In brief
The Saudi Water Authority, via its Water Technologies Innovation Institute, has unveiled a project to cultivate microalgae using desalination brine and CO₂. The plan calls for 60 tons of microalgae yearly for animal feed, 8,000 m³ of bio‑fertilizer, and 20 kg of pharma/cosmetic materials and will be based at the Water Innovation Oasis in Rabigh. Production metrics are still projected; operational status and timeline remain unconfirmed.
In Riyadh on November 2, 2026, the Saudi Water Authority announced a new microalgae cultivation project designed to turn desalination brine and carbon dioxide emissions into bio‑based products. The initiative, spearheaded by the Water Technologies Innovation Institute and Research Advancements (WTIIRA), will use both open and closed cultivation systems to produce animal feed, bio‑fertilizer, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients.
The project’s key performance targets include producing 60 tons of microalgae per year for animal and fish feed, 8,000 cubic metres of bio‑fertilizer, and 20 kg of materials for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use annually. These outputs aim to diversify food and industrial products while supporting a circular economy aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
The project seeks to produce 60 tons of microalgae annually for use in developing animal and fish feed. It also aims to produce 8,000 cubic metres of biofertilizer and 20 kilograms of materials for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications each year.
SPA cites that the project will establish an integrated microalgae cultivation environment at the Water Innovation Oasis in Rabigh. The plan is to assess technical performance and economic feasibility, identify scale‑up opportunities, and develop future industrial applications.
These production figures and location plans are confirmed by the Saudi Press Agency. However, the project’s operational status, launch date, and first‑production schedule remain unconfirmed at this time.
