with a combined capacity of 10,000 cubic meters expected in the first quarter of 2026. The French plant will serve a cosmetics manufacturing facility, one of the most demanding industries for wastewater treatment, ensuring stringent environmental compliance. Industries previously transported wastewater for costly incineration. With nanotechnology, they can now treat and reuse it on-site, improving efficiency, cutting disposal costs, and saving up to 80% energy.
Fully Developed and Manufactured in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, with government support, fully developed and manufactured the technology, enabling its transition from local use to international exports. The facility is located in Al-Kharj Industrial City under the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) and spans 23,000 sq. meters, making it the first in the Middle East to combine nanomaterial production with wastewater treatment plant manufacturing. GI Aqua Tech expects to invest €150 million in the project, employing 54% Saudi nationals to boost local jobs and technical skills.
Proven Technology Across Saudi Arabia
GI Aqua Tech has already implemented the technology in several major industrial projects. Notably, in Riyadh’s Third Industrial Area, the plant achieved 100% water reuse, a global first. The land that was made available in the Modon project has not yet been converted into a public park. However, the project has opened the door and created the opportunity for Modon to transform it into a park in the future. The company also established the world’s first decentralized nanotech wastewater plant in the Al-Mousa district of northern Jeddah. Constructed and operational in just 10 days, it serves 8,000 residents in areas without central sewage networks, offering a rapid, relocatable solution for water crises.
Landmark Applications and Global Collaboration
GI Aqua Tech applied its technology to the world’s largest concrete factory wastewater plant in Neom and the Samhan Hotel in Riyadh, successfully treating all wastewater types—grey, black, kitchen, and laundry—for a full year. This success has opened avenues for collaboration with the global Marriott chain, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing capabilities in sustainable water technology.
As reported by arabnews.pk, the technology delivers record energy savings of 80% and reduces space requirements by 90%. It also ensures treated water meets the highest quality standards, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in industrial water reuse and nanotechnology-based solutions.
